By Seyifunmi Odunuga
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao (Allow Alao), has been honoured with a Merit Award by the Ibadan Foundation.
Alao was honoured at the 2024 Annual Luncheon and Merit Awards of the Foundation, held last Sunday, at the prestigious Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan.
Others honoured alongside Alao at the ceremoy where Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, was the Royal Father of the Day, include Dr. Tunde Raji; Engr. Akintunde Akinyemi; Mr. Tayo Ogundana and Mr. Ayoku Liadi.
The President of the Foundation, Alhaji Tunji Afunlehin, while conferring the award on Alao, said the Asiwaju of Irokoland, has been an outstanding son of Ibadanland who is a mentor to many young ones in the society, stating that as a civil engineer he has made a name for himself not only within the country but all over the world. 
He said, “The Ibadan Foundation is excited to honour Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao, with its Merit Award. He is a worthy son of Ibadanland who is doing greatly in his professional career and contributing his quota to the development and betterment of our dear Ibadanland.”
The Oman-based Project and Contract Management Specialist, in his remarks, said the honour coming from one of the respected clubs in Ibadanland is a call to do more not only for the ancient city but humanity as a whole, noting that he has dedicated his life to be a source of inspiration to the teeming youths who are the leaders of tomorrow. 
He said as a progressive politician who has contested for the number one seat in the pace setter state he is more than ready to change the narrative about the state, maintaining that he would always be concerned about the development of the state been the centre of politics of Yorubaland
According to him, “I feel highly honoured to be conferred with this Merit Award by the Ibadan Foundation. Let me assure that it would spur me to continue to contribute my quota to the development of Ibadanland and serve as worthy ambassador of the Foundation.”
