Plans have been concluded by Osun State in Southwest Nigeria to honor 28 prominent and distinguished citizens, as part of activities to mark the 30th anniversary of its creation.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles Akinola said at a press conference that the awardees include both indigenes and non-indigenes who have contributed to the development of the state in varying ways.
He explained that the celebration which began last week with Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s TV and Radio interviews will today feature an Anniversary Colloquium.
The Colloquium will feature high-profile resource persons like former Governor Bisi Akande; Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar; former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati; former Nigerian Ambassador to the Phillipines, Dr Yemi Farounbi among others.
“This is an anniversary worth celebrating because of the struggles and successes the state has recorded in its journey, and an opportunity to catalogue milestones recorded in the journey so far.
“The objective of the colloquium, among others, is to discuss the developmental strides in the State of Osun since creation, the roles played by actors till date, key lessons and suggestions for attaining greater heights”, he said.
According to the Chief of Staff, the colloquium will be followed by a State banquet and award ceremony at a later date for 28 distinguished citizens in recognition of their exceptional productivity and significant contributions to the social and economic development of the State and humanity in general.
He said the awardee, totalling 28 distinguished citizens under four broad categories, were selected by a Jury, on the basis of their service to Osun and contributions to the local and global society.
“Both indigenes and non-indigenes who have contributed to the development of Osun were meticulously selected, and there is no restriction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity or tribe.”
Akiola remarked that the state is convinced that the award will serve as inspiration to others to further contribute to the progress of the State.
Award categories
The honourees under the Osun Lifetime Achievement Award, includes: Chief Bisi Akande (former Governor, Osun State); Pastor Enoch Adeboye (General Overseer, RCCG worldwide); Sheikh Abdur’Rasheed Adiyatullah (President, Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria); General Ipoola Alani Akinrinnade, rtd. (former Chief of Army Staff from October 1979 to April 1980, and then Chief of Defence Staff until 1981 during the Nigerian Second Republic).
Lifetime Achievement category also includes: Asiwaju Hammed Omidiran, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, Prince Tunde Ponle, Professor Olu Aina, Chief Akinwande Akinola, Engr. Joanah Olu Maduka, and Chief Dr. Benjamin Adigun.
The state, under the Legacy Award category recognises Dr. (Mrs) Folorunsho Alakija (Chancellor, Osun State University and dynamic philanthropist), and Madam Susan Wenger (a culture and tourism icon).
The Osun Merit Award honourees includes: Emeritus Prof. Ademola Oyejide, Chief Nike Okundaye, Professor Oye Gureje, Professor Isaac Adewole, and Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN.
The Osun Distinguished Citizens Award honourees include: Pastor Matthew Asimolowo, Alagba Yemi Elebuibon, Brigadier General Leo Segun Ajiborisha (retired), Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Asiwaju Khamis Olatunde Badmus, Prince Lawal Obelawo, Chief Moses Inaolaji Aboaba, Mr. Adewale Adeyemo, Mr. Kola Adeniji, and Mr. Mike Awoyinfa.
Emmanuel Ukoh
