The Mogaji Akekaka Amusan-Olosun (MAAC) Festival Awards has set a noble tone for the New Year by honouring distinguished humanitarian and community leader, Chief Benedict Akika, with the Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year 2025 award.
The prestigious recognition, presented at the dawn of 2026, underscores Chief Akika’s unwavering dedication to humanitarian service and his remarkable contributions to the welfare, empowerment, and well-being of the people of Oyo State and its environs. The award, officially dated Saturday, January 4, 2026, symbolises a renewed call to compassion, selfless service, and community-driven development in the New Year.
Oloye Benedict Akika, a respected traditional title holder as the Agba-Akin of Olorunda-Abaa and Mayegun of Akobo Land, is the Founder of the OmiTuntun Benedict Forum (OBF). Through the forum, he has consistently championed philanthropic initiatives, grassroots empowerment programmes, and advocacy for social responsibility, earning him admiration across communities.
9ja News 24/7 recorded that in a citation accompanying the award, the MAAC Festival Awards committee stated that the honour was bestowed “in recognition of outstanding support, immense contributions, and unwavering dedication to humanity.” The committee further noted that Chief Akika’s interventions have continued to uplift vulnerable populations while strengthening communal bonds throughout Oyo State.
Renowned for celebrating culture, leadership, and excellence, the MAAC Festival Awards described the New Year honour as both a reward for years of sacrifice and a charge for sustained humanitarian commitment in 2026 and beyond.
As the year unfolds, the recognition stands as an inspiration to leaders, philanthropists, and stakeholders to recommit to the ideals of service, empathy, and inclusive development values that define and continue to shape the enduring legacy of Chief Benedict Akika.
