Kunle Adelabu
Dr Bolaji Ajenifuja, a Pediatrician of national and international standing and illustrious son of lkorodu, on Saturday, November 16, 2019, became the first individual to receive Ikorodu-Oga Development Association’s Community Lifetime Outstanding Performance Award.
The notable Orthodox doctor was conferred with the honour during the grand finale of the 2019 Ikorodu-Oga Day Carnival held at the Ayangbure palace in Ikorodu.
Among the top dignitaries that joined His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Kabiru Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu Kingdom, to draw curtain on the weeklong annual celebration were the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu (represented by his Special Adviser on Agriculture, Ms. Ruth Olusanya), Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Bayo Osinowo, Member of the House of Representatives representing the Ikordu Federal Constituency, Hon. Babajimi Benson, the Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade and Member, Lagos State House of Assembly representing the Ikorodu Constituency II, Hon. Nurudeen Solaja, Otunba Yinka Lawaal-Solarin, the Bashorun Oga of Ikorodu Kingdom and Chairman of the occasion, Chief (Mrs) Mayowa Abeke Ikuforiji, wife of the former Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly and Chairperson of the ocassion among many others.
Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru, the Chairman of the Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS), while introducing Dr Ajenifuja to the royal fathers, guests and residents, described him as a medical giant that Ikorodu is proud of.
“Today, we are honouring one of our great men that we are proud of, a medical giant.
“Our father who has carved a niche for himself in Orthodox medicine (Pediatrics) both nationally and internationally.
“A man who had mentored, coached and guided many doctors to their levels of glory.
“A father who had shown keen interest in the growth and development of the community. A man of peace and of conscientious consideration.
“I am talking of no other person than Dr Bolaji Ajenifuja who will today be honoured with IKODASS’ unique award and the first to be so honored in the annals of IKODASS history”, he announced.
“Today, we are honouring Dr Bolaji Ajenifuja with the prestigious ‘Community Life Time Outstanding Performance Award’ for his feat in medicine and outstanding contributions to the development of our community” , Otunba Abiru stated.
Otunba Abiru congratulated members of the Ajenifuja family on the award and charged them to emulate the good works of Dr Ajenifuja which he said stands him out for the honour.
Also, two other notable individuals, late Alhaja Sinotu Oshinowo and late Pa Lawal Ologunmaga, who contributed to the development of Ikorodu community in the areas of commerce and culture respectively during their lifetime, were honoured with posthumous awards at the well-attended event.
Otunba Abiru, while introducing the two posthumous awardees, stated :
“Today, ladies and gentlemen, we are giving out two posthumous awards. One to late Alhaja Sinotu Ajobi Oshinowo of the former Oshinowo Transport Service.
“Alhaja Oshinowo was a transport magnate who contributed immensely to road transportation in Lagos State through her fleet of buses.
“She was a business tycoon of repute and a community woman.
“The other posthumous awardee was Late Pa Chief Lawal Olayinka Sulaimon Ologunmaga who was also known to many people in this kingdom for his efforts in the preservation and promotion of our culture and tradition.
“A man who did so much for the community and served it meritoriously and heartily.”
Also in his speech, the IKODASS Chairman stated that some individuals, clubs and corporate bodies who have distinguished themselves over the course of the year were honoured with IKODASS’ Associate, Excellence Service, Role Model and Fellowship awards during the weeklong celebration.
“In line with our usual practice of giving recognition and awards to individuals, clubs and corporate organizations that have done well in the course of the year in their various fields of endeavours. This year’s Associate awards were given to seven people while the Excellence Service awards, Role Model awards and Fellowship awards were given to 13, 2 and 3 awardees respectively.
“All these awards had been given to the recipients in the course of the week”, he added.
Dr Ajenifuja, while speaking shortly after receiving the award, stated that Ikorodu is dear to his heart and thanked IKOODASS and the entire people of Ikorodu for honouring him.
“Ikorodu is very dear to my heart. I am an lkorodu man to the core and l am always in Ikorodu despite the fact that I don’t live here.
“Ikorodu got me to where I am today, I won’t forget that.
“I really appreciate this honoour because it is very dear to me”.
He also advised guests and other people at the event to be mindful of how they live their lives.
