Dr Umar Ardo appointed as trustee of prestigious Ajibóşin Platform
By Mohammed Ismail
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, have approved the appointment of Dr. Umar Ardo as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Ajibóşin Platform.
Ardo’s appointment was conveyed in a letter dated October 30, 2026, and took effect following his investiture at the inauguration of the Board of Trustees during the third annual symposium of the platform, Ajibóşin 3.0, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
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The appointment, which is honorary, is for an initial two-year tenure covering two editions of the annual symposium and will run until 2028, when the board is expected to review the continuation of members’ appointments.
The letter, endorsed electronically by Obasanjo, a former Nigerian president and Patron of the Board, and Oba Matemilola, the Grand Patron, said Ardo’s appointment was in recognition of the confidence reposed in his capacity to contribute to the vision and institutional development of the platform.
As a member of the board, Ardo is expected to participate in providing strategic direction, oversight and governance for the organisation, including the formulation of its policies, programmes and budget.
He will also be involved in safeguarding the platform’s assets, records and institutional reputation, as well as establishing and supervising its proposed N1 billion Ajibóşin Endowment Fund.
Other responsibilities of the trustees include approving the themes, speakers and award recipients for subsequent annual symposia and the Odun Omo Olowu programme, while ensuring that the platform operates in accordance with its constitution and relevant laws.
The board is scheduled to hold quarterly meetings, with members also expected to serve on at least one of its standing committees.
Meanwhile, the third edition of the Ajibóşin annual symposium featured the presentation of the Owu Recognition Awards to five distinguished Nigerians for their contributions and accomplishments.
Among the award recipients was the late business mogul, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who was honoured posthumously, with the award received on his behalf by his son, Alhaji Tajudeen Dantata.
Others honoured were former President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus; and Air Vice Marshal Alkali Mamu.
Ribadu’s award was received on his behalf by Dr. Umar Ardo. The symposium, which also marked the inauguration of the Board of Trustees, is part of the platform’s efforts to promote the heritage, values and historical identity of the Owu Kingdom while recognising Nigerians whose contributions have made significant impacts on society.
