Prof. Wale Sulaiman, the Asiwaju Ewe of Ajase-Ipo Kingdom and President RNZ Foundation bags Ewa Igbomina indigenous Icon Award of excellence at the maiden Ewa Igbomina Cultural Fiesta on Sunday, March 6, 2022 in recognition of his remarkable professional excellence, philanthropic activities, and community development efforts towards the development of Igbomina land and Nigeria in general.
The Award was presented to the renowned Ajase-Ipo born Professor of Neuro and Spinal Surgery by His Royal Highness, Oba Yahaya Ismail Alebiosu Atoloye, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Kingdom. The Chairman Traditional Council of Igbomina/Ekiti described Prof. Sulaiman as a genuine philanthropist whose love for the Igbomina land and the people is unquantifiable. Olupo added that Prof. Sulaiman’s humility is second to none and he is always true to his words, he concluded that he is highly deserving of the award due to his contribution and vision for the prosperity of Kwara State and Igbomina land.
Prof. Wale Sulaiman, who doubles as the Chairman of the occasion and a distinguished awardee, assured the people of his commitment to ensure that Igbomina reclaims their spot in Kwara state.
In his words;
“We must focus on educating ourselves on our culture and heritage so as not to lose our identity. God’s willing very soon we’ll have a Center for Igbomina, Ibolo and Ekiti culture and heritage studies to preserve our culture in Kwara South.”
“He added that, “we must create employment for our youth and train them for the 21st century jobs in order to drive development to our region. We must bring back industries to our region.”
“He however called on the teeming Igbomina people to allow love and unity reign in the region as that is the only way to foster growth and development in our land.” Said Prof. Sulaiman.
Leading the train of the Royal fathers was the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Yahaya Ismail Alebiosu who was accompanied by His Royal Highness, Oludopo of Oke iya Oba Saheed Giwa Opadoye, the Olojoku of Ojoku land, His Royal Majesty, Oba AbdulRazaq Adegboyega Afolabi Iyiolaseni III , The Oloba of Eju land, Sanmora, Oba Maroof Afolayan.
The glamorous event was witnessed by several illustrious sons and daughters of Igbomina land and distinguished awardees, they include; Prof. Emmanuel Ibiloye – Guest Lecturer, *Irepodun LGA TIC Chairman,* Alh. Adeniyi Abdulfatai Dan Kazeem, *Executives of Igbomina Youth Assembly,* Hon. Ishola Olateju Olohungbebe- Awardee, Alh. Yinka Quadri – Awardee, Mr. Muka Ray-Eyiwumi – Awardee, Alh. Adeoti Kazeem ADEKAZ(Awardee) and his wife Mercy Aigbe.