“It’s all for God and humanity. Whatever I do for anyone serves as a reminder of where I was coming from.”
I don’t know if I put those words verbatim, but those were the words Engr. Jimoh Cook Rilwan would always say to me whenever there’s a reason to say them.
I usually imagined ‘where he was coming from’ until he shared the journey with me, and it wasn’t just only that time, he has shared his journey with me countless of times, each time revealing to me, hope, success and appreciation. And on his path, it’s a story of endurance, dedication, and resilience.
I am bold to say the kaboom of JCR didn’t happen by accident. It’s a well worked project in alignment with the WILL of the Most High. It’s grace, it’s an answered prayer, it’s commitment.
For JCR, it’s never about himself but the people, his people and those he doesn’t even know. Or how do you define a man committing millions of his hard earned money to projects he doesn’t know those behind it, safe for the reason “the project is in the way of Allah and it will ease the affairs of humans involved”. That’s JCR!
When I say “If you’re not feeling JCR, you’re tasteless”, I’m not hyping him, I’m not sugarcoating it, I’m just echoing the voices of many, even those who have only met him once.
And away from his extraordinary philanthropy personality, I urge everyone reading this to ensure they have a conversation with JCR even if it’s once —- formally or informally— and I bet you’ll learn a new way and meaning to humility. I’m privileged to have met many of his calibers and I make bold to say his humility humbles me. I wonder at the way he addresses those around him (including myself), the manner with which he carries himself and the pattern he involves himself in any happenings or events around him. Beyond JCR’s philanthropy, I envy his humility! What a man!
For JCR, it’s all about the people, and it’s very simple; you have an idea that can impact lives? JCR is there to support you from the very beginning till you decide that it’s the end. You have the expertise, and you’re not lazy? Thank your stars, we have a chairman that will make sure you’re satisfied.
Blessed is the day Engr. Rilwan was born. And blessed is today being his birth anniversary.
On a personal note, I’ve experienced nothing other than trust, love, respect, and maximum support from Engr. Rilwan Cook, and I do think of how to repay a man of his status, but nothing ever comes to mind, or maybe, nothing ever comes out of my capability to pay back. And that’s why I always ask Allah to grant him long life and amazing health!
From sponsoring me to the National Sports Festival, to financing the Eagles Independence Tournament, to sponsoring the Carabao Cup Watch Party a few weeks ago. JCR is whatever we say he is! “JCR IS DIA FAAAADAAA”.
Do I need to mention his numerous interventions? I know he wouldn’t like to read those here.
Dear Engr. Jimoh Cook Rilwan, thank you, thank you, thank you! Only God can repay you for all you have done. And I pray you reap your good deeds here and hereafter!
Happy birthday, My chairman. Alhamdulillahi that the ‘Sampdoria days are gone’. From here, it’s upward. Be assured of my respect and love always! I’m a PROUD JCRITE
“If you’re not feeling JCR, you’re tasteless”
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