EKITI SUMMIT AWARDS 2026
Community Leader of the Year
Major General (Dr.) Simeon Kayode Oni (Rtd.)
Major General (Dr.) Simeon Kayode Oni (Retired) was born in Ijero-Ekiti, present-day Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria. He hails from a distinguished and historic lineage deeply rooted in Ekiti’s traditional military and royal heritage. His ancestry traces to the legendary Olomofe Ogunleye Otirikijuda, a renowned warrior-general during the Ekiti-Parapo (Kiriji) Wars of the late nineteenth century. His family heritage is further connected to notable Yoruba royal houses and respected traditional chieftaincy lineages from both his paternal and maternal backgrounds.
Educational Background
Major General Oni’s academic journey reflects remarkable dedication to scholarship and professional excellence. He attended Doherty Memorial Grammar School, Ijero-Ekiti, and later Ijebu-Ode Grammar School for his secondary education.
He proceeded to the University of Lagos, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. He subsequently obtained a Master of Science degree in Analytical Chemistry from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later earned a Doctorate (PhD) in Material Science from the University of Sokoto, now Usmanu Danfodiyo University.
In further pursuit of leadership and professional development, he attended executive education programmes at the Lagos Business School and obtained a postgraduate certificate in Disarmament from the Bundeswehr Institute in Münster, Germany.
Military Career and National Service
Major General Simeon Kayode Oni had an illustrious career in the Nigerian Army, rising through the ranks to attain the prestigious rank of Major General. His distinguished military service spanned several decades and was marked by excellence in leadership, research, training, and institutional development.
Throughout his military career, he held several strategic appointments, including:
Instructor at the Army School of Signals
Instructor at the Nigerian Army School of Education, Ilorin
Instructor at the Nigerian Military School, Zaria
Chief Research Officer in the Research and Development Directorate of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON)
Assistant Director in the Research and Development Directorate of DICON
Commandant of the Nigerian Army Education Corps (NAEC) from 2001 to 2003
As Commandant of the Nigerian Army Education Corps, he championed programmes designed to improve educational standards, intellectual development, and professional training within the Nigerian Army.
Public Service and Leadership
Following his retirement from active military service, Major General Oni continued to contribute meaningfully to public administration and governance in Ekiti State.
He served as Chairman of the Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), where he played a significant role in strengthening educational administration and policy implementation. He also served as Chairman of the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC), contributing to electoral governance and democratic development within the state.
Honours and Recognition
In recognition of his exemplary military service and outstanding contributions to national development, Major General Oni has received several distinguished military honours, including:
Forces Service Star (FSS)
Meritorious Service Star (MSS)
Distinguished Service Star (GSS)
Corps Medal of Honour (CMH)
Beyond his official accomplishments, General Oni is widely respected as a mentor, community builder, and benefactor, particularly among youths in Ekiti State and across Nigeria. His life embodies discipline, scholarship, patriotism, leadership, and unwavering commitment to community advancement.
Legacy
Major General (Dr.) Simeon Kayode Oni (Rtd.) remains a shining example of excellence in military service, education, governance, and humanitarian leadership. His enduring contributions to nation-building and community development continue to inspire generations of Nigerians.
In recognition of his remarkable achievements and selfless service to humanity, the EKITI SUMMIT AWARDS 2026 proudly honours Major General (Dr.) Simeon Kayode Oni (Rtd.) as the Community Leader of the Year.