By Dupson Collins, 19th April, 2026
All roads led to the OSPDC Multi-Purpose Event Hall Ijapo Estate Akure on Sunday 19th April,2026 where some prominent Nigerians were conferred with degrees of award in recognition of their contributions to Ondo State, humanity and Nigeria as a whole.
The 2026 Sunshine State Leadership Award is an award programme organized by the management of the PATH NEWS MAGAZINE to Honour outstanding sons, daughters and residents of Ondo State who are making the state proud in their respective fields.
This year edition paraded twenty-one recipients having met the requirements and standard set by the planning committee.
Speaking at the event, the publisher of the News Tabloid, congratulated the lucky recipients who made the 2026 list, while urging them to continue to contribute to the society and impact more lives.
He thanked the chairman, Guest Speaker and other invited guests for gracing the occasion.
In his remark, the Chairman of the event, Prof Dayo Faduyille ably represented by Dr Adesomoju Crown commended the leadership of PATH NEWS for celebrating Achievers who are making the state proud.
He enjoined the recipients not to relent in their contributions to both physical and economy development of Ondo State and Nigeria.
The Guest Speaker, Dr Gbenga Abimbola of the Mass Communication Department, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko speaks on the topic, ” The Rise of One Party Dominance: Implications for Democracy & the 2027 General Election”.
In separate remarks, the awardees thanked the management of the PATH for counting them worthy for the Prestigious Award, with promises of not only living above board but also contribute to the development of Ondo State and humanity.
On the list are Arch (Dr) Toyin Ajayi (Proprietor Preston International Schools), Chief Benjamin Olomidegun (CEO High Tide Marine), Prince Olusoji Igbakanrun Tony (State President NAPPMED), Hon Joseph Olasheni (House of Assembly leading Aspirant, Akoko South West Constituency 1), Princess Abimbola Caroline Gideon-Odiyeye (Proprietress Royalbim Academy), Hon Adeola Taoheed Musa (House of Assembly leading Aspirant,Owo Constituency 2), Comrade Oriade Evelyn (HOLGA Okitupupa Local Government).
Also to be honored are Dr (Mrs) Ayeni Elizabeth ( Proprietress Bellville Schools), Mr Taiwo Adewole (Managing Director, Okitupupa Oil Company OOL Ltd), Mr Babatunde Adefusi-Owate (DG, PENCOM), Comrade Ademuyiwa Samuel Musa ( State Secretary TUC), Dr Adebayo Famakinwa (Principal, Ondo Boys High School), Mr Mike Akanki (Bursar St Patrick College Iwaro Oka), Mrs Ekpo-Jide Olajumoke Frances (Principal CAC Adu Memorial Grammar School).
Dr Olobayo Theophilus Toyln (principal CAC Grammar School Akure), TPL Abimbola Tofowomo (Permanent Secretary Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development), Mr Adeoye Atibioke (Retired Permanent Secretary), Aribigbola Ajifowowe (CEO, 23/24 Infinity Airport Hotel Idanre) and Mr Tayo Jejelola (Akinchang Quarry, Owena).
In Recognition of the contributions of Late Chief (Mrs) Elizabeth Atenidegbe, the Proprietress Betends Unity Group of Schools idanre to Education development in Ondo State, her memory would be honoured today with Posthumous Award.
