The University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria’s premier university, has honoured a prominent supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr. Kehinde Olaosebikan, with the “Iconic Friend of the University of Ibadan Sports Academy” award.
The award was presented to Olaosebikan on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the headquarters of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu–Kehinde Olaosebikan (PBAT-KO) Grassroots Movement in Olomi, Oluyole Local Government Area of Ibadan.
The award was presented by a delegation from the University of Ibadan on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor K.O. Adebowale, in recognition of Olaosebikan’s contributions to the establishment and development of the UI Sports Academy.
Leading the delegation, the Chairman of the UI Sports Academy, Professor Olufemi Adegbola Adegbesan, said the recognition was a demonstration of the university’s appreciation for Olaosebikan’s selfless service and support for the Academy.
According to Adegbesan, Olaosebikan’s commitment to sports and youth development had contributed significantly to efforts to actualise the vision of the Sports Academy.
“On behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor K.O. Adebowale, I present this award to Hon. Kehinde Olaosebikan as an Iconic Friend of the Academy in recognition of your selfless service and immense contributions to the establishment of the Sports Academy of the University of Ibadan,” he said.
Adegbesan added that the university was particularly impressed by Olaosebikan’s dedication to initiatives that promote sports development and create opportunities for young people.
Other members of the delegation included Professor Nureni Adedayo Adewole and Dr. Ajijola Oluchi Mullie, Secretary of the UI Sports Academy.
Responding, Olaosebikan, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Midas Communications Limited, a global public relations firm, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the university delegation for the honour.
He explained that his decision to support the UI Sports Academy was motivated by his belief that the initiative aligns with the sports and youth-development objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Olaosebikan said the Federal Government’s renewed focus on sports and youth development provided an opportunity for institutions and individuals to support initiatives capable of discovering, nurturing and developing young talents.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda places emphasis on initiating, supporting and promoting activities, programmes and structures designed to further the growth of Nigeria in all aspects, especially in sports and youth development,” he said.
He pledged to sustain his support for the University of Ibadan Sports Academy and contribute towards the realisation of its vision of becoming one of the leading sports development academies on the African continent.
Olaosebikan also expressed optimism that the Academy would provide a strong platform for talent discovery, youth development and the advancement of sports in Nigeria.
The presentation was witnessed by members of the PBAT-KO Grassroots Movement and other stakeholders from across Oyo State.
The recognition further underscored the growing collaboration between the University of Ibadan Sports Academy and individuals committed to supporting sports development and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
