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Tag: Afe Babalola

  • Tambuwal, Fayemi, Afe Babalola, others mourn

    Tambuwal, Fayemi, Afe Babalola, others mourn

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has described as “devastating” the death of six Ekiti State doctors and their driver.

    He said this has cast a huge shadow on the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Annual General Conference/Annual Delegates Meeting (AGC/ADM).

    The doctors died on Sunday in an accident on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway. They were part of the Ekiti State delegates.

    According to the governor, the government has sent a condolence letter to the Ekiti State government.

    Tambuwal, declaring the conference open, urged doctors to uphold their work ethics and promote virtues that would enhance their profession.

    He said the National Health Act, whose operations the conference seeks to implement, will help in achieving universal health coverage and sustain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

    The governor said his administration has internalised the National Health Act with a provision of healthcare insurance for communities and public servants, an initiative aimed at demonstrating responsive commitment to healthcare delivery services to the people.

    “We have established the primary healthcare development agency and brought all health facilities, workers and funding under one management unit.

    “The state has also approved the procurement of cold chain equipment, generators, walk-in cold rooms and construction of satellite stores in the 23 local governments and zonal offices in the state.”

    Minister of Solid Minerals Development Kayode Fayemi has condoled with the NMA.

    A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said the death of the caregivers was a loss not only to their families, but to the state, the medical profession and to him.

    “Losing seven citizens, including six dedicated and patriotic doctors in one accident, is not only disheartening, it is troubling.”

    He prayed for the repose of their souls.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State commiserated with the people and the doctors’ families.

    In a statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, APC Publicity Secretary Taiwo Olatunbosun said the party regretted the sudden loss of the physicians, who he described as illustrious sons of the state, who made their marks in medical profession.

    Olatunbosun said the death was a blow to the medical profession, particularly at a time more medical doctors are needed in the society.

    Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, (ABUAD) Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) also commiserated with the Ekiti State government, the management of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) and that of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti.

    A statement yesterday by ABUAD’s Head of Corporate Affairs Tunde Olofintila Babalola said the death is particularly painful, bearing in mind the place and import of the doctors’ services to humanity and the dearth of their ilk.

    Babalola hoped that governments at all levels will take steps to stem “this type of incidence in future, adding that may we never witness such a calamity again”.

  • Honour for Afe Babalola

    Honour for Afe Babalola

    The Legislative Black Caucus of the State of Georgia Congress in the United States and African Leadership Magazine have honoured the Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN).

    Babalola was conferred with the Congressional Commendation by the Georgia lawmakers and was also inducted into the African Leadership Magazine Hall of Fame at a ceremony held in the university at the weekend.

    He was honoured for pioneering excellence and innovation in tertiary education in Nigeria and Africa.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Babalola explained that he did not establish the institution as a profit-making venture but to provide affordable education to those who cannot afford high cost of university education overseas.

    Babalola revealed that the challenges he faced as an indigent child in his quest for western education formed part of the factors that compelled him to establish the school.

    The former Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos said his intention was to nurture the university up to a level that it would provide the missing link in the nation’s education industry.

    Former Gambian Ambassador to Nigeria Mrs Angela Colleh and the Publisher of African Leadership Magazine, Dr. Ken Giami, represented by the Managing Editor, Fidelis Okeke, described Babalola as an unusual Nigerian.

  • Afe Babalola, others to get African leadership award in South Africa

    Afe Babalola, others to get African leadership award in South Africa

    Renowned lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Aare Afe Babalola will, on Friday,  get the African Leadership award in Johannesburg, South Africa.

    Babalola, who founded Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), will join other institutions and individuals at the Sandton Sun Hotel, Johannesburg, at an event that will showcase some of the continent’s leading public and private institutions committed to excellence, innovation and African growth.

    The event will also showcase individuals, whose hard work and leadership have contributed to building legacies and strong brands.

    The event, tagged: “2016 African Educational Institutions of Excellence”, according to Dr. Ken Giami, the Publisher of African Leadership Magazine, is designed to re-echo the words of the late South African President Nelson Mandela that “education is the most powerful tool to change the world and it remains the most potent force in sustaining Africa’s developmental push”.

    Chairman of the African Leadership magazine’s North America Board, Joe Beasley, said: “We are resolved to shining the spotlight on frontline educational institutions and the academia, which have pioneered excellence and innovation in Africa’s educational landscape through exceptional leadership.”

    Aside the award segment, Giami said delegates will join other leaders to discuss the future of education on the continent.

    Other institutions of excellence to be honoured include: University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; University of the Free State, Bloemfontain, and University of Cape Town, both in South Africa; Covenant University and Babcock University in Nigeria, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; among others.

  • ABUAD riot: Parents beg Afe Babalola for mercy

    ABUAD riot: Parents beg Afe Babalola for mercy

    •’We don’t want our children to go to jail’

    Parents of the students of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Ekiti State, accused of participating in the February 7 riot have begged the Founder, Aare Afe Babalola, to “temper justice with mercy”.

    At a meeting with the university authorities at the weekend, the parents went on their knees, wept and expressed sadness at the level of damage done by the children.

    The parents gave an undertaking to collectively write a letter of apology to the police, Ministry of Justice and the court. They said they are ready to render financial and other assistance.

    Speaking on behalf of the affected parents, Mr. Niyi Ogungbuji commended the superlative works being done by the founder to pioneer excellence and innovation in education in Nigeria.

    He said the parents were in the university to condemn what the students had done and to plead with the founder and management to temper justice with mercy.

    At this point, the multitude of the parents who were received in the Owolabi Hall all went on their knees, wailing and begged Babalola to assist them by withdrawing the matter from court and treat it administratively in the university.

    Ogungbuji said: “Baba, we have gone round and we have seen the massive

    damage done by the students. We are not happy about it. It is most unnecessary and most uncalled for.

    “We sent them here because of the excellence you are known for. Certainly, we did not send them here to destroy what you have selflessly put together to better their lot.

    “Baba, please, we are begging you to help us withdraw the matter from the police and treat it administratively at the university level. Baba, you know it that if these children are sentenced to jail, that will be their end. They cannot be anything worth the while again in this country.

    “But we know that this is not your plan for them. It is on this ground that we are begging you to help us withdraw the matter from the police and penalise them the way the university deems fit, including expulsion.

    “We will be more comfortable with that. That is our prayer. That is our plea. Baba, please, we are begging you.”

    Responding, Babalola who was visibly moved by the outpouring of emotions by the parents said: “My dear parents, I sympathise with you. I feel for you. Certainly today is a sad day. This is something that should not have happened. I set up this university to improve the lives of your children and make them better than I am. We will try to see what we can do to make all parties happy.

    “Many of you here know that my classroom education stopped in primary school, but I worked hard, made money and invested it here to change the face of education. Look at what I am getting in return. I could have used my money in some other ways.”

    Babalola, however, made it abundantly clear that the cases of brazen arson, burglary and stealing were entirely criminal. The Supreme Court had decided that the university has no power to entertain or try students who commit criminal offence such as burglary, arson, stealing, attempted murder etc.

    The founder said upon the receipt of the parents’ letter admitting the commission of the crime and apologising to the university, copies of which must be sent to the Ministry of Justice and the Inspector General of Police, the university would see what it can do to ensure that the children do not end up in jail.

    Babalola later went round to hug and shake hands with the parents and consoled those who were still weeping, said the university will await the letter of apology from the parents and then decide on the next line of action to take.

  • Afe Babalola, Jenifa, others for students’ award

    University Crest Awards (ANUCA), the maiden inter-varsity award, is to hold next month. Celebrities and students with outstanding record in various endeavours will be honoured at the event.

    The award is the initiative of Ayotunde Dabira, a young entrepreneur. Its objective is to encourage entrepreneurship among students.

    Some personalities and organisations that will be honoured include Aare Afe Babalola; Kunle Afolayan; Funke Akindele(aka Jenifa); a comedian, Seyi Law; a hip-hop artiste, Kiss Daniel and Guaranty Trust Bank, among others.

    The award has over 50 categories. Some students have been nominated for the award. Some of the students’ categories include Most Enterprising Student of the Year, Student CEO of the Year, Students’ Union President of the Year, Most Outstanding Student in Sport, Student Brand of the Year, Student Music Producer of the Year and Student Journalist of the Year, among others.

    Ayotunde said: “The nominees are selected based on their integrity and character credibility. We also have a voting standard that will help us select their winners. The award is focused mainly on education, entrepreneurship, music, fashion.”

  • As Afe Babalola reconciles Fayose, Ekiti tippers and quarry employers

    The thickening ice of an imminent face-off between the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, and State Chapter of the Union of Tippers & Quarry Employers of Nigeria was thawed on Thursday through the timely intervention of a foremost proponent of Ekiti State and the Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)

    This portrays the Elder Statesman as a peace maker as exemplified in the Beatitudes in the Book of Matthew 5:1-11. But of particular relevance to the matter in issue is Matthew 5:9 which says: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God”

    The seething misunderstanding between the two parties thickened with the introduction of a new tax regime for daily haulage of sand and gravels/granite by the State Government that has much to contend with but with a very tenuous financial muzzle.

    The Government decreed a flat rate of N1,000/trip for members of the association, but the association will have none of that. It quoted rates of between N200 and N500/day from neighbouring states of Ondo and Osun to buttress and even to justify that Ekiti State was out to rip their members off. But the much touted rates in the neigbhouring states fell on all their fours when Fayose presented some documentary evidence to corroborate the State Government’s position.

    To drive their point home, State Chapter of the Union of Tippers & Quarry Employers of Nigeria, which had earlier approached the Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, to broker peace between it and the State Government, resorted to some self-help: its members took to the streets on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 protesting the new tax regime.

    But thanks to the State Director of State Security, Mr. Fubara Duke, and the Commissioner of Police, Mr. John Etop, who engaged the aggrieved members of the union in several hours of dialogue on the need for them, like all others in the state, to contribute their quota to the development of the state and embrace the olive branch of peace in Ekiti State.

    At a stakeholders’ meeting held at Lady Jibowu Hall, chaired by Babalola and attended by Fayose, his tink-tank on the State economy and the union members on Thursday, the ice of the lingering misunderstanding was eventually thawed despite the fact that the two parties came into the crowed hall with strong positions which they advanced without let or hindrance.

    Fayose had earlier maintained that it is the duty of governments all over the world to make laws and the responsibility of the citizenry to obey such laws particularly in a State like Ekiti that has a very lean pause in the midst of several competing needs. He maintained that the new tax regime must stand to enable him give vent to electioneering promises.

    But Babalola’s fatherly intervention with emphasis on Public, Private Participation of governance (PPP) and the professional advice by the CP and DSS, who chorused the security implications of a face-off between the government and the Union might have convinced both parties to sheath their swords and unload their guns and opt for a peaceful and amicable resolution of the seething issue.

    Marshalling their position after Fayose, Babalola, the CP and DSS had spoken, the Union’s spokespersons, Messrs James Moka and Idowu Aduloju said they were not fighting and could not fight government, but only appealing for an amicable resolution of the impasse by both parties shifting grounds. And so, they asked that the N1000/ loading be reduced to N500/loading while some of the Union’s vehicles which were confiscated during the Tuesday protest should be released by the Police.

    In a rare demonstration of the non-bellicosity or belligerence by the Union against the State Government, they were hailing and singing the praises of the Governor throughout the duration of the peace meeting. And to cap it all up, they joked that he must give them a Christmas gift which he obliged, an act which was greeted with a thunderous ovation.

    The politician in Fayose now came to the fore.  With a smile playing now on his lips, he rose from his seat, greeted Babalola and announced a new rate of N500/loading and the release of the Union’s vehicles confiscated by the police.

    He however emphasized that all the Union’s vehicles must be registered with the State Government for security reasons while their excavation sites must equally be registered in the interest of the preservation of the ecosystem. Any infraction, according to him, will attract a N50,000 penalty.

     

    • Olofintila wrote from Ado-Ekiti
  • Afe Babalola: Two events that shaped my thinking about education

    Afe Babalola: Two events that shaped my thinking about education

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who is a confidant of Aare Afe Babalola said, shared some  secrets  where during the convocation of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) where the monarch was bestowed with a honorary doctorate degree alongside three others. ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA reports.

    The cordial relationship between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, and founder of the Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola has spanned 50 years. Years ago, the Alaafin had conferred on Babalola the Aare Bamofin of Yoruba land. And years later, an honorary Dr of Letters was bestowed on the monarch by the Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti. It was at the ABUAD convocation lecture held at the varsity’s auditorium.

    Oba Adeyemi praised Aare Babalola for establishing a university as a legacy and making same a model for functional education in Nigeria.

    But Oba Adeyemi was not the only recipient of an honorary degree. The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters.

    Former Justice of the Supreme Court and former Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) Emmanuel Ayoola (rtd) was honoured with honorary Dr of Law, while the immediate past INEC chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega received an honorary Dr of Public Administration.

    Oba Adeyemi therefore called on other recipients of the awards to join him on the podium to seek long life and sound health for Babalola, a session which was led by Bishop Kukah.

    Babalola explained to the large audience that the establishment of ABUAD was simply by accident.

    “Some 10 years ago, if anyone had told me that I would veer into education and establish a university that would be described by UNESCO as a world-class I would have told him it would never happen. Reason: I was comfortable, happy and enjoying the beauty of legal practice but God sent former President Obasanjo to convince me to accept the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos which was (then) besieged by corruption and fractionalisation,” he said.

    As Pro-Chancellor, Babalola was able to convince some blue-chip companies on the need to put in one or more facilities. The once-crisis-ridden leadership tussle of the institution stabilised.

    “The leadership style of the chairman was exemplary. The leadership style of the Council was charatcterised by optimum time and resource utilisation and a good team spirit,” Babalola quoted Jega as saying in the report.

    “These two events affected my thinking about education positively and I vowed to establish a university that would be an example of what a university properly called should be,” said Babalola.

    Continuing, he said: “I headed to this place which was then a thick forest some six years ago. This is the story of how ABUAD came into existence,”

    Today; ABUAD is being described as the ‘Fastest growing private university in Africa, a model and a reference point for tertiary education by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, described Aare Babalola as the biggest employer of labour, after Ekiti State government. In addition, Fayose said Babalola also remits the highest tax to government coffers. In view of the foregoing, the governor vows that the state government would support the institution, particularly Babalola’s earlier request for more land for expansion..

    “I want to thank Aare Afe Bablola for openly supporting my government all the time. Therefore, there is the need for us to also create an environment for ABUAD to do better. The university is yearning for more land for expansion.

    “With the level of development in the university, I am of the strong view that in 10 years time, ABUAD may turn out one of the best in Africa.”

    Jega described Babalola as a selfless Nigeria who is being reputed for his generosity and large-heartedness. As a first time visitor, Jega said he was awed by the rate of infrastructure in the institution, an evidence of a founder who is committed to bringing about a reform in the nation’s education sector.

    “This is my first time here but I must confess I am dazed by what I’ve seen. This shows an example of a man so committed to quality education. I think if we can have few of Afe Babalola in Nigeria, the country would be a better place,” Jega said.

    Kukah enjoined all to support Babalola in ensuring that ABUAD fully attained its set objectives.

     

  • Ajimobi, Afe Babalola for book launch

    A book “Imaging the Nigeria Police: A Public Perception” written in honour of an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Sybil Olufunmilayo Akinfenwa, will be presented tomorrow.

    The event, which will take place at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, will be chaired by Aare Afe Babalola. Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase is the chief host.

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi is the special guest of honour.

    Chief Kola Daisi and Alhaja Sarat Adeola Adesina are father and mother of the day.

    Chief Adejare Adegoke is the Chief Launcher while Prof. Oyesoji Aremu of the Guardian and Counselling Department will review the book.

  • Afe Babalola for African leadership award

    Afe Babalola for African leadership award

    Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) Aare Afe Babalola has been nominated for the Distinguished African Leadership Award by the Coalition of Concerned Civil Societies (CCCS).

    The award is in recognition of Babalola’s contribution to the development of humanity, his exemplary leadership and contribution to national development.

    CCCS Convener Declan Ihekiare, in a statement in Ado Ekiti yesterday, said the Coalition resolved at its general meeting in Lagos “to recognise and celebrate Babalola’s exemplary leadership among other qualities”.

    CCCS, a group of young professionals and civil rights crusaders with focus on nation building and sustainable development, said the honour was to recognise the legal luminary’s contribution to the country.

    Ihekiare described Babalola as “an epitome of excellence, an exceptional thinker and master planner, who though from a very humble background succeeded in reaching the pinnacle of his career. He has been in legal practice for 47 years and an active member of International Bar Association”.

    According to him, when Babalola was the pro-chancellor of the University of Lagos, he established transparency, integrity and discipline as well as academic excellence.

     

  • SAN: How to stop lobbying, by Afe Babalola

    SAN: How to stop lobbying, by Afe Babalola

    Fresh insight has been given on how to reduce controversies trailing the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) by the Legal Practitioners and Privileges’ Committee (LPPC) of Nigeria.

    Legal icon Chief Afe Babalola, who was for many years a member of the LPPC, has advocated that the award be given to all qualified lawyers, irrespective of how many they are.

    On Friday, the LPPC conferred the rank of SAN on only 21 lawyers from 124 applications it received this year.

    Three academics and 18 advocates, including a woman, made the final list of awardees.

    Aggrieved lawyers have complained over whether the recipients of the award were truly qualified.

    But Babalola, who was awarded the SAN since 1987, said the practice of limiting the awardees of the title to a certain number each year, gives room for lobbying.

    This, he said, would not be necessary, if the LPPC adopts the practice in England, where every qualified lawyer is honoured with the award.

    Speaking on “View From The Top” on Channels TV, Babalola said: “I was a member of the privileges’ committee giving out the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. I found out that many were actually qualified, but were limited by the so-called ‘rule that only so many ought to have been appointed.

    “So, if 50 qualified and only 15 are to be taken, then you are going to select only 15. What yardstick, what method do you want to adopt to appoint of 50 qualified lawyers? In England where we borrowed this idea, everyone that is qualified is given the award.”

    In 2013, human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN, wrote a letter to the then Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the Chairperson of the LPPC, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, questioning the practice where qualified legal practitioners, who had previously been shortlisted, were not invited for interview.

    Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University, suggested that the bar be raised higher for the award, and that all lawyers who succeed should get the title.

    “Let us have very stern, very strict conditions to fulfill,” he said. “But whoever crosses the bar ought to be appointed so that it won’t give room for the principle of ‘who knows who’”, he added.

    The new SANs will be sworn-in on September 21, at a special session of the Supreme Court to mark the beginning of the new legal year.

    The LPPC is empowered by the Legal Practitioners’ Act (2004) to award the rank of SAN to deserving lawyers. The guidelines are as contained in the Act.

    The award is a privilege as a mark of excellence to members of the legal profession, who are in full time legal practice, have distinguished themselves as advocates and have made significant contribution to the development of the legal profession in Nigeria.