The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has bestowed the prestigious Champion of Ibadan Development Award on Engineer Muftau Open Salawu, Chairman of the Oyo State Project Performance Monitoring Agency, in recognition of his significant contributions to the growth and transformation of Ibadan.
The award was presented by Chief Bayo Oyero, the Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland, during a special ceremony organized by the CCII. The event highlighted the strides made by key stakeholders toward advancing the economic and infrastructural landscape of Ibadan.
In his acceptance speech, Engr. Open Salawu expressed deep appreciation to the CCII leadership, led by President General, Barr. Chief Sulaimon Ajewole, and acknowledged the support of Chief Oyero and the entire Ibadan community.
“I extend heartfelt gratitude to the leadership and members of CCII for this great honour. Special thanks to Chief Bayo Oyero for presenting the award,” he said.
Open Salawu used the opportunity to commend Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for its commitment to infrastructure and economic development, citing several transformative projects currently underway in the capital city.
“Ibadan is undergoing a remarkable transformation,” he said. “Projects like the 110km Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, the upgrade of the Ladoke Akintola Airport, and over 100km of township road resurfacing are changing the face of our city. This is one of the most prosperous periods in Ibadan’s history.”
He noted that the new Ladoke Akintola Airport would become a modern, world-class facility aimed at enhancing travel, boosting the economy, and attracting investment, while the Circular Road project would strategically connect key locations across Ibadan, easing traffic and promoting urban development.
The Giwa Adinni of Oyo State also assured that infrastructure development under Governor Makinde’s leadership would be spread equitably across all zones in the state.
“Governor Makinde is relentless in driving project delivery. I assure all zones in Oyo State that they will receive their fair share of infrastructure development,” he emphasized.
He further praised the administration’s efforts in the education and healthcare sectors, underscoring their role in Ibadan’s broader development trajectory.
The CCII, an umbrella body for all socio-cultural societies and clubs of Ibadan extraction, remains dedicated to promoting the economic, social, educational, and cultural interests of Ibadanland.