…. as Oyebanji lauds impactful leadership of legal icon
Eniola Yekini
Elder statesman, Aare Afe Babalola has set up two cooperative societies to enable business owners in Ekiti state benefit loan facilities for business growth.
The founder of Afe Babalola University who expressed worry about the State of Nigerian economy also regretted the critical situation of Food security in Nigeria.
Babalola spoke at the weekend during the Annual Afe Babalola Day, held at the place of Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe. He appreciated the organisers for celebrating him in his lifetime and expressed worry about the state of the Nigerian economy especially with the current situation.
” There was a time when everyone had a garden behind his house no matter his profession or vocation. That was the time when everyone had enough to eat and had excess to give to others.
“The way things are today with many of the multi-national companies relocating out of the country, no reasonable investor wants to come and invest in Nigeria. There are no good roads, mo regular supply of electricity, life is not safe at home, on the road, in the classroom, at the
“At the train stations and even at airports. Today, flight schedules are no neither predictable nor reliable
” The rate of interest changed by Banks and the conditions for granting loan make it difficult for the ordinary man to request for bank loans
“It was in appreciation of this gesture that I set up two Cooperative Societies with N200million to provide loans for 2.000 people at a minimum of N100,000 per person, Members will only pay 5% interest on the loan to the Cooperative Society, compared to over 20% charged by banks
“I’m happy the two Societies are functioning very well. I appeal to well-to-do Ekiti people to support the Cooperative Society by donating to the capital gift by me to the two Cooperative Societies to ship our people out of unemployment and poverty.
“My appeal today is that as many people as possible should join the Cooperative Societies. If members follow the workings of the Cooperative Societies by repaying their loans on time, sooner than later, poverty and unemployment would be a thing of the past.
“We have a lot to do to make our people happy. Government alone cannot do it. We must go back to what the country was during the golden era of the First Republic when everybody had enough to eat, when everybody was gainfully employed, when there was no hunger or poverty in the land, when life was safe at home, on the road, in the classroom and at the airport, when there was rapid economic development and when everybody was his brother’s keeper.”
He commended the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe for the development of the palace and the entire Community and donated a sum of N100million towards beautification project in the palace
“I have noticed that His Royal Majesty has improved tremendously on the pavilion in the palace. You will all agree with me that it was not this beautiful last year.
” In the past, the Ewi was proverbially acknowledged as the richest person in the community. No wonder people were always donating food items and money to him. But that was then.
“I take this opportunity to support the Ewi on the pavilion project in his efforts to continue to modernize the palace. On my part, I donate a sum of N100million towards that”, Babalola said.
The state governor Biodun Oyebanji declared that the elder statesman has immortalized himself by building life time human resources across the country.
The governor stated that Babalola has made tremendous impacts in the lives of many Nigerians through his flourishing legal profession and establishment of ABUAD, where thousands of citizens are deriving their livelihoods and enhancing their careers.
Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, posited that Babalola has succeeded in immortalizing himself through huge investments in human capital, that has made him a darling of many .
He said the government of Ekiti State is proud of the achievements and life trajectory of the elderstatesman, who emerged from a humble background and turned out to be a shining light across Nigeria and globally through his industry, innovation, character, honesty and philanthropy.
“The name Afe Babalola is special to us in Ekiti State and particularly to Governor Oyebanji in so many ways.
“Firstly, he is the highest tax payer as an individual in Ekiti State. Secondly, he established the best private university in Ekiti State that makes him the second highest employer of labour after government. Thirdly, he is a leading light in terms of philanthropic gestures for individuals and institutions in our dear state and Nigeria. ”
The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, said the history of Ekiti will continue to be kind to Babalola and remember him for his immeasurable generosity, kindness and innovations to tackle poverty among the populace.
“We are unwavering in our resolve to reserve October 18 in perpetuity in honour of a man who embodies virtue, service, excellence, and vision.
” In the past years, Aare Babalola has continued to distinguish himself as a beacon of hope and a pillar of progress. Even at the age of 97, the Fiwajoye of Ado-Ekiti remains a tireless worker and an exemplary patriot who continues to impact lives through education, healthcare, agriculture, and philanthropy.
“Through his university, ABUAD, which continues to rise in global ranking and reputation. Aare Babalola has demonstrated that Africa can compete with the best anywhere in the world in excellence. His teaching hospital remains a centre of medical innovation and rescue”, the monarch said.