Encomiums as Ib. South East Council Chair, Alawode Honours Arapaja, Ige, Akinbile, Other Former Council Chairmen and Secretaries

It was indeed an historic moment on Thursday 11th January, 2024 as the Chairman of Ibadan South East Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Alawode presented a special recognition award to 14 past Chairmen and Secretaries that 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 were recognized 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 who was 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 fit to recognize his predecessors while alive for their individual contributions to the development of the council when they held sway as Chairman or secretary.

While congratulating all the awardees for the honour bestowed on them, Governor Makinde charged them not to rest on their oars in continuing to impact positively on humanity and the society as a whole wherever and whenever they find themselves in position of authority.

Earlier in his welcome speech, the council Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Alawode said the rationale behind the award was to pay great tributes and appreciate the past leaders of the council 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. And so, it is necessary to bestow on them these honourary awards in recognition of their meritorious services. He said.

While thanking everyone that graced the occasion, Hon. Alawode affirmed that he would continue to give an 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.

While calling on other local governments not only in Oyo State but in Nigeria to take a cue from Hon. Alawode’s gesture, they stressed that the awards would spur them to continue to contribute their quotas to the overall development of the local government in any position they find themselves not minding their political affiliations.

A minute’s silence was observed in honour of Honourable Bmbo Ibrahim Omiyale one of the past Chairmen that died last year while prayer was offered for the repose of his soul..

Many formal and present political functionaries, community leaders, religious leaders and management staff of the council were present to witness the historic ceremony.