Tobi Special, Lanko Omo-Oba Dubai, King Prime hail Imole Media Day 2026, societal contributions

By Isaiah Adewole

Three entertainers and philanthropists, Tobi Special, Lanko Omo-Oba Dubai and King Prime, have commended Imole Media for its contributions to society and recognition of individuals making positive impacts in their respective fields.

Pan-Nigerian News reports that Imole Media is into Online Tv, Online Radio, Magazine, photography, printing, media training, music, among others.

The trio gave the commendation during the 2026 Imole Day celebration held recently at Henlia Event Centre, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

The trio expressed appreciation to the media organisation for the recognition, while sharing personal experiences and urging members of the public to support people with special needs, remain humble in success and extend assistance to the less privileged.

Tobi Special, who received the Fast-Rising Gospel Artiste of the Year award, described the recognition as a major source of encouragement, saying he felt as happy as someone who contested for the governorship and emerged victorious.

The visually impaired gospel artiste said the award was particularly meaningful because many people had once doubted his ability to succeed, but he had been able to overcome challenges through faith in God and determination.

He expressed appreciation to Imole Media for recognising his efforts and acknowledged the warm reception he received from worshippers in Ogbomoso when he came to minister to them.

Tobi Special dedicated the award to his mother, whom he credited with standing by him despite the challenges associated with his condition.

He recalled that his life might have taken a different direction if his mother had given up on him, adding that her support and encouragement had helped him develop his talent and become recognised in society.

The gospel artiste urged parents of children with special needs not to discourage their aspirations or subject them to degrading treatment, including using them to solicit alms.

He advised parents to recognise the abilities of such children, encourage them to discover their talents and provide the support they need to contribute meaningfully to society.

According to him, the encouragement he received from his parents, particularly when he wanted to attend vigils and other programmes, played a major role in his development and achievements.

He urged parents to treat children with special needs with the same love, respect and encouragement given to other children, stressing that physical challenges should not be regarded as barriers to future success.

Adeola Soremi popularly called Lanko Omo-Oba Dubai, who represented King Prime at the event to receive an honorary doctorate award on his behalf, also commended Imole Media for the recognition.

The entertainer, who said it was his first visit to Ogbomoso, explained that King Prime had initially asked him to represent him because of another engagement, although King Prime later arrived in the town.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Lanko said he never imagined that he would become a celebrated personality whose achievements would attract public recognition and respect.

He recalled that he experienced a physical disability that affected his ability to walk when he was about four years old. According to him, some relatives from both sides of his family insulted his mother and questioned why she had given birth to a child in his condition.

He, however, praised his mother for refusing to be discouraged by the negative remarks and for continuing to care for him until he eventually regained his ability to walk and rose to prominence in the entertainment industry.

Lanko advised established entertainers and stage performers to remain humble, noting that fame and success were not permanent.

He observed that some people who enjoyed widespread recognition in the past were no longer alive, while others had faded from public attention.

He also counselled upcoming entertainers against rushing their careers or pushing themselves beyond their limits in pursuit of fame and success.

According to him, the pressure to achieve success quickly had caused some performers to overwork themselves, with potentially serious consequences for their wellbeing.

He urged entertainers to progress at a pace suitable to their individual circumstances, while expressing his hope that Imole Media would continue to grow and make greater contributions to society.

In his remarks, King Prime, popularly known as Oko Opo, thanked God for the recognition and expressed satisfaction with the decision to send Lanko to represent him at the event.

He also commended the Chief Executive Officer of Imole Media, Dr Josiah Abiola Adebayo, and the organisation for putting together what he described as an entertaining and impressive programme.

King Prime traced his commitment to charitable activities to a vision he said he had experienced at about the age of three.

He recalled seeing elderly people in distress, including some who were vulnerable to falling into gutters without anyone coming to their rescue.

According to him, he encountered a man in the vision whom he believed might have been an angel and asked whether his life would eventually reflect what he had seen.

He said the man told him that he could still make a difference in the world and encouraged him to help as many people as possible rather than dwell on the disturbing vision.

King Prime said the experience inspired him to seek opportunities to improve people’s lives.

He disclosed that he had established several schools where students did not have to pay school fees and had supported the education and graduation of approximately 20,000 students, alongside other charitable interventions.

He added that helping others had also opened doors of support and assistance for him and his associates when they encountered challenges.

The philanthropist urged people with the financial capacity to extend assistance to the less privileged and those struggling in their communities.

He also appealed to Imole Media to sustain its contributions to society and remain committed to the responsibilities entrusted to it by God.

The 2026 Imole Day celebration featured the recognition of individuals for their achievements and contributions across different fields.

About The Author