Twenty indigenes of Ekiti State, who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavours, have been presented the 2012 Ekiti State Merit award by the state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
The recipients included Pa Olabode Olajide, who had served meritoriously as official driver to the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, former Premier of the old western region; Chief S.L. Akintola; and Dr. Moses Majekodunmi.
The award was also conferred posthumously on a former Deputy Governor of old Ondo State, Chief Akinwale Omoboriowo; renowned professor of Economics, Sam Aluko; foremost Neurologist, Prof. Kayode Osuntokun; and 16 other Ekiti State indigenes who have done the state proud in different ways.
The list included Prof. Omotayo Olutoye, first female professor of Yoruba Studies in the world; Captain Bolaji Agbelusi, a pilot and the first female to command an all-Nigerian female flight crew in the country; wife of the first civilian Governor of the state, Erelu Angela Adebayo, for her philanthropy; the first Military Administrator of the state, Colonel Inua Bawa (rtd); and World Bank Lead Procurement Specialist, Chief Bayo Awosemusi.
Others were the first Nigerian to win the Caine Literary Award, Rotimi Babatunde; renowned professor of Neuro-surgery, Professor Emeritus Ademola Adeloye; the composer of Ekiti State Anthem, Joshua Ologunde; foremost photographer and President of the National Association of Photographers, Chief Julius Ajayi (of the Little by Little photo fame); and popular traditional mat weaver, Madam Ayoola Ajayi.
The first Secretary to the state Government and Head of Service, Joshua Ibidunmoye; Nollywood actor and Glo Ambassador, Odunlade Adekola; renowned potter, Mrs. Aina Olajide; lead woman musician, Chief Adepeji Afolabi; and veteran actor, Chief Jimoh Aliu, were also honoured at the colourful event that took place at the Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, on Thursday.
Fayemi said his administration would not relent in rewarding hard work, which is one of the values for which the Ekiti people are noted.
The governor stated that the award was to engender more outstanding performances by Ekiti State indigenes across the world.
Fayemi added that the institution of the “Hall of Fame” is to provide a platform through which all Ekitis and friends of Ekiti State, both at home and in the Diaspora, regardless of religion, class, political or human classifications would be celebrated on the account of achievement.
He emphasized that the award recipients have all contributed their quota to the development and growth of the state and the society at large, adding that the award was government’s little way of expressing appreciation for their efforts at making Ekiti State proud and sustaining her sobriquet: “Land of Honour”.
While stating that his administration remains committed to restoring the lost glory of the state, the governor traced the erosion of the Ekiti State values to egoism, selfishness, political intolerance and sacrifice of meritocracy on the altar of mediocrity, among others.
Participants at the event commended government for remembering renowned sculptor, Chief Olowe, many of whose works are said to abound in European museums and galleries, and described as one of the finest sculptors/carvers in history.
Receiving the award on behalf of his father, Akinwole Omoboriowo (jnr) commended the state government for organising the award.
He said that aside the fact that it shows that the government recognises the efforts of the awardees, the gesture will also spur the upcoming generation to work harder for the state and uphold Ekiti values.
Omoboriowo added that it was laudable that government could take time to recognize its citizens who have contributed to the development of the state, adding that this will further engender more citizens’ participation in community development.
Prof. Olutoye, while speaking on behalf of the award recipients, said they were highly delighted to be so honoured.
She said the creation of Ekiti State in 1996 has accelerated the development of the once neglected area.
She lauded the state government for deeming it fit to honour some of the citizens who have contributed in one way or the other to the overall development of the state.
