The Kehinde Oshilaja Foundation has announced an array of personalities and organisations for its awards.
Among those listed for recognition are First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu veteran media practitioner Elder Kayode Olopade June 12 democratic activist Adewale Balogun as well as several religious leaders faith-based organisations and media establishments.
In a statement the Convener of the foundation Kehinde Oshilaja said the awards were designed to celebrate individuals and institutions whose contributions had positively influenced the society particularly in social inclusion democratic participation religious tolerance public enlightenment and community development.
Oshilaja said Senator Tinubu’s recognition was informed by her interventions in healthcare accessibility and economic empowerment particularly programmes targeting persons living with disabilities.
Among the initiatives highlighted by the organisers is support for health insurance coverage for persons with disabilities alongside empowerment programmes for wheelchair users.
Under one of the interventions 100 wheelchair users reportedly received wheelchairs and N100000 each.
The First Lady’s legislative contributions including sponsorship of several bills during her years in the National Assembly also feature among the considerations for the honour.
Governor Sanwo-Olu is listed for recognition in acknowledgement of his administration’s interventions and policies aimed at improving the welfare inclusion and participation of persons living with disabilities in Lagos State.
The recognition of the two public officials according to the organisers underscores the importance of deliberate government policies and practical interventions in dismantling barriers confronting vulnerable segments of the society.
In the religious category the Christian personalities listed include Apostolic Mother Olatunbosun and Kemi John while Muslim personalities include Alhaji Abu Oyebanji Alhaji Raheem Jaji and Chief Abiodun Kakawa.
Several religious institutions are also listed reflecting the foundation’s recognition of the contributions of faith-based organisations to moral development peaceful coexistence and community engagement.
Among the Christian organisations are the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Headquarters RCCG Alagomeji; Good Shepherd First Square Gospel Church Alagomeji Yaba; All Saints Anglican Church and Ijo Idapo Mimo Aladura.
Other religious institutions listed include Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria Ahmadiyya Society of Nigeria Ijo Orunmila ATO and Ijo Adulawo.
The media category features prominently in the awards with recognition extended to organisations and practitioners whose contributions to balanced journalism public enlightenment accountability and responsible information dissemination have been identified by the organisers.
A major award recipient in this category is Elder Kayode Olopade who has also served as the foundation’s media consultant for almost 15 years.
Media organisations listed for recognition include The Nation The Punch Leadership Newspaper Daily Sun Radio Lagos Bond FM Adtoknews Online Publication and People’s Voice among others.
Other individuals listed in the category include Mr Peter Olayinka Opeyemi Makinde and Gbenga Adewale.
Oshilaja said the inclusion of media organisations and practitioners was intended to highlight the indispensable role of journalism in strengthening democratic institutions promoting informed public discourse and ensuring issues affecting segments of the society received adequate attention.
He said a credible media remained an important pillar of democratic governance particularly through its responsibility to hold public institutions accountable amplify citizens’ concerns and provide balanced information on matters of public interest.
In another significant category Osun State is listed for recognition over what the organisers described as its impressive voter participation highlighting the importance of citizens’ involvement in electoral processes and the sustenance of democratic governance.
Also receiving recognition is Comrade Adewale Balogun for his role in the June 12 democratic struggle a defining episode in Nigeria’s political history and its prolonged quest for democratic governance.
June 12 struggle remains an important reference point in the country’s democratic journey particularly in the context of the demand for electoral legitimacy political accountability and respect for the will of the electorate.
Other personalities listed for recognition include Chief Awodiran Agboola and Chief Ifajobi Ifagbemi.
The diversity of the award recipients reflects the foundation’s broad approach to celebrating contributions across sectors of national life bringing together political leadership disability advocacy religious service media professionalism democratic activism and community development.
Beyond the presentation of awards the initiative is expected to stimulate conversations around inclusive governance the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities religious tolerance credible journalism and the preservation of democratic values.
For the foundation recognising individuals and institutions making contributions in these areas is also an opportunity to encourage greater public responsibility and sustained commitment to initiatives that advance the collective interests of the society.