pannigeriannews 
Six personalities received doctoral awards at Imole Day 2026, which also honoured outstanding contributors to entertainment, media, business and community development.
The event which held at Henlia Event Centre, Ogbomoso, Oyo State on Sunday was themed “Celebrating Light, Honouring Impact,” brought together royal fathers, entertainers, media practitioners, industry stakeholders and other guests to celebrate individuals whose contributions have made an impact in their respective fields.
The Chief Executive Officer of Imole Media Houses and convener of Imole Day, Dr. Josiah Abiola Adebayo, thanked supporters of the initiative for their dedication and contributions to its growth.
Adebayo also congratulated the awardees on their well-deserved honours, commending their achievements and contributions to society.
In his welcome address, the event planner and coordinator, Mr. Ayomide Stephen Damilare, popularly known as VJ Sados, described the occasion as a celebration of individuals who had distinguished themselves through service, creativity and positive impact.
Mr. Damilare said the 2026 edition was particularly significant as the convener was celebrating 29 years in ministry, adding that the initiative had expanded its vision to include the entertainment industry.
He also highlighted the introduction of voting for the honorary awards, describing it as an effort to make the selection process more transparent, participatory and people-oriented.
According to him, the event brought together ministry, entertainment, business and culture through doctorate awards, honorary recognitions, music and comedy.
The six doctoral awardees were Engr. David Sunday Olaleye; Ambassador Mrs. Mbonu Olufunmilayo Tope; Chief Joseph Bolaji; Prime Fortunate Gekeleoluwa; Pastor Akanmu Joseph; and Evangelist Omowumi Ibikunle.
Several individuals also received special recognition awards for their contributions to different sectors.
Among them were Adaramola Abiodun, Political Media Personnel of the Year; Oloba Maley Ike, Most Influential Content Creator of the Year; Evangelist Tope Matthew Liberator, Distinguished Gospel Minister and Record Breaker of the Year; Oyedare Cherry Ultimate Media, Most Influential Photographer of the Year; and Tobi Special, Fast-Rising Gospel Artist of the Year.
Other recipients included Ademola Taiwo Omolade, Most Inspiring Lady of the Year; Dr. Paul Onirese, Community Leadership of the Year; and Damilare Stephen Ayomide (VJ Sados), who received a surprise special recognition award for dedication from Imole Media Houses.
In the competitive award categories, Quadri Lateef of Coded Photography won Event Photographer of the Year, while Seyi Peters Onisemo emerged winner in Yoruba Chanting.
DashWorld Fashion and Oladeji Christianah won the male and female fashion stylist categories, respectively. Other winners included Enny Lori Gangan in Female Drumming; Funsho Hossanah in Juju Music; Comedian Laskaba in Comedy; Timothy Odeyemi in On-Air Presentation; Coach Abiodun Adeleye in Football Organisation; Gbenga Aremolekun in Gospel Music; Adegboyega Oluwakemi in Most Promising Artist; Exodus Omo Ju Omo Lo in Hip-Hop Music; Monday Excellency in Fuji Music; and Praise Ololade Woli Sports in Sports Journalism.
First runners-up included Jossey Apalay in Yoruba Chanting; ABL Couture in Male Fashion Styling; Mayokun Lori Gangan in Female Drumming; Maggie Resonance in Juju Music; Fashau Simiat in On-Air Presentation; Oyewobi Motunrayo in Gospel Music; Jokotoye Taiwo Grace in Most Promising Artist; Take Away in Hip-Hop Music; and Praise Ololade (Woli Sports) in Sports Journalism.
The programme also featured musical performances by Oloba Marley Ike, President of the Dindinrin Association; Tobi Special; Yemi Melody; Take Away; Female Melody Band; and Kenny Light.
In a further effort to promote professional development, students who completed a three-month intensive media training programme were recognised and presented with awards.
About The Author
