The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, on Saturday, said there were times in the past years, that he could not tell people he hailed from the town.
The monarch, who explained that those periods were before he was installed as the Oluwo, noted that there was not much development in the town then.
Akanbi, who disclosed this during the 8th edition of the Distinguished Role Model Award organised by The Wings School, Iwo, for indigenes of the town, that have attained success in their careers, however, said the situation has since changed for the better after he became the traditional ruler of the community.
Speaking further at the event, where awardees including Prof. Sikiru Olurode, Prof. Sarafa Azeez, Prof. (Mrs) Foluke Adedayo and Prof. Lukmon Adeoti, were all recognised, Oluwo commended a former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Lai Olurode, for his role in the current development Iwo is currently witnessing.
Oba Akanbi, while congratulating the awardees, urged the students of the school to shun social vices and emulate the Iwo indigenes who are doing well at home and in the diaspora.
He said, “I want to appreciate the proprietor of the school, Prof Lai Olurode, for the good work he is doing in Iwoland. You love your land so much and believe in this town and its future.
“Before I became the king, when I googled Iwo, I couldn’t get much information about the town and sometimes I can’t even tell people I am from Iwo town. I either tell people then that I am from Ibadan or Lagos.
“But now, development has come to Iwo and everyone is proud to associate with us. We won’t rest until we reach the height we want for Iwoland.”
The chairman of the occasion, Mr Joshua Adeniran, in his remarks, urged the awardees to build on the good legacies they have established and inspire the more the younger generation.
He said, “I would like to appeal to you to please build an endearing legacy that would promote academic excellence as well as a philanthropic gesture in reaching out to the destitute and vulnerable in Iwoland, Osun State and Nigeria at large.
“You should remain focused, resilient and futuristic. You are the shining example to young generations and generations yet unborn.”
