The people of Ado-Ekiti have formally made legal icon and the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola, as their Grand Patron in the universe. at a colourful ceremony to confer the honour.
The event which took place at the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, was the brainchild of Ado-Ekiti Progressive Union (APU), and saw a large gathering of prominent sons, daughters and friends of Ado-Ekiti community as well as the top echelon of the management of ABUAD.
In his speech on the occasion, the President of APU, Chief Obafemi Ojo, described Chief Babalola, who already stands as the Fiwajoye of Ado-Ekiti, as a man of many parts in human endeavours, a leader in achievements and a beacon of excellence.
Chief Ojo noted that the founder of ABUAD was “one of the foremost philanthropists in contemporary Nigeria,” and pointed out that he had donated many buildings for lawyers, universities, lecture theaters, assembly halls, laboratories, including to the University of Lagos, Ekiti State University (EKSU) and the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.”
He, however, contended that the most important of the numerous achievements recorded by Chief Babalola was the establishment ABUAD, a university he noted had already grown to become a world beater at just about six years of existence.
According to him, the award is in conformity with the constitution of the union which provides for official recognition of notable Nigerians with the “Award of Excellence.”
Speaking at the ceremony, the Ewi of Ado, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejuyigbe Aladesanmi III, described Afe Babalola as a gift to this generation and added that the Ado-Ekiti people are very lucky to have him as their son.
Responding, Chief Babalola said “I consider this greater honour done to me by my people.”
Aare Babalola said the people are stronger when we are one in Nigeria and come together for progress.
Speaking at the gathering, the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Professor Michael Ajisafe, said this is a greatest honour bestowed on Aare, saying he is a great man.
The award which attracted various traditional groups and dancers, was full of colour and glamour as many indigenes of the town attended the ceremony, including former deputy governor of state, Dr. Sikiru Tae-Lawal and Senator Bode Ola.
Oba Adejugbe said every Ekiti person should continue to give thanks to Afe Babalola because of what he has given to Ado-Ekiti and Ekiti State in general.
Ewi said: “We are celebrating you Afe because, apart from the state government, you are the largest employer of labour in Ekiti State,” and prayed that God should continue to give him good health and sound mind to continue the good work to humanity.”