Osun-born philanthropist, Engr. Kehinde Raji, popularly known as Aaraji, has paid glowing tribute to his late father, Chief Adebayo Ayoola Raji, describing him as a man whose values and principles shaped the lives of his children.
Raji spoke with journalists on Friday at his residence in Osogbo during the 20th remembrance anniversary of his father.
He stated that the late patriarch instilled in his family strong values of God-fearing, honesty, courage and contentment, adding that those principles continue to guide the Raji family in their daily lives.
Aaraji explained that his father’s fearless character and commitment to truth significantly influenced his personal outlook on life.
According to him, the late Chief Raji emphasised building a life anchored on faith in God and integrity, legacies he said the family continues to uphold many years after his passing.
Raji also highlighted his father’s strong belief in education, noting that despite having limited formal education due to financial constraints during his early life, he ensured that his children attained higher academic qualifications.
He added that the late community leader made deliberate efforts to raise highly educated children, including holders of postgraduate degrees (Masters and PHDs)
The philanthropist further noted that the values of education, spirituality and service to humanity passed down by his father have influenced the family’s commitment to philanthropy and community development.
He explained that these principles have motivated various humanitarian programmes carried out through their initiatives over the years.
Raji disclosed that since 2013, the family’s philanthropic efforts have reached thousands of people across Osun State through microcredit support, health insurance for the elderly and educational assistance.
He revealed that more than 100,000 beneficiaries have accessed microcredit facilities, while about 5,000 students receive school fee support annually, alongside other market-based empowerment projects aimed at assisting small-scale traders.
Aaraji added that the humanitarian programmes were designed to assist vulnerable members of society, including petty traders such as charcoal sellers and other small business operators, many of whom depend on modest financial support to sustain their livelihoods.
According to him, “My father was a fearless man, so I took that fearlessness from him. Bold and courageous, he did not support lies. He was not an envious person; he was a contented person. So, the same applies to me. He taught us how to live a life of perfection and to make God the foundation of our lifestyle. He left legacies that I still live with, and I believe they will continue to live on even after our demise, in the name of Jesus.
“I am very happy and I thank God for him being my father. Whoever Aaraji is today is because of the legacies of my father and my mom, because everyone has their own role to play. So, these are the legacies my parents left.”
Speaking on politics, Raji explained that although politics plays a role in everyday human interactions, he is not currently involved in partisan political activities.
He stated that he does not belong to any political party or participate in ward-level political meetings, adding that he prefers to focus on community service and supporting individuals he believes can contribute meaningfully to society.
He expressed optimism about the future of Osun State, noting that the state requires leaders who are committed to grassroots development and public welfare rather than personal gain.
Aaraji added that his hope remains that leadership in the state will continue to prioritise the wellbeing of ordinary citizens.
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