Fetes Ag. IGP, Salako, Ogun deputy gov, others
From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
A socio-cultural group in Ogun West senatorial district of Ogun State, Yewa People Development Council (YPDC) has honoured the senator representing the senatorial district at the National Assembly, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, with a meritorious award for his unparalleled contribution to the development of Yewaland and Ogun West in recent times.
The group, which presented the award to Senator Adeola at the Yewa Special Awards and Civic Reception, equally honoured other illustrious indigenes of Yewaland including Kayode Egbetokun, Acting Inspector General of Police; Isiaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment and the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs.Noimot Salako-Oyedele.
Speaking at the event, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, said the awards and civic reception is the first in events lined up to mark the 2023 Yewa Cultural Festival.
Oba Olugbenle who also doubles as the Chairman, YPDC Board of Trustees, commended all the awardees for their status and contribution to the development of the Yewaland, Ogun State and Nigeria, adding that they were all deserving of the awards as recognition to spur them for more impact on the society.
The monarch, who noted that the Yewa People Development Council, with the slogan ‘United for Development’ is a non -profit organisation, with the objective to prevent exclusion and foster inclusion as well as community strengthening through supporting, developing and promoting unity within Yewa communities.
He added that the award was therefore instituted to recognise and appreciate deserving indigenes of Yewaland.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, the Ogun State deputy governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele thanked the YPDC for the award and assured them of the commitment of the Ogun State Government to the development of Yewaland.
She, however, urged sons and daughters of Ogun West to join hands in creating a shared vision for the region, particularly one that would prioritize the well-being of all ethnic groups in the area.
“With genuine cooperation, tremendous opportunities can be unlocked for the all round development of Yewaland therefore building a future defined by prosperity and harmony”, she pointed out
Salako-Oyedele further charged the Ogun West people to celebrate the unique history as well as the cultural heritage synonymous with the region while also respecting and honouring their distinct identities.
Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of State for Environment, Isiaq Salako, appreciated the organisers for the honour done on him, promising to contribute his quota towards the development of Yewaland, Ogun State and the country at large.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman, Planning Committee of Yewa Special Award and reception, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Rahman Bello, said the event was a show-biz of sorts for Yewaland and its people, stressing the need to always celebrate distinguished sons and daughters of Yewaland for their outstanding performances in their chosen endeavours
He disclosed that the one week event of the 2023 Yewa Cultural Festival would showcase a football competition; cultural shows and other exciting activities that would impact positively on the people of Yewaland.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Salako as the Minister of State for Environment and Festus Keyamo, SAN, as Minister of Aviation.
The former VC further thanked Governor Dapo Abiodun for the developmental strides in Ogun West.
Other awardees at the event are the three House of Representatives members in Ogun West; Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation; Asst. Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service, Adeogun Alajogun and the Ogun State Head of Service, Kolawole Fagbohun.