A security expert and Chief Executive Officer of Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited, Femi Meshe, has been named Ondo State Man of the Year 2025.
The award was conferred at a colourful ceremony held on Sunday at the International Event Centre (The Dome), Akure, the state capital, in an event organised by Hero Magazine.
The night of glitz and celebration attracted eminent personalities from across Nigeria and beyond.
The event was chaired by elder statesman, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and former Minister of Finance, Oba Oluyemisi Falae , Olu of Ilu Abo
Falae said he had to personally attend on hearing that Meshe, whom he described as a good son and worthy ambassador of the state, was one of the honorees.
He said: “I wouldn’t have honoured the invitation because of the short notice. But the moment I learnt that one of my sons, Femi Meshe, is a recipient, I made it a point of duty to be here.”
Helenah Meshe, wife of the awardee, described her husband as a loving father and dutiful husband whose dedication inspires the family.
In his deeply emotional acceptance speech, Femi Meshe said the recognition was not for him alone but for the resilience and sacrifices of ordinary people across Ondo State.
“This award doesn’t belong to me. It belongs to Ondo State. It belongs to every teacher in Akure who stays after school to tutor a struggling child. It belongs to every farmer in Owo who shares seeds with his neighbour in a difficult season.
“It belongs to every market woman in Ondo town who gives credit to a family in hard times. It belongs to every young person in Okitipupa who chooses to build their future here at home instead of running away,” he declared.
Meshe added that although challenges remain, the people of Ondo State possess a unique resilience and communal spirit.
He stated: “We have problems that keep us awake at night, yes. But we have something special. We have each other. If not us, then who? If not now, then when?”
The 2025 Hero Magazine awards ceremony was graced by an array of dignitaries including the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Fasonranti); Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye; the Deji of Akure, Oba Dr. Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, CFR; Oba Oluyemisi Falae, Olu of Ilu Abo and the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN, alongside other eminent personalities.