The Ekiti State Council of Elders has inducted prominent citizens of the state into the Hall of Fame for their contributions and efforts towards the development of humanity and the state.
At the maiden event held in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the council inducted the late former military governor of the Western Region, Lt Col. Adekunle Fajuyi; founder of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola; elder statesman, Chief Deji Fasuan; renowned educationist, Professor Olufunke Egunjobi; and legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN).
Also, the event featured the launch of a book entitled “The Remarkable Stories of Inductees’ and musical albums containing special panegyrics for the inductees
Speaking at the event, the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, lauded the Council of Elders for the initiative and induction of iconic personalities, describing it as a bold move to restore lost societal values.
Oyebanji, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Peju Babafemi, hailed the selection of inductees, describing it as noble as “it recognises and celebrates resilience, diligence, professionalism, and appreciation of the values of hard work, integrity, selflessness, and service to humanity.”
According to him, “This honour today showcases our heroes and heroines as exemplary leaders and inspirations for pursuing ambitions and lifestyles premised on the path of integrity and good character that our forefathers in Ekiti were known for.
“Our forebears bequeathed to us a rich history of honour and dignity. Then, the honour and wealth earned were respected, and wealth from dubious sources was disdained and ridiculed. Sadly, these values are being eroded in contemporary times, and get-rich syndrome permeates our society.”
The President of the Council, Professor Joseph Oluwasanmi, who said the historic ceremony “showcases what it is to be a hero alive and in death”, described the inductees as “Omoluabi personified. They are role models and worthy of emulation by our people in Ekiti and outside, both young and old.
The nonagenarian said, “In this present day, where people with ill-gotten wealth are worshipped, it is desirable and timely to honour and celebrate distinguished personalities who excel in their various human endeavours, be it in the military, education, law, business, or even religion, in which case some crooks in our society will know that there is dignity in being upright and living a virtuous life.”
Legal luminary Chief Olanipekun, speaking on behalf of the inductees, charged the older generation not to relent in guiding the younger ones and, as well, continue to support Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji.
Olanipekun, who was represented by the General Manager of his New Cruise 92.7 FM, Ikere Ekiti, acknowledged that “Ekiti has human and capital resources in abundance. I appeal to indigenes and residents to avoid using these gifts as tools of balkanization, division, and disunity in the state.”
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