In a momentous celebration of heritage and service, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu bestowed upon the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the esteemed Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) during the monarch’s 90th birthday commemoration. The prestigious event took place at the hallowed grounds of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, amidst an atmosphere of honor and admiration.

Representing President Tinubu at the ceremony, Vice President Kashim Shettima underscored the monarch’s profound contributions to nation-building and his exemplary dedication to humanity. “Kabiyesi Adetona has graced our nation and humanity with decades of distinguished service,” Shettima remarked, articulating the sentiment behind the conferment of the GCON award.

President Tinubu’s announcement, resonating with profound respect and gratitude, lauded Oba Adetona’s unwavering commitment to national progress, particularly in education. The President acknowledged the monarch’s pivotal role in shaping democratic governance in Nigeria, citing his unwavering stance against injustice and his indomitable spirit in advancing societal welfare.

In a significant gesture, President Tinubu revealed plans for the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, to oversee the administration of the newly inaugurated Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies. Propelled by the monarch’s illustrious legacy, this strategic move aims to uphold his vision of fostering excellence in governance and leadership.

Reflecting on Oba Adetona’s transformative impact, President Tinubu emphasized the monarch’s profound dedication to educational advancement, epitomized by the establishment of the Oba Sikiru Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. This visionary initiative has culminated in establishing the groundbreaking Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance, a pioneering institution heralding a new era of governance studies in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Speaking at the event, Governor Dapo Abiodun hailed Oba Adetona’s enduring legacy as a beacon of Ijebu heritage and a symbol of unwavering commitment to progress. He lauded the monarch’s pivotal role in spearheading initiatives such as the Ijebu Development Board, which has set a nationwide precedent for poverty eradication efforts.