The Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, HRM Oba Dr. Hammed Makama Oyelude, Tegbosun III, has described his induction into the Nigerian Books of Record (NBR) Hall of Fame as a call to greater service.
Speaking at his palace in Kuta on Saturday following the honour, Oba Makama said the recognition has placed a huge responsibility on him, emphasising the need to intensify efforts to positively project Nigeria’s image both nationally and internationally.
The monarch stressed the importance of collective efforts in achieving this mission and pledged his full support to the NBR in his new role as a brand ambassador.
He said, “On behalf of my good people of Owu Kuta and Olowu in council, I want to heartily welcome you to my kingdom, the Owu Kuta. A land flowing with milk and honour.
“I also want to appreciate the Federal Ministry of Information and, by extension, the National Orientation Agency, NOA, and, more importantly, the Nigerian Books of Record, NBR, for this recognition. I’m fully aware that it comes with huge responsibility.
“As you are also aware that I have contributed and am still contributing anytime the need arises to project the Nigerian military which is the symbol of our sovereignty and encourage the officers and men for their sacrifice to rid our country of divisive elements manifesting in various forms.
“As a result of this, I was recognised by the administration of Gen Muhammadu Buhari rtd, who conferred on me the National honour of Commander of the Order of The Niger, CON.
“For me , I’m conscious of the fact that the role of traditional rulers in securing their communities and nation building to use the legal term is sine qua non to egalitarian society.
“I am also aware that the NBR was conceived to promote and support the Government in laundering the Nigerian image, by celebrating Nigeria’s excellent records in other to drive the campaign of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (Nigeria) and National Orientation Agency (Nigeria), NOA of attitudinal re-orientation.
“I align with this onerous task and will ensure that I join in this project of nation building so that the labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain.”
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Speaking earlier, the Director General of NBR, Prof David David, said Oba Makama was found worthy of the honour because of the goodwill he has created for the country both nationally and internationally.
He said, ” Our research team did a thorough job to discover Oba Makama based on his intimidating citation to arrive at his choice as the first to be so honoured in the entire Osun State.”
Also, two awards were also delivered to Oba Makama in quick succession alongside the NBR’s induction.
The Big Brothers Club and Nigeria Youth Council, led by its President Aare Oladotun Hassan, conferred on Olowu awards for his developmental efforts in Kuta, his efforts at rallying Yoruba obas together and being a national Icon.
An elated Oba Makama flanked by his Olori Abebi was grinning from ear to ear as media practitioners, community leaders, and captains of industry joined him in the celebration.
Dignitaries at the Occasion include the Rector of Iree Polytechnic, who represented Osun State Governor, Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, Member House of Representatives, representing Iwo, Aiyedire and Ola Oluwa federal constituencies, Hon Mudashiru Lookman, Hon Akinyemi Elijah of Osun State House of Assembly.
Others were pro- Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof Siyan Oyeweso, Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa 11 , Olu of Ile- Ogbo, Oba Olupona, Oba Obaloyan, Kwara State among others.
