Several prominent Nigerians, including political leaders, business executives, sports personalities and cultural icons, were honoured at the maiden edition of the Ibadan Mesiogo Golf Open Awards, held in Ibadan in 2017.
The IMEGA Awards, which formed part of activities marking the inaugural Ibadan Mesiogo Golf Open, recognised individuals and institutions for their contributions to public service, business, sports, culture and community development.
Among those honoured were the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo; Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi; former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Chairman of Elizade Toyota Nigeria Plc, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo; and veteran broadcaster Chief Mrs Anike Agbaje-Williams.
Other recipients included former Western State Governor, General David Jemibewon (rtd.); Chairman of BOVAS Group, Architect Bamidele Samson; and Paralympic gold medallist in powerlifting, Yakubu Adesokan.
Posthumous awards were also presented to former Western Region Governor, the late Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi; literary and cultural icon, the late Adebayo Faleti; and former Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, the late Chief Omowale Kuye.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Ajimobi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Toye Arulogun, said his administration would continue to pursue projects aimed at improving the quality of life in Oyo State.
He also reiterated the importance his administration attached to maintaining peace and security, describing both as essential to the state’s development.
Ajimobi commended Olawale Opayinka, the curator of the championship and Chief Executive Officer of 3E Actuaries, for promoting Ibadan through the golf tournament and associated activities.
Opayinka said the award recipients were selected in recognition of their achievements and contributions to society in their respective fields.
He also described golf as more than a sporting activity, noting that major tournaments could attract business leaders, investors, corporate executives and other influential individuals to Ibadan.
Among the honours presented at the ceremony was the Lifetime Achievement Award to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, while Ajimobi and General David Jemibewon received Special Awards.
The Heritage Award went to the late Adebayo Faleti, while the Inspiration Award was presented to Architect and Mrs Bamidele Samson, founders of BOVAS Group. Chief Michael Ade-Ojo received the Legacy Award.
Heroes Awards were presented to Chief Olawale Kuye, Operation Burst, the late Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, Chief Mrs Anike Agbaje-Williams and Yakubu Adesokan.
Former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola received a Special Recognition Award, while the IBB Golf Course was named Best Golf Course.
The inaugural Ibadan Mesiogo Open also attracted professional golfers from Nigeria and abroad, including Craig Hinton, Leigh Whitaker, Gift Willy, Liliana Alvarez and Emos Koblah.
The event was organised as part of efforts to promote golf and showcase Ibadan as a destination for sporting, business and social activities.
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