Bishop Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi Decorated as Ondo State Man of the Year for Phenomenal Episcopal Leadership and Transformative Service
The atmosphere was electrifying with admiration, celebration, and heartfelt tributes as The Rt. Revd. Dr. Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi, Diocesan Bishop of Owo, Anglican Communion, was magnificently decorated as Ondo State Man of the Year at the grand 8th Anniversary, Public Lecture, and Roll of Honours of Democrat News Magazine
The much coveted event was held in OSDPC Multi Purpose Event Centre First Gate, Ijapo Estate, Akure Ondo State on Sunday, May 31, 2026 amidst diginitaries of high calibers.
People like, Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi, Retired Chief Judge of Ondo State, Chief (Mrs.) Kosemani Kolawole, Former and Only Female Head of Service, Oba of Upenmen of Owo and a host of others.
The prestigious recognition, described by many as timely and richly deserved, was bestowed on Bishop Fagbemi in acknowledgment of his phenomenal administrative competence, exemplary episcopal leadership, unwavering service to humanity, and exceptional contributions to societal development. The revered cleric, whose impact cuts across faith, education, leadership, peacebuilding, and community advancement, was celebrated as a rare symbol of humility, godly inspiration, visionary leadership, and institutional excellence.
Speaking during his welcome address, the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Democrat News Magazine, John Alaba Aliu, said the honour was carefully reserved for personalities whose lives and services continue to inspire hope and development in society. He described Bishop Fagbemi as “a man who has demystified offices and authority through humility, compassion, administrative brilliance, and purposeful leadership.”
According to Aliu, “The Rt. Revd. Dr. Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi is a shining symbol of godly inspiration and development. He has consistently used his administrative and episcopal authority for the advancement of humanity. In every office he has occupied, his impact has been nothing short of phenomenal. He represents leadership with conscience, service with compassion, and influence with divine responsibility.”
The event, which also featured a thought-provoking public lecture themed “National Peacebuilding as a Strategic Tool for Development and Democratic Stability in Nigeria,” attracted eminent scholars, government officials, educationists, traditional rulers, clergy, youth leaders, and distinguished sons and daughters of Ondo State. Delivering the keynote address, Mr. James Adekunle of the National Orientation Agency emphasized the urgent need for peacebuilding as the bedrock for sustainable development and democratic stability in Nigeria.
In his intellectually rich presentation, Adekunle maintained that “there can be no sustainable development without peace and no enduring democracy without institutional stability.” He stressed that insecurity, political tensions, communal conflicts, and social divisions have slowed national growth, while emphasizing that peacebuilding through dialogue, justice, youth empowerment, and institutional strengthening remains the pathway to a better Nigeria.
Receiving the award amidst loud ovation and admiration, Bishop Fagbemi expressed profound humility and gratitude, admitting that the recognition came as a surprise. He disclosed that he initially hesitated to accept the honour because his life of service had never been motivated by earthly rewards but by the desire to please God and contribute meaningfully to humanity.
In his acceptance speech, the Ondo State Man of the Year, the revered cleric reflected deeply on the essence of leadership and service, saying: “Service to humanity must be rightly predicated on the understanding that whatever we are is what God has made of us, and in serving God, we must be available to serve His creation.” He added that voluntary service, integrity, diligence, and sacrificial commitment remain virtues society must restore, particularly among younger generations.
Bishop Fagbemi further lamented the increasing monetization of voluntary service in modern society and called on youths to embrace diligence, selflessness, and faithfulness in service, reminding them that divine rewards often come unexpectedly. “We need to encourage the upcoming generation that God rewards when least expected and that nothing goes without a record before God,” he stated.
The distinguished bishop dedicated the award to God Almighty, his family, the Diocese of Owo, the Anglican Communion, his home community of Oba-Ile, and particularly to his wife, Mrs. Florence Ebunoluwa Fagbemi, fondly called Mama Owo, for her decades of unwavering support and encouragement in ministry.
Beyond Bishop Fagbemi, the Roll of Honours also celebrated several distinguished personalities across governance, education, youth development, philanthropy, cooperative services, public administration, and traditional institutions whose impacts have continued to redefine leadership and community development in Ondo State.
Earlier in his remarks, John Alaba Aliu appreciated God for sustaining Democrat News Magazine through eight impactful years of journalism and humanitarian service, noting that the media outfit, through its humanitarian arm — the Democrat Media Foundation — has remained committed to uplifting the less privileged despite limitations.
“Our mission goes beyond journalism. We are passionate about humanity, social development, and giving hope to the vulnerable in our society. We believe that every meaningful sacrifice towards humanity never goes unrewarded,” Aliu declared while appealing for greater support toward expanding humanitarian interventions.
The ceremony ended in an atmosphere of celebration, reflection, and renewed hope, with guests describing Bishop Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi’s recognition as Ondo State Man of the Year as a profound honour bestowed upon a man whose life has become a glowing testimony of impactful leadership, spiritual dedication, administrative excellence, and service to humanity.
Indeed, for many at the event, Bishop Fagbemi’s decoration was not merely an award—it was a celebration of character, grace, diligence, and uncommon service in an age yearning for exemplary leadership.