Forty-Eight prominent personalities, who championed the creation of the state and propelled its development, have bagged the maiden edition of Ekiti honours (Oni-Uyi) awards 2021.
The event, which was held at the Abiodun Adetiloye hall, in Ado, was part of activities marking the 25th anniversary of the creation of Ekiti State and the celebration of the third anniversary of Governor Kayode Fayemi administration.
The awards were conferred on traditional rulers, who were referred to as the Architects of the state and past governors, former Military Administrators, and others, who were described as the builders of the state.
In his remarks, Governor Kayode Fayemi said that the government decided to honor the beneficiaries as a mark of gratitude and to also put their names on the golden roll of Ekiti heroes and heroines.
He congratulated the recipients of the maiden edition of the Oni-Uyi awards, including the families of those who had gone to the great beyond.He maintained that their labour of love was being remembered and rewarded.
The governor said that the awards had no political coloration, noting that every Ekiti citizen and friends of the state who had distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavor were qualified to be selected.
The Ewi, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, an elderstateman, chief Oladeji Fasuan and the secretary to the State Government, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, in a panelist discussion, anchored by Senator Olubunmi Adetunbi, went down memory lane on the roles played by traditional rulers and prominent Ekiti indigenes that led to the actualisation of the creation of the State.
They attributed the success of the creation to unity of purpose and selflessness.
