Prominent Igede Ekiti-borned legal luminary bags progressive award
By Editor
An Igede Ekiti-borned legal luminary, Bar Iyanu Olumuagun was among other prominent indegenes of Igede-Ekiti, headquarters of Irepodun local government area of Ekiti State that received a honourary award from a socio-cultural organization in the town, the Igede Progressive Association (IPA)
The award organised by the IPA is part of the activities of a civic reception to honoured past and present political office holders who are indegenes of the town in recognition of their contributions towards the development and growth of the town.
During the ceremony which was attended by eminient personalities within and outside the town, the Legal Icon was also inducted into Igede-Ekiti Progressive Hall of Fame.
In her remarks shortly after receiving the award, Bar Iyanu Olumuagun, thanked the Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, Oba James Adelusi, Aladesuru II, for grooming her since childhood.
Reiterating her commitment towards the growth and development of the community, the highly elated Lawyer promised to always be a good ambassador of the town.
Her words: “The Kabiyesi was always with my mother every time when she was alive despite the fact that she was not born in Igede-Ekiti, but in Iyin Ekiti. Before and after the death of my mother, the Kabiyesi has been with me.
“He didn’t neglect me because I am a Lady, he took me as his own. He sponsored me to become a Lawyer, to where I am here. I have contributed to the progress of Igede-Ekiti and I will continue to do so.”
She thanked members of the IPA over the award and recognition given to her, she promised not to telent in her efforts by contributing more to the growth and advancement of the town.
In his royal message at the ceremony, the Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, Oba James Adelusi, Aladesuru II admonished indegenes of the town who are holding political positions to unite and not have negative bias 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, later pledged the readiness of his subjects to give out lands to residents for the development and advancement of the 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 office positions.
He equally noted that the awards bestowed upon deserving sons and daughters of the town was aimed at encouraging them to do more for the growth and development of Igede-Ekiti.
His words: “If you want to get something from someone is to show an appreciation to such person. This programme is for those people that held political posts and equally motivate people that recently took over the position of leadership in the state and local government so that it would be like a golden handcuff for them and ensure they will be gladly be committed to the development of the town.”
In his lecture titled, Impactful Governance: Igede-Ekiti in Perspective”, Barrister Bayo Ayo
urged the residents of the community to be committed to the growth of Igede-Ekiti.
He suggested that they should approach the issue of development in a business-like manner by rebranding the town to be known for commercial activities.
His words: “I wish to see the town blossom beyond this. It will always start from all of us. We cannot have it any better. We have to start small and grow. It will require commitment from the part of individuals.
“We must be willing and ready to commit. I want to encourage our brothers and sisters who are in government. You must be deliberate that this town move higher and at all time, let’s put Igede-Ekiti forward.”
Other award recipients include; Hons. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, Femi Akindele, Chief Mrs Yemisi Olaguniyu, Azeez Awolokun, Olawole Adedipe, Dr. Dotun Adetunberu, Ope Agbede, Ayo Akande, Sikuru Adewumi and Seun Osalusi.
The past leaders honoured include;. Chief Babatola Ogundana. Hons. Idowu Ige, Steve Ogunrinde, Akin Ogunyemi Sola Ojo, Busuyi Oladele,. Sade Adaralegbe, Ademilola Ogundipe and Kayode Oguntoyinbo among others.