By Daniel Ayantoye
It was celebration galore as the General Manager of Kwara State Television (KWTV), Alhaji Abdulfatai Adewale; the Magaji Nda of Ilorin Alhaji Saliu Woru Mohammed and a businesswoman, Mrs Mary Afolayan, were last Saturday conferred with chieftaincy titles by the Olupako of Share, Oba Abubakar Garuba, Dosunmu.
While Adebowale was bestowed with the title of Gbobaniyi of Share, Afolayan emerged the Yeyeluwa and Mohammed, turbaned as the Otun Agba Akin.
In his remarks, Oba Dosunmu stated that the recipients were chosen based on track records and contributions to the development of Share land. He however urged them to sustain the achievement for the interest of all.
While expressing his joy, the newly installed Gbobaniyi, Alhaji Adebowale said, “I am grateful to God. Also, I appreciate the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, who availed me the opportunity to serve my state and perhaps my home town too.”
Similarly, Otun Agba Akin of Share, Alhaji Mohammed appreciated the Emir of Ilorin, the Olupako, the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and Governor Ahmed for his new title.
Speaking further, he said, “I also appreciate the press, particularly National Pilot, for giving me a column, which is also another means to contribute to the life of the people through information. I also thank Kwarans as well as all Nigerians because nobody came up to say that this man is not qualified.” he said.
For Mary Afolayan, “I am very happy and I believe this is another great opportunity to improve on my efforts of contributing to the development of Share community and Kwara State at large.”
The ceremony, which was held at the new palace of the Olupako had in attendance people from all walks of life, including media practitioners.
Speaking with newsmen, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Pilot Newspaper, Alhaji Billy Adedamola, said the honourees deserved their titles, adding that “they are people with integrity and highly focused individuals, that explains the reason, we are here to rejoice with them. I wish them the very best as they move on.”
Adedamola’s view was corroborated by former Chief Press Secretary to the former governor of the state, Alhaji Mas’ud Adebimpe, the General Manager of Radio Kwara, Alhaji Abdullateef Adebowale Adedeji and his Herald Newspapers, counterpart, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Adebayo. They however advised the new chiefs not to relent in their efforts.
Also, the Kwara State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Com. Abiodun Abdulkareem said the recognition of a media practitioner is an indication that men of the fourth estate are patriotic citizens of their community and country at large.
