It was a historic moment on Thursday, January 11, 2024, when the Chairman of Ibadan South East Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Alawode, presented a special recognition award to 14 past Chairmen and Secretaries who had served in the council before him.
Those awarded included Hon. Nureni Aderemi Popoola, Ambassador Taofeeq Oladejo Arapaja, Hon. Yaya Akinbile, Hon. Ademola Akeem Ige, Hon. Gbadebo Muideen, Hon. Abolaji Najimudeen, Hon. Adeboye Teslim Ajimobi, and Hon. Ibraheem Abimbola Omiyale, who was honoured posthumously.
Others were past Council Secretaries; Hon. Taiwo Ige, Hon. Sakirudeen Abiola Oduola, Hon. Temitope Yusuf (Supreme) and Hon.Yinka Omikunle, respectively, who were recognised for their indelible impact and topnotch contribution to the growth of Ibadan South East Local Government.
In his remark, the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on local government and chieftaincy matters, Hon. Ramata Agberemi Dabo (RAD) described the award as unprecedented in the history of local government administration.
He commended the council Chairman, Hon. Alawode, for deeming it appropriate to recognize his predecessors. At the same time, they were alive for their contributions to the council’s development when they held sway as Chairman or secretary.
Governor Makinde congratulated all the awardees on their honour and urged them to continue positively impacting humanity and society, regardless of their position of authority.
Earlier in his welcome speech, the council Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Alawode, said the award was intended to pay tribute to and appreciate the past council leaders who had selflessly laid the solid foundation upon which successive chairmen have been building since the local government was created, irrespective of their political affiliations.
According to him, these past chairmen have made significant contributions to the development of this local government through their selfless service while in office. I pray that the Almighty God continues to elongate their lives with perfect health and divine wisdom. He said it is necessary to bestow these honorary awards on them for their meritorious services.
While thanking everyone who graced the occasion, Hon. Alawode affirmed that he would continue to give effective and foresighted leadership to the progress of Ibadan South East Local Government which everyone would be proud of.
In their separate remarks, Hon. Ademola Akeem Ige and Hon. Taiwo John Ige, who spoke on behalf of the past Chairmen and Secretaries, described the honour as fantastic, stressing that it was uncommon to see such impressive recognition and inclusivity among politicians in the country.
They urged other local governments in Oyo State and Nigeria to emulate Hon. Alawode’s gesture, emphasising that the awards would motivate them to continue contributing their fair share to the local government’s overall development, regardless of their political affiliations.
A minute’s silence was observed in honour of Honourable Bmbo Ibrahim Omiyale, one of the past Chairmen who died last year, while prayer was offered for the repose of his soul.
Many formal and present political functionaries, community leaders, religious leaders and council management staff were present to witness the historic ceremony.
