Toriola, Babatope, Oyinlola, others honoured with Osun merit awards

The Chief Executive of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, alongside 74 others, was on Monday honoured with the distinguished merit awards by the Osun State Government.

The award was part of the activities marking the 2nd anniversary of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Toriola, who received a merit award in the innovation/ICT category, was represented at the event by Mr Opeyemi Awoyemi.

Some other awardees include former governor of Osun state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, An outstanding politician, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Dr Victoria Adunola Samson, the co-founder, BOVAS and Company Ltd; former INEC National Commissioner, Professor Lai Olurode, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Lasun Yusuf and content creator, Layi Wasabi.

Speaking during the event held in Osogbo, Governor Ademola 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 would continue to recognize those making the state proud in their various endeavours.

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

He said, “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 endeavour.

“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.”

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Lasun Yusuf, appreciated Governor Adeleke for counting them worthy of recognition.

Yusuf said the state has been peaceful since Adeleke assumed office as governor, adding that civil servants have also been in tandem with the present administration.

“You’ve been in the seat of power for the past two years. The first thing I noticed is that there is no longer violence in the state. People now live comfortably and Osun State is peaceful now.

“Since 1999, the public servants have always cried against the sitting government, but since you assumed office, I’ve not heard the cry of the civil servants.

“Also, since the governorship of former governor Oyinlola, you’ve been the only governor that has involved the Osun State indigene in the governorship of the state. On behalf of the awardee, I want to say thank you for counting us worthy of this award,” he said.

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.

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