Founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has emerged as the winner of the pioneer merit award of the Best Nigerian Patriot’s Award.
The award presentation ceremony, which will take place at the Labour House, Abuja, on Thursday, January 9, 2025, is from the Association of United Nations Ambassadors for Peace.
The award is coming on the heels of the alleged defamation of the nonagenarian by a human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, in his book titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.’
The chairman of the selection committee, Professor Joseph Legend, and the Secretary-General of the organisation, Professor Barika Saro-Laka, in a letter dated December 11, 2024, and addressed to the ABUAD founder, said he was chosen for his distinct and dignified personality.
They explained that Babalola’s impacts on the advancement of society across the sectors of the economy were worthy of note, adding that twenty other elder statesmen were assessed before settling for him.
The organisation noted that the legal icon has demonstrated over the years as a detribalised nationalist, “whose impact of selfless activities is novel and thus cherished by leaders within Africa and beyond.”
The letter reads, “Let it be known to the world that we have approved the conferment of our pioneer merit award of 2024 Best Nigerian Patriot’s Award on your dignified icon, as a result of the quality and consistent points of merit you have posted in impacting the lives of humanity while improving the society in different sectors of the economy.”
Listing grounds of merit for Babalola, the organisation said:
“Top-ranking provider of employment without discrimination to over 1,600 people cut across different tribes and cultures.
“Posted a stream of spectacular deeds, sacrifices, and contributions, which won you the award of “the Best Pro-Chancellor of Nigerian Universities consecutively in 2005 and 2006 whilst serving as the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State.
“Reputed as a high-impact philanthropist whose services and resources have been deployed to lift hundreds of vulnerable citizens from the shackles of poverty, sickness, and despondency.
“Founded Afe Babalola & Company (Emmanuel Chambers), a legal firm reputed for grooming sound and seasoned lawyers across Nigeria.
“Cherished for producing the highest number of lawyers in Africa (over 2,500) through consistent mentorship and facilitation services.
“Credited with producing over 100 senior lawyers known as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).
“Respected for producing some judges and attorneys general of the Federation.
“Founded Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, in Ekiti State in 2009, thus helping to reduce illiteracy, crimes, and ignorance while boosting the status of qualitative tertiary education and certified knowledge and creating employment opportunities.”
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