The Governor of Oyo state, Engineer Seyi Makinde has received an outstanding performance award in humanitarian services from Community Chest Council (CCC), Oyo state, over his outstanding performance in poverty alleviation programmes which improve living standard of Oyo State residents.
CCC, which is the umbrella body of over 300 registered Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the state, also used the occasion to solicited for the legislation of legal framework for the establishment of Social Welfare Trust Fund (SWTF) which will serve as a pool of funds towards an charity organizations in times of emergencies and distress.
Presenting the award to Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday evening at a gala/award night held at the banquet hall of Premier Hotel, Ibadan, the Chairperson, Oyo State Community Chest Council and Founder, Sola Olagunju Foundation, Ambassador (Dr) Olusola Olagunju, who is also a recipient of the award, described the governor as a friend of the less privileged in the society.
A member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Stanley Adedeji ‘Odidiomo’ representing Ibadan North West/South West federal constituency and the state Assembly lawmaker, Hon. Olawumi Oladeji representing Ogbomoso North State Constituency who also bagged awards for their commitment and service to humanity commended the organizers of the event for their selfless works in the society.
Others who were awarded include, Speaker Oyo Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Oyo State, Engr Benjamin Okorie, the Executive Chairman, Oyo Road Transport Management Agency (OYRTMA), Akin Fagbemi, High Chief (Dr) Olusoji Ijidale, Pastor Tunji Agboola, Olalekan Adeyemi, Chief Mrs. Olabisi Ajayi, Evangelist Aminat Alli and others.
Earlier, retired Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu who was the keynote speaker likened Governor Makinde-led administration to that of former Governor, late Lam Adesina, saying he has found similarities between the two which he said it was divine and not a mere coincidence.
Speaking with journalists, Hon. Stanley Adedeji ‘Odidiomo’, shortly after receiving his award and announcement the donation of one million naira to support the SWTF, commended the organizers’ efforts.
Several participants and awardees made several donations to support the trust fund, among whom was the Oyo State President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, High Chief Benjamin Ndubuisi Okorie who pledge an undisclosed monthly financial support to support the CCC.
Also present among top government functionaries at the event were, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Grace Oderinde; Executive Assistant on Administration to Governor Makinde, Reverend Idowu Ogedengbe; and Special Adviser on Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA), among others.