31st August, 2014
Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta
The exceptional performance and leadership qualities of Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state has been recognized by Egba indigenes in the Diaspora at the 5th Biennial Convention of The Egba National Association, Incorporated, of United States and Canada.
At an event, which was organised by the Egba Descendants Association, Dallas, Texas, themed: “Celebrating our Heritage”, the governor received the prestigious Award of Excellence “for his outstanding performance, leadership qualities, visionary guidance and dedicated services to the people of Ogun state”.
The governor, who was represented by his wife, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, charged indigenes of the state in the Diaspora, to use the platform to synergise and contribute their quota to the development of Ogun state in particular and Nigeria in general.
Amosun appreciated the association for putting the event together, adding that, the recognition, which is the association’s first ever Award For Excellence, would spur him to do more for the good people of Ogun.
“This award is a call to greater service. Back home in Nigeria and indeed to our dear state. Excellence is acknowledged and rewarded. I urge you to come home and contribute your quota to the development of our dear state and country,” Amosun stated.
Declaring the three-day convention open, the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, solicited the support of Egba indigenes at home and in Diaspora to use the opportunity presented by the event to chart the way forward for the state.
“I want you to look back, examine the present and chart a way forward”, the monarch charged.
Representative of the Olu of Ilaro, and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Chief Ayinde Ibikunle added his voice to the acknowledgment of the rapid transformation going on in different parts of the state, noting that, security of lives and property are part of the achievement of the present administration.
He also advised the governor to see the award as a call to do more.
In his welcome address, the National Chairman of the association, Mr. Olutoyin Oladipo thanked the governor for reinventing the wheel of progress in Ogun state.
He assured the governor of the association’s willingness to avail the state of its vast human and material resources in the Diaspora.
In his presentation, titled: “Significance of the Diaspora in the Development of the Homeland”, City Manager, Forest Hill City Council, Honourable Seyi Ipaye, said his organisation is ready to partner with Ogun State government in the development of a “Sister City Programme for Abeokuta City,” he promised.