Adebayo Adenrele
…as Falana, others pay homage to legal icon
Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, was filled with glitz and glamour on Friday as it celebrated Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), for his significant contributions to education, health, agriculture, law, technology, among others.
During the maiden Afe Babalola Day, Babalola expressed that the occasion was a meaningful moment in his life, stating that the recognition motivates him to continue prioritizing the welfare of humanity.
He commended the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Aladesanmi, for declaring October 18 as Afe Babalola Day to honor his achievements in law, education, health, community development, agriculture, and humanitarian efforts.
In an effort to combat hunger and ensure food accessibility, Babalola unveiled a N200 million loan scheme aimed at 2,000 registered members of cooperative societies in Ekiti.
The legal luminary explained that the loan, with a 5% interest rate, will empower cooperative society members to establish their own businesses without relying on government support.
His words, “There is no doubt that there is hunger in the land. This is because we consume more than we produce. It is not the duty of the government to produce and distribute food to citizens. I feel worried and ashamed when I see people queuing up for food.
“I have taken up this challenge due to my experience as a cooperative inspector. I have incorporated two cooperative societies, one for men and one for women. Each society will receive N100 million today in bank drafts to enable registered members to apply for loans to start their businesses.
“This N200 million will provide loans for 2,000 people at a minimum of N100,000 per person. Members will only pay 5% interest on the loan to the cooperative society, compared to over 20% charged by banks.”
In his royal proclamation, Oba Rufus Aladesanmi explained that the Afe Babalola Day Declaration, which will be celebrated annually, honors Babalola’s immense contributions to education, legal excellence and advocacy, philanthropy, community development, health, and agriculture.
The traditional ruler emphasized that Babalola’s unwavering commitment to hard work and service to humanity has made remarkable contributions to Ekiti State and the world at large.
He called on residents to emulate Babalola’s nation-building ethos for the advancement of society.
Also speaking at the event, prominent Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist Femi Falana described Afe Babalola as an exceptional individual who has excelled tremendously in his career.
Falana noted that the establishment of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), is one of Babalola’s landmark efforts to ensure that quality and functional education is accessible to all.
“Aare Afe Babalola is a man of destiny who rose from the lonely place in the society to the highest.
“He has reach the peak of his career and has also attained a special place for himself in the area of education.
“He is a philanthropist who has assisted many people, he’s a man of achievement and attainment. He needs to be celebrated not just by the Ado community but by Ekiti people so that people like him can realize that the sky is not the limit in terms of achievement.
“We thank Ado-Ekiti community for giving honour to whom is due, and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti for the tremendous cooperation with Aare Afe Babalola.
“The Institution founded by Aare Afe Babalola is a challenge to other people in the society who are lucky to make money to invest in the society and when you invest in the society, you will take care of many people who are otherwise denied opportunity.
“There are other privileged people in the country who also need to sponsor students who are unable to further in their education because of family”. He added
Other dignitaries at the event were the governor of Ekiti state, Biodun Oyebanji, former governor of Ekiti state, Otunba Bayo Adeniyi, the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, among others.