Hon. Waliu Owode Honoured with Community Development Champion Award at CMO Event in Ijebu Ode
IJEBU ODE, Ogun State — August 1, 2025
Hon. Waliu Ifedolapo Owode, representing Ijebu East State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, has been honoured with the Community Development Champion Award by the Catholic Men Organization (CMO), Ijebu Ode Diocese.
The event, themed “The Role of Laymen in Governance,” took place at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Ejirin Road, Ijebu Ode, and attracted high-profile dignitaries and stakeholders from across Ogun State.
The highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Otunba (Hon.) Fasuwa Abayomi Johnson (FAJ), Commissioner representing Ogun State at the National Population Commission (NPC), who served as the Guest Lecturer. FAJ emphasized the critical roles laypeople play in governance and urged more active civic participation by non-state actors.
Hon. Waliu Owode, in his acceptance remarks, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, stating:
“This award strengthens my commitment to the ideals of service, grassroots development, and community empowerment. I thank the Catholic Men Organization, Ijebu Ode Diocese, for this great honour.”
He also acknowledged the efforts of the Church in promoting dialogue and civic engagement between leaders and citizens.
In addition to Hon. Owode, over 15 distinguished men and women of the Catholic Church were recognized with Golden Ambassador Awards for their contributions to the Church and society. Among the recipients was Mrs. Modupe Ossai, lauded for her selfless service and community impact.
The occasion was graced by prominent personalities, including His Royal Majesty, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo, the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo; the Deputy Governor of Ogun State; Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, and several Ogun State House of Assembly members.
The event underscored the evolving role of faith-based organizations in promoting governance accountability and highlighted the synergy between spiritual leadership and societal progress.
