In a grand celebration of excellence and community service, Mrs. Bilikis Folashade Akinola was honored with the prestigious Distinguished Business Leader Award (DBLA) by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) during the 2024 Ibadan Week festivities. The event, held over the weekend at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resorts, was a highlight of the Ibadan cultural calendar, with Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, President-general of the CCII, and Balogun Gafar Ojetola, the Chairperson of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Week, presiding over the ceremony.
Mrs. Akinola’s recognition by the CCII, the highest socio-political association of all Ibadan indigenes, is a testament to her remarkable contributions to both the business world and the community.
Born into the esteemed family of Mr. and Mrs. S.O.G. Akingbehin of the revered Otun Oyekola lineage, Oje in Ibadan, her journey to this accolade is as inspiring as it is impressive.
Her academic journey began at HLA Primary School and continued at Holy Trinity Grammar School. She pursued higher education with vigor, earning her NCE from the then Oyo State College of Education Ilesa, a Higher National Diploma and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration from the Polytechnic of Ibadan, and a first degree in Special Education/Communication Language Arts from the University of Ibadan.
Mrs. Akinola’s academic pursuits culminated in a second degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from the same institution.
Currently, she serves as the Deputy Director of Administration and General Services at IBSW Local Government. She is also the MD/CEO of Celebrity Magazine and a prominent member of the Lions Club, having served as the Charter President of the Ologuneru Integrity Lions Club and the Founder and President of the Ajorosun Feminine Club.
Her extensive contributions have earned her numerous prestigious awards, including the University College Hospital’s Award of Excellence, the Nigerian Lion Charity Foundation One Star Fellow, and the Rotary Club Humanitarian Service Award, among others. Her dedication to service and excellence was further recognized with the Outstanding Woman of the Year award on International Women’s Day 2023 and the Lions International Exceptional Service Award.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Akinola expressed heartfelt gratitude to the CCII and its leadership. “I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this Distinguished Business Leader Award. I extend my sincere thanks to Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, President-General of CCII, for this recognition. I also want to recognize and appreciate all Ibadan indigenes and stakeholders for their unwavering support.
“Special thanks to Balogun Gafar Ojetola, Chairman of the Cultural Week festivities, for his dedication and hard work.
I use this occasion to encourage all Ibadan indigenes, both at home and abroad, to put Ibadan first and continually contribute to her socio-economic development. Together, we can achieve great things and ensure the prosperity of our beloved city.”
Mrs. Akinola’s recognition at the Ibadan Week 2024 stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication and impactful contributions, solidifying her as a beacon of inspiration and excellence within the Ibadan community and beyond.
