Aare Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Best Nigerian Patriot Award.
The recognition comes amid recent controversies surrounding allegations of defamation by human rights activist Dele Farotimi in his book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
Award Announcement
The award was announced in a letter dated December 11, 2024, by the Association of United Nations Ambassadors for Peace. The notification, signed by prominent members of the association’s selection committee, commended Babalola’s lifelong contributions to humanity and national development.
The signatories included:
- Prof. Joseph Legend Mfon (Chairman, Selection Committee)
- Prof. Mrs. Lami Amodu (Deputy Chair, Selection Committee)
- Prof. Inah Eteng Okon (Global Director of Administration)
- Prof. Barika Saro-Laka (Secretary General)
Reasons for Selection
The letter, titled Approval of Nomination for Conferment of Our Pioneer Merit Award of 2024 Best Nigerian Patriot’s Award on Your Dignified Personality, highlighted Babalola’s achievements:
- Founding Afe Babalola & Company (Emmanuel Chambers), a legal firm renowned for grooming outstanding lawyers.
- Consistently contributing to societal development across multiple sectors of the economy.
The nomination came from Oba David Rotimi Adetiloye, the Obanla of Yoruba, and Prof. Abiodun Michael Ajibade, Founder of Horizon International University.
In selecting Babalola, the association considered entries from 20 elder statesmen, with Babalola emerging as the top choice.
Award Celebration and Philanthropy
To honor Babalola’s contributions, the association plans to support 300 widows registered with the National Association of Nigerian Widows (NANIWO). Each widow will receive Christmas food packs and transportation stipends.
The award ceremony is scheduled for January 9, 2025, at Labour House, Abuja, at 11:00 a.m.
Legacy of Impact
This award reinforces Afe Babalola’s legacy as a transformative figure in Nigeria, celebrated for his dedication to education, legal excellence, and humanitarian efforts.
