The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, has been named the Ekiti Summit Person of the Year 2024.
The legal luminary was honoured on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti by Ekiti Summit Magazine, for his outstanding achievements across various fields, including education, law, health, agriculture, and technology, among others.
Addressing the press, the Publisher of Ekiti Summit Magazine, Femi Alufa, described the award as a merit-based and value-driven honour.
He explained that it was the result of a rigorous screening process aimed at recognizing and celebrating individuals who positively impact lives in Ekiti State.
Alufa stressed that Afe Babalola’s contributions have secured him a place in history, with his name etched in gold among the pantheon of living legends.
“No individual has contributed more to the educational development, philanthropy, and the preservation of Ekiti’s pristine values of excellence, knowledge, and industry than the Aare Afe Babalola”. He added
In his response, Afe Babalola expressed gratitude to the media outfit for the unexpected honour, describing it as a memorable surprise.
The elder statesman used the occasion to appeal to governments at all levels to focus on recognizing patriotic citizens who have made significant contributions to national development, rather than awarding politicians and public officeholders.
The legal icon emphasized the importance of encouraging others through recognition and celebrating those who excel in their respective fields.
Babalola also praised Femi Alufa for his dedication to Ekiti’s progress, describing him as a patriotic citizen committed to the state’s development.
His words, “I am short of words, I thank you for planning this in secret. I appreciate all of us; I want others to grow up like me and become better than me. I love giving and the only time I am happy is when I give.
“I was not expecting this, it’s a big surprise; I have known Alufa about quite a while, he shows tremendous interest in whatever he does.
“He is a patriotic citizen, he wants Ekiti to progress, he always thrive for the development of Ekiti.
“I will take this opportunity to advise to appreciate what others are doing. When you say weldone to people, it’s encouraging them.
“I will use to opportunity to appeal to the state and federal government to appreciate those who are good in the country.
“Don’t give awards to policians and members of assembly, look for best market women, best farmer, best producer of cocoa, that’s the way to encourage people to do more”.
