Prof. Bayo Ilawole Emerges Ondo State Man of the Year as Focus Magazine Celebrates 20 Years of Media Excellence
The Acting Chairman of the Ondo State Local Government Service Commission, Prof. Bayo Ilawole, is set to receive the prestigious Ondo State Man of the Year Award at the grand 20th Anniversary Lecture and Award Ceremony of The Focus Magazine. The event is scheduled to hold on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Pharmacy House, beside the Government House, near the NSCDC Office, Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo State.
The anniversary celebration, themed “Twenty Years of Truth, Voice and Impact: The Role of Media in Shaping Society,” marks two decades of The Focus Magazine’s commitment to objective journalism, public enlightenment, and societal development. The event is expected to bring together government officials, media practitioners, community leaders, and distinguished personalities from across the state.
According to a press statement issued by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, the anniversary lecture will be delivered by Prince Kayode Adelekun Fasua, Managing Director of The Hopes Magazine, while the Ondo State Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Hon. Ayodele Akande, FCA, will serve as the Chairman of the occasion. The Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is expected as the Special Guest of Honour.
The statement disclosed that Prof. Bayo Ilawole was unanimously selected as Ondo State Man of the Year in recognition of his exemplary leadership, unwavering commitment to public service, and remarkable contributions to governance and grassroots development in the state. The organizers noted that all award recipients were carefully chosen based on their outstanding achievements and impactful service in governance, security, community development, and other sectors of society.
Other distinguished personalities to be honoured include Hon. Taiwo Adegoroye, Executive Chairman of Odigbo Local Government; Mrs. Alabi Adenike Oluwatoyin; Mrs. Bulous Florence Ojogo; Chief Olusola Aderemi Oluwatayo; Hon. Akingbola Ebenezer Akintunde; Elder Bamidele Yakubu; Mr. Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah; Dr. Felix Ale; Mr. Samuel Ogunmusi; Deacon Olumide Ogundowole; Lioness Ilesanmi John Imisi; His Royal Highness, Oloja Robert Gbadega Akinduko; Dr. Olobayo Theophilus Toyin, among several other deserving recipients.
A major highlight of the anniversary celebration will be the official launch of the Focus Magazine Office Project, alongside a fundraising session to support its realization. The ceremony is scheduled to commence promptly at 12:00 noon and will feature the anniversary lecture, presentation of awards, goodwill messages, and the office project launch, promising to be a memorable celebration of excellence, service, and media impact in Ondo State.