Another Feather To Aregbesola's Cap, As He Bags INL's MAN-OF-THE-YEAR AWARD

The governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola was the cynosure of all eyes on Friday, February 21, 2014 as  he was honoured by Independent Newspaper Ltd,  publishers of Daily, Saturday and Sunday Independent with 2013 Man-of- the-year  award.

Scores of dignitaries from all walks of life gathered at the Eko Hotels Convention Centre, venue of the event to celebrate the Astute Leader of repute.

The event kicked off with a lecture to commemorate Nigeria's Centenary celebration with the theme: Nigeria: A background glance and the next 100 years, which was delivered by legal icon, Prof Itse Sagay.

Prof. Itse Sagay, a renowned legal scholar who spoke on the flaws in Nigeria's federalism commended the State of Osun for evolving a new identity, Anthem which according to him is essential traits of federal system.

Editor, Daily Independent, Rotimi Durojaiye, stated in a statement that the award was held to celebrate the governor for his exemplary performance in office, especially for his outstanding accomplishments with his educational reform programmes, which include the innovative application of the tablet of knowledge, Opon Imo, which will lead to the emergence of a whole cadre of youths equipped to play pivotal role in a modern economy.

Governor Aregbesola in his remarks expressed gratitude to God for the award adding that he was surprised to emerge the winner of the award.

Dignitaries have been showering encomiums on the dynamic and visionary leader who has moved the state of Osun to greater heights against all odds.

Acting National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Muiz Banire described Aregbesola as “an unusual administrator with a Midas touch. A man most often misunderstood. He is a revolutionist and a passionate leader committed to bringing about positive change to the State of Osun in particular and Nigeria in general.

“I heartily congratulate him on his investiture as INL Man-of-the-Year,” he said.

Chairman, House of Representatives committee on Anti-Corruption, Values and Ethics, James Faleke, described Aregbesola as “a man of great ability, good conscience, highly intelligent and above all, a man of the people who is very loyal to the cause of Nigeria's transformation”.

In his tribute, a chieftain of the APC and former Lagos State Head of Service (HoS), Akinsanya Sunny Ajose, described Aregbesola as a symbol of commitment leadership aimed at uplifting the downtrodden in the society.

“Rauf is a very pragmatic, energetic, and totally committed leader who is passionate about uplifting the down trodden in the society. He is a self-made man whose primary concern is the growth and development of the youths in the country, particularly in his state,” Ajose said.

Chairman, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, Kamal Ayinde Bayewu, said the INL Man-of-the-Year Award is a symbol of Aregbesola's visionary leadership.

According to him, the award will spur the Governor to do more if re-elected by people of Osun State.

Osun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Sunday Akere said “It is a deserved recognition to an unusual Governor who has been carrying out governance in an unusual manner and to the glory of God has been reaping in leaps and bounds unusual results.

“Ogbeni campaigned with his six points integral action plans which he has implemented and imparted in the lives of the people of the state.

“Winning awards to us in the State of Osun is an acknowledgement to do more. It is a reflection of the fact that the people noticed and appreciate what we are doing and the need to do more.”

Member representing Apapa Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Olumuyiwa Jimoh, noted that Aregbesola is a man favoured by history and that history would be on record for many years to come.

He pointed out that despite the economic situation of the state, Ogbeni has remained focused by his mission “and today we have economic growth in the state”.

“Aregbesola is one of us and that makes the difference, just few months back, an international human rights group, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), took note of his achievements and he was awarded for it, and also, the Independent Newspaper Limited discovered this same and they awarded the Man of the Year for 2013,” Jimoh said.

Governor Aregbesola had in the past won many awards and has recently won several awards which include the Odua Person of the Year 2013 award on account of the serious effort he has injected into the project of restoring the Yoruba nation its pace-setter role it clinched under the illustrious age of Papa Obafemi Awolowo.

In addition, he also won Potential Man-of-the-year 2012 award, organised by Facts & Potential Magazine and the National Chronicle Newspaper Man-of- the-Year award for 2013.

Dignitaries who graced the auspicious occasion include members of the State of Osun Executive Council, Members of Osun and Lagos House of Assembly, Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) , Ibikunle Amosun(Ogun), represented by Gbenga Ashiru, Commissioner of Finance, Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), represented by deputy governor Adejoke Orelope Adefulire among others.