By Sunday Ani
Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, Oba Hammed Makama Oyelude, CON, Tegbosun 111, has said his induction into the Nigerian Books of Record (NBR) Hall of Fame had imposed huge responsibility on him.
Speaking at his palace in Kuta yesterday after his induction, Oba Oyelude maintained that he would now double his efforts because a lot needs to be done to project Nigeria’s image nationally and internationally.
Oba Oyelude, who urged all hands to be on deck to achieve the huge tasks, pledged to support the NBR as its brand ambassador.
He said: “On behalf of my good people of Owu Kuta and Olowu-in-Council, I heartily welcome you to my kingdom, the Owu Kuta; a land flowing with milk and honour.
“I also appreciate the Federal Ministry of Information, and by extension, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and more importantly, the Nigerian Books of Record (NBR), for this recognition. I’m fully aware that it comes with huge responsibility.
“As you are also aware, I have contributed and am still contributing anytime the need arises to project the Nigerian military which is the symbol of our sovereignty and encourage the officers and men for their sacrifices to rid our country of divisive elements manifesting in various forms.
“As a result of this, I was recognised by the administration of Gen Muhammadu Buhari (retd), who conferred on me the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
“For me , I’m conscious of the fact that the role of traditional rulers in securing their communities and nation building to use the legal term is a sine qua non to egalitarian society.
“I am also aware that the NBR was conceived to promote and support the government in laundering Nigeria’s image, by celebrating her excellent records to drive the campaign of attitudinal reorientation by the the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (Nigeria) and National Orientation Agency (Nigeria).
“I align with this onerous task and I will ensure that I join in this project of nation building so that the labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain.”
Speaking earlier, the Director General of NBR, Prof David David, said Oba Oyelude was found worthy of the honour because of the goodwill he has created for the country nationally and internationally.
He said: “Our research team did a thorough job to discover Oba Oyelude based on his intimidating citation to arrive at his choice as the first to be so honoured in the entire Osun State.”
Also, two awards were also delivered to the monarch in quick succession alongside the NBR’s induction.
The Big Brothers Club and Nigeria Youth Council, led by its President, Aare Oladotun Hassan, conferred on Olowu the award for his developmental efforts in Kuta, his efforts in rallying the Yoruba Obas together and for being a national Icon.
An elated Oba Oyelude flanked by his Olori Abebi was grinning from ear to ear as media practitioners, community leaders, and captains of industry joined him in the celebration.
Dignitaries at the occasion included the Rector of Iree Polytechnic, who represented the Osun State Governor, Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, member representing Iwo, Aiyedire and Ola Oluwa federal constituencies, at the House of Representatives, Mudashiru Lookman and Akinyemi Elijah of the Osun State House of Assembly.
Others were pro- Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof Siyan Oyeweso; Timi of Ede; Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal; Laminisa 11; Olu of Ile-Ogbo, Oba Olupona and Oba Obaloyan, among others.