PHOTO CAPTION:
L-R; Vice Chairman Osun
Development Association(ODA) and Chairman Planning Committee, Dr. Tunji
Olugbodi; Aide to the Honourable
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Charles Akinola (representing the Honourable
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, HE. Adegboyega Oyetola); Chairman Osun
Development Association, Dr. Segun Aina;
General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General
Mohammed Usman (representing Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja); and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria
Customs Service, Adewale Adeniji during the ODA Grand reception in honour of
their icons in Lagos.
The Osun Development
Association (ODA), a distinguished assembly of non-partisan Osun State elders,
thought leaders, technocrats, and professionals, honors three prominent
indigenes of the State for their outstanding contributions and service to the
State and nation.
At a special recognition event
held at the weekend in Lagos, with the theme, "Honour Well Earned.”, the
association presented awards of special recognition and honours to the former
Governor of the State and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, HE
Adegboyega Oyetola; The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja and The
Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi who are
all indigenes of the State holding prominent roles in the administration of
President Bola Tinubu.
The association also at the
event inducted 14 new members into its membership. Speaking about the objective
of the event, the Chairman of the association, Dr. Segun Aina stated that,
“This gathering not only provide us with an opportunity to network, socialize
and exchange deep thoughts on issues of State and Nation, but it is also an
avenue to recognize, celebrate and identify with three indigenes of our beloved
State who have distinguished themselves in their career paths evidenced by
their recent call to higher national service with their appointment into
strategic roles in the Federal
Government of Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR”.
“We hope to seize this occasion
to exchange useful ideas and thoughts with them and provide our support to
enhance excellent performance during their tenure”, he added.
Speaking about the new
inductees, Dr. Aina noted that, “Another major element of today's event is the
induction of fourteen new members into our revered Association. Membership of
ODA is by invitation and these personalities made up of eleven men and three
women have been carefully screened and found well prepared and eminently
qualified to join others to drive the ideals of our Association and support the
development of Osun State and its people”.
Dr Aina noted that the
association has since its establishment in 1995 played a crucial role in
shaping the social-economic fortunes of the State through its various
interventions such as peace and conflict resolutions, policy advocacy, public
enlightenment programmes, thought leadership, investment facilitation and has
been a great pillar of intellectual and material supports to every successive
government in the State.
Expressing his appreciation for
the recognition, one of the award recipients, the Honorable Minister of Marine
and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola noted that, “I am truly humbled and
immensely grateful to the sons and daughters of my beloved State, Osun, under
the auspices of Osun Development Association, for organising this special
reception in my honour to mark my appointment as the Minister of Marine and
Blue Economy”.
“I am also aware that two other
illustrious sons of Osun, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and
the CG of Customs, Wale Adeniyi MFR are equally being honoured today. On our
behalf, I say we are indeed grateful for this rare honour and gesture”.
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