The Ekiti Council of Elders is set to celebrate the legacy of the late Chief Joel Eyinafe Babatola through its second annual lecture, using the occasion to promote integrity, selfless service, responsible leadership and discussions on Nigeria’s security challenges.
The lecture, scheduled for November 10, 2026, in Ado-Ekiti, will focus on the theme, “The Paradox of Nationhood: The Struggle for Reinventing Nigeria’s Security Architecture.”
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief Olu Femi Adewumi, announced this during a press briefing at the Elders Resort, Ado-Ekiti. He said the event would hold at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, Ikere Road, Ado-Ekiti, at 11:00 a.m., with Professor Dipo Kolawole, a former Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, as the guest lecturer.
Adewumi explained that the lecture theme was selected to address Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly insecurity, religious intolerance, ethnic divisions and mutual distrust, which he said continued to threaten national unity.
He described Babatola as an incorruptible public servant who placed public interest above personal benefits, noting that the late statesman maintained his integrity despite opportunities to compromise his principles. He added that Babatola’s contributions to public service, educational development and the revival of the Ekiti Council of Elders remained worthy of emulation.
Also speaking, a representative of the Council of Elders, Bishop Odu, said the lecture would provide an intellectual platform for examining Nigeria’s security challenges and exploring practical solutions. Other members expressed concern over declining standards of leadership and public accountability, urging political office holders to prioritise the welfare of citizens and the development of their communities.
The council urged journalists and media organisations to give the November 10 lecture adequate publicity, describing it as an opportunity to celebrate Babatola’s enduring contributions while encouraging meaningful conversations on security, leadership and nation-building.