Ekiti Community Celebrates Three First-Class Graduates, Six Distinguished Indegenes

The honour bestowed by one’s community remains one of life’s highest privileges—an enduring testament to impact, integrity, excellence and meaningful service. This spirit was on full display recently as the people of Osi‑Ekiti, in Ido/Osi Local Government Area, rolled out the drums to celebrate nine of their illustrious sons and daughters at a colourful reception held at the palace of the Olosi of Osi‑Ekiti, Oba Stephen Adegboyega Alabi.

In a remarkable departure from past traditions, the community placed special emphasis on youth and academic excellence, celebrating three young indigenes who graduated with First Class Honours from their respective tertiary institutions. The initiative underscores a renewed commitment to nurturing talent and inspiring younger generations to aspire to the highest standards of scholarship and character.

Beyond the First-Class laureates, six other indigenes were honoured for excelling in public service, academia, administration and professional practice—an affirmation that Osi-Ekiti values merit, service and excellence across generations.

Among those honoured was Gbenga Olowoyo, General Secretary of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, National Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council and a member of the Central Working Committee of the Nigerian Labour Congress.

Also recognised were Pharmacist Peter Bunmi Ejimokun and Olufemi Babasehinde Adediran, both Permanent Secretaries in the Ekiti State Public Service; Henrietta Adebola Badejo, Registrar of Yaba College of Technology; Ayodele Oluwaseun Ajayi, newly promoted Professor at Federal University Oye‑Ekiti; and Iyabo Simon‑Oke, newly promoted Professor at the Federal University of Technology Akure.

The three First-Class graduates celebrated were Oluwaferanmi Stephen Ekundayo, Nigerian Law School; Morenikeji Hephzibah Alowooye, History and International Studies, Adeleke University; and Emmanuel Olalekan Fakuade, Human Anatomy, Federal University of Technology Akure.

Addressing the gathering, Oba Alabi described youths as the backbone and future of the community, stressing that the recognition of First-Class graduates was intended to inspire others to pursue excellence.

“Let me challenge our youths to emulate those being honoured today. With dedication and focus, you too can stand here tomorrow,” the monarch said.

He urged all sons and daughters of Osi-Ekiti to contribute actively to community development, noting that sustainable progress requires collective effort beyond government intervention.

 The monarch also expressed concern over truancy and absenteeism among secondary school students, appealing to parents to take greater interest in their children’s education.

In his welcome address, the Global President of the Osi Progressive Union, Oludare Fadogba, commended the traditional institution and community leaders for fostering peace and progress. He lauded the Olosi’s developmental initiatives, youth empowerment programmes and commitment to unity, describing the event as historic and epoch-making.

He congratulated the honourees, urging them to see the awards as a call to higher service and sustained excellence, while reaffirming Osi-Ekiti’s heritage as a hub of civilisation, education and leadership.

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Mrs. Badejo expressed gratitude to the community and pledged continued loyalty, service and commitment to the development of Osi-Ekiti. The honourees also congratulated Oba Alabi on his ascension to the throne, commending his progressive leadership.

The ceremony attracted dignitaries from across the country, including high chiefs of Osi-Ekiti, labour leaders, community stakeholders and prominent sons and daughters of the town. The reception was jointly organised by the Olosi-in-Council and the Osi-Ekiti Progressive Union, marking a proud and defining moment in the community’s history.