The people of Igede-Ekiti in Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, at the weekend, honoured past and present political officeholders for their commitment and contributions to the community.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that no fewer than 20 illustrious indigenes were honoured during the civic reception for past and present political officeholders in Igede-Ekiti and their induction into the Igede-Ekiti Hall of Fame.
The event was organised by the Igede Progressive Association (IPA) under the chairmanship of Chief Bayo Fadairo (retd), the Olota of Igede-Ekiti while Bayo Ayo delivered the keynote address.
The royal father of the day and the Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, Oba James Adelusi, urged residents of the community holding any political position to unite and not be biased for the advancement of the community.
While charging the award recipients to support themselves for the betterment of Igede-Ekiti, irrespective of their political affiliations, Oba Adelusi pledged to give out lands to residents for the development of the community.
Earlier, chairman of the planning committee of the event, Gani Salau, had said the event is an important day in the history of Igede-Ekiti and aimed at bringing together all political officeholders as a family, irrespective of their sociopolitical and economic divide.
According to him, the topic for the civic reception was selected to suit the present situation towards championing a common course as a community.
In his remarks, president-general of IPA, Austine Ibikunle, hailed Governor Biodun Oyebanji for bringing development to Igede-Ekiti and appointing their sons and daughters into political offices.
He equally noted that the award was bestowed upon deserving indigenes of the town aimed at encouraging them to do more for the growth and development of Igede-Ekiti.
He said: “If you want to get something from someone, show an appreciation to such person. This programme is for those people who held political posts and equally motivate people who recently took over the position of leadership in the state and local government so that it would be like a golden handcuff for them to be committed to the development of the community.”
Fadairo, in his message, commended the association for organising the event while calling on the elected political officeholders to work towards the growth of Igede-Ekiti irrespective of their political affiliations.
Ayo, in his lecture: ‘Impactful governance: Igede-Ekiti in perspective,’ urged residents to be committed to the growth of Igede-Ekiti.
The award recipients were Gbenga Oluwatuyi, Femi Akindele, Chief (Mrs) Yemisi Olaguniyu, Azeez Awolokun, Olawole Adedipe, Dr. Dotun Adetunberu, Ope Agbede, Ayo Akande, Sikiru Adewumi and Seun Osalusi.
The past leaders honoured included Chief Babatola Ogundana, Idowu Ige, Steve Ogunrinde, Akin Ogunyemi and Sola Ojo, Iyanu Olumuagun, Busuyi Oladele, Sade Adaralegbe, Ademilola Ogundipe and Kayode Oguntoyinbo.
Olamuagun, on behalf of the awardees thanked the Onigede of Igede-Ekiti for nurturing her while restating her commitment to the advancement of the community.
