The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has tasked the people of the ancient city with its development, asking them to contribute their quotas to make it greater.
Apart from this, the monarch also lauded the efforts of the Mogaji Logudu Alusekere Descendants, Popoyemoja, Ibadan and founder, OAGAF Charity Foundation, Oloye Gafar Adewale Adetunji, over his efforts at developing the town and its people.
Oba Olakulehin said this at the presentation of award of meritorious service to Adetunji by the Achievers Group held at the palace of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
The monarch, who was represented by the Asaju Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oloye Muibi Odunade, said sons and daughters of Ibadan, both home and in the diaspora should continue to strive for the greatness of the town.
Speaking on the award, he said: “What we called award, it is we that we don’t value it; what those who give out an award are saying is that out of many people, you are countworthy; they feel that the person is worthy of being celebrated, you are being awarded because of the good things you have been doing.”
He, therefore, urged Adetunji, who is also a son of the late monarch and the current Mogaji of the house to continue his good works at making Popoyemoja, Ibadaland and Oyo State in general great.
The spokesperson of Achievers Group, Hon. Wareez Adetunji, said the award was presented in recognition of the strides that had been achieved by Adetunji, saying he had been involved in the distribution of cash and food items to widows in his communities.
According to him, the awardee had been involved in various projects and programmes that were meant to make life more meaningful, particularly for the needy in the society.
He listed some of the intervention programmes initiated by Adetunji to include payment of tuition fees of indigent students, especially in the tertiary institutions.
He added that exercise books were distributed to primary and secondary school students in Ibadan, while National Examination Council (NECO) and (UTME) forms were distributed freely to students in the community.
The group also listed distribution of drugs and diapers to primary healthcare centre, Bode Healthcare Centre in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area and Oke-Adu Healthcare centre in Ibadan North-East Local Government Area of the state.
Responding, the awardee promised not to relent in his efforts at contributing to the development of his local community and its people.
Adetunji also promised to assist Achievers Group of Popoyemoja and Ibadan at large, particularly in the areas of provision of educational support and adequate healthcare delivery.
He also paid the school fees of an indigent undergraduate worth of N330,000, with a pledge to do more for the widows and the needy.
READ ALSO: Ooni, Olubadan attend installation of Adesina as Asoju of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom
and then