Islanders Magazine

Meet Lagos Big Boy, Arch. Babatunde Ojo how he empowered Ilesa people
+how he became the political pillar of Ilesa

In the last gubernatorial election in Osun State, Islanders International Magazine was on ground to report the election which returned the incumbent Governor,Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola as the governor of the state for the second term. Our reporter was at Ilesha precisely to report one of the most free and fair election in the country. In our call of duty, we noticed some signs of happiness and joy in people of Ilesha particularly Oriade/Obokun constituency who were all shouting and praising BDO. We were told by Mr. Osunlolu Gbenga that BDO was Architect Babatunde Desmond Ojo. We asked why they were praising and shouting his name and if he was around? He said, “BDO is not around but they chose to praise him for what he has done to the people of Ilesha. He added that one of his empowerment programme in Ilesha was the Football competition which had never happened in the history of the town because this kept the youths busy as they carted home various gifts. We came out to vote because BDO empowerment programme campaigned for people to vote for Ogbeni.”
Is BDO a politician or who is he? Hmmm! That is a big question! I saw him twiceduring the football competition he organised. He also organised a seminar for students in Ilesa at Ijebu-Jesa high school too. BDO is not a politician but he owns one of the biggest Hotel in Ilesha,Spring Hills Hotel at Fehintola Babatope Close, Behind Yeunice Filling Station,Ijebu-Ijesha Road,Ilesa.
And you don't think this man needs something from the masses that is why he is doing empowering the people? Ha! I don't think so and if that should be the case, it is a welcome idea because none of the politician representing us from Local government chairman,honourable and councillor has done anything for the masses before they get there or do anything for the masses when in office and that is why dividend of democracy is not felt by the people in Ilesa except for the empowerment programme of BDO and Ogbeni’s development project. If what he is doing nowelicit any political office, I think my people would give it to him because one good turn deserves another.
Is it because of the Football competition he organised ,you have said all these? Ha! No! he has done a lot for people in Ilesa like technical training for the youths,soft loans for market women,provision of potable water for communities and villages,medical care for aged and pregnant women,free school bus for students,sponsoring of sporting, 50 WAEC forms for students, career development talk and lunch for 2,000 students, youth football competition in Oriade and Obokun, repairs of transformers in five communities, women training and empowerment, employment of over 50 people with an average stipend of 2,000Naira and other social activities.

After the election, we took out time to visit a bar joint in Ilesa, where the usual bar discussions take place. At that joint, BDO’s name was mentioned by some young lads. They were glad that he came to restore their hopes as a lot of people have benefitted from his kind gestures.
Babatunde Desmond Ojo, is not the regular philanthropist that makes it a point of duty to reveal his identity. Majority of the beneficiaries have not met him in person.