Two members of Governor Seyi Makinde’s cabinet were singled out for recognition today as they received Honorary Doctorate Degrees from the Chartered Institute of Public Administration and Governance (CIPAG), USA.
The Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo popularly known as Ijaya and the Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Adebisi Adeniyi.
The brief conferment ceremony held yesterday at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The conferment was conducted by Dr Theophilus Cornerstone Okonofua, Country Director for the Chartered Institute of Public Administration and Governance.
In his address before the conferment, he noted that the private conferment held privately due to the inability of the duo to be physically present on the day of the official ceremony in Ota.
He explained that the honours were due to their successful completion of the two days Leadership Conference and Colloquium themed: “Beyond The Norm”.
He added the honors were also tied to the professional conduct and administrative discipline both commissioners have shown in the discharge of their duties in their service to the government of Oyo state.
The Institute, he declared, is licensed by the United States of America, a detail he said reaffirmed the global standards expected of its awardees.
He described the two awardees as proud ambassadors of the Seyi Makinde led administration in conduct, leadership, and service delivery, while calling on others in position of authority to draw emulation from them.
The Honorable Commissioner for LG and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo expressed gratitude to the Institute. He also thanked Governor Makinde for providing practical leadership that has enabled his aides and followers to self develop themselves while in service.
He noted that the honorary doctorate degrees has bestowed additional responsibility on him to endeavour to do more while rededicating himself to the the development of Oyo state and humanity as a whole.
In his brief remark shortly after the ceremony, described the honor as a call to service which has placed additional responsibility for leadership on his shoulders.
He also expressed appreciation to governor Seyi Makinde for the opportunity to contribute to the development of the state and show the world that great achievements is possible when there is the will and desire to thrive.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Barrister Waheed Ajuewon, in his vote of thanks, also called Commissioner Ijaya the best among the nine commissioners he had worked with throughout his entire civil service career.
He described him as a steady hand, a guide for directors, and a quiet example of what leadership looks like when it is consistent rather than loud.
A private business consultant in the state, Dr Dayo, also shared a words of commendations towards the duo, while also expressing confidence in the opportunity his leadership provides for other management staff to grow.
He praised their work ethic and said the honour simply met them where their efforts had already placed them.
