Olonisakin,10 others bag Ibadan prestigious awards

Mrs Omobolanle Olonisakin

Mrs Omobolanle Olonisakin, wife of Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, the Chief of Defence Staff.

Mrs Omobolanle Olonisakin, wife of Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, the Chief of Defence Staff.

Mrs Omobolanle Olonisakin, wife of Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, the Chief of Defence Staff and 10 others were honoured today in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, for their patriotism to the city.

The event held at the main bowl of Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, as part of activities marking the Ibadan 2018 Cultural Festival.

The event christened “Award for Patriotism and Friendship” was organised by Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), the umbrella body of Ibadan indigenous socio-cultural groups.

Among the honorees were Dr (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, a two- time minister of industry and former chairman, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Niyi Akintola, a senior advocate of Nigeria(SAN) and Dr Azeez Adeduntan, Oyo State Commissioner for Health.

Others were Mr Bayo Adelabu, Deputy Governor (Operations), Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Seyi Makinde and Mr Alogba Olukoya, President, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr Yanju Adegbite, Special Adviser to Gov. Abiola Ajimobi on Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Mogaji Akin Alabi, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi and Hon Abiola Ambali.

First Bank Plc and Nigeria Breweries Plc were the two corporate organisations honoured at the ceremony for their contributions to the development of the ancient city.

Awards of “Most Patriotic Ibadan Indigenes”, were given to Ibadan indigenes among those honoured, while non-Ibadan honorees bagged “Most Outstanding Friends of Ibadan.”

Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, while presenting the awards to Olonisakin and others, hailed the CCII on its careful selection of the awardees, describing them as worthy individuals.

Ajimobi cautioned Oyo state residents to eschew the habit of politicising every celebration, saying events like the Ibadan cultural celebration should be devoid of politics.

Asiwaju Nurudeen Akinade, the Chairman Planning Committee, said the cultural festival was designed to bring the development to Ibadanland and showcase Ibadan culture to the whole world.

Chief Yemi Soladoye, the President-General, CCII, said the ceremony was organised to celebrate the sons and daughters of Ibadanland as well as non-indigenes who have contributed to the progress and peace of Ibadanland.

He said that the awardees were carefully selected to showcase them as worthy examples for others.

The event was attended by Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, wife of the governor, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji and Maj. Gen Okudili Azinta, General Officer Commanding, 2 Division.

Others are Alhaji Daud Akinola, Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Edo and Delta States, members of Ibadan Obas-in-Council, government functionaries, religious leaders functionaries, cultural ambassadors and hosts of well-wishers.

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