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In a landmark recognition of patriotism, sports development and grassroots mobilization, the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier university, on Sunday honoured Mr. Kehinde Olaosebikan, a core loyalist of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chief Executive Officer of Midas Communications Limited, with the prestigious “Iconic Friend of the University of Ibadan Sports Academy” award.
The presentation was made at the headquarters of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – Kehinde Olaosebikan, PBAT-KO Grassroots Movement in Olomi, Oluyole Local Government, Ibadan, by a high-powered delegation from the University on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Professor K.O. Adebowale.
Leading the delegation, Professor Olufemi Adegbola Adegbesan, Chairman of UI Sports Academy, described the honour as a direct acknowledgment of Olaosebikan’s unwavering commitment, strategic support and immense contributions toward the establishment and growth of the Academy.
“On behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Professor K.O. Adebowale, I present this award to Hon. Kehinde Olaosebikan as an Iconic Friend of the Academy in recognition of your selfless service and immense contributions to the establishment of the Sports Academy of the University of Ibadan,” Professor Adegbesan stated.
He noted that the University management was particularly impressed with Olaosebikan’s consistent advocacy for youth development through sports, adding that his interventions have been instrumental to the progress recorded in actualizing the vision of making the UI Sports Academy a world-class facility.
The delegation also included Professor Nureni Adedayo Adewole and Dr. Ajijola Oluchi Mullie, Secretary of the UI Sports Academy, who both commended Olaosebikan for bridging the gap between academia, government policy and grassroots sports development.
Responding, the awardee and CEO of Midas Communications Limited, a global Public Relations firm, expressed deep appreciation to the Vice Chancellor and the entire UI management for the recognition.
Olaosebikan said his decision to support the UI Sports Academy was borne out of his conviction that sports remains a veritable tool for youth engagement, national unity and economic growth, all of which are central to the policy thrust of the current administration.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu places emphasis on initiating, supporting, and promoting activities, programmes and structures designed to further the growth of Nigeria in all aspects, especially in sports and youth development,” Olaosebikan stated.
He noted that the President’s vision to reposition Nigeria through inclusive development has inspired patriotic Nigerians across sectors to invest in structures that will outlive them. According to him, the UI Sports Academy represents exactly that kind of legacy project.
Olaosebikan pledged his continued commitment to the full realization of the University’s vision of making the UI Sports Academy the best on the African continent, adding that he will continue to mobilize resources, partnerships and political goodwill toward that goal.
The award ceremony was witnessed by a large turnout of members of the PBAT-KO Grassroots Movement, political stakeholders, youth leaders and community members from across Oyo State.
Dignitaries described the honour as significant, noting that it underscores the growing collaboration between Nigeria’s citadel of learning and political leaders who are committed to aligning their grassroots work with national development objectives.
With the recognition, the University of Ibadan has further reinforced its tradition of celebrating individuals whose contributions extend beyond philanthropy to nation-building.
The event ended with renewed calls for greater private sector and political support for sports infrastructure in tertiary institutions, as stakeholders agreed that such investments are critical to discovering and nurturing the next generation of Nigerian champions.
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