HON. ABIOLA MAKINDE BAGS DISTINGUISHED ONDO STATE MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD AS NUJ FEDERATED CHAPEL CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GLITZ & GLAMOUR
Hon. Abiola Peter Makinde, member of the Nigeria Federal House of Representatives, representing Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency, has been honoured with the Distinguished Leader Award and recognized as Ondo State Man of the Year in recognition and appreciation of his numerous impacts towards humanity within and outside political fold.
This prestigious recognition was conferred on him during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federated Chapel, Ondo State Council, held on Sunday, June 22nd, 2025, at the OSDPC Events Hall in a ceremony filled with pomp and pageantry.
In his remarks, Comrade Alaba Aliu, Chairman of the Chapel, described Hon. Makinde as a trailblazer and beacon of hope. He highlighted the unanimous decision to award him as a reflection of his selfless service to humanity and his impactful roles within and beyond the political sphere.
The Grand Patron of the Chapel, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan and the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa congratulated all awardees, urging them to continue their laudable contributions to society.
He commended Hon. Makinde as a true representative who has leveraged his position to deliver tangible dividends of democracy, particularly through infrastructural developments in his constituency.
Hon. Makinde, fondly known as “Oshaprapra,” sponsored the bill that led to the upgrade of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, to a Federal University of Education, among other achievements.
Other distinguished awardees included Leke Adegbite, State Chairman NUJ Ondo State Council, Revd. David Akinjagunla Adekahinsi, Comrade Ademola Odudu, State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW); Rev. (Dr.) Elizabeth Damilola Oshin, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Hon. Ewatomi Owoeye and Proprietress of Mummy’s Place International School and Emplace College; and Amb. (Dr.) Omobola Ojoge, Principal Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School Akure, Assistant Continental Overseer of RCCG Continent 3 and Regional Pastor of Region 22, Dr. Tayo Olujuyigbe among others.
At the event some of he members of the Chapel were also recognized for their efforts towards the good of the union; people like Prince Adefemi Ojopagogo, Prince Adebayo Adediran, Mrs. Ngozi Aduloju and others.
On his response and show of commitment to serve God and humanity better, Pastor Elijah Olujimi Ajibade, ACO Continent 3 and Regional Pastor of RCCG Region 22, expressed profound gratitude to the NUJ Federated Chapel for the honor. He humbly accepted the award, attributing all achievements to God’s guidance and expressing readiness to continue engaging in impactful work that justifies the recognition. Pastor Ajibade noted that many awardees were unaware of the selection criteria but firmly believed their quiet good works had been observed and deserved commendation. He emphasized that these awards reflect genuine service aimed at glorifying God through positive societal contributions.
He urged everyone to consider the source of their inspiration, reaffirming that their accomplishments are rooted in divine influence. In closing, Pastor Ajibade thanked the organizers and well-wishers for their support, praying for abundant blessings upon them and encouraging a forward-moving spirit in their continued good works.
Earlier at the event, Professor Rufus Sola Fayose of Adekunle Ajasin University delivered an insightful lecture titled “Good Governance: A Path to Development in Nigeria.” He underscored good governance as the foundation of a just, peaceful, and prosperous nation, highlighting essential principles such as transparency, accountability, participation, rule of law, equity, and responsiveness. According to Professor Fayose, good governance is critical not only for economic growth but also for improving education, healthcare, social equity, and human rights, thereby creating opportunities and reducing poverty.
The lecture addressed Nigeria’s ongoing challenges, including corruption, political instability, and inequality, which impede effective governance and development. Despite some anti-corruption victories, Nigeria’s low human development index and widespread public distrust remain pressing issues. Professor Fayose called for strengthening institutional oversight, increasing citizen participation, investing in human capital, and promoting inclusive growth to close regional disparities and ensure no one is left behind.
In conclusion, Professor Fayose emphasized that sustainable development depends on collective commitment from leaders, institutions, and citizens to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability. He urged Nigerians to embrace these principles to overcome challenges and build a thriving, equitable society.
