… under his watch, modern irrigation, solar-powered dot landscape of Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Osun States
Adeshewa Precious
Engr. (Dr.) Adedeji Ashiru, the Managing Director/CEO of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA), has been recognized with the prestigious Award of Exemplary Leadership in Public Service at the NewsDirect 15th Anniversary and Awards Ceremony.
The award, according to the organizers, was presented in recognition of Dr. Ashiru’s transformative leadership in rapidly reshaping OORBDA into a dynamic force driving water resource innovation and agricultural development across the South-West region.
The ceremony, which took place in Lagos over the weekend, celebrated Dr. Ashiru’s significant contributions to public service and his role in spearheading growth within the sector.
Prince Mathew Ibiyemi, Publisher and Executive Director of NewsDirect, emphasized the dual responsibility of the media in his remarks at the awards ceremony.
While acknowledging the critical role of the media as a watchdog, he stressed the importance of using the platform to spotlight genuine success stories amid the nation’s challenges.
In justifying the selection of awardees like Dr. Ashiru, Prince Ibiyemi remarked, “A nation that focuses only on criticism may eventually lose sight of how to build.
“Despite the economic difficulties and negative narratives, we often encounter, there are still institutions and individuals who are making a positive impact and achieving success.”
“We must be a country that knows how to applaud excellence. Let me be clear: this is not an endorsement of bad behaviour.
“But our duty as a media house is to be objective, to call out errors when they occur and also to boldly celebrate impactful initiatives when they succeed,” he said.
According to Ibiyemi, since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Ashiru has been credited with redefining the operational compass of the Authority.
Citations at the event highlighted his ability to wake dormant systems, noting that under his watch, modern irrigation schemes have flourished, and solar-powered boreholes now dot the landscape of Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, and Osun States, effectively tackling water scarcity and boosting food security.
Described as a “lodestar glittering with purpose,” Dr. Ashiru’s tenure was lauded for aligning perfectly with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of river pollution control and land encroachment management.
Dr. Ashiru’s recognition is backed by a formidable pedigree. A Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a COREN-registered professional, he holds a Doctorate in Engineering and a Master’s from Cranfield University, with further executive distinctions from Harvard Business School and the London Graduate School.
Beyond his administrative strides, the award also acknowledged his humanitarian contributions through the EDA Empowerment Foundation, which continues to support widows, farmers, and vulnerable households.
Ibiyemi therefore emphasised that as NewsDirect celebrated 15 years of “defining narratives” and evolving from a modest website to a multi-channel media powerhouse, Dr. Ashiru stood out as a symbol of the sustainable progress and visionary leadership the platform seeks to promote for a better Nigeria.
Other dignitaries who attended the event includes the Lagos State Governor represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Lanre Adetokunbo Bajulaye, The Olota of Ota, Oba (Prof) Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege,
Chairman of Gibraltar Construction Nigeria Limited, Sir Olu Okeowo, among others.
