The usually tranquil Eniosa-Onibepe Community in Ibadan witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of joy and festivity as three distinguished personalities were honored for their exceptional contributions to community development and humanitarian services. The event, held at the Apple Gbamgba Event Center, brought together traditional rulers, captains of industry, political figures, religious leaders, and youth representatives in a colorful and well-attended ceremony.
The celebration marked the culmination of the four-year tenure of the Eniosa-Onibepe Community Development Executives, led by Pastor Adetayo Musa Adeoye, whose leadership saw significant strides in local development. As part of the program, three awardees—Chief Ademola Babalola, Chairman of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ); Chief Benedict Akika, the Agbaakin of Olorunda Abaa and Mayegun of Akobo Land; and Mr. Oladapo Kazeem, Chairman/CEO of Berrymist Lounge, Osogbo—were recognized for their transformative impact on the community and beyond.
The event began with cultural dancers thrilling the audience with captivating performances that extolled the virtues of the awardees. Their melodious songs, punctuated with praises, set the tone for the day as the crème de la crème of society converged to celebrate a rare moment of communal unity. Traditional rulers, including Baales and chiefs from neighboring communities, joined politicians, business leaders, and members of religious organizations in celebrating the honorees.
Chief Benedict Akika was the first to be honored, receiving accolades for his tireless efforts to improve the lives of Eniosa-Onibepe residents and the larger Lagelu Local Government. Akika’s leadership in advocating for the extension of the Idi-Ape/Akobo expressway to Olorunda Abaa and pushing for its further extension to Eniosa-Onibepe has significantly boosted connectivity and economic activity in the area.
Known for his unmatched generosity, Chief Akika has positively impacted widows, youths, and the elderly without seeking political office or personal gain. His philanthropy, which ranges from educational sponsorships to direct support for vulnerable groups, has made him a revered figure in the community. Residents are optimistic about his continued efforts, particularly in completing the long-awaited Olorunda Abaa–Eniosa road project and initiating other infrastructure improvements.
The Chairman of the Oyo NUJ, Chief Ademola Babalola, was next to receive an award for his exemplary leadership in transforming the state’s journalism sector. His tenure has been marked by a peaceful coexistence between journalists, security agencies, and other stakeholders, a rare feat in the industry. Under Babalola’s watch, there has been no record of harassment, blackmail, or unwarranted legal cases involving journalists, a testament to his focus on ethical journalism and strong human relations.
Babalola’s generosity transcends professional circles. His support for religious bodies—Christian, Muslim, and traditional worshippers alike—has earned him widespread admiration. A local church in Eniosa continues to benefit from his benevolence. Community leaders seized the occasion to appeal to him for help in advocating for the urgent reconstruction of the dilapidated Ojoo/Arulogun/Elepe/Eniosa road, a major route serving over one million residents.
The final awardee, Mr. Oladapo Kazeem, is a businessman whose philanthropic activities have touched countless lives. Known for his dedication to children’s education, Mr. Kazeem has funded the return of many “out-of-school” children to the classroom, ensuring their comfort and progress. His contributions to the welfare of the elderly and vulnerable groups have further cemented his reputation as a cheerful giver.
In a gesture that underscores his commitment to hygiene and public health, Mr. Kazeem is funding the construction of a modern, well-equipped toilet facility at the Eniosa market. This initiative aims to provide traders and customers with a clean and safe environment, enhancing the community’s overall quality of life.
The event also recognized the outgoing community development executives for their commitment to fostering unity and development during their tenure. The combined efforts of these leaders and the awardees reflect a shared vision for a prosperous and harmonious community.
As the celebrations concluded, Pastor Adeoye and other community leaders expressed their gratitude to the honorees for their selflessness and unwavering dedication to improving lives. They urged other well-meaning individuals and organizations to emulate the awardees’ spirit of service.
The day’s festivities not only honoured the awardees but also highlighted the enduring power of visionary leadership, communal unity, and the boundless possibilities of collective action. Eniosa-Onibepe has set a remarkable example of how communities can come together to celebrate and inspire meaningful change.
