The Special Assistant to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Interfaith Affairs, Reverend Femi Ibikunle has received an Outstanding Performance Award for his contributions to the advancement of the good governance in the state.
The award was presented at an event organised by Iseya Communications, an Ibadan-based media organisation, at the Oyo State Local Government Staff Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The ceremony was part of activities marking the organisation’s 25th anniversary.
The award was presented by Dr Nureni, Adeniran, who doubles as the Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYSUBEB) and Chairman, APM Apex Campaign Committee for Governorship and Presidential elections in Oyo state.
Speaking to westernmirror.com.ng after the award, Ibikunle, who was elated by the recognition, reaffirmed his confidence in the political dominance of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor’s aide, while expressing appreciation for the recognition, declared that the APM, under the political leadership of Governor Makinde, remained firmly in control of the state’s political structure and strategically positioned to secure victory across elective positions in 2027.
He maintained that the growing political activities of the party, its grassroots mobilisation and the administration’s performance had placed it in a strong position to retain the confidence of the electorate.
He dismissed the impact of former colleagues who have resigned their appointment from government saying, anybody who fails to conquer personal greed or master the art of overcoming temptation will remain a slave to their conscience, because temptations must surely come.
“Even Jesus Christ our Lord, at a point, was subjected to temptations. So as we go through life at different stages, those temptations will present themselves, what we make of them or how we deal with them is what defines us, Ibikunle said.
The award recipient described the honour as a recognition of his commitment to service, particularly his efforts towards promoting religious harmony, peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement among the different religious groups in Oyo State.
He, however, used the occasion to express unalloyed support for Governor Makinde’s Reset Nigeria political project, describing it as a bold initiative capable of providing the country with a new direction through purposeful leadership, institutional reforms and people-centred governance.
According to him, the vision behind Reset Nigeria goes beyond political calculations, insisting that Nigeria needs a leadership model that prioritises education, security, economic productivity and a healthy socio-political environment.
He equally reaffirmed his confidence in the Omituntun 3.0 agenda of the APM governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, expressing optimism that his administration, if elected, would consolidate the achievements of the Makinde government while introducing fresh ideas and practical solutions to emerging challenges.
He said Adekanmbi’s political trajectory, experience, understanding of governance and familiarity with the developmental direction of Oyo State had positioned him to take the state’s development agenda to another level.
On the recent resignation of some political appointees and other individuals from the Makinde-led administration, the governor’s aide dismissed suggestions that the development would weaken the political fortunes of the ruling political movement.
He argued that political resignations should not be mistaken for the collapse of a political structure, boasting that the APM remained firmly rooted across the state’s political landscape.
He further declared that those abandoning the political platform ahead of the 2027 elections would have an opportunity to reassess their decisions after Adekanmbi’s anticipated electoral victory.
“Those who are resigning from government and believing that their departure will translate into the political downfall of this administration should wait until after the 2027 elections.
“They will learn their political lessons when Bimbo Adekanmbi emerges victorious,” he insisted.
He added that the strength of the political movement was not determined by the number of individuals holding government appointments but by its connection with the ordinary people, its grassroots structures and the confidence voters had in its leadership.
The award recipient also expressed confidence that the electorate would distinguish between political noise and tangible performance, arguing that the achievements recorded under Makinde’s administration would remain a major factor in the coming electoral contest.
He pledged to intensify his political mobilisation and engagement across religious institutions and grassroots communities, insisting that the 2027 elections would provide an opportunity to consolidate the administration’s developmental legacy and advance the Omituntun 3.0 vision.
He maintained that the APM was not merely preparing for another election but was building a political movement around continuity, performance and a broader national aspiration anchored on the Reset Nigeria project.
He however, dedicated the award to Governor Makinde and other stakeholders who, according to him, have continued to provide the enabling environment for effective service delivery, religious harmony and inclusive governance in Oyo State.