Osun Lawmaker, Olatunji Clinches COWAP Award

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

The Honourable representing Ife North in the Osun State House of Assembly, Tunde Olatunji has been honored with a special recognition award from the Coalition of Wives of Presidents And Vice Presidents in Africa For Peace, (COWAP).

Presenting the award to the lawmaker on Sunday during the African Women Summit for Peace and Development at the Sheraton Hotels in Abuja, Hajia Aisha Mohammed Abubakar, First Lady of Bauchi State said the award was given as a result of Olatunji’s innovation in governance and passion for real development.

She said: “Whatever you do to make impact,please continue to do them. You never can tell who is watching you and the extent of the impacts you’re making.

“We didn’t google you, you were recommended to us by people who noticed the impact you are making and the lives you have touched through your innovation in governance and passion for real development.

“On behalf of the COALITION OF WIVES OF PRESIDENTS AND VICE PRESIDENTS IN AFRICA FOR PEACE (COWAP), I say congratulations on this well deserved special recognition award and please keep up the good job.”

At the ceremony chaired by the Vice President of Liberia, Dr.(Mrs) Jewel Howard-Taylor, awards were given to ten (10) selected outstanding personalities for their works in creating innovative solutions to problems in Africa.

Others include, Prof. PLO Lumumba of Kenya, the First Lady of Bauchi – Hajia Aisha Abubakar, foremost Zimbabwean woman and child activist – Mrs. Abigail Magwenzi, among others.

In his remarks, Olatunji noted that, “It was deeply touching to be selected for such a prestigious award from the very many nominations received across Africa.

“I still keep wondering if this is how doing little things you are passionate about can become so significant to the point of attracting International recognition.

“The little I have been privileged to do in my 34 months and 22days in public office is a drop in the mighty ocean of our societal challenges and problems.

“For me, this is not an award for celebration of achievements, but a call to continue to be irrevocably committed to providing solutions to our common challenges and service to humanity.

“When I forayed into governance from the private sector (banking/financial management),the only thing I held on to was the divine mandate of being a tool in HIS hands to be a solution provider to humanity. I thank God everyday for proving Himself as the only one who rules in the affairs of men because He is the doer and I am just a tool.

“I am equally humbled to be honoured alongside a great mind like Prof. PLO Lumumba of Kenya, one of the leading lights of Africa that I respect so much and study so closely from afar (online). Meeting him in person was one of my wishes,but I never knew it was going to happen so early and in this beautiful manner.

“Thank you so much for your kind words and inspiration sir! You can trust our new relationship will birth something great for Nigeria, Kenya and Africa as discussed. We are both unrepentant optimists of a functional and prosperous continent.

“To the glory of God,I dedicate this award to all women, children and the vulnerables in Nigeria and Africa.” he added.