The founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has been honoured with the award of African Man of the Year in Food Security.
He set a new record, having previously received the same award eleven years ago, in 2014, defeating other nominees from across the continent.
The award was bestowed on Babalola by the Global Food Security Initiative for Green Sustainability (FIGS-Africa) at a ceremony held at ABUAD over the weekend.
The Country Representative of the global body, Caleb Osasona, explained that the award was given to Babalola in recognition of his numerous contributions to the development of agriculture and food security, which have had a profound impact extending beyond Nigeria and Africa.
Osasona expressed admiration for Babalola’s commitment and dedication to agriculture, stating that Nigeria would have been more developed and food-secure if such actions were replicated nationwide.
He added that the organisation was delighted to honour the legal luminary with the award for the second time, noting that his efforts and investments in the agricultural sector are making a significant difference.
Speaking at the event, Babalola reiterated his call for a return to full-scale agricultural practice in Nigeria, emphasising that no nation, especially in Africa, can thrive or achieve greatness without prioritising the sector.
The nonagenarian, who described Nigeria as a net-consuming country, stressed that the nation cannot achieve true development without prioritising large-scale production of goods and services, particularly in agriculture.
He urged governments at all levels to create a conducive environment for farmers, particularly by encouraging mechanised farming, stating that this would enable subnational entities to become self-sustaining food hubs.
According to him, “What caused problems for us in this country is because we do not produce, and yet, we eat. Those who do not work do not deserve to eat; that is what the Bible taught us.
“When I started this university, I made agriculture my first priority. I also founded the Association of Afe Babalola Farmers in Ekiti. We hold annual gatherings where we give out money to the best farmers in all 16 local government areas.
“Today, as we speak, my farmers have been positively influencing people in Oyo, Lagos, and Osun, among several other states.
“What governments need to do is encourage farming by all means and make the environment conducive for us to farm. They should provide tractors and other equipment in all local government areas for farmers to use.
“When former President Obasanjo was in power, he made farming a necessity for everyone.
“However, it is unfortunate that, as a result of neglect, we are still not there, and most Nigerians today complain of hunger. I do not believe any Nigerian should complain of hunger, especially with our God-given fertile lands, abundant rainfall, and other resources.
“In short, the problems we have in this country can be traced to the abandonment of agriculture.”
He stated that the award would inspire him to continue his efforts to restore agriculture to its rightful place and elevate it to a competitive revenue-generating sector.
Speaking at the event, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji commended the legal icon’s numerous contributions to the agricultural sector, which he said have placed the state on the world map.
According to him, Babalola’s impact has also positively transformed the state’s image within the comity of states.
Oyebanji, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, described the continental recognition and the award as a moment of glory and a source of pride for the state.
“Through the ABUAD Bio-Diversified Farms and the granting of millions of naira under the Afe Babalola Annual Agricultural Grants to farmers, among other laudable gestures, he has shown Africa what is possible when intellect meets innovation in agriculture.
“In Ekiti State, we are proud to align with and take a cue from the laudable programmes of this great sage,” the governor said.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, commended Babalola’s numerous revolutionary approaches to advancing agriculture, including reducing the cost of studying agriculture courses by about 50% at the university.
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