PHOTOS: CCII Confers ‘Award of Excellence’ on Kishi-born Philanthropist, Engr Femi Alao
Afeez Bello,
Ibadan, Oyo State.
As part of the celebration of Ibadan Week, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigene (CCII) has bestowed an award of excellence to Eng. Femi Alao in recognition of his exemplary contribution to the development of Ibadan on Saturday, January 11, at Aweni Arena, Oke Ado, Ibadan.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Ibadan Festival Culture Committee, Alhaji Abiola Alli, noted that,”Whether you’re an Ibadan Indigene or not, if you’re contributing to the development of the city, you’ll be honoured by CCII to show our appreciation so that the person could do more. He recognised the presence of traditional rulers. CCII is well organised. The good deeds of Engr. Alao are a testament to the presence of distinguished guests from Kishi, the Ibadan Icons, different political parties, the committee’s chairman, and the chairperson.
“Today’s event shows that the Ibadan Week Annual Festival has commenced since this kind of event comes up every year.
Alli described Ibadan as a city of wealth and blessed people. “So we work together with indigenes and non-indigenes to contribute to the development of Ibadan, he said.
Alli congratulated Alao and described him as a fortunate personality since he is doing wonderfully well. We are here to present an award to him. He also praises his supportive wife, who stands by him. According to the late Isiaq Ajimobi, “Behind every successful man, there must be a good woman in your front, back, and side.” So Alao’s wife is also taking care of her husband, he lauded.
While delivering his keynote address, Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland, Chief Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, exalted the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal, who was conferred with an award in 2024 as The Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadanland, in recognition of his steward performance. “I’m impressed with the kind of personalities that witness this occasion. The integrity of Alao helped him to be able to endear political and economic moguls together. He lauded the likes of Barr. Lowo Obisesan, Chief Taofeek Adegboyega, and Hon. Abass Alesinloye for their incessant contribution and support to CCII.
“I also appreciated other notable Ibadan indigenes and non-indigenes for their immense contribution to the development of Ibadan,” Chief Ajeniyi hailed.
In their remarks, Hon. Abass Alesinloye, Chief Taofeek Adegboyega, Barr. Lowo Obisesan, and Prof. Fatai Adeniyi unanimously described Alao as a humble personality who has been contributing to the development of Ibadan land in several ways. “This is what prompted CCII to bestow him with this Award of Excellence. He is very loyal, so we don’t have a choice but to support this award and make ourselves available today because he really deserves it. He is a wonderful personality. Regardless of his origin, he is recognised by Ibadan today, and when one is recognised by Ibadan, it speaks a lot, and the sky is his limit.
The illustrious sons of Ibadan continued,”He is an experienced and wonderful engineer who is firm and friendly. He’s an empath and a motivator and a symbol of inspiration to people. He is deeply committed to people’s prosperity. A trailblazer in the field of engineering and politics. We congratulate him and wish him well and hope that he’ll continue to do more since Ibadan appreciates his integrity.
In his thank you message, Alao noted that “I have never heard the name CCII before until about 4 weeks ago. When I was called up for this award, it was a great pleasure receiving an award from CCII. It encourages me to do more”. When I contacted Chief Taofeek Adegboyega, FCA, regarding this award, he jokingly said, I have been colonised to Ibadan. My advice to everyone is to add value to any society they are in. I’m deeply grateful to CCII, well-wishers, friends, and family. I am going to contribute and support CCII,” he assured.
In attendance were Oloye Bayo Adelabu (ably represented by his wife, Chief Mrs. Oluseyi Adelabu), Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III (Aseyin of Iseyin), Onikishi of Kishi (ably represented by Bobajiro of Kishi), King Rasheed Olangbero (Oloje of Oje Owode), Chief Waheed Ekun, Baale Abolaji Adeleke, Baale Adanla, Chief Olaide Tijani, Prof. Abdulwahab Adelabu (Commissioner for Education, Oyo State), Mrs. Bolatito Joseph, Alhaja Abolaji Aya Olowokere, Chief (Mrs.) Idowu Lawal, Alhaji Oyinlola, Dr. Ismail Oyetunji, Hon. Dr. Ayobami Monsurat, Eng. Musa Akere, Prince Oluyedun, Hon. Mustapha Kasali Amoo, Ojata Children from Kishi, APC Oke Ogun 10 Coordinators, among several others.
