The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Ekiti, on Saturday presented an Award of Excellence to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his remarkable impact on peace and development in Ekiti state.
The Prestigious Award for Peace and Development Efforts in Ekiti State was presented by the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, also a member of the Synod who was delegated to make the presentation on behalf of the diocese by the President of the Synod and Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rt. Revd. Olusola Ajayi at the 20th Synod of Ekiti Anglican Diocese held at All Saints Anglican Church, Iyin Ekiti.
The church also conferred awards on Legal luminary and founder of the Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) Aare Afe Babalola, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Air Vice Marshal Rufus Ojuawo (Rtd), Honourable member of Federal House of Representative; Lady Evangelist Grace Aduni Akintayo; Chief (Mrs) Florence Mobolaji Kumapayi and Ven. Prof. Sam. Akin. Jegede.
Rt. Revd. Ajayi who announced the awards, described the recipients as quintessential personalities, adding that the prestigious awards were to encourage them to continue their laudable contribution to the work of God and humanity.
“We are happy to have in our midst some of our quintessential personalities for the prestigious awards to encourage them to continue their laudable contribution to the work of God and humanity. They are our Papa, Aare Afe babalola, OFR, CON, SAN; our beloved Governor, His Execellcy, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji; Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, CON; SNR OFFR Air Vice Marshal Rufus Ojuawo (NAF/1875), Honourable member of Federal House of Representative; Lady Evangelist Grace Aduni Akintayo JP; Chief Mrs. Florence Mobolaji Kumapayi and Ven. Prof. Sam. Akin. Jegede.
“You are all welcome and we wish you further landmark successes in life in the name of Jesus Christ”, he said.
Rt Revd. Ajayi spoke glowingly of the giant strides and character of Governor Oyebanji which made the Diocese to consider him and others for the meritorious award.
Describing Governor Oyebanji as a selfless and astute administrator, the Synod President explained that the award was in recognition of the outstanding development being witnessed in the State, his immense ability to promote and sustain peace as well as the good relationship between the government and religious institutions in advancing the well-being of the community and ruling the State with the fear of God and utmost love for the people.
The Bishop pledged the continued support and prayers of the leadership and members of the Diocese for the Governor and the State.
“We welcome you all to this Synod session especially our Church patriarchs in attendance and their spouses; His excellency, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, level headed, honest, reliable, kindhearted, indefatigable, compassionate, resourceful and God fearing governor.
We appreciate your outstanding contributions to the security of Ekiti people and your care for all the citizenry of Ekiti State. Remain blessed in the name of Jesus Christ”, he prayed.
Accepting the award on behalf of the Governor, the State Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe expressed gratitude to the church for recognizing the Governor’s contributions to the development of the State and improving the lot of the people. Komolafe stressed that Governor Oyebanji “is the right leader for Ekiti at this critical time” and solicited the continued support and prayers of the church for the efforts of the Governor to develop the State.
He assured that the Governor would not depart from his administration’s all-inclusiveness policy adding that all stakeholders would continue to have their say in governance towards achieving the goal of shared prosperity for all.
Dignitaries at the Synod include: the immediate past Archbishop of Ondo Province and Retired Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Revd Bishop Christopher Omotunde, the Rtd Bishop of Akure Diocese, Rt Revd. Omojoyeigbe Micheal Ipimoye, the Rt. Revd Dr. S.O Sowale(Rtd), Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Otunba Kayode Fasae, former Chief Judge of Ekiti State and Diocesan Chancellor, Hon. Justice Ayodeji Daramola and other synod delegates.
The theme of the assembly was “Victory in Christ”.
