The Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, has been honoured with the Humanitarian Service Award by the Ibadan Foodstuff Sellers Association, Bodija Market, Beans Section, in recognition of his humanitarian contributions, support for the association and developmental strides across the market.
The award was presented during the association’s Ewa Day celebration, which attracted prominent traditional market leaders, political officeholders, stakeholders and members of the trading community.
Speaking during the presentation, the Chairman of the Beans Section, Alhaji Mumini Adigun, explained that Olufade was considered worthy of the honour because of his commitment to humanitarian service, the upliftment of the association and his contributions to the development of Bodija Market.
Presenting the award, the Aare Oloja of Oyo State and Babaloja of Bodija Market, Alhaji S. A. Jimoh, described Olufade as a humane, respectful and dedicated public servant who has continued to demonstrate exemplary leadership in the administration of Ibadan North Local Government.
Alhaji S.A Jimoh noted that the council chairman had distinguished himself through his approach to governance, describing him as young, simple, brilliant and respectful.
He further observed that since Olufade assumed office, Ibadan North Local Government had witnessed relative peace, tranquillity and remarkable developmental activities, particularly in Bodija Market.
The market leader also highlighted some of the developmental interventions recorded in the market under Olufade’s administration, noting that his relationship with market stakeholders and commitment to improving their environment had earned him widespread appreciation.
He offered prayers for God’s continued guidance, upliftment and blessings upon Olufade’s political journey.
Receiving the award, Olufade expressed profound appreciation to the Ibadan Foodstuff Sellers Association, Bodija Market, Beans Section, for considering him worthy of the recognition.
He particularly acknowledged the market leadership under the guidance of Alhaji Muniru Bolaji, Babaloja of Ibadan north local government, Alhaji S. A. Jimoh, the Aare Oloja of Oyo State and Babaloja of Bodija Market; Alhaji Chief Dauda Adegbenjo, popularly known as Oke Darosa, Soloja and Chairman of the Ibadan Foodstuff Sellers Association, Bodija Market; as well as Alhaji Mumini Adigun, Chairman of the Beans Section.
The council chairman commended the market leaders for their commitment to maintaining peace, orderliness and a conducive trading environment, stressing that their efforts had contributed significantly to the smooth running of commercial activities and economic growth within the market.
He assured traders and other stakeholders of his administration’s continued commitment to delivering more developmental projects and initiatives that would improve their welfare and create a better environment for businesses to thrive.
Olufade also appreciated the management staff of Ibadan North Local Government for their cooperation, dedication and collective efforts in supporting his administration’s development agenda, noting that the achievements recorded so far were products of teamwork and institutional commitment.
The celebration also witnessed the presence of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Hon. Abimbola Adekanmbi, who received a rousing welcome from traders and other participants.
Addressing the gathering, Adekanmbi expressed gratitude to the people of Bodija Market for their longstanding support and warm reception, noting his personal connection with the market, where his mother also trades in elubo (yam flour).
He wished the traders a joyful and memorable celebration, while commending the association for its contributions to food distribution, accessibility and the economic well-being of residents.
Adekanmbi described food as an essential part of human existence and acknowledged the important role played by foodstuff sellers in making food available to households and communities.
He assured the association that his administration, if elected, would not take the contributions of foodstuff sellers for granted. He also prayed for God’s blessings, good health and long life for members of the association to celebrate many more Ewa Day festivities.
The event was enlivened by thrilling musical performances from Fuji music icon, Sule Alao, popularly known as Malaika, whose energetic performance added colour and excitement to the celebration.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON; member representing Ibadan North Constituency II in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel; Vice Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Akeem Ayoade; Leader of the Legislative House, Hon. Taiwo Adebola; and the Iyaloja General of Oyo State, Princess Folashade Azeezat Nurudeen Abeo.
Others included the Head of Administration, Ibadan North Local Government, Deacon Olabode Ajebisi, alongside members of the management team, councillors, supervisory councillors, special assistants, market men and women, representatives of various market associations and residents.
The celebration provided an opportunity to appreciate the contributions of foodstuff traders to the local economy while strengthening relationships among government officials, market leaders and members of the trading community.
