Gen. Olu Bajowa (RTD) bags Award at NBA Law week.
– Steve Oirih
The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA Okitipupa Branch has held its annual Law week with the theme “Security as the bedrock of a prosperous nation: rejigging Nigeria’s constitutional federalism.”
The Law week, a week long affair had several line up of activities.
At the NBA Law week grand finale which held on Friday, the 7th February, at the main auditorium of the Faculty of Engineering ,OSUTECH , there was special recognition award conferred on distinguished Nigerians of Ikale extraction.
Notable among the awardees was RTD Gen. Olu Bajowa, OFR, FSS, NDC, PSC , BSC (HONS), PHD, who was conferred with the award of “Builder of Peace and Unification.”
While presenting the award to the recipient, who was represented by his wife, the Regent of Ayeka kingdom, Her Royal Highness, Oluyemi Bajowa, the Presenter on behalf of NBA, Justice Peter Ikujuni congratulated the awardee, describing him as an officer and a gentleman whose role and contribution to nation building is etched in the history of the country. The Ondo state High court Judge noted that a whole lot of critical evaluation was considered before the conclusion on the conferment of award was made , stressing that the likes of Gen.Bajowa who remain a shinning example in Ikale Land and beyond deserve recognition and commendation at all times.
In her response, the Regent Of Ayeka kingdom, Oluyemi Bajowa, standing in for the Jagunmolu of Ikale Land and the Ojagbulegun of the source, said her husband, Gen. Bajowa felt extremely honoured to be considered worthy of the award at the 2020 Annual Bar Conference of the Okitipupa Bar, noting that the prestigious award the recipient will proudly hold dear.
She maintained that Gen Bajowa is earnestly grateful for the recognition award , adding that the Retired Army General is appreciative of the Bar’s recognition of his modest contribution to nation building in his public service both in the Military and Public service .
“It is significant to state that by marriage association to one of your professional colleagues, I have come to realise that the Bar Association has a tremendous responsibility towards nation building.
” I observed that lawyers can contribute to the core objective of enhancing national business environment and promoting social justice by promoting respect for the rule of Law . They can Also contribute to electoral reform processes , putting national interest and professional ethics above self in the conduct of their business,” Gen. Bajowa noted .
Continuing, Gen Bajowa told the audience that his journey thus far was not without difficulties and the vicissitudes of life, but God saw him through, urging the audience never to give up in any circumstances. “Even if you are convinced that all is over, I say to you, it is not over, unless you say it is over. A true example of this is me, standing right here in front of you,” Gen. Bajowa enthused.
While noting that he was prematurely retired as a General at the age of 40, he had to go back to school at the University of Lagos. “I was prematurely retired as a General at the age of 40. I went back to school – University of Lagos and was later recalled to serve as a civil servant in many capacities including Permanent secretary Ministry of Defence that retired me. This scenario undoubtedly stood me in good stead to earn this NBA Merit Award for my contribution to nation building,” Gen.Olu Bajowa noted.
