Afe Babalola named 2024 Best Nigerian Patriot
— Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to Education, Law, and Humanitarian Causes
The Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), has been named the 2024 Best Nigerian Patriot by the Association of United Nations Ambassadors for Peace.
The award comes amidst recent controversies surrounding alleged defamation by human rights activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi in his book titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’.
The notification of the award was conveyed in a letter addressed to the legal icon, co-signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Selection Committee, Prof. Joseph Mfon and Prof. Barika Saro-Laka, respectively.
In the letter, the association described Afe Babalola as a detribalized nationalist whose selfless contributions have left a significant impact, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa and beyond.
The association highlighted the reasons for honoring Aare Afe Babalola: Employment Creation: Providing over 1,600 jobs to Nigerians across various tribes and cultures.
Legal Excellence: Producing the highest number of lawyers in Africa, including over 100 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), as well as Judges and Attorneys General of the Federation.
Educational Development: Establishing the self-funded Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), aimed at reducing illiteracy, crime, and ignorance in Nigeria.
The award ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Labour House, Abuja, on Thursday, 9th January, 2025.
The letter partly reads: “We have approved the conferment of our pioneer merit award of 2024 Best Nigerian Patriot on your dignified personality due to your consistent and impactful contributions to humanity and societal development across multiple sectors.”
The association also announced a humanitarian gesture in honor of Afe Babalola: Support for 300 Widows: Verified members of the National Association of Nigerian Widows (NANIWO) will receive Christmas food packs and transportation allowances as part of the celebration.
The association further commended Afe Babalola for his enduring commitment to national development, integrity, and excellence in both education and law.
This recognition reinforces Aare Afe Babalola’s status as a visionary leader, an advocate for justice, and a tireless contributor to Nigeria’s progress and development.
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