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2nd Anniversary: Prof Lai Olurode, MTN CEO, Layi Wasabi, Others Bag Osun Merit Awards

ByOlamilekan Adigun

PublishedNovember 26, 2024

Governor Ademola Adeleke on Monday honoured former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Lai Olurode alongside 74 others with the distinguished merit awards.

Professor Olurode received a merit award for his contributions to education development in the country.

The event is part of the activities marking the second anniversary of Governor Adeleke in office.

Speaking during the event held in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke said the award is in recognition of the contributions of the awardees towards the development of the state and the country at large.

Adeleke while urging the awardees not to relent in contributing their quota to the development of the state, promised that his administration will continue to recognize those making the state proud in their various endeavors.

The governor also said his administration would not relent in delivering good governance to the people of Osun State.

“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.

“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.”

Professor Olurode while speaking with newsmen shortly after receiving his award, appreciated Governor Adeleke for counting him and others worthy of recognition.

Professor Olurode cautioned governments at all levels against frivolous, wasteful, and doubtful expenditure on bogus projects, personnel emoluments, and questionable projects that bear no relevance to people’s lives.

He said that spending on public goods in the spheres of education, health and roads would certainly benefit the majority in our society.

According to him, “The award must be well intended as he wasn’t in any way connected to the government of Osun state, nor was the award lobbied or canvassed for. There was the hand of Providence in the award.

“This would certainly spur me into further action in using the platform of academics and education generally to extend the frontiers of citizenship in our country. I will also lend my support to any government that is committed to move Nigerians out of poverty and one that make more budgetary commitments to critical areas of needs in promoting people’s welfare.

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“Though there can’t be any substantial progress in our country without addressing a fundamental flaw in the 1999 constitution as amended, particularly that of redefining the relationship between the center and the regions, he nevertheless called for more synergy between all units of government.

“Let me use this occasion to appeal to Governor Nurudeen Adeleke to spread the provision of public goods across the nooks and crannies of Osun state”.

Some of the other awardees include Dr Victoria Adunola Samson, the co-founder of BOVAS and Company Ltd; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Lasun Yusuf; MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Mr Karl Olutokun Toriola and content creator, Layi Wasabi.

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.

Olamilekan Adigun

Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.