Breaking News!!!
BARRISTER WALE OJO-LANRE bagged EKITI SUMMIT CULTURAL (Tourism) PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD
By
Dolapo Ogunleye Adewumi
The Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, has been honoured with the prestigious Ekiti Summit Cultural Tourism Person of the Year Award 2025 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to cultural preservation, tourism promotion, heritage development and the projection of Ekiti State on the national and international tourism map.
The award was presented to him on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, during a courtesy visit to his office by a delegation of the Ekiti Summit New Media Group, led by Mr. Femi Alufa. Other members of the delegation included Adekunle Adeola and Ilesanmi Bimpe.
The group also presented an official Certificate of Recognition to Barrister Ojo-Lanre, acknowledging his exemplary leadership, remarkable achievements and immense impact on the socio-economic, cultural and developmental landscape of Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.
A major highlight of the visit was the reading of Barrister Ojo-Lanre’s citation by Mr. Femi Alufa, after which Olayisade Ola Olatimehin formally presented the award medal to Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre.
In his response, Barrister Ojo-Lanre expressed profound appreciation to the Ekiti Summit New Media Group for finding him worthy of the honour. He described the award as deeply touching, noting that it came from a group that had demonstrated seriousness, commitment, research depth and cultural consciousness.
He said the recognition would further encourage him to remain committed to the promotion of Ekiti’s tourism assets, cultural values and heritage identity.
Barrister Ojo-Lanre also used the occasion to commend the sterling character, consistency and cultural commitment of Mr. Femi Alufa, whom he described as a man of research, standard and ethical conviction.
According to him, Mr. Alufa has remained at the forefront of projecting the heroic exploits of Ogedengbe Agbogungboro of Ilesa, while also promoting the historical importance and enduring value of the Ekiti Parapo Peace Treaty that ended the Kiriji War.
“Femi Alufa is a man whose consistency, determination and commitment to history should be emulated. I have watched and studied how he has created a memory of grace around the Ekiti Parapo Peace Treaty and brought its value and impact into wider consciousness despite early discouragements. I thank God for his life,” Barrister Ojo-Lanre said.
He further noted that Mr. Alufa’s approach to historical documentation and cultural advocacy reflects diligence, precision and a passion for truth.
“I was impressed by the brief but inclusive profile he presented about me. I was shocked by the depth of his research. He dug up many facts about my accomplishments, engagements and itinerary. That shows that he is not just giving awards casually; he is a man who goes to any length to fish out facts and truth on whatever he lays his hands upon,” he added.
Barrister Ojo-Lanre advised youths, professionals and cultural advocates not to allow age, discouragement or temporary challenges to define their future, stressing that success in life is determined by focus, resilience, consistency and dedication to purpose.
He also called for a robust partnership between the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development and the Ekiti Summit New Media Group in order to further amplify the rich tourism potentials, cultural heritage and developmental strides of Ekiti State.
The event ended with a ceremonial group photograph to commemorate the honour.
Signed:
Dolapo Adewumi
For: Ekiti State Bureau of Ekiti State Tourism Development.