19th September, 2014
Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state, southwest, Nigeria was among the three hundred and five Nigerians to be honoured with the National Awards by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at the end of this month.
In a release by the Director, Special Duties, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Tunde Adeyemo, eminent Nigerians and foreigners, who have contributed to the national development in their various fields of endeavour.
Others in the list include a former Senator from the state, who was the Chairman of the CONFAB planning committee, Sen. Femi Okurounmu; Chief Judge of the State, Hon. (Justice) Olatokunbo Olopade and a retired judge in the State, Justice Gabziu Ademola Bakre.
Others include the Olubara of Ibara in Abeokuta, Oba Jacob Olufemi Omolade and a human right activist and a former member of the National Conference, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin.
Amosun, Okurounmu and the state Chief Judge will be honoured with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) while the monarch will be conferred with the honour of Member of the Order of the Niger, MON.
The retired Judge, Justice Ademola Bakre, who is also the founding President of the Crescent, Muslim Professionals in the country will be bestowed the Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON.
Speaking with our correspondent Friday morning, under anonymity, one of the aides to the governor maintained that more accolades are still coming the way of the governor for his tremendous work across the state.
“When we got the news last night, we were so happy and from all indications, it shows that the federal government is also aware of the good work of this man. We can all see what the man has turned Ogun to in three and half years.
“The state which was formerly labeled as unsecured state for business has suddenly become a business destinations for the state. Many industries have been established in the state and many more are in the construction stage which will boost employment.
“Our Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, is below a billion naira, precisely, N730 million naira now raised to over five billion naira in less than 3 years. All these and many other successes achieved by this man was among the qualities that made him to be given the honour”, the aide stated.
The formal investiture,according to the statement will be held on Monday, 29 September,2014 at the International Conference Center, Abuja.