The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Olamide Oladiji, has been conferred with a Lifetime Achievement Award as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Ondo State.
Oladiji was honoured during the Golden Jubilee Gala and Award Night held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Alagbaka, Akure, in recognition of his contributions to governance, legislative development and democratic stability in the state.
The award ceremony formed the climax of the Ondo @50 celebrations, which brought together eminent national leaders, elder statesmen, jurists, traditional rulers, professionals and distinguished indigenes of the Sunshine State.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, while speaking at the event, described the awards as a celebration of service, character and enduring legacy, stressing that excellence, not privilege, was the basis for selection of honourees.
The Speaker was honoured alongside prominent personalities including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and former governors Olusegun Mimiko and Olayide Owolabi Adelami.
Other recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award included former deputy governors, retired jurists, senior military officers, traditional rulers, technocrats and cultural icons, reflecting the diversity of contributions to the growth of Ondo State and Nigeria.
Oladiji’s recognition was largely attributed to his leadership of the Ninth and the present Tenth Assembly, which has been characterised by legislative harmony, institutional stability and effective collaboration with the executive arm of government.
Under his speakership, the Ondo State House of Assembly has recorded notable progress in lawmaking, oversight and constituency representation, while maintaining internal cohesion and respect for democratic values.
The Speaker’s honour was greeted with applause from lawmakers, political leaders and guests, who described the award as a validation of his commitment to public service and legislative excellence.
Speaking after receiving the award, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Olamide Oladiji expressed gratitude to the Ondo State Government and the Golden Jubilee Committee for the honour, describing it as a recognition of collective service rather than personal achievement.
He said the award was a tribute to the efforts of past and present members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, as well as the support of the people of the state who have continued to believe in the institution of the legislature.
The Speaker noted that the honour would further strengthen his resolve to promote quality legislation, accountability and good governance in Ondo State.
He added that as the state marks 50 years of existence, leaders must remain committed to building strong institutions, nurturing unity and creating opportunities for future generations, stressing that public service remains a sacred trust that must be discharged with integrity and dedication.
The Golden Jubilee celebration, themed around reflection and future planning, concluded with a renewed call for unity and sustained development, as Ondo State looks ahead to the next phase of its history.
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