By Asaye Bankole
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State Council, Comrade (Amb.) Christopher Abimbola Arapasopo, has been selected for recognition at the 2026 Southwest Legends Lecture and Awards.
Arapasopo is among distinguished personalities to be honoured at the event, organised by D Chronicle Media Ventures and scheduled for October 22, 2026, at the Olusegun Aganga Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The programme, themed “Legends of Service: The Southwest Blueprint for Nation Building,” will feature a public lecture, presentation of awards and the unveiling of a special publication celebrating the 2026 Southwest Legends.
Arapasopo is a trade unionist, peace and conflict resolution practitioner, humanitarian and administrator whose career has been largely defined by labour advocacy, community engagement and initiatives focused on improving the welfare of workers and vulnerable members of society.
Born in Ilesa, Osun State, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master’s degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. He is also pursuing doctoral studies in the field.
He has held several leadership positions within the labour movement, including two terms as State Chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Osun State Council, and two terms as Auditor of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Osun State Council. He currently serves as Chairman of the NLC in the state.
Arapasopo has also represented workers at local, state, zonal, national and international levels, while participating in activities relating to workers’ welfare, labour relations and social advocacy.
Beyond trade unionism, he has been involved in humanitarian and community development initiatives.
He served in various leadership capacities within the Osun Esteem Lions Club, rising from Director to Second Vice President, First Vice President and eventually President for the 2025/2026 service year.
His community and humanitarian engagements have earned him several recognitions from civil society organisations, religious institutions, professional groups and youth organisations.
Among the honours attributed to him are the Humanitarian Award by Grand Youth Foundation in 2020, Exemplary Leadership Award by Lions Club of Osun Esteem in 2021, Ambassador of Peace Award by Fulfillment Dynamic Initiative in 2024, Youth Ambassador recognition by Osun Youth Council in 2025 and Distinguished Hall of Fame Award by the Ekiti State University Alumni Association, Osun State Chapter, in 2025.
He was also recognised with the Icon and Outstanding African Leader of the Year award in 2026, alongside other leadership and service recognitions.
Arapasopo is described as a Computer Programmer/Analyst and Conflict Resolution Specialist, with professional affiliations and interests spanning labour administration, peace-building, humanitarian service and community development.
The 2026 Southwest Legends Lecture and Awards will feature Professor Ambrose Ayelari, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, as Guest Speaker, while Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, former President-General of the Maritime Workers Union, will serve as Chairman.
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, is expected to attend as Special Guest of Honour.
The ceremony is scheduled to commence at 1 p.m. on October 22, with public officials, academics, labour leaders, professionals and other stakeholders expected to participate in the programme.
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