PREMIER of Old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, were in Ibadan, on Friday, awarded for their epochal contributions to improving the wellbeing of the people of the South West.
The honour conferred upon the recipients by an Ibadan private radio station, saw Chief Awolowo received the Yoruba legend award for his pioneering feats across different sectors while Oba Ogunwusi got the Peace and Unity award for his strides to ensure that the South West returns to its pride of place in the nation.
Tinubu got the South West Governance/Politics Impact Award, in recognition of his sheer political desterity and ingenuity in the nation’s politics.
Other recipients were Chief Adekunle Ajasin for his commitment to education development, Chief Mike Adenuga who got the South West Youth Development Award for his philanthropy, involvement in sporting activities and Youth Development.
Also, veteran pharmacist, Chief Oludolapo Akinkugbe, received the Economic Development Impact Award for his contribution to the growth and development of Nigeria in medicine, banking, industry, communication and education.
Executive Vice Chairman, Impact Business Radio, Mr Owolabi Oladejo, remarked that the maiden edition of the Southwest Impact Makers Award, was informed by the need to recognise and appreciate the giant strides of the “best” of the South West from years past till today.
Oladeji decried that the regression in the Yoruba nation once envied for its firsts in spheres of life, buoyant economy, strides in education, agriculture, infrastructural development, entertainment, among other sectors.
Chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran, who received the award for the Awolowo family, harped on the need for today’s generation to be taught Yoruba language else the complete erosion of respect, values, tradition, culture and norms of the Yoruba nation.
Receiving the Ooni’s award on his behalf, Prince Morounfolu Adelori, recalled with nostalgia the giant strides of the South West, in times past, praying that the region returns to its pride of place.
In his remarks, the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji represented by the Agbaakin Olubadan, Chief Lekan Alabi, urged today’s generation to abort the craze for position and wealth but should rather focus on discipline and good character.
Some other guests at the event were President, Ibadan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mrs Bosede Amusan-Ogunnaike; President, Central Council for Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Wole Akinwande; member representing Egbeda/Ona Ara federal constituency, Honourable Taiwo Akintola.