As part of efforts to recognise and celebrate outstanding individuals in various fields, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has conferred a “Distinguished Fellow Award” on the Oyo state coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Mr Abel Odoba Oche.
The award ceremony held at the Civil Centre, Idi-Ape, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was part of activities lined up for the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Week organised by CCII.
The CCII President-General, Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole said CCII decided to honor outstanding Ibadan sons and daughters as well as non-indigenes who have made significant contributions to the development of the city.
“Today, we honor those who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the development and unity of Ibadanland. This occasion showcases our shared values and collective efforts.
He noted that the awards which extend to personalities in business, education, healthcare, and entertainment, is to inspire young people to strive for excellence.
Speaking upon recieving the award, the Oyo state NYSC coordinator, Mr Abel Oche, commended the CCII for recognising and celebrating the efforts of non-idigenes.
“I appreciate the CCII for considering me who’s an outsider for the award, I will never take the honour for granted. The award will spur me to do more.”
He thanked the council and residents of Ibadan at large for being being supportive of the cardinal programmes of NYSC.
“They come to watch [and support] our programmes and activities through health initiatives to rural dwellers, posting of corps members to rural areas to support health and education and they felt the contributions to the socio cultural development of Ibadanland and Oyo state in general.”
“I also thank the NYSC for giving me the platform to perform, all I am today is through the NYSC. I’m overwhelmed, I didn’t know they took notice of what I was doing but God touched them to reward me in this magnitude.”
Speaking upon receiving the award, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr Abel Oche, who feelings of excitement couldn’t be hidden, commended Ibadan Indigenes for being supportive to the cardinal programmes of NYSC, saying their non discriminatory gesture contributed to his high performance in the state.
“I appreciate the CCII for considering me who’s an outsider for the award, I will never take the honour for granted. The award will spur me to do more. They came watch our programmes and activities through health initiatives to rural dwellers, posting of corps members to rural areas to support health and education and they felt the contributions to the socio-cultural development of Ibadanland and Oyo state in general.”“I also thank the NYSC for giving me the platform to perform, all I am today is through the NYSC. I’m overwhelmed, I didn’t know they took notice of what I was doing but God touched them to reward me in this magnitude.”
Other recipients of the award by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes include, Agbaakin Benedict Akika who received the Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadanland” (MOFI) award.
