Our leaders have failed us, Afe Babalola laments

FOREMOST lawyer and founder of the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola, has expressed regret over what he referred to as indiscipline in high places in Nigeria, noting that the trend was capable of arresting the development of the country.

Chief Babalola, who made the observation on Thursday, in Ado Ekiti, said if the trend was allowed to continue, it would spell danger for development.

Chief Babalola stated these at a ceremony to mark his investiture as national patron of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, held at the ABUAD campus in Ado Ekiti.

He said: “Those we look up to as of our leaders have failed us, also most of the institutions that are  expected to train children in both character and learning have also failed us.

“In my opinion, those regarded as leaders are supposed to be role models, who will impact the right type of leadership on the youth of this country.

“This, to me, has become necessary, as no country can ever attain greatness if her youths are not well moulded for the future. We must build our youths to greatness and not the other way round, because the country’s future depends on them.”

According to him, the establishment of ABUAD was “a dream come true” as he hoped to use the university as a template for how a university and its products should be like.

Besides, he stated that his desire to return discipline and scholarship back to the nation’s education sector made him to order that any student that must obtain the school’s certificate must actually pass not only academic test, but also that of character.

Earlier, the president of  National Youth Council of Nigeria, Mr Ibukun Oluwole, said Babalola was honoured las mark of appreciation for his philanthropy and positive disposition to matters affecting youths across Nigeria.