By Adekola Afolabi
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Ondo State Governor,  Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, his wife Betty and the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, on Monday bagged Igbo General Assembly (IGA) awards in appreciation of their various commitment to the development of the state.

The awards were presented to the awardees at the annual Igbo General Assembly, Ondo State chapter in conjunction with the National headquarters of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Enugu State, held in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

While Akeredolu was presented with an award of Ezi-Ogo of Ondo State, that is, good in-law, his wife, Betty,  bagged Ome-Udo of Ondo State award, meaning, someone that brings peace. The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo went to his Palace with Agu-Naechi Igbo 1 award, meaning, the Lion that protects the Igbo people.

Receiving the two separate awards, one for the governor and the other for herself, wife of the governor, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, appreciated the Igbo General Assembly for the honour done them.

She equally commended Igbo community for their unity of purpose which has made them to come together under Igbo General Assembly, describing Igbo people as one-like-mind, very hardworking and passionate about the development of their businesses.

The governor’s wife who described Akeredolu led-administration in the state as progressive, a government that is all inclusive and cares about the people, also advised them to key into various programmes of the government to enable them enjoy all the benefits attached.

The First Lady added that the present administration values women and is passionate about their welfare and  development, noting that various programmes apart from her own women centred programmes have been designed to make lives more meaningful for women, their wards as well as the entire people of the state.

She further charged the Igbo community to always come in their large numbers to cast their votes during elections, pointing out that nobody will be left out under the current government.

Also Speaking, Oba Aladetoyinbo lauded the IGA for its numerous contributions to the socioeconomic and infrastructural development of Akure land,  describing Igbos as very focused, committed and hardworking.

According to him, Igbos usually prosper anywhere they go because of their hard-work and unity.

The monarch urged them to continue to live in unity and peace with both indigenes and non-indigenes in Akure to further ensure more development in the state capital.

The Deji assured Igbo community of his readiness to continue to support them to make Akure more beautiful.

Earlier, the Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ogundeji Iroju, commended the governor for the ongoing aggressive infrastructural development across the state, just as he lauded wife of the governor, Betty, over her FOWOSO programme, saying this has impacted positively on the lives of women in the state.

In an address presented on behalf of Igbo General Assembly, Ondo State chapter, Mr Dan Onuh, said Igbos remained committed to the position of Ohanaeze worldwide calling for the restructuring and rotational presidency among the six geopolitical zones with a special consideration for justice, equity, fair play and historical antecedents.

The President General, Ohanaeze -Ndi Igbo of Ondo State, Chief Joseph Okeke, said the day was set aside for all Igbos to reflect on their past, present and future.

A minute silence was observed for the repose of the souls of all Igbos that paid the supreme sacrifice in different conflicts and crises in Nigeria and the world.