By Dipo Olowookere
Ondo State, especially Akure, the state capital, wore a different mood on Sunday, November 27, 2022, as dignitaries from different walks of life were around for the 2022 Leadership Excellence And Dignity (LEAD) Awards.
Business Post gathered that a few hours before the show started, the guests were already coming into the venue of the ceremony, the Dome International Conference Centre.
The arrival of the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and the First Lady of the state, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, signalled the importance of the programme.
The convener of the event, Mr Abiola Alaba Peters (AAP), could not hide his excitement at the calibre of people who thronged the ceremony to be honoured.
“I want to say a huge thank you to the Ondo State Government, through the office of the First Lady and the Deputy Governor, for honouring us with their presence.
“I also want to thank our sponsors, Denki Wire, Cape Town, Alba Royal, Shaunze Lounge, G-Sound and the entire Project Lead Africa team for their huge support, my Project Director, Adebukola Oba, Gbenga Shaba, Jenifer Nwosu, and my family, thank you for being there,” he enthused.
In her speech, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu, while speaking on the theme of the day, Rewarding Tenacity, An Example for the Next Generation, urged Nigerians to avoid shortcuts to success, emphasising that it is more honourable to endure difficult times to succeed than to take a shortcut and be disgraced.
“I stand before you today as a typical example of a Nigerian from a humble background who endured all sorts of temptations and distractions to come this far. My background, training, marriage and attainments are all evident products of tenacity.
“The absence of tenacity in the younger generation of Nigerians forms part of the problem we battle as a people.
“Of the prized value system that the society seems to have lost, delayed gratification ranks high. By delayed gratification, I mean the ability to suspend the desire for immediate gain in favour of later and greater reward. This value, great as it is, has become virtually non-existent, and its absence, a threat,” she remarked and thanked the organisers of the 2022 LEAD Awards for honouring those who have lived an exemplary life.
The highlight of the evening was the celebration of several sons and daughters of Ondo State, who were honoured for their contributions to the development of the Sunshine state.
The awardees were Dr Tunji Abayomi, Pro-Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University; Adekuoroye Odunnayo, Ondo State-born international wrestler; Mrs Olamide Falana, Senior Special Adviser to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Gender Matters; and Tunji Alapini Jr, ADC to the Governor.
Others were Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, Gbenga Olaseeni, MurrayKurves Secret, Seun Alabi, Lijoka Jesu-Demilade, DG PPIMU, Engr. Babajide Akeredolu, and Ceci Supermarket, among others.
While Kuchi-Kuchi crooner, J’odie, serenaded the guests with her sweet voice, a popular actor and filmmaker, Yomi Fabiyi, anchored the event, with Mr Nigeria International, Odunnayo Ajewole Emmanuel, making an appearance.