CCII to confer award of ‘Most Outstanding Friend’ on Oyo Deputy Governor

The Deputy Governor of Oyo state, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, will receive the award of “Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadan” (MOFI) on April 20, 2024, in honour of his sterling leadership, exceptional performance, extraordinary dedication, and his immense contributions to the progress of the CCII and Ibadanland in the past years.

The notification of the award, which was conveyed via a letter addressed to the Deputy Governor, noted that the award was given to him after careful consideration and evaluation of his excellent, results-driven leadership and in appreciation of his enormous contributions in promoting and advancing the course of Ibadanland even before he assumed the office of Deputy Governor.

According to the group, the conferment of the prestigious award to the Deputy Governor will be done at the Grand Finale for the year 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Celebration, to be held at Obafemi Awolowo (Liberty) Stadium, Oke-Ado Ibadan.

“Whereas most heroes in Nigeria are usually celebrated after their demise, we, in Ibadan have decided to celebrate you now so as to show you that Ibadan has created a deserved permanent place for you in her history. You are most deserving of this honour by virtue of your unrelentless and selfless service to the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCIl) and Ibadandanland.

“This unique patriotic gestures of yours will remain indelible in our minds till eternity as they show that someone like you will surely do more for Ibadanland as God continue to bless your endeavours,” the statement added.

The group planning committee of Ibadan week, Central Council of Ibadan Indigene (CCII), led by Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, stated on Wednesday that it behoves on them to pay the Deputy Governor and his good office the courtesy visit following their meeting with the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde FNSE DSC GSSRS and securing his express approval of this year’s Ibadan Cultural Week activities and dates of events.

Ojetola, on behalf of all Ibadan sons and daughters, however commended the Deputy Governor for giving an unprecedented support to Governor Makinde and maintaining a cordial relationship with everyone at the helms of running the state affairs.

He noted that this year’s Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee understands the importance of the roles the office of the Deputy Governor can play and how pivotal his personal support and contributions is to the glorious success of this year’s event.

He said: “The 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival is your project and we appeal that you take absolute driving position on this campaign and on the ceremony vehicle aimed at achieving the best ever cultural festival in history.

“This committee solicits from your Excellency and your good office total commitment through sponsorships and donations towards all our activities and sincere participation in the activities.”

In his appreciation, the Deputy Governor, Barrister Lawal commended the planning committee for putting Ibadan tradition in place, saying that whatever government is expected to do will be in full commitment.

He assured the committee of his unalloyed support on the role assigned to him while promising to also assist with billboard and continue to liaise with the committee in other way that Oyo government and his offcie can be of help.

He said: “We will get committed. And I need to appreciate His Excellency, ‘Seyi Makinde’ for the assignment he has given me in this second term to oversee the Ministry’ of Culture and Tourism which is the reason why you have come to me.

“For really honoring me, I appreciate the kind gesture for singling me out of many strangers. I am really grateful. Thank you very much for the prestigious award.”

Alaga Ayobami Monsurah, the Vice Chairman of the Committee, who said during the vote of thanks that she had the privilege of working closely with many governors and deputy governors due to the nature of her job in the last 30 years, noted that the deputy governors were fantastic but Barrister Bayo Lawal is not only fantastic but fantabulous.

She equally praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his excellent leadership, saying that they will keep praying for him and that he has accomplished historic feats in the state.

She appreciated Barr. Lawal for being a pillar of support for Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, pointing out that this is the first time Oyo has seen a cordial relationship between the governor and his deputy as well as a peaceful coexistence, and she prayed that God would continue to be with them.

Musah Busari Akeredolu; Dr Bashir Lasisi; Dr Mrs Ayo Alaga; Idowu Olaide Lawal; Mogaji Ismail Sodeinde; Alagba Oladele Tokunbo Dauda; Omooba Ayodele Ayodiran; Ademola Solani; Kayode Ajani; Kola Olomide, Awotoye Adebola were among those who meet with the Deputy Governor.