LAGOS, 16 October 2023 – I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the Community Service Award from His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, during the recently concluded Olojo Festival 2023. This prestigious award is significant to me as a proud indigene of Ile-Ife, Osun State. It underscores the importance of community engagement and the imperative to contribute to the development of our beloved Ile-Ife and the Yoruba nation.
The Ooni’s call to action is one that resonates deeply within me. I am fully committed to intensifying my efforts towards philanthropic initiatives in Ile-Ife and across Nigeria. It is my firm belief that, as individuals, it is our responsibility to give back to the communities that have shaped us. The recognition by His Imperial Majesty serves as both an encouragement and a reminder of the importance of this responsibility.
As an indigene of Ile-Ife, I am acutely aware of the need to prioritise the development of our community. The Ooni’s call for those in the Diaspora to return to contribute to our community’s growth is timely and significant. I wholeheartedly echo this sentiment and encourage all sons and daughters of Ile-Ife to unite in our shared mission to foster progress, unity, and development in our cherished hometown.
At present, I am the founder of Project 70, a non-governmental organization dedicated to producing 70 university graduates within a span of 10 years. I am immensely proud to announce that we have already provided scholarships to approximately 25 students, and this is just the beginning. With the Ooni of Ife’s endorsement and encouragement, I am more motivated than ever to expand the reach and impact of Project 70, ultimately fulfilling our mission to empower young minds with education and opportunity.
The Ooni of Ife Community Awards serve as an excellent platform to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable contributions made by individuals and organisations in advancing Ile-Ife as a thriving community. This recognition fuels my determination to continue my work and inspire others to actively engage in the betterment of our community.
Once again, I express my deepest gratitude to His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, for bestowing this prestigious award upon me. I remain steadfast in my commitment to contributing to the growth, prosperity, and unity of Ile-Ife and the Yoruba nation.
Thank you, and may our efforts lead to a brighter and more prosperous future for our beloved Ile-Ife.
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