As a recognition of his contributions to the advocacy for inter ethnic and religious peace and promotion of unity among all Nigerians resident in the state, the Special Assistant on Interfaith Affairs, Reverend Femi Ibikunle has been honoured with a Doctor of Philosophy in Peace and cross Cultural Mission.
Rev Ibikunle equally bagged Fellowship Award from the Institute of Certified Christian Mediators and Administrators (FICMA) making him a officially certified Christian peacemaker in Oyo state.
The Governor’s aide receive these awards same day at an event jointly organized by two Institutions in Ibadan on Saturday, November 18.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the event, Reverend Ibikunle dedicated his two awards to Govenor Seyi Makinde who he described as his life benefactor.
Ibikunle noted that he has been in God’s vineyard for more than 20 years with full dedication and commitment but it is Govenor Makinde who singled him out among thousands of other pastors to work with him in the service to Oyo state.
Ibikunle explained further that it was Makinde’s discovery of his abilities and capabilities aside from his spiritual calling as a preacher that has placed him at the spotlight for recognition.
He added that he remains forever grateful to the governor and would continue to make himself available in whichever capacity Governor Makinde would want him to serve the state.
He disclosed that the awards to him means more work and responsibility. Ibikunle stated that his passion for peace building and using his skills to unite Nigerians amid cultural and religious diversity was born out of the teachings of the Bible which commanded that love remains the greatest of all the commandments of God to man.
“I want to sincerely dedicate this awards to my principal and benefactor, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for the opportunity to serve in his government and to use my skills to show the world that we can all live together peacefully as brothers and sisters.
“This award means that our little eforts in trying to make Oyo state a better place is being recognized and this can only motivate is to aspire to achieve more with all the support provided by Governor Makinde.
“Before Christianity, Islam, or African traditional worship, there is humanity and that is our unifying point regardless of our faiths, we are all brothers and sisters in humanity. That’s my message to the good people of Oyo state.”
