Kunle Adelabu
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Lagos State University Governing Council, Sir David Olabanji Sunmoni, FCA, KJW, has joined the elite league of outstanding individuals within and outside Ikorodu who have been honoured with the highest award of the land, the IKODASS (lkorodu-Oga Development Association) Merit award.
Sunmoni, who was a former Auditor – General and Accountant – General of Lagos State, dedicated the award to all the youths in Ikorodu Division, stating that it’s a way of encouraging and motivating them to greatness.
He also pledged to be part of the IKODASS Educational Scheme by sponsoring scholarship awards next year.
Sir Sunmoni was the only recipient of the honour this year and the award was presented to him at the grand finale of the 31st Ikorodu – Oga Day Carnival held at the Ayangbure palace, Ikorodu on Saturday, November 19, 2022.
His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa (Oba) Engr. Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, presenting the prestigious award which is engraved with the Ayangbure royal insignia, to Sir Sunmoni, said that the honour is reserved for outstanding sons and daughters of the Ikorodu Kingdom who have distinguished themselves and impacted on the people and the Ikorodu community as a whole.
In his acceptance speech, Sir Sunmoni, who recalled his humble beginning, charged the youths in Ikorodu that they can attain any level if they are committed to whatever that they are doing.
“I thank God when I heard that I will be honoured with the Merit award for this year”, the honoree said.
“What can I say when the community has decided that I am the one to be bestowed with the Merit honour. I received the letter a couple of weeks ago, and I usually attend the Ikorodu – Oga Day every year, and I have also been honoured with the Associate and Public Service awards.
“Whatever that we are set out to do; we should do it in good time. Nobody knew that a boy from a humble background can turned out to be a great man.
“Ikorodu is getting bigger and it is going to keep expanding. I am also happy that students are being given scholarship award today, so that they too can study and attain greatness in life.
“I am happy that Ikorodu is recognizing our little efforts. I want to thank the IKODASS for seeking me out of the crowd for this award. I cherish it and I receive it with a good heart.
Dedicating the award to the youths in Ikorodu, Sir Sunmoni also announced that he will be partnering with IKODASS to give scholarship awards to students.
“I am happy with this award and I want to use this opportunity to encourage the youths. The sky is not their limit and there is no challenge that you cannot rise up to once you are dedicated, face your work and pray”, Sir Sunmoni said.
“I want to dedicate the award to all the youths in Ikorodu Division; to encourage; challenge and admonish them that the sky is not their limit and that they must always look forward to a day that they will stand before Kings to be honoured.
“By the grace of God, I will contribute to the IKODASS Scholarship and by next year when they are calling the names of donors, my name too will be called too”, the awardee pledged.
He thanked the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, the two Vice Chancellors and others that attended the ceremony to honour him.
“I thanked the Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Bello, because, I wasn’t expecting her here since she was out of town yesterday (last Friday), but here she is today. She didn’t come alone, but with all the principal officers of the University”, he said.
“I also thank the Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology for coming here too to honour me”.
Sir. Sunmoni was the Auditor-General, and later, Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary of Lagos State, before he retired in 2015. He was appointed the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, LASU, in July 2021.
Sir David Sunmoni, a recipient of many awards, is a Trustee of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State Universities in Nigeria (COPSUN) and also a Trustee of Oriwu College Old Students Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN). He is a Knight of John Wesley (KJW) and Lay President of Ikorodu Diocese, Methodist Church, Nigeria.
Some of the past recipients of the IKODASS Merit award are: Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, Minister or Works & Housing, Prof. Kunle Ade Wahab, former Head, Due Process, Presidency, Abuja, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Alhaji (Chief) Alikpo Dangote, Nigerian billionaire, Sen. (Otunba ) Kingsley Adeseye Ogunlewe, GAC and former Minister for Works, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, former Secretary to the State Government and GAC chieftain, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, Majority Leader, Lagos Assembly, late Otunba TOS Benson, former Minister for Information, SAN, CFR, late Chief S.O. Gbadamosi, an accomplished industrialist and politician, late Babatunde Olusola Benson, SAN, KJW among others.
