By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja has appointed Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi as a member of his advisory council.
The diplomat is to serve as a member of the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committe, a body with a mandate to raise at least N25 billion to be invested in long lasting and profitable ventures that will yield profits on its own in the nearest tuture.
The mandate of the committee also includes, resuscitation of moribund companies in Ibadanland, among others.
The appointment letter was presented to the diplomat by the Olubadan through a former Head of Service of Oyo State, who is the Bobajiro of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Aremu at the retirement reception organised by the International Relations Alumni Association, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun state.
The reception which held at Jogor Event Centre, Ibadan had in attendance, a former first lady and wife of the Olubadan, Ayaba Mutiat Ladoja, Professor Soji Adejumo, members of the Diplomatic Corps, friends, associates, partners, old school mates, family members among others.
Speaking, Oba Ladoja said the appointment follows careful consideration of previous performances land unalloyed commitment of the Diplomat to the cause of Ibadanland.
“Having considered your previous performances and unalloyed commitment to the cause of Ibadanland. it is my pleasure to appoint you as a member of the above-named committee saddied with the responsibility of moving the economy of our community forward.
“You will agree with me that the present state of the economic activities in Ibadanland is far Iron being satisfactory and can therefore not improve the standard of living of people in the city. This committee is therefore set up to rescue the situation for the economic revival of Ibadanland”, the letter reads in part.
Dignitaries at the event in their various remarks lauded the Diplomat for his legacies while in service noting that his work for the country has not doubt set a new precedence in the Foreign Affairs.
Ayaba Ladoja described Akinremi as a compassionate, concerned and worthy representation of what Ibadanland is known for, particularly with respect to ensuring the well-being and progress of others.
She noted that Akinremi years of active service in the diplomatic service has not only brought goodness to the country but also to Ibadan and Oyo State.
She enjoined the Diplomat not to relent in doing what he was known for, even as he embark on retirement form active service.
Speaking, the Managing Director, New Horizon Nigeria, Mr Yomi Akano described Akknremi as a man of integrity and honor, saying his name has grown to the point of opening doors for the younger generation.
Commending him for his care for the younger generation, Akano said Akinremi is a mam who wants to see others grow and succeed. He added that, while in service, the former Diplomat left indelible mark everywhere he served the country.
He recalled the years of war in Ukraine when Ambassador Bolaji had to take the risk of embarking on trip to rescue stained Nigerians, particularly students in the country, saying “you are our mentor, we are praying for you.”
A former President, International Relations Alumni Association, Prince Chris Adetayo noted that there was so much to say about the Diplomat recounting the roles he played when the Associationw as to be set up in 2018 and how he mobilised people to ensure the successful take-off..
In his remarks, the Director of Maintainance, OAU, Prof Bola Morakinyo, lauded the various support of the Diplomat to the institution, departments, Association and students, assuring that all his efforts will not go unrewarding by the Almighty.
Also speaking, Prof Adejumo said since he knew Akinremi, he found in him an excellent man of valor and one of the shinning stars Nigeria has ever produced in the diplomatic service.
He urged him as he embark on his retirement to see it as opportunity to be better and more purposeful in service delivery. He enjoined him to engage in physical activities and socialise so as to keep his body and mind still active, especially in retirement.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Iroko Community Grammar School Alumni Association, Mr Akeem Aponmade said the event is to celebrate a man of many parts. He recalled how they met back in the alma matter and how the Akinremi emerged the president of the old student Association.
He said, since his emergence, transformative ventures that has helped the alma mater improved has been introduced.
In an side interview at the event, the diplomat, now a world record holder, expresses gratitude for the recognition, saying it’s reassuring that his efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. He recalls tough times in his career, including risking his life to rescue Nigerians from Ukraine, without expecting any payment. He said motivation was to serve, driven by a vision for excellence.
He credits his success to his passion for the job and encourages colleagues still in service to be patient and have a vision. He believes civil servants shouldn’t be motivated by money, as the foreign service is a tough terrain with little financial reward.
The diplomat stresses the importance of accurate recognition for foreign service officers, who often work behind the scenes to promote Nigeria’s interests. He laments that diplomatic postings are often used as political tools, saying it’s unfair to give ambassadorial roles to non-career diplomats.
He urges the government to prioritize career diplomats for key roles and calls on journalists to help promote the importance of the foreign service. He expresses pride in his career choice and hopes his story inspires others, concluding that he’s honored by the recognition and grateful for the opportunity to serve.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of gifts by various groups, individuals and bodies.
