MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Karl Toriola, along with 74 others, was honored on Monday with distinguished merit awards by the Osun State Government in recognition of their contributions to the state and nation.
The awards were part of the activities marking the second anniversary of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration. Toriola, who received the award in the Innovation/ICT category, was represented by Opeyemi Awoyemi at the event. Other recipients included former Osun Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, politician Chief Ebenezer Babatope, BOVAS co-founder Dr. Victoria Adunola Samson, former INEC National Commissioner Professor Lai Olurode, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Lasun Yusuf, and content creator Layi Wasabi.
Governor Adeleke, speaking at the ceremony in Osogbo, said the awards recognized the honorees’ significant contributions to both the state and the country. He urged the recipients to continue their efforts in advancing the state and pledged his administration’s commitment to honoring those making Osun proud.
“As part of our second anniversary, we decided to honor Osun indigenes who have contributed to the state’s development. This is a non-partisan gesture to recognize excellence and acknowledge the contributions of our people,” Adeleke said. “You, the awardees, are the best judges of our work. We have received awards both locally and internationally, but we see these as challenges to do more, and we are prepared to deliver more.”
On behalf of the awardees, Rt. Hon. Lasun Yusuf thanked Adeleke for the recognition, highlighting the peace in Osun since the governor took office. Yusuf noted that civil servants have also aligned with the current administration, stating that, for the first time since 1999, public servants had no complaints.
“The state is peaceful now, and the civil servants are content,” he said. “Governor Adeleke, you’ve been the only governor who has involved Osun indigenes in the governance of the state since former Governor Oyinlola.”
The merit awards were given across various categories, including Education, Traditional Institutions, Business, Politics, Military, Religion, Legal Profession, Innovation/ICT, Arts and Culture, Sports, and more.
