President Muhammadu Buhari (left), with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. PHOTO: NAN
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and former President Olusegun Obasanjo are among prominent Nigerians that will receive the 2017 Afe Babalola Leadership Awards.
The organisers of the awards, in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Monday, said other Nigerians that would be honoured include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan.
The statement signed by Chief Ogunniyi Morakinyo in Ado Ekiti on Monday, said the programme, sponsored by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) would serve as a role modelling platform to the coming generations.
Chief Morakinyo added that the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Obas and the Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju, will be decorated as the patron of the annual event.
He said the beneficiaries have contributed immensely to the development of the country and the society, saying time has come for great Nigerians to get recognition while alive rather than in death.
“Something was common in Nigeria, great Nigerians were only honoured when they are dead but Afe Babalola leadership awards feel that people who have contributed to the development of their society must be honoured while alive.
“President Buhari’s exploits in the fight against corruption and insurgency are commendable. He has brought back the old glories of integrity, honour and dignity that had been eroded in our great nation.
“In the same vein, Chief Obasanjo’s contributions as a military and civilian leader at different times of our political journey were worthwhile. He served the nation selflessly and still offering leadership advice even in retirement.
“Both Buhari and Obasanjo also contributed to Nigeria ending the civil war that ravaged the nation between 1967 and 1970 among other landmark achievements they have recorded to make Nigeria a great nation.
“At a time when the youths are unemployed and have perverted lifestyles, we need to roll out programmes that will remould their thinking and make them realize that the virtues of honesty and living for the people are rewarding,” Ogunniyi said.
The venue of the programme is Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti.