UI Honours Kehinde Olaosebikan as ‘Iconic Friend’ of Sports Academy
By Cynthia Okere, Lagos
The University of Ibadan has honoured public relations practitioner and former Oluyole Local Government Chairman, Kehinde Olaosebikan, with the “Iconic Friend of the University of Ibadan Sports Academy” award in recognition of his contributions to the establishment of the institution’s Sports Academy.
The award was presented 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 Oyo State.
A delegation from the university presented the award on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale.
Leading the delegation, Chairman of the University of Ibadan Sports Academy, Professor Olufemi Adegbesan, said the recognition followed Olaosebikan’s support and contributions towards the establishment of the 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,” Adegbesan said.
He said the university appreciated Olaosebikan’s commitment to sports and youth development and his support towards actualising the vision behind the Academy.
Other members of the university delegation included Professor Nureni Adedayo Adewole and Dr Ajijola Oluchi Mullie, Secretary of the UI Sports Academy.
Responding, Olaosebikan, Chief Executive Officer of Midas Communications Limited, thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the university for the recognition.
He said his decision to support the Academy was influenced by its focus on sports and youth development, which he said was consistent with the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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,” Olaosebikan said.
He pledged to continue supporting the university towards achieving its ambition of developing the Sports Academy into a leading institution on the African continent.
The University of Ibadan formally launched its Sports Academy in July 2026 as part of a broader effort to reposition sports beyond recreation and use it for talent development, education, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities.
The institution has since begun expanding the Academy’s infrastructure, including the commencement of construction of a 500-bed hostel and a 34-room accommodation facility designed for athletes, students, coaches and visiting teams.
Tuesday’s award presentation was witnessed by members of the PBAT-KO Grassroots Movement and other stakeholders in Oyo State.