Hope Newspaper Honours Ondo’s Finest in Grand Style, Names Aiyedatiwa ‘Hope Man of the Year 2025’
In a colourful celebration of excellence, leadership, and humanitarian service, The Hope Newspaper, published by Owena Press Limited, honoured outstanding Nigerians in grand style at an award ceremony held at the Ondo State Development and Property Corporation (OSDPC) Hall, Ijapo Estate, Akure on Friday, September, 12, 2025.
Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, led the list of 18 distinguished awardees and was honoured as the Hope Man of the Year 2025 for his visionary leadership, developmental strides, and unwavering dedication to the growth of the Sunshine State. The ceremony, hosted by the Managing Director of Owena Press, Mr. Kayode Fasua, attracted prominent figures from across the state and beyond, including politicians, academics, public servants, and business leaders.
Other notable awardees included the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Adenike Oladiji; and businessman-politician Dr. Sylvester Olumuyiwa Adu, popularly known as Adu Cubana, who was recognized as the Most Accessible Politician in Ondo State.
The event also featured keynote lectures by Hon. Demola Ijabiyi, a Second Republic lawmaker in Ondo State, and Dr. Oludare Marindoti, a United States-based public health expert, both of whom shared insightful perspectives on governance, leadership, and the role of citizens in nation-building.
In his remarks, Dr. Olumuyiwa Adu praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for his developmental initiatives, particularly highlighting the high-quality work on the Oba Adesida Road demarcation project, which he described as durable enough to last a hundred years. He emphasized that true governance is not measured by temporary giveaways but by the ability to lay solid foundations for sustainable development. Adu also recounted a divine revelation he received months before the 2024 election, which inspired his unwavering support for Governor Aiyedatiwa. According to him, it was this conviction that led him to organize a musical performance by Fuji maestro Saheed Osupa—not out of extravagance, but as a way to honour God’s directive.
Adu called on all sons and daughters of Ondo State to unite behind the Governor to ensure continued progress, stressing that the state belongs to everyone regardless of origin or background. Reflecting on his own experience, he noted that in the street where he resides, he is the only Akure indigene, further underscoring the importance of unity and shared responsibility.
He also addressed national issues, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms. While acknowledging the hardship they may cause in the short term, Adu described them as necessary steps toward lasting national development. He pointed to the restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), efforts to revive Nigeria’s refineries, and anti-corruption initiatives as examples of long-overdue reforms now being implemented.
Speaking on the rationale behind the award ceremony, Mr. Kayode Fasua stated that the event serves as a platform to celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to society and to encourage them to continue their good work. He extended his appreciation to all who made the event a success and reiterated the commitment of The Hope Newspaper to spotlighting excellence and integrity in leadership and public service.