It was another moment of recognition for service and impact as the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Hon. Engr. Akeem Olatunji, was honoured with the Grassroots Development Merit Award by Al Maruff Oluyole Hajj & Umrah Tours Ltd.
The event held at Onipepeye Sawmill Ibadan, last Saturday, where Al-Maruf Ishola Opatola officially Commissioned a new Central mosque with a new office.
Chief Imam Offa Sheikh Muhydeen Salmon delivered the lecture at the event as the guest speaker.
The award, presented, by Alhaji Maruff Ishola Opatola, Chairman of the company, celebrated Olatunji’s “outstanding contributions towards human development, innovative governance, leadership grooming, and promotion of unity and religious harmony” within Oluyole and across Oyo State.
The event, which drew a crowd of distinguished personalities, also saw Senator Fatai Buhari, Hon. Shina Peller, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige (Chairman, Oyo State Local Government Service Pension Board), Hon. Kamorudeen Mudashir (Executive Chairman, Lagelu LG), and Hon. Oyedeji Shina ‘Oshine’ (Member representing Iseyin/Kajola/Itesiwaju Federal Constituency) among other dignitaries, receiving similar recognitions for their individual contributions to community and national development.
In his brief remarks, Alhaji Opatola described Hon. Olatunji as “a leader whose inclusive style of governance has made Oluyole one of the most united local governments in Oyo State.”
He added that the chairman’s policies and community-driven projects have inspired a new wave of youth participation and responsible leadership at the grassroots.
Responding, Hon. Olatunji expressed gratitude for the honour, dedicating the award to the people of Oluyole whom he described as “the real engine of every success the local government has recorded.”
He noted that inclusivity and unity remain the pillars of sustainable governance, promising to continue promoting policies that empower people and strengthen community bonds.
“This award means a lot to me because it comes from within the community,” he said. “It tells me that the people see the efforts we are making and that encourages me to do even more.
“Our administration will keep pushing the boundaries of grassroots governance to ensure that no one is left behind.”
Guests at the event commended Al Maruff Hajj & Umrah Tours for recognizing leaders who continue to bridge divides and promote service-driven leadership in their spheres.
