Ibadan Recreation Club held its Maiden IRC Merit Award recently. The event attracted dignitaries from far and near including the Honorable Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare who presented awards to recipients who have distinguished themselves in the service to the club. An appreciative President Olumakinde Oni and Members of the Central Executive Committee as well as the club’s Patron, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, gave a good account of themselves at the colourful event.
The award programme was conceived to re-engineer the Club for a better image across the country and beyond. A club of almost 120 years must be known for relevance in its society.
The Publicity Secretary, Caleb Fagade, said the event was also used to garner support for the Club towards improved infrastructure by partnering with individuals and institutions that share similar values with the Club. For the maiden edition of the award, seven distinguished Nigerians were awarded. They are:
- Dr. Olusola Ayandele
- Chief Mobolaji Olukayode Ayorinde, SAN, FCArb, OFR.
- Mr. Olaniran Olayinka, MD Keystone Bank Ltd
- Mr. Adebayo Kadiri Jimoh
- Chief Emeka V. Okoli
- Architect Owodunni Opayemi
- Chief Akinwande Ayinde Akinola, FCA, FCCA
The event was also used to commission the newly renovated Family and Children Gardens of the Club sponsored by the Patron Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi.
Some of the awards were: Best Staff Award, Long Service Award and Old Active Member Award. According to Fagade, the Award was aimed at encouraging excellence and good performance in every segment of the Club.