The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II has installed the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh as the Baatona of Akure Kingdom.
The Minister of State Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, who was at the Installation ceremony, described Jamoh as a detribalised Nigerian genuinely committed to the development of the nation through the maritime sector. He also thanked the Deji for the recognition of Jamoh, adding that it is an expansion of Akure Kingdom.
“Dr Jamoh is a genuinely nice man deserving of the honour Akure Kingdom has conferred on him. I am sure he will expand the frontiers of the Akure Kingdom to Zaria and beyond”, he said.
The Deji said that Jamoh has contributed directly and indirectly to the development of Akure Kingdom, hence the title Baatona, which means “pathfinder”. “We have followed with keen interest the activities of Dr Jamoh and we have no doubt that he will greatly assist in the development of Akure Kingdom”, the traditional ruler said.
In his acceptance speech, the newly installed Baatona of Akure Kingdom extolled the values of the people of Akure describing them as very hospitable, adding that he is proud to be associated with the monarch of the revered kingdom and the entire Akure people.
“I sincerely wish to appreciate this gesture extended to me as the Baatona of this Kingdom; I pledge my commitment to the good people of Akure and wish to state that regardless of tribe or religion, I will do all within my capacity to add value to the Kingdom”, he said.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu; Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other eminent Nigerians joined in the reception in honour of the NIMASA DG, which was hosted by Adegoroye.