.Honours First Bank GMD, Adeolu Akande, others
AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has been awarded as Father of Democracy in Nigeria by the Ibadan Solidarity Group.
This came as the ISG inducted Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State as its patron.
ISG, a leading elite club in Ibadan, also awarded Dr Adesola Adeduntan, the First Bank Group Managing Director, for his contributions towards the growth of the bank and the Nigerian banking sector in general.
The Chairman, Nigerian Communication Commission, Prof. Adeolu Akande, was also honoured with an award for his contributions towards the development of Information and Communication Technology in Nigeria.
The Executive Director, FBN Holdings, Sir Wale Ariyibi, who was given the award of Excellence in Investments Management while Pastor Bayo Olugbemi, received award of Excellence in Stockbroking and Pension Fund Management.
Speaking at the occasion which held at the club’s house in Iyaganku Quarters, Ibadan, the newly elected president Hon. Olujide Adewale, said the awardees were carefully selected based on their contributions to the society in their personal careers and areas of interest.
While presenting the award to Tinubu, who was represented by Alh. Fatai Ibikunle, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Adewale explained that the incoming president was awarded based on his outstanding democratic credentials.
Adewale, who is a former commissioner in the state, recalled that Tinubu fought for democracy through the National Democratic Coalition, and also deepened it through the legal battle he won over the Federal Government leading to the withholding of federal allocation for Lagos State for 18 months during his tenure as governor.
He stressed that the ISG considered his gift in identifying and grooming talents for public office which culminated in his unmatched credentials in installing governors and presidents. He also recalled how the former Lagos State governor fought through barriers to pick the APC presidential ticket and how he eventually won the election against all odds.
“He has worked for it and has demonstrated mastery of politics and governance. Tinubu has excelled in governance through his performance in Lagos, laying the foundation for a greater Lagos within eight years and still piloting the development of Lagos after leaving office. His influence also extends beyond Nigeria.
“His success in the last presidential election was also against all odds, hence he deserves the award as the father of democracy in Africa,” Adewale said.
While receiving the award on behalf of Tinubu, Ibikunle expressed his delight, saying Tinubu had tremendous respect for Ibadan and its indigenes. He added that the city and its indigenes are playing important roles in nation-building.
The group lauded Makinde for his giant strides and commitment to the development of Oyo State.
The president praised Makinde for giving the club the opportunity to acquire the club house from the government while he also commissioned the club’s sports pavilion named after its former president, late Lere Adigun a.k.a Sahara, (an engineer) who contributed to the development of the club.
The governor was represented by Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Physical Infrastructures and Survey, Olusegun Olayiwola.
Adeduntan was represented on the occasion by the head of ICT of the bank, Mogaji Wale Salami.
