Onyendu Ndigbo of Ibadanland and Oyo State, Alloysious Obi, has been conferred with the award of Grand Patron by the South East, South South and Middle Belt Forum in Oyo State.

The honour was presented to Obi, Chief Executive Officer of A.O. Obi and Sons West Africa, at a ceremony held in Ibadan.

President of the forum, Ambassador Friday Okoliko, said Obi was chosen for the honour because of his integrity, leadership qualities and commitment to humanity across ethnic and religious lines.

Okoliko described the award as a fitting recognition of what he called Obi’s service to society and support for people who come in contact with him.

“On behalf of the leadership and entire members of the Forum, I want to sincerely congratulate you on your well-deserved appointment as our Grand Patron. Your leadership is a true blessing to us and we are honoured to have a leader of your integrity, vision and deep commitment to guide our path forward.”

He added that the forum would draw from Obi’s experience and wisdom, expressing confidence that his leadership would help the organisation attain greater heights.

Responding, Obi, who attended the ceremony with his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Peace Obi, thanked members of the forum for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to contribute to its development.

“I feel happy that I am being honoured today as the Grand Patron of your Forum and I want to salute every member of the Forum. I want to assure you that I will remain accessible to you all and will do my quota for the advancement of the Forum,” he said.

The Otuekong of South South Community in Oyo State, Otuekong Michael I. Obasohan, congratulated Obi on the honour, describing it as recognition for his contributions to humanity in Oyo State and across the country.

Members of the Onyendu Council of Chiefs, prominent Igbo leaders in Ibadan and Oyo State, friends and family members attended the ceremony. (The Sun)