By Shakirudeen Bankole
Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke on Monday honoured several Sons and Daughters of the state with the distinguished merit awards of the Osun State Government.
The award was part of the activities marking the 2nd anniversary of Governor Adeleke.
The award categories include Education, Traditional institutions/Royal Fathers, Business Moguls/Entrepreneurs, Political Leaders, Military/ Para-military, Religion, and Legal Profession (Bar and Bench).
Others are Innovation/ICT, Beverage Industry, Arts and Culture, Entertainment, Persons with Disabilities, Non-Govermental Organizations/Civil Societies, Sports, and Public Service.
Alao, the Asiwaju of Erin Osun, is a technology entrepreneur and philanthropist who is Managing Director of Sidmach Technologies.
Other awardees include former governor of Osun state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; journalist and political leader Chief Ebenezer Babatope; Dr Victoria Adunola Samson, the co-founder, BOVAS and Company Ltd; former INEC National Commissioner, Professor Lai Olurode, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuf; content creator, Layi Wasabi and Chief Executive of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola.
Alao and Toriola were recognised for their exemplary achievement in the information and computer technology (ICT) sector.
Speaking during the event held ilat the Adolak Event Centre, Osogbo, Adeleke said the award is in recognition of the contributions of the awardees towards the development of the state and the country at large.
He urged the awardees not to relent in contributing their quota to the development of the state, promising that his administration would continue to recognize those making the state proud in their various endeavors.
“As part of our second anniversary, we decided to honour Osun indigenes who have contributed to the development of the state. We scouted for our people who have made us proud in all fields of endeavor, ” Adeleke said.
“This is not a political event. This is a non-partisan gesture to recognize excellence and acknowledge the huge contributions of our indigenes to the development of our state and nation.
“To the awardees and our people from various parts of the state, our administration is two years, you are the best judge of our service delivery. You have seen our work, I have received many awards both locally and intentionally for our performance, yet I always tell my people that recognitions and accolades are a challenge to do more, and we are prepared to do more.”
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Lasun Yusuf thanked Governor Adeleke for counting them worthy of recognition.
Yusuf, who said the state has been peaceful since Adeleke assumed office as governor, added that civil servants have also been in harmony with the state government.
Yusuf said: “You’ve been in the seat of power for the past two years. The first thing I noticed is that there is no longer violence in the state. People now live comfortably and Osun State is peaceful now.
“Since 1999, the public servants have always cried against the sitting government, but since you assumed office, I’ve not heard the cry of the civil servants.
“Also, since the governorship of former governor Oyinlola, you’ve been the only governor that has involved the Osun State indigene in the governorship of the state. On behalf of the awardee, I want to say thank you for counting us worthy of this award,” he said.
The Osun State Merit Award is a prestigious honor that recognizes individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to the society.
