Imole Day 2026: Organisers announce two award categories, defend voting process

Imole Day 2026: Organisers announce two award categories, defend voting process

Jeremiah OYELEKE

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The organisers of Imole Day Awards have announced plans for the 2026 edition of the event, scheduled to hold on Sunday, October 25, at Henliah Event Centre, Ogbomoso, with two award categories and entertainment activities lined up.

The convener of Imole Day Awards and Chief Executive Officer of Imole Media House, (Dr.) Adebayo Abiola Josiah, disclosed this Thursday during a press conference at Imole Media House Building, Oke-Anu, Ogbomoso.

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Josiah said Imole Day was established as an annual celebration of “impact, excellence and individuals making meaningful contributions to their fields, communities and society.”

He explained that the initiative also formed part of the organisation’s corporate social responsibility, through which it conducts an annual three-month training programme to equip youths with skills in media, vocational studies and musical instruments.

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According to him, the initiative reflects the belief that individuals making positive contributions to society represent its light.

Two award categories

Josiah said this year’s edition would feature two categories: honorary doctorate awards and honorary awards determined through public voting.

He explained that the honorary doctorate category was reserved for notable personalities selected by the board in conjunction with Christ Proclaimer Theological Seminary, affiliated with Faith University, USA, in recognition of their contributions to society, business, politics, ministry, education and community development.

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The public voting category, he said, was introduced to encourage participation and transparency by allowing members of the public to nominate and vote for candidates.

He stated that nominees must secure at least 100 votes to qualify for an award plaque, while those who obtain 500 votes would qualify for special prizes, including television sets, fans, generators and other household appliances.

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Organisers address voting concerns

Addressing concerns about the integrity of the voting process, Josiah maintained that no winner had been pre-selected and that the organisers had no preferred candidate.

He said the extension of voting to Wednesday at midnight was necessitated by a technical glitch, adding that the organisers had apologised for the inconvenience caused.

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He reaffirmed the commitment of the organisers to ensuring a transparent process.

Josiah marks 29 years in ministry

The convener, who is marking 29 years in ministry, said the vision behind Imole Day had grown from his service to God and humanity into the entertainment industry.

He explained that the initiative was intended to celebrate impactful individuals, inspire young people and promote the culture of Ogbomosoland.

VJ Sados to coordinate event

Josiah announced that Mr. Ayomide Stephen Damilare, popularly known as VJ Sados, had been appointed the official event planner and project coordinator for the 2026 edition.

He said VJ Sados would oversee the planning, logistics and coordination of the event.

Activities scheduled for October 25 include the conferment of honorary doctorate awards, presentation of public-voting awards, live juju music, gospel ministrations, comedy, music performances and special prize giveaways.

Josiah invited members of the press, nominees and well-wishers to attend the event at Henliah Event Centre, Ogbomoso.