NEWS
The Quintessential Man, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde to receive Community Service Champion Award
Hon. Kolawole Babatunde, a prominent figure in the Sunshine State, is set to receive the Community Service Champion Award at an event organized by the Association of Independent Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (AINPN) in Ondo State.
The Award will be presented during the upcoming Lecture and Award ceremony themed, “Unintended Consequences of Oil Deregulation: The Impacts on Nigerians and Lessons for the Financial Sector.” The event is scheduled for December 22, 2024, at the OSDPC Multi-purpose Event Center in Ijapo Estate, Akure with Honourable Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu as the Chief Host, of which the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour.
Hon. Kolawole holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Ado Ekiti and is currently a research student specializing in Development Economics.
Known for his simplicity, firmness, and humility, Hon. Kolawole’s commitment to public service was evident during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, where he earned the State NYSC Merit Award for outstanding performance. This achievement led to his employment as a Planning Officer in the Kaduna State Ministry of Economic Planning in 2001. He has since served in various roles, including as a teacher and a Senior Planning Officer in federal agencies.
His political career began in 2011 when he became a Legislative Aide to Senator (Prof.) Robert Ajayi Boroffice. His passion for public service and politics eventually led him to the National Assembly, where he represented the Akoko South East/South West Federal Constituency during the 8th Assembly. Within this role, he was an active member of numerous committees, including those focused on the African Parliamentary Union, the Federal Capital Territory, and Public Accounts. He also chaired sub-committees on key issues such as the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the Nigerian Iron Ore Mining Company.
One significant highlight of Hon. Kolawole’s legislative accomplishments was his motion addressing the need for the Federal Government to curb the population explosion. This initiative earned him a commendation letter from Hon. Kelvin Thompson MP, a Federal Member for Wills in the Parliament of Australia, showcasing his proactive approach to tackling Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
In addition to his legislative achievements, Hon. Kolawole has received numerous awards for his service and philanthropy, including the Distinguished Great Achiever’s Award from the Cathedral Church of St. Stephen and a Certificate of Merit from Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals. His commitment to grassroots development has also been recognized by the Rotary Club of Nigeria and the Nigerian Union of Journalists.
Following his tenure in the National Assembly, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde was appointed Special Adviser on Rural and Community Development by the late Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, in June 2019. He served two consecutive terms in this role. In 2021, he was appointed Chairman of the Abia State Congress Committee by the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He also served as the Director-General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization for Ondo North Senatorial District during the 2023 General Elections, leading the party to a resounding victory.
Due to his extensive electioneering campaign experience, Hon. Kolawole was appointed the Director-General of the Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Council, overseeing the APC campaigns in the Akoko South East/Akoko South West Federal Constituency, where he again led the party to success. Hon. Kolawole Babatunde remains dedicated to serving his community and country, embodying the ideals of a quintessential public servant.
He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria and an alumnus of the Lagos Business School.
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