Adeboye, Onigbinde, 26 others for Osun merit award
From Seun Adeoye, Osogbo
AS Osun State begins a week-long celebration of its 13th anniversary, 28 indigenes including Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye; General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbide, former chief coach of the Super Eagles and Miss Ifeoluwapo Adeniyi, a 14 year-old author of four novels have been selected for merit award.
Besides, two non-indigenes, Mr. Dele Momodu, publisher Ovation Magazine and one Mr. Abiola John Abe were also selected for the anniversary award.
Chairman of the state Merit Award Committee and the state's Head of Service, Mr. Segun Akinwusi said while briefing journalists in Osogbo that the slain former member of the State Assembly, Odunayo Olagbaju, late Prophet Ezekiel Babalola of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) and Professor Theophilus Odetola were selected for post-humous award.
Other indigenes who were considered for the awards according to Akinwusi, included Dr. Yemi Farounbi and Mr. Mike Awoyinfa (Media practice), Prof. Olu Aina (Science and Technology), Chief Bisi Omidiora (Business and Philanthropy), Prof. Tomilayo Adekanye and Prof. John Ayoade (Education) as well as Sheikh Salahudeen Olayiwola (religious activities).
Chiefs Jimoh Buraimoh, Muraina Oyelami and Alhaji Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande) made the list of the awardees in the arts and culture category, Jacob Makinde, Muhib Lawal, Gabriel Olabode and Edward Awofisibe were also considered for community development awards.
Seven public servants Akinwusi said, also got the nod of his committee for the award. He gave their names as Mrs. Agbolade Kehinde (traffic warden) Suara Alani (driver) Oladigbo Lawrence (forester), Tolulola Adedeji (typist) and Mathew Orowale (executive officer).
Miss Ifeoluwapo Adeniyi, author of four novels, is a third year junior secondary school pupil.
The award according to Akinwusi would come up on Monday.
Through this gesture, he stated that the government "hopes to show that patriotism, hard work and integrity in service will no longer go un-rewarded."
The award committee chairman added that the anniversary was to also show that the state "is blessed with men and women of immense integrity and accomplishment, in various fields of human endeavours."
Others nominees from the 55 names submitted by individuals, corporate bodies, unions communities and agencies of government, Akinwusi said, would receive letters of commendation from the State Government.
Osun was carved out of the old Oyo State on August 27, 1991.`
