…As Grand Council of Yoruba Youths’ Gets Decorated As NDLEA Ambassadors

…Releases Final List of 2021 Odu’a Awardees

In recognition of his excellent contributions over the 2 decades to the growth of various youths’ Organisations across the States of the Federation, Comrade AWA Bamiji, Aare – Apapo (President – General) Agbarijo Egbe Odo Yoruba (Grand Council of Yoruba Youths) led other 4 powerful members, Gbenga Adedamola and Ibiok Emmanuel from Ekiti and Akwa Ibom State Chapters of the Nigeria Youth Congress (NYC) under the Presidency respectively; Afolabi Osho, a media Consultant with NTA Headquarters, Abuja; and Salam Surajudeen Oyejide, the immediate past Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and an Aspirant to the topmost seat of All African Students’ Union (AASU); to the National Headquarters of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Porthaircourt Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja.

At the NDLEA headquarters, they to bestow “Baba Isale Awon Odo Orile Ede Apapo Naijiria” Ori Olokun Yoruba National Award on the Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Gen Buba Marwa (Rtd), 20 years after getting this same Odu’a Award, “Bosom friend of Yoruba”, from this same Organisation inside Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

“Gen Buba Marwa as a longstanding Bridge Builder and detribalised Nigerian hails from Adamawa State in the Northeastern part of Nigeria and was a former military Governor of Lagos State, the Southwestern part of Nigeria, who speaks and understands Yoruba Language very well and has impacted positively on the lives of several Youths’ Organisations and Individuals across the River Niger, for decades, therefore, he is the man who the cap fits. Congratulations Your Excellency Sir”, said AWA Bamiji while delivering his speech.

In his acceptance speech, Gen Buba Marwa (Rtd) appreciated the 1st class hospitality of Yoruba which allowed him to have his primary education at Lafenwa, Abeokuta and secondary education, at Olumo High School, which he later completed in Lagos till he became the military Governor of Lagos State as well as laudable contributions of the Grand Council of Yoruba since its inauguration 2 decades ago, which he attended with pleasure according to him.

He therefore saluted the doggedness and uncommon courage of the Group members led by its President – General, Comrade AWA Bamiji, to keep the hope alive, which to him, has singled them out as a competent Group that qualifies as NDLEA Ambassadors and he later decorated them all as such.

In addition, he said he was always glad to see how his Civilian Successors in Lagos House are turning the State round as a build – up to what he left behind as a military Governor.

A statement issued by the leader of the group, Comrade AWA Bamiji reads:

As Yoruba National Day, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu @ 69 and Yoruba Youths @ 20 is gaining momentum from Sunday June 20 till Friday 31st December, 2021, it is very logical to peg this year Odu’a National Awardees at this moment to enable us appeal to various interest Groups and Individuals that are still sending in their important nominees for the Award presentation.

Within the last two months, Agbarijo Egbe Odo Yoruba, Grand Council of Yoruba Youths, has successfully covered 80% of the following Odu’a Awardees but nominations are still coming in, simply because of extension of the Award presentation till December to give a desirable momentum to this triple Celebration. Please, note that any name that is outside the list below will come next year for his or her Award.

1) Aare Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, The Executive President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, “Soludero Ti Orile Ede Apapo Naijiria”, Mr Infrastructure of Nligeria.

2) Mr Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, The Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, “Ajagungbade Ti 1Ile Odu’a”, The Yoruba Crowned Political Leader.

3) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “Irawo Osan Ti Ile Odu’a”, The Afternoon Star of Yorubaland.

4) Asofin Agba Ahmed Lawan, The Senate President, “Ogo Ile Igbimo Asofin Agba eyi ti o koja Oye Eda”, The Glory of the Senate.

5) Asofin Femi Gbajabiamila, The Hon. Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, “Ogo Ile Igbimo Asofin Kekere eyi ti o koja Oye Eda”, The Glory of the Federal House of Representatives,

6) Ogbeni Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, “Alaseyori Gominan Ti Ile Odu’a”, The most Successful Governor of Yorubaland.

7) Dokita Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, “Ogo Awon Gominan Ti Orile Ede Apapo Naijiria”, The Star of All Nigerian Governors

8) Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, of Ondo State, “Ogo Awon Gominan Ti Gusu Orile Ede Apapo Nijiria”, The Star of All Southern Nigerian Governors,

9) Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State, “Ileri Oluwa Ti Ile Odu’a”, God’spromise of Yorubaland.

10) Omo – Oba, Dokita Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, “Ore Mekunnu Ti Ile Odu’a”, Friend of The Downtrodden of Yorubaland.

11) Onimon – Ero Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, “Okanlawon Gominan Ti Ile Odu’a, The Special Govenor of Yorubaland

12) Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, Executive Governor of Kano State, “Ore Imule Yoruba”, Yoruba Bosom Friend.

13) Mr Hope Uzodima, Executive Governor of Imo State, “Apamonku Gominan Orile Ede Apapo Naijiria”, The Irrepressible Governor of Nigeria.

14) Mr Ben Ayade, Executive Governor of Cross River State, “Oranmiyan Ti Gusu Gusu” The Divine messanger of the Southsouth Region.

15) Alhaji Bello Matawalle, Executive Governor of Zamfara State, “Gominan Oselu Saa Yi”, The Governor of the 5th Republic.

16) Alaafin of Oyo, ‘Iku Baba Yeye”, Death of all Deaths

17) Ooni of Ife, “Arole Odu’a”, Heir of Oduduwa

118) Oba of Lagos, “Olowo – Eko, Ti Ilu Eko”, The Custodian of Lagos Wealth.

19) Kabiyesi Ololajulo Sootani Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, “Ore Imule Awon Oba Alade Ti Ile Odu’a”, The Bosom Friend of Yoruba Traditional Council.

20) Chief Pop – Olorogun Adebanjo, The Initiator of a Proposal for the Annual Celebration of Yoruba National Day at 2001 World Yoruba Congress, held at Cultural Centre, Ibadan and chaired by Senator Abraham Aderibigbe Adesanya, “Enitan Ti Ile Odu’a”, The Hero of Yorubaland.

21) Dr Omololu Olunloyo, former Governor of Oyo State, “Ogo Yoruba, To Ti Owuro Kutu mole Gbola Kari Aye”, The Ever Rising Star of Yorubaland.

22) Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Immediate Past Governor of Osun State and The Hon. Minister of Interior, “Adunbarinmatosi Ti Ile Odu’a”, The Success Magnet of Yorubaland.

23) Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Governor of Ogun State, “Bobagunwa Ti Ile Odu’a”, The Bosom Friend of Yoruba Obas.

24) Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State, “Agbomola Ti Ile Odu’a”, The Youths’ Saviour of Yorubaland.

25) Ajagunfeyiti Buba Maruwa, Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), “Baba Isale Awon Odo Orile Ede Apapo Naijiria, The Patron of the Nigerian Youths.

26) Oloye Iyiola Oladokun, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, “Majeobaje Oloselu Ti Ile Odu’a”, The Peace – Loving Politician of Yorubaland.

27) Omo Oba Biodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, “Atofarati Ti Ile Odu’a”, The dependable Leader of Yorubaland.

28) Abenugan Ile Igbimo Asofin Eko, Mudashiru Obasa, “Gbasaniyi Ti Ile Odu’a”, The Promoter of Culture and Tradition.

29) Omo – Oba Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman, Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Lagos State, “Baba Isale Awon Odo Ti Ile Odu’a”, The Patron of Grand Council of Yoruba Youths

30) Amofin Agba, Oloye Akin Olujinmi, former Minister of Justice and Attorney – General of the Federation, “Agborandun Ti Ile Odu’a, The Human Rights’ Advocate of Yorubaland.

31) Ayaworan – Ile, Dokita, Oba Adedapo Aderemi Adeen, Alayemore Ti Ido – Osun; Convener – General; Council of Traditional Leaders in Africa (COTLA)/African Union, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Secretary (BoT) National³ Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, (Abuja); Secretary – General, Council of Yoruba Obas.
“Majeobaje Awon Oba Alade Ti Ile Odu’a”, The Peace – Loving Secretary of All Yoruba Obas

32) Dr Olu Agunloye, former Minister of Power and Steel Development, “Olulaniloye Awon Odo Ti Ile Odu’a”, The longstanding Guardian of Yoruba Youths.

33) Ajijagbara Mashood Erubami, “Olugbeja Mekunnu Ti Ile Odu’a”, The Defender of The Masses of Yorubaland

34) Asofin Agba Tokunbo Afikuyomi, “Kosemaani Ti Ile Odu’a, The Salt of Life of Yorubaland.

35) Olola Wale Osun, Leader, Afenifere Renewal Group ( ARG), “Amoye Eda Ti Ile Odu’a”, The Philosopher of Yorubaland.

36) Ogbeni Babatunde Fowler, former Chairman, Federal Island Revenue, Ilumonka Agbowo Ori Ti Orile Ede Apapo Naijiria.

37) Ojogbon Sabitu Olagoke, JP, The Spiritual Head of Shafaudeen Islamic Organisation Worldwide, “Ajagun – Esin Adinnin Ti Ile Odu’a”, The most Recognised Islamic Preacher of Yorubaland.

37) Ojogbon Taoheed Adedoja, former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, “Saka Akomeji Ti Ile Odu’a”, A Lucky Winner of 2 Giant successes.

39) Oloye Akin Oke, The Chairman, Caretaker Committee, All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Oyo State, “Awokose Odo Ti Ile Odu’a”, The Role Model of Yoruba Youths.

40) Ogbeni Tayo Ayinde, The Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, “Omo Ologo Ti Ile Odu’a”, The Promising Child of Yorubaland

41) Dokita Charles Akinola, The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Osun State, “Olore Odo Ti Ile Odu’a”, The Yoruba Youths’ Benefactor.

42) Ogbeni Niyi Idowu, Special Adviser to the Governor of Osun State, General Administration, “Olumoriri Odo Ti Ile Odu’a, The Yoruba Youths’ Valuer.

43) Dare Babarinsa, Publisher, Gaskiya Magazine, “Ogunnan Gbongbo Oniroyin Ti Ile Odu’a”, The Quintessential Publisher of Yorubaland.

44) Ajijagbara Olusegun Mayegun, former NANS President, “Orisa Ogorun Odun fun Ijijagbara Orile Ede Apapo Nijiria”, Oracle of The Century for The Nigerian Democratic Struggles.

45) Dokita Salami Liadi Olagoke; Immediate Past Accountant – General of Oyo State, Coordinator, Southwestern States, Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO); Director, Orilonise Microfinance Bank, Agbeni, Ibadan, The Proprietor of the World Class Boarding and Day Secondary School, De Evergreen College, Pagun Area, Olodo, Ibadan, “Olusiro Owo Agba Ti Koni Abawon Ti Ile Odu’a”, The untainted Accountant – General of Yorubaland.

46) Dr Leke Pitan, former Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, and former Governorship Aspirant under the All Progressives’ Congress, Lagos State, “Aworawo Ojo Ola Awon Odo Yoruba”, The 1st Ever Star Reader of Yoruba Youths’ as at 2001 when he sent his Personal Driver to OAU, Ile – Ife, to fish us out for mutual relationship.

47) Mr Demola Adeshina, the Editor, the Nation Newspaper, “Eni Iyi Eni Eye Ti Ile Odu’a”, The Responsible man of Yorubaland.

48) Princess Bisi Sangodoyin, a strong member of Yoruba Unity Forum and Ibadan based Gender Activist, “Abiyamo Aboja Gboro Gboro Ti Ile Odu’a”, A caring Mother of Yorubaland.

49) Onimon – Ero Abimbola Akinajo, The Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA), “Iyaniwura Ti Ile Odu’a, Golden Mother of Yorubaland.

50) Alhaji Abiuwa Ahmed, a Tax Consultant, “Ojulowo Olugbaninimoran – Agba lori Owo Ori Gbigba ati Sisan Ti Ile Odu’a

51) Lt Col Dele Atobatele, former Secretary, Grand Council of Yoruba Youths before joining the military, “Okanlomo Ti Ile Odu’a”, The illustrious Son of Yorubaland.

52) Dr Kunle Garb, 2021 Independence Day Medal Award Winner, who was honoured for his bravery and patriotism, he suffered arrest and imprisonment twice while defending Oodua land against the invading Béninois Government which wanted to annex the land to Igbokofi, “Ogidi Omo Yoruba Atata”, Excellent Child of Oduduwa.

53) Ogbeni Tunde Fashola, The Procurement Manager, Lagos State Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA), “Alanu Odo Ti Ile Odu’a”, The Merciful friend of Yoruba Youths

We are humbly informing the whole World that this is the only recognised Yoruba National Award jointly blessed by the Leaderships of Afenifere and Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) since October 2001 during a week inauguration of the Grand Council of Yoruba Youths both at the Cultural Centre, Ibadan and inside the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, and it had in the past gone to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN as Governor of Lagos State; Mr Akinwunmi Ambode as Governor of Lagos State; Senator Abiola Ajimobi as Governor of Oyo State; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as Governor of the State of Osun; Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim as Governor of Yobe State; Chief Bola Ige, SAN; Senator Ayo Fasanmi; Senator Biyi Durojaiye; Chief Reuben Fashoranti; Chief Olu Falae; Hon. (Justice) Adewale Thompson; Rt. (Rev) Bolanle Gbonigi; Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu; Chief Bisi Akande; Gen. Alani Akinrinade (Rtd); Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; Senator Olorumbe Mamora; Alhaji Abdul Azeez Arisekola Alao; Prof Wole Soyinka; Prof O. O. Akinkungbe; Prof (Mrs) Bolanle Awe; Prof (Mrs) Felicia Adetoun Ogunsheye (1st female Prof in Nigeria); Chief (Mrs) Rita Lori Ogbiebor (High Chief of Itsekiri land, Delta State); Gen. Gen. Buba Marwa; Ambassador Segun Olusola; Ambassador Olu Otunla; Oloye Lekan Alabi; Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN; Araba Yemi Elebuibon; Chief Lere Paimo (Eda Onile Ola); Chief Jimoh Aliu (Aworo); Otunba Dele Ajomale; Otunba Jumoke Ogunkeyede (JMK); Hon. Ayo Afolabi; Alhaji Abdullahi Akinbode (former National Missioner, NASFAT); Comrade Baba Omojola; Mr Sunny Ajose and others and was also given posthumously to the Late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo; Chief Adekunle Ajasin; Senator Abraham Adesanya; Chief Bola Ige; and Alhaji Lam Adeshina, former Governor of Oyo State.

It is on record that Hon Femi Gbajabiamila as the Minority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives, rejected the National Award/Honour in protest against bad governance during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan but he totally fell in love for this Odu’a Ori Olokun Award of recognition shortly after. This is the trait of Omoluwabi.

For record purpose, apart from our successful partnership with Ayangula Cultural Group to honour our Mentor, Prof Akinwunmi Isola @ 70, inside Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos, in 2014, this is the Youths’ Platform that equally celebrated the renowned Cultural Icon, Alagba Adebayo Faleti @ 80 in conjunction with reputable Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) in 2011 and we worked relentlessly with Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, as Chairman, Organising Committee, for the successful installation of our dear Comrade friend, Otunba (Dr) Gani Adams as Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, apart from mobilisation of Yoruba Youths and Students to the Atiba Stadium in Oyo Town on the day of event in 2018 with branded Yoruba Youths’ T – Shirts and beautifully designed big banner, the humble efforts that gained edequate media attention on the field.

We thank every patriotic Individual in and outside Yorubaland for making us standing tall to be an indomitable Yoruba Youths’ Organisation for the past 20 years and by so doing making us proud as Awa, or we, in English Language. Yoruba adage goes, “Enikan ki i je Awa de,…”, “No one is an Island”, Together with your support, we are all AWA.

Odu’a a gbewa o!

We felicitate our dear Brother, Mr Sunday Dare, the Hon Minister of Youths and Sports on his successful staging of the 2nd National Youth Conference 18 years after the success of the National Youth Leadership Summit which was organised by our dear friend, Ondo State Federal Honourable, former President, Students’ Union Government, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife and Special Assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Youths, Hon Kolade Akinjo, as well as Comrade Sunday Asefon, President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on the success story of the NANS National Security Summit held Today in Abuja. We are proud of both of you.

Comrade AWA Bamiji
Aare Apapo (President – General)
Agbarijo Egbe Odo Yoruba (Grand Council of Yoruba Youths)