At least 28 prominent citizens of Osun State who have distinguished themselves in various areas of their professions will be honoured during the ongoing 30th anniversary of the creation of the state.
This, according to the state government, would be part of activities lined up for the celebration.
Dr Charles Adeola, Chief of Staff to state Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, stated this yesterday while addressing journalists at a press conference on the imperatives of the anniversary celebration.
He said the celebration which began last week with the governor featuring on special television and radio interview sessions, will on September 9, 2021, feature an anniversary colloquium fielding high-profile resource persons like former state Governor, Chief Bisi Akande; Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar (Sultan of Sokoto), former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, among others.
According to Akinola, the anniversary colloquium will be a hybrid event, organised both in the physical and virtual spheres, adding that the decision was necessary because of the peculiarity of the season.
He said: “This is an anniversary worth celebrating because of the illustrious struggles and successes the state has recorded in its journey, and also 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 since creation; the roles played by actors till date; and key lessons and suggestions for attaining greater heights.”
Akinola added that the anniversary colloquium would be followed by a State Banquet and award ceremony at a date to be determined, for some distinguished citizens in recognition of exceptional productivity and significant contributions to the social and economic development of the state and humanity in general.
The awardees, 28 distinguished citizens under four broad categories, were selected by a jury, on the basis of their service to the state as well as contributions to the global and local society.
“Both indigenes and non-indigenes, who have contributed to the development of the state were meticulously selected, and there is no restriction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity or tribe.
“It is our conviction that this will serve as an inspiration to others to contribute to the progress of the state,” Akinola said.
The honourees under the Osun Lifetime Achievement Award are Chief Bisi Akande, Pastor Enoch Adeboye (General Overseer, RCCG worldwide); Sheikh Abdur’rasheed Hadiyatulla (president, Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria); and General Ipoola Alani Akinrinnade (rtd) (former Chief of Army Staff from October 1979 to April 1980, and Chief of Defence Staff until 1981 during the Nigerian Second Republic).
Others in the lifetime achievement category are Asiwaju Hammed Omidiran, Hassan Sunmonu, Prince Tunde Ponle, Professor Olu Aina, Chief Akinwande Akinola, Joanah Olu Maduka, and Chief Dr. Benjamin Adigun.
The state, under the Legacy Award Category, also recognised Dr. (Mrs.) Folorunsho Alakija (chancellor, Osun State University and philanthropist), and Madam Susan Wenger (a culture and tourism icon).
The Osun Merit Award honourees are 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 (rtd), 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.
