The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has described Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, as a pacesetter who is at the vanguard of transforming the State for good.

Shettima spoke at the Gateway International Airport, Ilishan, while on his way back to Abuja after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the installation of Chief Sulaiman Adegunwa, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rite Foods Ltd, as the Asiwaju of Ijebuland by the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland at Ijebu-Ode on Saturday.

He noted that the governor has maximally taken advantage of the state’s proximity to Lagos State, saying the airport, which is almost 80 percent complete and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, has the longest runway in the country.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has described the new Asiwaju of Ijebuland as a living legend and a great son, who, through industry, has contributed to the socio-economic development of his state and fatherland.

Tinubu stated this on Saturday at the installation of Adegunwa and his wife, Hajia Fatima Adegunwa as the Yeye Asiwaju and Arobake of Ijebuland by the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, held at the Palace Ground, Ijebu-Ode.

Represented by the Vice President, Sen. Shettima, President Tinubu lauded the tenacity and hard work of Chief Adegunwa, who rose from being a photographer to food industry, which had helped in opening up the country’s economy and providing employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians.

President Tinubu called on all Nigerians to emulate the exemplary leadership qualities and lifestyle of the new Asiwaju, who, despite his wealth and social standing, still lives in the house he built about 60 years ago.

He appreciated the Awujale and the people of Ijebuland for conferring the prestigious title on the renowned industrialist, saying this would serve as an example to the young ones.

In his remarks, the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, commended the new Asiwaju for rising from a humble background of being involved in photo business into banking, agricultural sector and food industry, saying his business conglomerates has employed over 3,000 people.

The governor said: “His (I can do) spirit, has made him the topmost indigenous industrialist in Nigeria. He believes in hard work and diligence. His experience in global business has positioned him to become a big threat to small and big businesses in the country.

“He is an advocate and strong supporter of academic excellence who has supported our tertiary institutions, including our Olabisi Onabanjo University, Tai Solarin University of Education, and the Oba Adetona College of Health and Science Technology.”

He said the installation of Chief Adegunwa as the new Asiwaju of Ijebuland underscored his esteem status and unwavering commitment to the advancement of his people and nation, appreciating the Awujale for considering the new Asiwaju for the honour.

The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona who spoke through the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Chief Olorogun Sunny Kuku, described Chief Adegunwa as a great philanthropist and son of Ijebu who has contributed to the economic development of Ijebuland, Ogun State, and the nation.

He said the chieftaincy conferment was a testimony of the love and appreciation for a man who brought honour and development to Ijebuland through hard work and perseverance.

The event was attended by prominent personalities, including former president Olusegun Obasanjo, Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), former governors Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and Ibikunle Amosun, members of the National and State Assemblies, captains of industries, top traditional rulers, politicians, and social groups, amongst others.