HON. BABATUNDE KOLAWOLE HOLDS PUBLIC LECTURE TO CELEBRATE 50TH BIRTHDAY

By Dupson Collins, 8th April, 2025

Hon Babatunde Kolawole, a former House of Representatives Member, celebrated his 50th birthday in Akure, Ondo State Capital with a public lecture.

The well attended Golden jubilee and lecture was held on Tuesday 8th March, 2025 at the Dejavu Hotel, Akure.

It was a gathering of family, friends and associates of Ameachi as popularly called where encomiums were showered on him.

Ameachi is not only a former Member Representing Akoko Northeast and Northwest Federal Constituency at the House of Assembly but a two terms Special Adviser on Community Development to the Late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu SAN in Ondo State.

At the grand event witnessed by All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftains, captains of industries, top government functionaries, Royal Fathers among others, the Chairman of the occasion, Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa, OFR while welcoming guests from far and wide specially expressed congratulations to the celebrant as a illustrious Akoko son, acknowledging his contributions to the development of not just his constituency but Ondo State in general.

He also used the opportunity to charge leaders to be accountable in leadership.

The Govenor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa ably represented by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Segun Omojuwa acknowledged the celebrants’ invaluable contributions to the development of the state through his philanthropic gestures.

Particularly wishing him success in all his endeavours, the Governor described him as a born leader and an astute politician who is truly loved by his people.

On major highlight of the event is a keynote address by Dr. Kole Agesin who spoke about the theme of the Colloquium – From Followership to Leadership, The Kolawole Babatunde Example; Providing Purposeful Leadership in this Contemporary Time, tracing the qualities of good followership and acknowledging that followership and leadership are inseparable.

While highlighting that the major challenge facing many developing countries is leadership, he admonished those entrusted with such roles to learn to empathise with their followers and be assertive when necessary in order to build the qualities they desire to see in them overtime.

He also explored the Babatunde Kolawole example of rising from being just a follower to a leader.

In separate remarks, Hon. Abiola Makinde, MHR for Ondo East/Ondo West, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, NDDC Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Biyi Poroye, Hon. Sulaiman Murtala, member, Ondo State House of Assembly and Hon. Victor Olabimtan, SUBEB Chairman all poured encomium on the celebrant, describing him as a quintessential leader and a pride to Ondo State.

Particularly, Oba Adesunloye Oyolola II, the Olisua of Isua Akoko on behalf of Akoko nation expressed congratulations just as he described him as a great asset to Akoko nation and Ondo State in general.

One other highlight is the cutting of the birthday cake and a special thank you session where the celebrant made presentations to appreciate Mr. Governor, His Excellency, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Senator Ajayi Borrofice among others.

Responding to the outpouring of love, the over joyous celebrant thanked Mr. Governor most especially for all his support.

He appreciated Prof. Borrofice for mentoring and giving him the platform to achieve greatness having started his political career as his legislative aide.

Hon. Kolawole also extended appreciation to all the guests who came from far and wide to witness the occasion and to honour him with their presence, praying God grant them also reasons to celebrate.

In a chat with newsmen shortly after the event, the wife of the celebrant, Princess Silifat Kolawole appreciated God for sparing the life of her husband to witness the great day

She also appreciated Mr. Governor and all other leaders of the party in the state for giving support to her husband stressing that without it, not much coukd have been achieved.

Princess Kolawole also took some time to applaud her husband for being God fearing, a goal getter and a lover of the people.