…IPA General President, Ibikunle hails Governor Oyebanji on citizens welfare
By Precious Oham
It was an atmosphere of glitz and glamour as the Igede Progressive Association, IPA, on Friday honoured past and present political office holders in Igede-Ekiti for their contributions to the development of the community.
No fewer than 20 illustrious sons and daughters were honoured during the Civic Reception for past and present Political Office Holders in Igede-Ekiti and their induction into the Igede-Ekiti Hall of Fame.
The event was organised under the Chairmanship of High Chief Bayo Fadairo AIG (Rtd), the Olota of Igede-Ekiti while Barr. Bayo Ayo delivered the keynote address.
The Royal Father of the Day and Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, HRM, Oba James Adelusi, Aladesuru II urged residents of the area who are holding any political position to unite and not be bias for the advancement of the community.
While charging the award recipients to support themselves for the betterment of Igede-Ekiti, irrespective of their political affiliations, Oba Adelusi pledged to give out lands to residents for the development of the community.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Hon. Gani Salau said the event is an important day in the history of Igede-Ekiti aimed towards bringing together all the political office holders as a family, not minding their sociopolitical and economic divide.
According to him, the topic chosen for the civic reception was carefully selected to suit the present situation towards championing a common course as a community.
In his remark, President General of IPA, Mr. Austine Ibikunle hailed Governor Biodun Oyebanji for bringing development to Igede-Ekiti and appointing their sons and daughters into political office positions as well as given preference to welfare of citizens.
He equally noted that the award was bestowed upon deserving sons and daughters of the town aimed at encouraging them to do more for the growth and development of Igede-Ekiti.
He said: “If you want to get something from someone is to show an appreciation to such person. This programme is for those people that held political posts and equally motivate people that recently took over the position of leadership in the state and local government so that it would be like a golden handcuff for them and ensure they will be gladly be committed to the development of the town.”
Chief Fadairo in his goodwill message commended the association for organizing the event while calling on the elected political office holders to work towards the growth of Igede-Ekiti irrespective of their political affiliations.
Barr. Ayo, who delivered his lecture on the topic: “Impactful Governance: Igede-Ekiti in Perspective” urged the residents of the community to be committed to the growth of Igede-Ekiti.
He suggested that they should approach the issue of development in a business like manner by rebranding the town to be known for commercial activities.
His words: “I wish to see the town blossom beyond this. It will always start from all of us. We cannot have it any better. We have to start small and grow. It will require commitment from the part of individuals.
“We must be willing and ready to commit. I want to encourage our brothers and sisters who are in government. You must be deliberate that this town move higher and at all time, let’s put Igede-Ekiti forward.”
The award recipients include; Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, Hon. Femi Akindele, Hon. Chief Mrs Yemisi Olaguniyu, Hon. Azeez Awolokun, and Hon. Olawole Adedipe, Dr. Dotun Adetunberu, Hon. Ope Agbede, Hon. Ayo Akande, Hon. Sikuru Adewumi and Hon. Seun Osalusi.
The past leaders honoured include; Hon. Chief Babatola Ogundana, Hon. Idowu Ige, Hon. Steve Ogunrinde, Hon. Akin Ogunyemi and Hon. Sola Ojo, Hon. Barr Iyanu Olumuagun, Hon. Busuyi Oladele, Hon. Sade Adaralegbe, Hon. Ademilola Ogundipe and Hon. Kayode Oguntoyinbo.
One of the award recipients and prominent Ekiit legal luminary, Barr. Iyanu Olamuagun thanked the Onigede of Igede-Ekiti for nurturing her while reiterating her commitment to the advancement of the community.
Her words: “The Kabiyesi was always with my mother every time when she was alive despite the fact that she was not born in Igede-Ekiti but in Iyin Ekiti. Before and after the death of my mother, the Kabiyesi has been with me.
“He didn’t neglect me because I am a Lady, he took me as his own. He sponsored me to become a Lawyer, to where I am here. I have contributed to the progress of Igede-Ekiti and I will continue to do so.”