The Ibarapa Critical Stakeholders’ Forum (ICSF) has honoured distinguished sons and daughters of Ibarapa for their contributions to public service, academia, leadership, security and national development.
The honourees were recognised at a grand reception and recognition ceremony held on Saturday in honour of prominent indigenes drawn from the seven towns of Ibarapa, with the Head of Public and Civil Service of Oyo State, Dr. Adenike Fasina, as the principal honouree.
Others honoured included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Peter Olamakinde Olapegba; Vice-Chancellor, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan; Rector, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi; and General Officer Commanding, 82 Mechanised Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General Ayobami Fadairo.
The ceremony also recognised several permanent secretaries, senior government officials, a High Court judge, academics, security officers and other professionals who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields.
In his welcome address, the Coordinator of ICSF described the forum as a non-partisan, inclusive and community-oriented platform established to bring together professionals, traditional leaders, public servants, academics, business leaders and community development advocates committed to the advancement of Ibarapa.
He said the forum’s vision was to build a united, progressive and prosperous Ibarapa by harnessing the talents and achievements of its people for present and future generations.
The forum lauded Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for the confidence reposed in Fasina through her appointment as Head of Service, describing her elevation as a source of pride to Ibarapa.
The coordinator noted that Fasina was not the first indigene of the area to occupy the position, recalling that Ibarapa had previously produced two Heads of Service, Mr Samson Gboyega Olaoye and Pastor (Mrs) Modupe Akinbode.
He called for greater collaboration among Ibarapa stakeholders to transform collective ideas and goodwill into measurable development outcomes.
Responding, Fasina appreciated the forum for recognising her and other distinguished Ibarapa indigenes, while urging workers in Oyo State to remain committed and dedicated to their duties.
She was conferred with the Grand Distinguished Public Service Award, while other honourees received the Distinguished Public Service Recognition Award.
Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Olapegba commended ICSF for the initiative and assured that the honourees would continue to demonstrate excellence in their respective places of assignment.
Among the other honourees were Dr Kafilat Adefunke Hamzat, Permanent Secretary, Local Government Sector, Ibarapa Zone; Prince Imran Adegoke Adenrele; Mr Muyiwa Sunday Olagoke; Mr Zacheaus Olawale Olaniyan; Mr Biliaminu Aderinto; Mr Oluwatosin Aderibigbe; Justice Yemi Saubana Adekunle; Dr Mofoluwake Ibitoye; Mr Jacob Olusegun Olaewe; and Mrs Adejuwon Bolatito Sekinat.
Also honoured were Force Communication Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Hammed Sule; Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Engr. Olufemi Emmanuel Dare; and Registrar, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, Mrs Funmilayo Bosede Akintunde.
The event was chaired by Chairman, Eruwa Elders’ Council, Mr S.O. Oladeni, and former Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Funmilayo Orisadeyi.
Traditional rulers at the ceremony included the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola; the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye; and Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Alhaji Rafiu Adeniyi Olaniyi, alongside other prominent sons and daughters of Ibarapa.
