The Nigeria-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) has announced that it will confer a Lifetime Achievement Award on the founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, for the outstanding qualities of the elder statesman and his contributions to humanity.
The Chamber of Commerce said the event would take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, during its Presidential Inauguration Dinner, which will be chaired by the distinguished Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of Africa Finance Corporation.
The NACC, in the award letter signed by the chamber’s National President, Sheriff Balogun, and presented on Thursday during the visit to the ABUAD Founder in Ado-Ekiti, stated that it was meant to celebrate a distinguished personality who has made landmark achievements in society.
The letter reads, “We are delighted to inform you that you have been selected to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in Education, Law, Philanthropy, Agriculture, and Healthcare.
“The award recognises your extraordinary contributions to the development of education, the legal profession and philanthropy in Nigeria.
“Your vision and commitment to establishing Afe Babalola University, ABUAD, regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading institutions, have transformed higher education in the country.
“Additionally, your decades of legal excellence and unwavering dedication to justice, as well as your significant philanthropic endeavours continue to inspire generations.”
Speaking, Babalola commended the chamber for recognising him with the award, noting he would remain committed to advancing the course of humanity.
According to him, “This is the happiest day of my life. Indeed, I am short of words. I am moved. I don’t know if we have a forward-looking organisation like the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce that is not only watching us but that is thinking the way we are thinking.
“There is no one in the world that does not like good things. For me, I like good things and I work daily towards achieving good things.
“And that was why I started this university some 15 years ago after my seven-year stint as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council of the University of Lagos, UNILAG.
“You have made my day indeed. I thank your organisation for being what you are. Nigeria belongs to all of us.”
He appealed to the citizens to be ready to contribute towards the socio-economic development of the country, adding that no foreigners would help us to change our nation for good.
“We are the ones that can develop it. No Chinese, no Japanese, no American can do that for us. We all must come together, brace up and develop the enormous potential we have in this country.
“I will need your assistance in the actualisation of the Free Trade Zone which I have applied for in the past.
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