Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, was on
Saturday honoured as the Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadan (MOFI) by the
Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
The elaborate ceremony held at the Obafemi Awolowo
Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium) in Ibadan, Oyo State, was the culmination of
the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival, which promotes unity and friendship between
indigenes and other Nigerians.
Present at the event were the state governor, Oluseyi
Makinde, his deputy, Adebayo Lawal, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adebo
Ogundoyin, a former governor and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator
Rasheed Ladoja as well as other prominent personalities from the state and
members of the Ijaw community in Ibadan.
On his choice as an awardee, the CCII described
Senator Diri as “a distinguished son of the Niger Delta, a symbol of purposeful
leadership, resilience and transformational governance.”
Presenting the award, Senator Ladoja said the Bayelsa
helmsman was recognised for his “support to Ibadan indigenes resident in his
state and for his inclusive governance style.”
Responding, Governor Diri expressed appreciation to
CCII for the recognition, noting that it was unexpected.
“I’m very elated to stand before the people of Ibadan
and Oyo State. We never saw this coming.
“We truly appreciate this recognition of our modest
effort in the governance of our state coming from this ancient city of Ibadan.
“On behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa
State, I extend our appreciation to CCII for this honour. I’m particularly
happy that CCII is supporting and working with the Oyo State government to
develop the state.
“Let me also commend my brother-governor (Makinde) for
providing people-centred leadership and for his outstanding performance in the
state. Governance is about the people and when you do well, the people
rejoice.”
On the governor’s entourage were the member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Fred Agbedi, former Reps members, Gabriel Onyenwife and Biodun Olasupo, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, and the chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo
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