The Osun State Government has unveiled its plan to honour 28 eminent persons, including Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and former Governor Bisi Akande as part of activities to mark the 30th anniversary of the state.
Charles Akinola, Chief of Staff to Governor Gboyega Oyetola, revealed this at a news conference on Wednesday.
Akinola, who spoke in Osogbo, said the date of the event would be announced later.
Akinola said the awardees, who would be honoured under four categories, were selected by a jury on the basis of their service to Osun State and contribution to the global and local societies.
He said they would be awarded under the categories of Osun lifetime achievement, legacy, merit and distinguished awards.
Some of the awardees are Folorunsho Alakija, Chancellor, Osun State University; Pastor Matthew Asimolowo, Senior Pastor, Kingsway Christian International Centre; and Sheikh Abdur’rasheed Hadiyatulla, President, Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria.
Akinola said: “Both indigenes and non-indigenes who have contributed to the development of Osun were meticulously selected, and there is no restriction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity or tribe.
“It is our conviction that this will serve as inspiration to others to contribute to the progress of the state.”
The Chief of Staff also said an anniversary colloquium would be organised on September 9, adding that it will be held physically and virtually due to the peculiarity of the season.
He added: “This is an anniversary worth celebrating because of the illustrious struggles and successes the state has recorded in its journey, and also an opportunity to catalogue milestones recorded in the journey so far.
“The objective of the colloquium, among others, is to discuss the developmental strides in the State of Osun since creation, the roles played by actors till date, key lessons and suggestions for attaining greater heights.”
Akinola said high profile resource persons expected at the colloquium included Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto; Dr. Reuben Abati, former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity; and Dr. Yemi Farounbi, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Osun State was created on August 27, 1991 by the then military President, General Ibrahim Babangida.
The state was carved out of the old Oyo State.
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