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Tag: honours

  • West African College of Nursing honours Afe Babalola

    The trailer-load of Awards, Recognitions and Encomiums that have been the lot of the frontline legal icon and Founder of the wave-making Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, got extended to the West Africa sub-region with the recent decoration of the acknowledged philanthropist, farmer and educationist with the Fellowship of the West African College of Nursing (WACN).

    The college, a specialized agency of the West African Health Organization (WAHO), with headquarters in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Fasso, had on  April 16, 2015, informed Babalola of how it singled him out for the  honorary fellowship award of the college in appreciation of his enormous contributions to quality education including nursing education in Nigeria and globally.

    This award which came barely two months after Babalola was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Laws by the famous University of London,  (making him a ripple alumnus of the famous university) has become another merited feather to the already crowded cap of honours and multiple chieftaincy titles of the author of “Impossibility Made Possible” whose major pastime is impacting lives.

    The April 16, 2015 letter signed by WACN’s Executive Secretary, Mrs. Henrietta A. Okedo, FWACN, said inter alia: “We recognize your bold initiatives in founding the fastest growing private university in Africa. We recognize you for the development of human resources in Nigeria and indeed Africa through the provision of quality education.”

    The WACN boss commended Babalola with particular reference to the swiftness with which he is reforming education and his doggedness to turn out professionals in all areas especially in nursing profession.

    According to her, with the establishment of the Department of Nursing in ABUAD, where all the programmes presented for accreditation, including core ones like Medicine, Law, Engineering, Computer Science among others have secured 100 per cent accreditation, coupled with the improved standard of education and practical skills being imparted on Nurses “there is no doubt that the long awaited reform in nursing (education) is already in sight.”

    This, she stressed, “is in tandem with the overall goal for which the West African College of Nursing was established to promote excellence in nursing education at the basic and post-basic levels, to maintain the standard of practice of nursing within the sub-regional community and to contribute to the improvement of health care within the family and the community as well as to formulate and support nursing/midwifery education”.

    Responding at the award ceremony in Ghana recently, an elated Babalola who dedicated the award to humanity, said there would appear to be a meeting point between ABUAD and WACN in the development of quality humanity, stressing that “we in ABUAD are known for quality and functional education in our avowed and unbending endeavour to develop total men and women. This has been so recognized early in our five years of existence that UNESCO acknowledged us as a world class university, while the NUC, the regulatory body for university education in Nigeria, described it as a model, benchmark and reference point in tertiary education.”

    No wonder it was not difficult for WACN to observe and note his modest efforts at bringing quality and functionality to bear on the training of nurses, a development which made the college to single him out for the award.

    “With this, you have joined the long queue of admiring and appreciative stakeholders who recognize and applaud what we are doing here,” Babalola quipped.

    He used the occasion to draw attention to the dwindling standard of education in Africa. To combat this endemic cankerworm, he noted that UNESCO has invited ABUAD to partner with it in order to address this challenge. In the same vein, he frowned at the persistent drain in the foreign reserve of African countries, including Nigeria, occasioned by the unacceptable labyrinth of people going abroad for quality medical care.

    According to him, this is one of the things he is out to address and checkmate through the quality medical education in ABUAD’s Medical College and provision of superlative health care in its teaching hospital, which upon completion in March next year, will be a clear leader in the region.

    Emphasizing the place and import of nursing right from Ancient Greek, Roman Empire, Dark Ages, Medieval times through the Renaissance up to modern times, Babalola posited that the recent emergence of diseases especially of viral origin such as HIV/AIDS, SARS and Ebola Viral Disease (EVD) should be of serious concern to the nursing profession with a view  to expanding the scope of nursing training through the development of curriculum that will take care of new discoveries and health concepts.

    For him, the time has come for nurses to embark on specialties rather than general nursing. He encouraged graduate nurses to aspire to become specialist nursing practitioners rather than general nursing practitioners.

  • NSE honours Jega

    The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has honoured the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, with a Special Merit Award, for his role in saving the last election from reputational damage.

    NSE President Mr Ademola Olorunfemi said the society appreciated Jega’s principles and focused leadership style which saved the country from an image crisis.

    “We appreciate Jega’s principled and focused leadership style which paid off after the elections. It is unforgettable how he redeemed Nigeria’s image within the comity of nations. Prof. Jega introduced technology in our electoral process and resisted the attempts to discredit it. He stood firm on integrity in the face of avalanche of intimidation and remained calm under unbridled last minute provocation. is innovation and courage are worthy of celebration, ’’ he said during the Society’s Third Quarterly Dinner and Conferment of Fellowship in Lagos.

    Olorunfemi noted that NSE dinners  served as veritable platforms for robust interaction among engineers and other professionals as well as major players in the various sectors of the economy.

    Besides Jega, other members of the society were also conferred with fellowship and merit award.

     

  • Honours for founding fathers

    Honours for founding fathers

    They were there when it all started. They gave their all to make it work. Fifty years on, their efforts have etched an enduring legacy in the world of arts, giving birth to an outstanding edifice for all to see. Welcome to the grand celebration of the “New” Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos (UNILAG), which feted its founding fathers and others who have contributed to its advancement over the years. EVELYN OSAGIE writes.

    It was a banquet of awards. It was a feast of creativity garnished with professionalism. The masters came to dine and wine – the takings, a gold-plated key.

    The week-long feast of music, comedy, play, seminar and exhibition climaxed with the awards of excellence to founding fathers and others.

    As they arrived at the Department of Creative Arts of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), they scanned the edifice. It is the Department of Creative Arts reloaded. They beamed with pride – their years of commitment and perseverance have paid off.

    They smiled and walked into the department’s Theatre Complex, with heads raised in poised satisfaction. Past memories kept flooding back. They were home with honours.

    Full with dignitaries, especially from the arts and entertainment worlds, and students, a grand reception was awaiting them. This was the day they dreamed 50 years ago. They beamed at protégés and students in acknowledgement as they were cheered to their exclusive seats. The ovation was at its loudest as they took their seats.

    “Welcome home!” screamed the compere, Mr Olatunji Sotimirin a teacher in the department. “We are proud, honoured and happy to have you with us.”

    And the masters and founding fathers, Prof E.J. Alagoa; Eze Ijikala II, Prof Edward Nnanyelu Laz Ekwueme and Prof  Abayomi Barber, nodded in response. Each had played key roles in ensuring the creative legacy lived on. Alagoa was the first director of Centre for Cultural Studies; Ekwueme was the first Head of the Department and Barber built the department of Visual Arts and after retirement, remained a point of reference.

    Along with others who had made immense contributions to the growth of the department, they were treated to a feast tagged:  Homecoming cum “Grand Celebration of the “New” Department of Creative Arts”.

    The award recipients were divided into four groups: former lecturers/directors that contributed department’s growth. In addition to the founding fathers, they included Prof Akin Euba; Prof Ebun Clark, two-time director of the Centre for Cultural Studies; Prof Dele Jegede; Prof Bode Osanyin, who was represented by Lilian Osanyin; Prof A.V.E. Anthony V. Ekwemezie Mereni;  Prof Duro Oni,  who served as Director and later as Head of Department; and others served either as directors of the Center for Cultural Studies or as Head of Department, and Prof Abayomi Sherriffdeen Adetoro.  The contributions of General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire ministries, Dr Daniel Kolawole Olukoya; Dr Bruce Onobrakpeya and Chief Yemisi Shyllon earned them the “excellence award”; while Mr Demola Olayiwola’s meritorious service to both the Center of Cultural Studies and the Department of Creative Arts got him “long service award”.

    The department also honoured journalists who had done their bit. The Nation’s Assistant Editor (Arts), Mr Ozolua Uhakheme was part of the last group of recipients. Others included former Sunday Editor of The Guardian, Mr Jahman Anikulapo; Mrs Tolulope Lamidi of Television Continetal; Mr Tajudeen  Sowole of The Guardian and Ms Chioma Okpara of Nigerian  Television Authority (NTA).

    The feast brought together former lecturers and past students. They were elated to meet with their predecessors. It also featured performances from the former students, who have become icons in the entertainment industry.

    When in 1975, the authorities of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) established the Centre for Cultural Studies that later metamorphorsed into Department of Creative Arts, they did not imagine how far it would go. But those men did. They gave their sweat and blood, envisioning a future where their products would rule the arts world. And so, for Igwe Ekwueme, now a monarch, and his contemporaries, it was more like a “harvest of dreams”.

    “I am very glad to be here today. We have come a long way from where we started. Fifty years after, I am proud to be honoured and be asked to be part of this. We have performed greatly and produced many excellent performers in whatever genre – all icons in their own rights.

    “This centre has taken tours to different parts of the world. I hope the department would continue to grow from strength. I am proud that here are members of the certificate class that rose to be profession and great artistes and icons,” he said.

    Recounting the old days, the traditional ruler said it was not an easy task, ensuring that high standards were maintained.

    He recalled: “It was rough then but we were determined. It gives me special pleasure to see Abayomi after a long time because even before there was Creative Arts Department, there was African and Oriental Studies and from this small school was formed, the Centre for Cultural Studies.

    “There was the late Ayo Bankole, myself and Alagoa, later others were added to us and we then started the Performing Arts Troupe in 1974, and 1975, Centre for Cultural Studies was born. It is good to see what our efforts had become.”

    After leaving UNILAG for the Niger Delta, Alagoa said his experience at the institution paid off. “Coming back here, the memories of the time when I was here all come back to me. I am glad at what it has grown into. Moving from Lagos to the Niger Delta, it was like another country, but the experience I gathered from here were very useful,” he said.

    Former lecturers and students also shared the experiences. It was the old versus the new as each sought to outdo the others in their reminiscences. But the performance/recollection of popular comedians, Helen Paul and “Princess” Damilola and Wole, graduates of the department, were particularly engaging.

    Wole took guest down memory lane. While declaring the greatness of the contemporary and future artistes that the department would yet produce, he reminded guest of its great past. Guests sang with him, Abe Igi Orombo, when he sang  some popular Yoruba folksongs and nursery rhymes.

    While Comedian and DSTV host Paul involved the audience in a mind game by mimicking different lectures in voice and action, Princess encouraged young ones to keep their dreams alive by paying attention to the teachings of their lecturers.

    “Theatre is now very  sweet and easy. But in our time it wasn’t so. We were competing with others for space. We were drilled and tasked; and would in most cases rehearse under trees and in the open because of space. Today all that has changed,” Paul said.

    Princess said: “The trainings I got from this place are what have kept me going. At that time, I hated it because they were tedious; the lecturers would drill you. But in the end the trainings I received have taught me discipline and determination.”

    Olota, thrilled guests with his performance of a popular hymn, Then Sing my Soul and the late Bankole’s Iya, saying: it gives me great pleasure to be back home.

    The award ceremony, like other activities marking the Homecoming, was meant to bring together “those who have worked so hard to create the foundation on which the department is built”. It also marked the end of the tenure of the Acting Head of Department, Dr Peju Layiwola, which was from August 1, 2013 to July, 31, 2015.

    Having produced alumni that have distinguished themselves in the fields of music, performing arts and the visual arts, Layiwola said the occasion was also a scorecard for the department and reflection on the progress it has made.

    She said: “It is a time for us to recall institutional memory and in many ways thank those who have invested time and resources in shaping and people since 1975. We are celebrating the homecoming of several persons who have served in the Department of Creative Arts and also others who contributed immensely to the old Centre for Cultural Studies from which the Department evolved in 1997.

    “This event is coming at the close of my tenure as Acting Head of Department The multilayered event heralds our entry into the new Creative Arts Complex, a complex which has the most iconic mural in the University of Lagos.”

    While listing the names of its alumni, Dr Layiwola added: “The award is shaped as a key. This is metaphoric of the awardees valuable contributions to humanity. Speaking metaphorically, they are the keys that have and is shaping many lives. Notable amongst these alumni are Patricia Uwaje-King of the midnight Crew Fame; Famed classical act, Pat King of the Midnight  Crew  fame, Olota; Seun Olota; Mo Cheddah, Femi Brainard; Pricess Tessy Iyase-Odozi; Wole Ojo; Kachi Nochiri; Seun Ajayi; Princess; Paul, Mercy Aigbe; Segun Adefila; Dare Art Alade; Stella Damascus and many more.”

    Also, 40 popular arts/entertainment icons also received honourary mention, including the late Afolabi Alaja- Browne; Dr Sheri Ajasin; Stella Monye; Olu Adeniregun; Amos Oludotun; Olu Amoda; Ras Kimono; Cybil Amuta Kimono; Richard Bucknor; Francis Igboke and Margaret Henshaw Dacosta.

    Other activities of marking the Homecoming events include lectures on Traditional Textile/Contemporary Art by Art Historian and Research Fellow at Boston University and Clark University United States, Prof Jean Borgatti; and What about Art Markets in Lagos (Early XXIth Century) by Dr Emmanuelle Spiesse Fourchard, a Research Associate lecturer and, LAM of Bordeaux (Science Politiques). There was also art confab introspection on Dele Jegede at 70 by the Society of Nigerian Artist (SNA). Bolaji Ogunwo’s Art Exhibition also held at the Theatre Complex. There two performances on different days: Felix Okolo’s The Walking Stick as directed by Felix Emoruwa and Wole Soyinka’s Kongi’s Harvest by Crown Troupe of Africa.

     

  • Grand Petroleum honours customers

    Grand Petroleum and Chemicals Limited, a subsidiary of Nosak Group and producers of Hi-Speed lubricants, has hosted its distributors and customers across the country at an interactive forum in Lagos.

    The event provided the company an opportunity to address its customers and get first-hand information from them on the areas that needed improvement on timely delivery of products, seamless procurement from the company and plans for the company’s expansion.

    The Group Executive Director, Corporate Services, Mr. Osagie Ogunbor, said the company produces 75,000 litres of lubricants daily with a storage capacity of six million litres. He said the company plans to expand its production to meet up with the demand.

    He also said the company would  strive to satisfy its customers in terms of price, packaging and delivery methods.

    He said despite stiff competition from multinational oil companies, Grand Petroleum plans to build on its own strength by carving a niche market for itself. In terms of quality, he said most of its raw materials are sourced from China and as a result, its products can compete favourably with other major lubricants in the market.

    The Chief Operating Officer of the company, Mr. Joseph Oboko,  said the company understands the customers’ challenges, especially on adulteration of products, which many companies  face. He said the company plans to rebrand its lubricant products by ensuring that the seal on the crown cover cannot be imitated. When this is done, it will be extremely difficult for adulterators to imitate the products.

    The Group Executive Director, Operations and projects, Mr. Osaheni Ogunbor, said the quality of its products is of high quality and helps to prolong the life span of an engine, adding that Grand Petroleum products are ISO certified. The company has various lubricant products both for petrol engines and diesel engines.

    One of the major distributors, Mr. Tony Nsitem, said he was satisfied with the development of the company, enjoining other distributors to work hard to get more rewards.

    He also enjoined them to be observant in the market and report any adulteration.

  • More honours for Omo Sexy

    More honours for Omo Sexy

    Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, will be recognised at the 2015 ‘Women4Africa’ awards, coming up in the United Kingdom.

    Scheduled to take place on Saturday May 9, at The Great Hall, Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London W8 7NX, the super actress would be honoured alongside Princess Deun Adedoyin Solarin, Anna Vanderpuye, Kate Anolue, Adele Davis-Boe, Nimi Akinkugbe and Oluwatoyin Sanni.

    One of the most recognised actresses in the Nigerian movie industry, Omotola was born in 1978. She made her debut in the Nigerian movie industry in 1995 when she starred in the movie, Mortal Inheritance.

    This is not the first time Omotola would be receiving such an honour. In 2013, she made the list of Time Magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People in the World’, where she was described as the Queen of Nollywood.

    Prior to that, in 2012, CNN Travel listed Omotola’s accent on their list of the ‘World’s 12 Sexiest Accents’.

  • NYSC honours 29, sanctions 10

    NYSC honours 29, sanctions 10

    Corps members have been advised to desist from cutting corners during their service year.

    The Enugu State Assistant Director Corps Discipline and Reward of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Ella Williams gave the advice during the passing-out for Batch “A” Corps members in Enugu.

    He said 29 Corps members were honoured for their performances, which had impact on their host communities.

    Of the 29 awardees, four received Governor’s Award, four the Governing Board Chairman’s Award, while the others received Commendation Letters.

    Williams added that 10 Corps members were penalised for various offences, including absconding and truancy. He said one of the 10 youth got two months’extension in  service, while the rest were asked to repeat the year.

    He urged Corps members to follow the right channel of communication to get permission if they have good reasons to be absent from their place of primary assignment (PPA). He also urged them to put in their best.

    Patrick Ifedilichukwu emerged the best Corps member by erecting a sculpture and arts library at Idaw River Secondary School. Dr Nneoma Sibigam, another recipient of the governor’s award gave out hundreds of free eyeglasses to residents of his host communities. Both have been nominated for the Presidential Award.

    In a related development, the NYSC Inspector in Enugu East Local Government, Dr Nkechi Onyeke, advised the outgoing Corps members to invest their last two months’stipend on Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneur Development (SAED).

    She cautioned the youth against spending their allowances on material things, advising that they must consider their well-being after the service year.

    She said: “White-collar jobs may not come instantly and in such circumstance; it would be challenging for graduates who did not have entrepreneurial skills to survive. So, I urge you to save money for the rainy days.”

  • Ogun community comes alive as Methodist Church honours ex-Lagos perm sec

    Ogun community comes alive as Methodist Church honours ex-Lagos perm sec

    Sagamu town in Ogun State came alive recently, as dignitaries from all walks of life stormed the ancient town for the presentation of retired Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructures and the CEO, Laranod Ventures Ltd Sir Engr. Adelana Oluwaseun Odutola, as the 5th Lay President, Diocese of Remo, Methodist Church Nigeria.

    The event, which held at the Revd Mellor Memorial, Methodist Church Cathedral, Sagamu, was another opportunity for the congregation to turn out in dresses of different shapes and colours.

    And the people did not disappoint. While the clerics turned out in their crisp clergy outfits, the male guests turned out in their flowing resplendent agbada attire.

    The women too refused to be outdone, as they competed for attention in their stunning native attire, complemented with beautiful head gears.

    However, the purpose of the gathering was not lost on the people. The Bishop, Diocese of Remo, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Revd Michael Olusegun Agbolahan Akinwale, seized the opportunity to admonish the people.

    In his sermon, the Bishop charged the people to serve the Lord with their treasures and talents for the genuine expansion of evangelism. Bishop Akinwale said the country will experience a strong and virile economy if the leaders submit themselves to the service of God.

    Describing the new Diocesan Lay President as a product of the efficacy of prayers, Bishop Akinwale enjoined others to dutifully emulate his sterling qualities and the zeal to improve the church, the society and the nation.

    Highlight of the event was the swearing in of Engr. Adelana Oluwaseun Odutola as the Lay President of the Diocese.

    Other activities included the Chief Ladega Odutola’s family harvest thanksgiving and the general thanksgiving service to mark the event.

  • Honours for the legend

    Honours for the legend

    Nigeria’s image takes a leap today as the University of London bestow the Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) on legal luminary, educationist and philanthropist, Chief Afe Babalola  during its 2015 graduation ceremony at the Barbican Centre, London.

    Chief Babalola, arguably this country’s most erudite legal practitioner, is the first African to be so honored by the university with a doctorate degree in Law after the iconic Nelson Mandela (Doctor of Science, Economics) in 1996 and Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Doctor of Divinity) 2008. Predictably, eminent Nigerians have reacted profusely on what they regard as a silver lining in the country’s cloud of adversities and contradictions.

    Chief Wole Olanipekun, a senior advocate, described the award as recognition of Aare Babalola’s “contributions and undiminished input to humanity, particularly the legal profession in Nigeria”. In his estimation, the honor is “a departure from the depressing and discomforting news oozing out of Nigeria in very recent times; the proverbial sweetness that emerges at the dusk of the bitter leaf.”

    The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, a senior advocate, regards the award as the recognition of Chief Babalola’s “outstanding achievements and meritorious service to humanity”, even as he promised to attend the conferment ceremony today.

    Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko believes that the university was persuaded by “those sterling qualities – those strides on the sands of time and those impactful contributions to legal education and the world of knowledge” recorded by the Octogenarian.

    Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Munta Abimbola, said the award is an honor long deserved by reason of the recipient’s contribution to the development of the Law. “The input has no match not only in Nigeria but also anywhere in the world. It is a merit well deserved in view of the outstanding achievements which admittedly is an unparalleled and exceptional service to Nigeria and mankind,” he wrote in a letter.

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111, who is attending the London event, described the award as recognition of Chief Babalola’s ‘eminence and distinction’. In an effusive oration, the royal father wrote: “Aare, you remain an African of honor and distinction, a rare breed and a first class achiever. Your long list of achievements and philanthropy is legendary, quite commendable and worthy of emulation by all well meaning African leaders.”

    The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, eulogized Chief Babalola’s erudition as a lawyer, and described the award as a “prestigious honor”. The retired jurist wrote: “I am in a position to adjudge you as a very outstanding legal luminary and a colossus in legal matters. Your over-half a century legal practice has been very eventful, noteworthy and commendable.”

    Ohinoyi Ebira, Dr.  Ado Ibrahim Atta 111, described Chief Babalola as a Nigerian who has been laboring selflessly for social, educational and economic well being of today, and has planted a growing institutional Iroko for Nigeria’s tomorrow, thereby establishing fame and virtue universally.”

    For more than five decades, Aare Afe Babalola has dedicated himself to hard work; more hard work with a determination to succeed and excel. Now a grand old man at 84, he personifies a rare role model deep in self- discipline; one who brims with passion, the pursuit of excellence and a commitment to give back to humanity.

    The legal luminary, unarguably one of the finest in this clime, has left an indelible mark on legal education and practice. He has made huge fortunes legitimately, but he has chosen to stake all his earnings and work himself to near frenzy, striving to leave a legacy for humanity. And when many expect his energy to wane, the legendary Afe seems unwilling to slow down.

    The Vice Chancellor, University of London, Sir Adrian Smith, responding to a mail said: “We are indeed delighted that Chief Afe Babalola will be accepting the honorary degree from the University of London because he has an exceptional record in both his personal achievements and in the difference he has made to others, particularly in the legal profession in Nigeria.”

    Undoubtedly, Aare Babalola made his name and fortune from legal practice; but visit Ado-Ekiti to see the breath-taking strides of one individual who by sheer determination has become a colossus recognised at home and abroad. A fitting testimony to his industry and diligence is the sprawling university built on 130 hectares.

    The Afe Babalola University, ABUAD, was constructed within eight months. It admitted its pioneer students, 240 of them, in January 2010. Now there are 6,200 students.

    Quite imposing, fully air-conditioned with state-of-art facilities, the university has residence for all students and teachers. Presently, there are five college buildings equipped with modern teaching facilities including e-learning platform, electronic boards, virtual library and ICT centre with 3,000 desktop computers, all connected to the internet. ABUAD recently commenced post-graduate programmes.

    What is the secret for this fast pace of development? The answer is deeply rooted in the persona and vision of its founder.

    After obtaining the primary six school certificate, Aare Afe Babalola never had the benefit of attending an institution of higher learning. By private study he went ahead to earn two degrees in Economics and Law, both from the University of London. At various times he was a pupil teacher, a secondary school teacher, vice principal, university lecturer and administrator. His record at the University of Lagos will remain indelible. As pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council between 2002 and 2007, Chief Babalola returned UNILAG to the part of sanity.

    Aare Babalola is a man with a passion for excellence, humanitarian services, generosity and dedication to service. He is a philanthropist and a revered legal icon; a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Doctor of Letters, Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Commander of the Order of Niger, former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Lagos, former Chairman of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Winner of the best Pro-Chancellor award in 2005 and 2006, Winner of Queen Victoria Commemorative Award, Socrates Award of European Business Assembly in Oxford, UK and member of Rector of Europe.

    In his autobiography, Impossibility Made Possible, Aare Babalola describes himself as a self-made man who “is proud of the qualitative primary education” he had.

    He is convinced that it was the high quality of instructions he received at the primary school that laid the foundation for his educational achievements. He is unhappy that such quality of education is rare in most Nigerian schools today.

    To quote the legal icon, “this development and my experience of dwindling qualities on standard of education in University of Lagos provided the urgent need to establish a first class university to serve as a benchmark for other universities.”

    In fulfillment of the humanitarian philosophy of its founder, no fewer than 250 students of ABUAD are presently enjoying some form of bursary at the institution. All indigent and very brilliant students are eligible for this rare gesture from a man who appreciates the value of education. Besides awarding full scholarship to brilliant students, loans and bursaries are available for the less-privileged and physically challenged students.

    For seven years from 2000, Aare Babalola was pro-chancellor at the University of Lagos. In 2005 and 2006 he was named the best pro-chancellor by the Federal Government, which, in a white paper issued in 2003 on the Visitation Panel to UNILAG, said, inter alia: “His leadership style was exemplary. The leadership style of his council was characterized by optimum time and resources utilization and a good team system”.

    Throughout his tenure at UNILAG, Chief Babalola paid his hotel bills and donated his sitting allowances to the university endowment fund. He donated a 500-seater lecture theater to the institution and established a robust endowment scholarship system for indigent students.

    In the words of Chief Olanipekun, Aare Afe Babalola is indeed “a prophet inundated with honors at home and showered with encomiums and recognition abroad.” The  rare Man for All Seasons.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Harvest of honours for Aare Afe Babalola

    Harvest of honours for Aare Afe Babalola

    The University of London will today confer on Aare Afe Babalola the L.L.D degree (Honoris Causa). In this tribute AYO FAJANA writes on the legal icon’s contributions to the profession

    The erudite Nigerian Lawyer, Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti; Aare Afe Babalola OFR, CON, LLD, SAN ,FNIALS, FCIArb and recipient of several other Awards, Garlands, Chieftaincies and Accolades including Queen Victoria Commemorative Medal Award, Oxford UK, 2007 shall again at Barbican Centre in London be conferred the LL.D Degree Honoris Causa of the prestigious University of London in recognition of his contributions to the legal profession and numerous humanitarian programs on Education.

    Camera Laye’s L’Enfant Noir once paraphrased; – “The song of the harvesters transforms the atmosphere of work into an organized ritual ceremony marking the end of one season and the beginning of another.” The 11th of March, 2015 begins another season of harvest of Awards for the self-made Babalola, indeed the proposed academic ceremony, unique in the 179 years history of the University of London as the recipient will be the first African to be conferred with LL.D degree of the University. Reacting to the letter of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adrian Smith of the London University expressing the interest of the university to confer Doctorate degree, the elated Senior Advocate of Nigeria whose law practice span over fifty two years said ;”He believes that the award was in large measures due to the unprecedented and monumental educational landmarks achieved by his five years old University”.

    There is an imprint of the invisible creator in the affairs of the Octogenarian Chief Emmanuel Afe Babalola. At every opportunity I decipher his wit, grace and candour and particularly his unerring grit that encouraged the best impulse of all. His faith in Christ, wisdom of age, courage of hope, blend of fantasy, and nobility of spirit has made him One man special Olympics towering above his contemporary elders statesmen and to the unique affection kindled in the heart of millions admirers across the globe. Spit- and -polish product of the old Emmanuel School Ado-Ekiti, neither smokes nor involve in hard drinks as he continually keeps his 5 ft. plus frame, trim at about 70kg. Indeed he is bewitchingly strong, healthy with zero tolerance to indiscipline.

    Law remains the source of Afe Babalola’s fame; the reason largely for his alienation by some political class. He is a man of complex locution tainted with the philosophy of the late American President J.F Kennedy on Nigerian politics; “men who create power make an indispensable contribution of the Nation’s greatness but those men who question power make contributions just as indispensable, for they determine whether we use power or power uses us”. Babalola believes that unless those who govern the nation are imbued with the spirit of service and honesty of purpose, there could be little hope of surmounting the difficulties of this nation. Hence, his democratic rhetoric was not a mere verbiage aimed as an outer façade for deep seated partisanship as once described in certain quarters.

    Besides his legal forays, the density and immensity of his vision for the fastest growing private University in Africa; Afe Babalola University is perhaps the major thing that trade – marks him beyond silk and gown. His rich experience as the best Pro-chancellor of Nigerian Universities in 2003 & 2005 and thereafter the Chairman committee of Pro-chancellors of Nigerian Universities 2005 to 2007 brought to bear with ruthless efficiency in the management of his new University. Professor M.L Goodheer of the European Business Assembly found Afe Babalola University as ‘a model which have not been seen anywhere”. True to this the University was established in 2008 at a pristine forest in Ado-Ekiti and today ranks as a world class Educational Centre of Excellence with a philosophy to lead by example.

    Prof. Adrian Smith obtained exoneration from the fell swoop indictment that “could anything good come out of Nazareth?. Ostensibly, it is an unsavory propensity of human to often brush off accomplishments. The University of London confers honorary degrees on individuals irrespective of race and color, those that had met some identified requirements of being persons of conspicuous merits and outstanding in their fields, command international recognitions by given exceptional services to their communities and those that have made important contributions to the London University. Indeed Babalola met those prerequisites and has brought honors’ to Africa.

    Tanto Nomini Nullum Par Elogium; of this great man, no praise is adequate. Nigerians at home and abroad amplified the thunderous encomium been deservedly showered on Chief Afe Babalola and proudly enthused that he is a visionary Nigerian, un-spoilt with pelf of slivery heritage but taught to toil in a world disillusioned with hazy views from slippery stage. He transforms the sands of time , firmly stand and stir while he plan far and near. He is a champion of the cause of Ekiti people and has never relented in that direction, in fact he becomes a rallying point and an enviable reference for the past three decades. He actually facilitated the establishment of the Federal polytechnic Ado Ekiti in 1981 and worked tirelessly for the creation of Ekiti State in 1996.

    Chief Afe Babalola was an alumnus and a beneficiary of the opportunity offered by the University of London as external candidate. He obtained Bachelors degree of the University in Economics in September 1959 and the inter-LL.B in 1960 through private studies. Indeed he is today a maker of history and worthy ambassador of this institution and I say floreat collegiums.

    Considering his brilliance and unprecedented achievements in the Bar the Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR once found him in his letter dated June 17, 2008. He wrote; “indeed the legendary battles you had fought in the court room have led to the creation of many Judicial Precedents and landmark decisions, in addition, you are greatly admired and respected for your strong, compassionate spirit and philanthropist activities in this nation. Babalola is unprecedentedly the 1st African to receive the honorary LL.D degree of London University, although in humanities were the former South African President, Nelson Mandela, honored with doctorate degree in Economics in 1996, and Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu who was also conferred with honorary degree in Divinity on 2nd Dec. 2008.Others among the list of famous honoris of the university were the celebrated statesman, war hero, distinguished Author and politician; Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill as well as the famous poets and writers. T.S Elliot and Henry Moore.

    With his long years of reputation and allurement in all spheres of life, Aare still persistently work hard, as a farmer he has the largest tree crop holdings in Nigeria, he keep straight, believing that when wealth is lost nothing is lost, when health is lost something is lost, and when character is lost all is lost. He probably took his strength from one of the planks of Ecclesiastes 9 verse 5 “for the living knows they shall die, but the dead knows not anything neither have they anymore a reward”. Age is a matter of mind to Chief as he does not mind, it doesn’t matter. His door is always ajar to all and sundry for good and ill requests and no matter the ingenuity, such attention would attract a take home stipend. while extended family became extended to infinity as it is almost impossible to differentiate between the biological members and those who suddenly became one. Indeed Aare has achieved a Tripos tripus as a man of erudition indisputably. He is a committed patriot with testimony of eternal essence of a good character and criteria of an eventful existence. Congratulations to a frontline legal icon, intellectual avatar and educationist for yet another harvest of honours.

     

  • Varsity honours former VC

    The Governing Council of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, on Thursday, held a send-off dinner in honour of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Femi Mimiko.

    The event was held at the Royal Bird Hotel in Akure and was attended by Governor Olusegun Mimiko, top government officials and members of the university community.

    The institution’s Pro-chancellor, Ambassador Oladele Akadiri, praised the honoree for what he called visionary and purposeful leadership rendered to earn the varsity global awards.

    Akadiri said the Council would miss the intellectual contributions of Prof Mimiko at its meetings, but said the achievements of the former VC would be a reminder of the Prof Mimiko’s tenure in the administration of the school.

    The Pro-chancellor said the rating of AAUA as the best state-owned university by the United States Transparency International Standards in 2014 was not unconnected with the modest efforts of the Prof Mimiko-led administration.

    In his remark, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, described his predecessor as a scholar of excellence and astute administrator, saying his effort to improve the rating of the school was commendable.

    Ajibefun said Prof Mimiko laid foundation for excellence, robust scholarship and sustainable academic culture, pledging to build on them.

    Gov Mimiko praised his brother for justifying the confidence reposed in him when he was appointed as VC, noting that the ex-VC promoted the good name of the family by demonstrating quality leadership without compromising standard.

    He stressed that the Ondo State Government deliberately ensured access through introduction of affordable school fees to quality education and health services without compromising standard, thus settling the age-old conflict between access and quality service.

    The governor also pledged continued funding to the school, saying: “Despite the shrinking resources, we will still do what is necessary to sustain the existing standard. We will give the new VC the necessary support. I will not influence admission procedure or staff promotion. We will support you to continue the merit-driven admission.”

    Responding, Prof Mimiko thanked the governing council for the honour, saying the achievements were made possible by God. He urged his successor to avoid distraction in the administration of the university.

    The guest speaker at the event and Prof Mimiko predecessor, Prof Funso Akere, spoke on Effective university administration in Nigeria and the challenge of leadership.

    Highlight of the event was presentation of gift to the honoree.