My Father Built His Life on Education and Service — Kehinde Raji at Father's 20 Year Remembrance

 

 At the 20th remembrance anniversary of the late Chief Adebayo Ayoola Raji, his son, Engr. Kehinde Raji, has paid glowing tribute to the enduring legacy of the respected community leader, describing him as a man who built his life around education, faith, and service to humanity.

Speaking with journalists at his residence in GRA, Osogbo, Engr. Raji recalled that although his father never had the opportunity to attend a university, he placed immense value on education and ensured his children attained the highest academic achievements.

“My father believed so much in education. Even though he couldn’t attend any university, he made sure his children became PhD and Master’s degree holders. He valued education deeply,” he said.

He described the late Bobaseye of Isolo Land as a God-fearing man who laid a strong spiritual foundation for his family and lived a life marked by fairness, compassion, and philanthropy.

According to him, the family has continued to uphold the legacy of community service through various empowerment and development initiatives under the ARAJ Movement.

“Since 2013 till date, when we talk about real impact, not less than 50,000 people have benefited from our various interventions. Through our microcredit grants alone, countless people have received support,” he explained.

Engr. Raji noted that the initiatives also extend to education and healthcare support. He revealed that over 5,200 students receive school fee support annually, while several residents have also benefited from the Osun State Health Insurance Scheme through the foundation’s sponsorship.

Beyond these, the movement also runs grassroots economic interventions, including market outreach programmes where small-scale traders are supported with grants.

“We carry out market invasions where we assess what traders sell and disburse funds of up to ₦30,000 per person. For many small traders, that support goes a long way and means a lot to them,” he said.

He added that all the projects initiated in memory of his father would continue indefinitely.

Speaking on politics, Engr. Raji stated that while he understands the importance of political participation, he currently has no immediate plan to venture into active politics.

“Politics operates at different levels. Everybody practices politics in one way or another, at home, in church, or in society,” he said.

He explained that he is not a registered member of any political party and does not participate in ward meetings but maintains relationships with several politicians whom he believes have the capacity to serve the people well if given the opportunity.

“I know many politicians who, if given the opportunity, will do well. Those are the kind of people we want to support and put forward to deliver for the people,” he added.

Expressing optimism about the future of Osun State, he called for leaders who genuinely care about grassroots development.

“With the way we are going in Osun, God will take us to the promised land. What we need are lovers of the grassroots who will genuinely care for the people,” he said.