•Chairman DOYIN Group’s 85 Birthday Interview
Prince Sam Adedoyin, the Chairman & Founder of Doyin Group is 85. But you won’t believe it when you see him. Reason? He does not look it. He turned 85 a few days ago. But nothing seems to have changed about the lifestyle of the Agbamu Prince. He still resumes at work daily at 8 am and goes on till 5 pm or even 6 pm at times.
Last week, he spoke to City People Publisher SEYE KEHINDE about what has changed and what has not changed about him.
How did you feel the day you turned 85?
Every day I wake up I feel great because never knew that I could live up to even 30 years on earth. This is because the beginning was rough before it started to get better. So, for every day that I live, I thank God Almighty.
What was on your mind on that day? What did you have in mind on your birthday? Did you plan a big party?
No. It was a surprise party. Before now I have said to people that I won’t celebrate every birthday of mine. That is why I didn’t call you my friend to cover the event. It was a surprise party that was slated for 3 days. It was in the Hall behind my house where we did it. Before the day of my birthday, my children and grandchildren kept telling me, daddy don’t come to the back of the building until Friday. And I asked them what is the reason? They said we want to show you something. They didn’t tell me what it was.
But I know that I will call my Pastors to come and pray with me. But I didn’t plan it to be an elaborate party as they did it, because my children in London, America and grandchildren all came home to celebrate with me. That surprised me more than I would have said I feel every day. So, it made it a special day for me.
What are the lessons life has taught you at 85?
It is to continue to believe in God. Many people have told me that there are other gods. In my 85 years on earth, I have met with a lot of people and of a different religion. But I have never seen one which is better than Christianity. Since then, I have put my mind there praying to God Almighty and it has helped me to focus on him. And I have built my Faith and Trust in him and I have never been disappointed.
I attend Redeemed Church, though I believe all Christian denominations are one. But I happened to become a friend of Pastor E. A. Adeboye about 25 years ago. And during that time, he had more time to teach me more about the Bible and I have seen that they do more than other denominations. That is why I attend Redeemed Church, even though I have built a church in my home town, which is for other denominations. Baba Adeboye’s preaching convinced me that he is totally religious and a firm believer in God. That is why I started going to Redeemed Church.
At 85, you haven’t retired fully from work. Why is that so sir?
Its because the body of a human being is like that of a car. If you buy a new car and you pack it for 3 or 4 months, without use, the day you want to use it, it may not kick. You may need to service the car before you will be able to use it. The body needs to be used. The brain needs to function. And it can only function if you are using it regularly. So, my belief is, working hard. And I have been working hard since the age of 12 when I started my own business.
And I have never been disappointed. God has been so kind to me. And I have not spent 2 days in the hospital till today.
I know that for years, you used to resume work at 7a m daily. Do you still do that?
Yes, I still resume work early. It’s always between 7a m and 8 am. It’s still the same because I sleep early and I wake up early. When I wake up and I take my breakfast what else do you want me to do? And I have things waiting for me in the office, service that I have to render to people, meetings that I have to attend, so what I do is I get prepared for my office, which I enjoy very, very much. I enjoy working. People say I am addicted to it. Maybe. Because hard work is my 1st love. And I enjoy working.
What has changed about Prince Adedoyin @ 85? What has not changed?
I don’t think much has changed. The only thing I think may have changed more is my belief in God, and knowing that there is another kingdom after we leave the world. What I am striving to do, is to change for the better, to be able to do things that will make me invest into the heavenly kingdom, so that I will be able to make heaven.
At 85, you still look very, very fresh, you look refreshingly young. You can pass for 60. What is the secret of your young look at 85?
Seye, you know me, I live a normal life. I have always lived a normal life. I have just had lunch. I have just eaten pounded yam. But I eat more Leaves, more Greens than before. I take a lot of vegetables and fruits. They say that is helpful. That may be part of what you asked me. I don’t know. But I want to give glory to God, for the good looks, for healthy living and all kinds of achievements.
Do you also do exercise or you take a walk?
Definitely yes. I do my exercise. I need to keep the body going. A body is like a car. You can’t park it and not use it or warm it, I do different kinds of exercise, not vigorous. I do the ones that can keep me going.
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