The colourful and we’ll attended event was held at Adolak Event Hall, Osogbo .
The award was a strong message to the people that whatsoever one does is being watched by other people out there, as not only the living were recognised but also the dead were awarded posthumously.
Among those given awards are:
Prof.Abel Idowu,a one-time VC, University of Ibadan(2025-2020), Prof. Lai Olurode, an academic,social critic ,writer and visiting professor to the University of California, Irvine,USA.
Others include,former governor of old Oyo State, late chief Bola Ige, former governor of Osun State Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Governor of Osun State Late Isiaka Adeleke, astute politician and lawyer,late Chief Kola Balogun, Ebenezer Babatope, Dr.Victoria Adunola Samson,Co-founder BOVAS & Company Ltd, theatre
gurus,late Oyin Adejobi, Mama Grace Oyin Adejobi(a k.a. Iya Osogbo), Moses Olaiya(a.k.a Baba Sala),religious leaders Pastor E.A . Adeboye,of the Redeemed Christian Church of God,Sheik Salaudeen Olayiwola, a highly revered Islamic Cleric,His royal majesty,Oba Iyiola Matanmi,OFR,His Imperial majesty Oba Okunade Sijuade,CFR,the late OONI of Ile-Ife and His royal majesty,Oba Adekunle Aromolaran and a host of others.
According to Governor Ademola Adeleke, the award was in recognition of the contributions of the awardees towards the development of the state and the country at large. He therefore asked the awardees to continue in their good gestures to develop the State and vowed that his administration would not waver to recognising those making the State proud in their different capacities.
Governor Adeleke 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 gigantic 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.
One of the awardees Yusuf said the state has been peaceful since Adeleke assumed office as governor, adding that civil servants have also been in good terms 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 indigenes in governance 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 cut across every field of human endeavours.