Aiyegunle Gbede Adopts Charity Ijese as Indigene, Honours Her With Excellence Award »

The Aiyegunle Gbede Traditional Council has honoured the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kogi State on Youth and Women Mobilization, Hon. Charity Ijese, with an Award of Excellence in recognition of her contributions to community development.

The award was presented by the Olu of Aiyegunle Gbede, (Alaofin II), Oba Abdulateef Folorunsho, during the 2025 Aiyegunle Gbede Day celebration held in the community, located in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Speaking at the event, Oba Folorunsho said the honour was bestowed on Hon. Ijese for her consistent support to the people of Aiyegunle Gbede, noting that she has effectively used her position in government to attract employment opportunities, political appointments and contracts for indigenes of the area. He added that her contributions to various community development initiatives stood out, particularly as she is not originally from the local government.

The traditional ruler commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for appointing Hon. Ijese, describing the decision as a clear example of placing capable and compassionate individuals in positions of responsibility. He urged other public office holders to emulate her commitment to service and community development.

In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, Oba Folorunsho announced that Hon. Charity Ijese has been formally adopted as a daughter of Aiyegunle Gbede.

Responding, Hon. Ijese expressed gratitude to the traditional council and the people of Aiyegunle Gbede for the honour. She also appreciated Governor Ododo for giving young people the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to governance and development in the state.

She used the occasion to call on the people of Aiyedun-Egunbe and Ijumu Local Government Area to continue supporting the present administration, assuring them that more dividends of democracy would reach their communities.

As part of her support for grassroots development, Hon. Ijese announced a donation of ₦500,000 to the Aiyegunle Gbede Community Development Fund, drawing applause from attendees at the event.