As I reflect on my assignment to Nigeria being the President of an indigenous group based in US, Ekiti Kete Coalition USA, purposely to honor an enigma, and a trail blazer Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola somethings come to mind
Flipping through the photographs we took with Baba and pages of my notes I jotted down while drinking from the cup of experience from the Bamofin of Yoruba Aare Afe Babalola, It’s been weeks since my trip, but the memories remain vivid.
- Our reason for appointment*
Like every other Nigerians and right thinking Ekiti man, we know the great exploit and contributions of our Baba in every strata of our society, but baffled that someone of that caliber is not celebrated beyond the pages of our newspapers, this is not acceptable to us, something must be done, especially quickly to immortalise this enigma before it is too late.
Let me quickly reel out some of the numerous achievements of Baba.
Education and Innovation
- Founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), a world-class institution.
- Pioneer in innovative education, entrepreneurship, and skills development.
Philanthropy and Community Service
- Established scholarships for indigent students.
- Provided free medical services to communities.
- Supported infrastructure development in Ekiti State.
Leadership and Mentorship
- Inspirational leader and mentor to many.
- Encouraged youth empowerment and development.
- Fostered national and international collaborations.
Integrity and Character
- Demonstrated unwavering integrity and moral principles.
- Promoted transparency and accountability.
- Epitomized the values of hard work and dedication.
National and International Recognition
- Received numerous national and international awards.
- Recognized for contributions to education, law, and philanthropy.
- Honored by prestigious institutions and organizations.
Legacy and Impact
- Transformed lives through education and empowerment.
- Created jobs and economic opportunities.
- Inspired a new generation of leaders and change-makers.
*Honorable Titles and Awards
- Honorary Doctorates
- National Merit Awards
- International Recognition Awards
- Hall of Fame Inductee
- Lifetime Achievement Awards
Too numerous to mention, but let me stop at the aformentioned, the records are there for all to see.
Though Baba AFE’s legacies and impact will remain indelible on the sand of time, considering his unmatched contributions to the humanity, but it behoves on us, as an Indigenes of a homogeneous community (Ekiti State) to promote our own especially Ado people and Ekiti State if Nigerian will not do.
I live in US for some years now and i know how the likes of Martin Luther and other notable leaders in sane society are being celebrated. No doubt there are leaders in Nigeria who had made unforgettable impact like Zik, Awo and other founding fathers and mothers who fought for the emancipation of Nigerians, though some of them have their pictures imprinted on our currencies, some of them are no longer remembered, painful.
As an organization, members delibrated on how to immortalize our own Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola by not only celebrating him like just any other, we therefore concluded that a day should be set aside to celebrate him.
So we wrote a publication, demanding that Afe Babalola Day should be instituted, though our meetings with Baba later made us realized that the move was politicized as the Ekiti state house of Assembly did not welcome the idea citing some reasons best known to the lawmakers.
At this juncture, we have to recognize and express our sincere gratitude to the Kabiyesi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe and the people of Ado who rose to the occasion and declared october 18 being his birthday date as a day to celebrate one of their sons.
We as members of Ekiti Kete Coalition USA are grateful to all and Sundry who made the idea we birthed come to realization.
Let me give you an insight into what humanity will gain during the AFE BABALOLA DAY CELEBRATION, millions of business owners will spring up, as Baba Afe Babalola told me that he will be giving out huge sum of money to business owners to lift them out of poverty. Once again Baba we appreciate you and we pray that God will continue to sustain and bless you.
Our appointment
We traveled all the way from the United States of America to honor Baba Afe Babalola and we booked an appointment with Baba for 2:30pm on Thursday the 19th of September 2024, we were told that Baba will close by 3pm in the afternoon and we should come back by 9 at night that same day.
I was wondering how possible for this Nonagenarian to come back to the office at that time of the day.
By 8:30pm I was in the office. By 8:45pm I was called in. Surprisingly Aba was already in the office.
By 9pm Aba came out to meet me at the conference room adjacent to his office. As a Yoruba man and as our culture demanded, i prostrated flat on the floor…he said haaa…(Omo mi OLUGBAMILA dide). E ku irin . All the way from America…you’re welcome.
First Impressions
Arriving at ABUAD, I was struck by the university’s majestic architecture and lush surroundings. The warmth of the Nigerian sun was matched only by the hospitality of the staff and students.
He appreciated our efforts to honor him and most especially to champion the cause of EKiti state to have a day set aside to celebrate him. He was full of gratitude.
Baba was very generous to us, we lodge at Midas Hotel in Ado Ekiti but Baba in his hospitality told us to move from our former hotel and lodge at the ABUAD international hotel. it was indeed a worthy while experience with our father.
The second day we were to meet Baba by 9am but my flight to Abuja was 11am from Akure. I informed Baba and being an humble man despite his wealth obliged me, Baba I am appreciative of all these virtues you exemplified.
When I came back from Abuja, we started our meeting with Baba from 8:55pm until 11:50am before baba released us.
He lectured us about his humble beginnings and the reason why he decided to established the University. And lot more
My meeting with Baba Afe Babalola taught me valuable lessons:
- The importance of hard work and dedication
- Compassion and empathy for others
- Leadership and integrity
- Discussing my future aspirations
- Receiving guidance and encouragement
- Laughing together over a joke
The award ceremony was to be held by Friday the 20th of September around 11:30am. As soon as 8:00am we have had our breakfast, don’t forget I said earlier on that Baba had moved us from our former lodge to his ABUAD INN.
So having our breakfast was like a feast with a kind hearted King. That was on a lighter mood! We were done having our breakfast and off to the best farm in the sub shara Africa, Afe Babalola Farm and the tour of the ABUAD campus
Farm Experiences
I recall the early morning hours spent on Baba Afe’s farm, learning about agriculture and the importance of hard work. He would often say, “The soil is our heritage; we must nurture it.” His passion for farming was contagious, and I found myself eager to learn.
- Planting crops and watching them grow
- Harvesting fruits of our labor
- Sharing stories under the shade of a tree
Campus Tour
The university’s facilities were impressive:
- State-of-the-art laboratories
- Well-equipped libraries
- Inspiring art and cultural exhibits
The award ceremony proper that started some minutes after 11:00 in the morning was a resounding victory as Baba Afe Babalola was impressed with our widow’s mite, one of his son’s the Senate leader of the National Assembly, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi was also honored on that day. I will also reel out my experience with the lawmaker who has since being representing the good people of Ekiti Central senatorial District, Ekiti State and Nigerians as a whole
Legacy
Afe Babalola’s legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments. He has touched countless lives, inspiring a new generation of leaders.
Caption:
“Grateful for the memories and lessons learned from Afe Babalola. A life of purpose, integrity, and joy.”
As I sit here, reminiscing about my time with Baba Afe Babalola, I am filled with gratitude and warmth. My experiences with him on his farm and at Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) are etched in my memory forever and I cherished the moments we shared.
By:
President, Ekiti Kete Coalition USA
Hon. Joe Olugbamila
