Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, and his wife, Chief (Mrs) Ajibola Lawal, on Friday, hosted a civic reception to celebrate Kishi-born born individuals who have excelled in various walks of life. They include military officers, lecturers, and doctors.
The reception recognized these individuals as outstanding ambassadors of the Kishi community.
The honorees included Brigadier General W. A. Bakare, Professor Abdulrasheed A. Nasir, Brigadier General A.A Lawal, Professor Suleiman Bashir, Dr. Sanusi Abdullahi A., Professor Ganiyu O. Bashir, and Dr. Nasiru Rahman A.
Held at Kishi Town Hall, Agede, the Deputy Governor noted that the event was not just to showcase the individuals being awarded but also to highlight them as bright stars of the Kishi community.
He expressed pride in the achievements of those celebrated in their careers, encouraging the youth to pursue their academics, demonstrate capability, embrace hard work, and aspire to significant appointments.
While emphasizing the need for community self-assessment and encouragement, the Deputy Governor highlighted the event’s purpose: to uplift and connect younger generations with opportunities in various professions.
He expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army and Navy for their role in the development of officers, and acknowledged the Civil Service of Oyo State and universities for their contributions.
The Deputy Governor however commended the chairman of KPU, Bioku Bioraj, for his dedication to Kishi’s progress, citing the program and the upcoming Kishi Day celebration as a means of recognizing the community’s outstanding individuals.
He added that further recognition would be extended to those demonstrating excellence in their professions. “To the celebrants, you’ve made us proud, and we are very proud of you,” he concluded.
Earlier in his welcome address, Professor Jimoh Oladejo Tijani, Chairman of the Civic Reception Planning Committee, respectfully lauded the Bamofin of Kishiland and his wife, Yeye Amofin of Kishi land, for their presence, support, and commitment to Kishi’s progress through various events and humanitarian services.
Tijani noted the event was graciously constituted by the Deputy Governor, regarded as a father and benefactor in the Kishi Community, and said it would continue to inspire everyone.
He stated, “We are celebrating our bright stars and indigenes who have made us proud in their chosen professions. This is the second edition of this initiative, conceived, sponsored, and fully financed by our distinguished Deputy Governor. He chose not only to govern but also to celebrate excellence, recognizing Kishi community sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves with integrity, discipline, and outstanding service in their various professions.
“In December 2024, I was honored at this venue by the Deputy Governor, and I’m glad he made me the event chairman. Today, we celebrate eleven exceptional Kishi indigenes: senior military officers, professors, medical consultants, and top public servants, whose careers reflect dedication, sacrifice, and national service. Their stories remind us that greatness is attainable, regardless of origin.”
The chairman however congratulated the celebrants, encouraging them to provide greater service and give back to the community, mentor young people, and light the path for the next generation, stressing that Kishi needs their expertise, guidance, wisdom, and example.
“Finally, we are delighted to recognize Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs) Ajibike Ajibola Lawal, whose humility, generosity, and consistent support have greatly contributed to Kishi’s development. The committee resolved to honor her with a special award as a true daughter and worthy ambassador of our community,” he concluded.
In a lecture titled “Honoring Excellence: A Celebration of Kishi Bright Stars,” Professor AA Adesope PhD, from the Department of Agribusiness and Extension at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, highlighted that in Kishi, excellence is grounded in integrity, diligence, discipline, and a commitment to the common good, all fueled by a desire to contribute to community growth.
He noted that the lives and work of the honorees reflect these values, bringing pride to Kishi. These individuals, who have distinguished themselves in both public and private sectors, including the military, academia, medical, and public administration, have significantly contributed to the community’s progress.
Professor Adesope elaborated that excellence is demonstrated through strong academic performance, intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, research skills, and applying knowledge for positive change. It also requires consistency, focus, and self-discipline. Excellence is about disciplined purpose, integrity, and service, qualities exemplified by Kishi Bright Stars.
He noted that the path to excellence is challenging, but the honorees’ courage and determination have enabled them to overcome obstacles.
He highlighted that excellence is built on discipline, resilience, patience, integrity, and mentorship. Families, teachers, and the community play critical roles in shaping individuals of distinction. Celebrating Kishi Bright Stars celebrates the collective effort and shared values that nurtured their success.
He continued, “To honor someone is to esteem and value them; it is to accord them high respect, which is what we are doing today. Honouring excellence means elevating those who have gone above and beyond, acknowledging their greatness and, in many contexts, appreciating the moral integrity, resilience and wisdom that accompanied their achievements. We honor excellence by recognizing, celebrating and rewarding individuals who demonstrate exceptional performance, dedication and high standards in their work, studies or character. It is more than a pat on the back, it is strategic, often moral acknowledgement of sustained effort that inspires others and sets a benchmark for success.”
Professor Adesope added, “Experience has shown us that excellence is the lifeblood of development and honour is the language through which a community defines its values. When a society honors what is excellent, it sends a clear message about what it stands for and what it hopes to become. By celebrating excellence, we preserve our legacy, reinforce our shared values and forge a unity of purpose. Such recognition inspires greater commitment, deeper service and renewed dedication to the progress of Kishi. It is both right and fitting to give honour to whom honour is due. However, what attracts honour varies from one society to another, depending on what that society regards as honour.”
Highlighting the benefits of celebrating excellence, Professor Adesope mentioned that it motivates high performance, fosters a culture of excellence by setting benchmarks, and promotes societal values and integrity by highlighting ethical conduct and stewardship. It also inspires future generations and preserves legacy by upholding high standards, professional competence, and promoting integrity.
He stated that sustainable development in Kishi is built on those who strive for excellence, emphasizing that the occasion celebrates values, declaring that Kishi honors character, service, and integrity.
According to him, the bright stars illuminate paths for others, teaching that true greatness is measured by impact, transformation, and worth to humanity. The celebration lays foundations for a future where excellence is expected, service is sacred, and integrity is non-negotiable.
He concluded, “Let history record that Kishi was a town that understood its moment- a community that chose values over vanity, legacy over luxury, and purpose over pride.”
The event, which was graced by the Kishi community, government officials, traditional leaders, and other distinguished guests, equally featured the presentation of a special award to Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs) Ajibike Ajibola Lawal, by the Civic Reception planning committee for being a beacon of support to Kishi development.
Notable among the attendees were the Head of Service of Oyo State, Olubunmi Oni mni; Federal Representative Hon. Muhammed Olaide; and the Minority Leader of the House of Assembly, Hon. Waliu Wele. Also present were Commissioner for Special Duties, Joke Sanni; Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Professor Soliu Abdul waheed; Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Kamorudeen Aderibigbe; captains of industry, traditional leaders, and many others.
