As part of his unflinching commitment and dedication to the development of Ibadan and its socioeconomic growth, the new Grand Commander of Ibadan Culture (GCIC) and Most Patriotic Ibadan Indegene (MPII) awardee, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Alhaji Akinola Makanjuola has splashed over 35 million naira on the Central Council of Ibadan Indegene (CCII) and all the Mogajis (family compound heads).
Alhaji Makanjuola also donated brand new vans to the CCII and the Ibadan Mogajis as part of efforts to empower their capacities to do more in the ongoing developmental agenda.
Aare Makanjuola made the donations on Sunday May 26, during his official decorations as the Grand Commander of Ibadan Culture and Most Patriotic Ibadan Indegene at his Agodi GRA private residence in Ibadan.
Consequently, the Oyo state deputy governor, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, while felicitating the Alhaji Makanjuola over his twin awards lauded De-Damak for his accomplishments noting that his self discipline, principles and financial prudence and his close relationship with God have shaped his life and guided him to the success he has recorded so far.
It was earlier reported that De-Damak as Aare Makanjuola is popularly known was decorated by the Council of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigene (CCII) on Sunday, May 26 at his Agodi GRA private residence in Ibadan.
Also, the federal lawmaker representing Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Honorable Dikirulah Adedeji Olajide popularly known as ‘Odidiomo’ has expressed his felicitation to the business mogul calling on others to emulate his selfless life and accessibility to all.
Recall that the CCII President General, Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole and the Executive Council of the umbrella body, face and voice of all Ibadan indigenes worldwide in a show of recognition for his immense contributions to the development of Ibadanland conferred the prestigious honor on Aare Makanjuola.
The deputy governor urged Alhaji Makanjuola to continue to live an upright and remain in the path of benevolence, and service to humanity which have endeared him to many across religions and ethnicities.
“Aare, if this was how you’ve doing to attract God’s abundant blessings, please, I want to urge you to continue this way because your ways are pleasant and endearing.
“In a nutshell, we have to continue to pray to God on behalf on Aare because there’s so much that can be said about this great man. What his friend and others have said about him are very true and correct.” The deputy governor said.
Earlier, Odidiomo who is a second term member of the House of representatives, in his goodwill message, described Alhaji Makanjuola as a detribalized leader whose life is worthy of emulation by all aspiring for greatness.
“This is another remarkable day in the life our father, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta, Alhaji Akinola Makanjuola. His life has been a testament to dedication to service, humility and exemplary leadership.
“I’m very proud to be associated with this great son of Ibadanland and I can only call on everyone aspiring for greatness to emulate his life of dedication and service to humanity particularly in the advancement of Ibadan cultural heritage and culture home and abroad.” Hon. Adedeji said.
Other important personalities presemt at the event who also spoke include the Chief Judge of Oyo state, Justice Iyabo Yerima, National Deputy Chairman of PDP (South) Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, two term former governor of Ogun state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and other top personalities.
In their separate goodwill messages, they acknowledged Alhaji Makanjuola’s selflessness and commitment to the development of socio-economic and socio-cultural development via several acts of benevolence and supports.
Present at the event are the Chief Imam of Ibadan, Sheikh Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Oyo state chapter Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, national deputy chairman (south) of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, and former Nigerian Ambassador, Ibironke Adefowope.
Also, Chief Nureni Akanbi, the Oyo state Commissioner of Police, CP Adebola Hamzat represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, members of the Olubadan in-council, member representing Ibadan South East I at the Oyo state House of Assembly, Hon. Opeyemi Modiu, executive chairman of Oyo state Local Government Pension Board, Hon. Ademola Ige, the Chairman of Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat.
Earlier in his brief remarks, Barrister Ajewole, the CCII boss extolled Aare Makanjuola describing him as a proud and illustrious son of Ibadanland who exemplifies a typical Yoruba ‘omoluabi ethos’.
The CCII President, who drifted memory lane recounted how the umbrella body of Ibadan Indegenes was formed in 1982 as a result of a 2-day political insult on the entire people of Ibadanland, said the body has since become a global brand.
Barrister Ajewole said, Alhaji Makanjuola was honored with the recognition and award of Grand Commander of Ibadan Indegenes as a result of his many years of selfless commitment to the advancement and projection of Ibadan culture and traditional heritage.
Several developmental plans and projects for the growth of the city through the CCII under the Ajewole led leadership were highlighted while noting that the GCII and MPII were the two highest honor the body could bestow on any individual of Ibadan origin.
Highlight of the ceremony were presentation of awards to Alhaji Makanjuola for his dedicated service to Ibadan and humanity as a whole.