(News Investigators)In recognition of their distinguished contributions to community development, the duo of former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the African Newspapers Plc, Mr Folu Olamiti and the immediate past Commissioner for Information in Ondo State, Honourable Kayode Akinmade, were, on Saturday, honoured with awards of meritorious service by Alade community in Idanre local government area of Ondo State.
The awards were given during the 2017 Alade Day held at the palace of the Aladeokun of Alade, Oba Olusegun Ayodele Akinbola in Alade, Ondo State, at a ceremony chaired by the founder Elizade University, Chief Michael Adeojo.
Speaking on the occasion, Olamiti, a former Resident Consultant to the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and retired Tribune MD, described the event as unique one meant to celebrate worthy citizens who made contributions to the development of the community.
“I am overwhelmed by this award and I am highly honoured. For somebody to recognize my worth in a town where I was raised up as a child over 60 years ago. It is a worthy honour for me,’ he said.
Adding, “We thank His that everything we have done today is for the glory and development of Alade Idanre.”
He charged Nigerians to address the issue of corruption through attitudinal change. He lamented that some Nigerians were stealing money that they could not even spend in their life time,
Also speaking on the occasion, Akinmade expressed gratitude to the Aladeokun, whom he described as a unique theatre practitioner and doyen of acting in Nigeria.
He added: ” Looking at the calibre of people honoured today, you can see that this is not just an award for award sake.
“As a two-time commissioner, I have interacted meaningfully with this community and the people appreciate the modest contributions that I have made in putting Idanre in the front burner of development.
“One of the measures we took when we were in government was to make Idanre a tourism destination by organising social events where people gather to celebrate our culture.”
Akinmade urged the Ondo State government to sustain the free education initiative of the Mimiko administration, noting that free education remained the cornerstone of development in the South-West.
