UN Peace Ambassadors Celebrate Aare Afe Babalola’s Legacy with 2024 Patriot Award, Recognizing His Lifelong Contributions to Nation-Building, Legal Excellence, and Humanitarian Service
Aare Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has been named the winner of the prestigious 2024 Best Nigerian Patriot Award.
The award, conferred by the Association of United Nations Ambassadors for Peace, recognizes the 93-year-old legal luminary’s lifelong dedication to nation-building and humanitarian service.
Celebrating a Selfless Legacy
According to a statement from ABUAD’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Tunde Olofintila, the award notification was conveyed in a letter dated December 11, 2024. The letter was co-signed by Prof. Joseph Legend Mfon, Prof. Mrs. Lami Amodu, Prof. Inah Eteng Okon, and Prof. Barika Saro-Laka, representing the association.
The letter highlighted Babalola’s achievements as a “detribalized nationalist” whose unwavering commitment to humanity and societal progress has earned him admiration across Africa and beyond.
A Life of Impact
The association praised Babalola’s contributions, particularly through his law firm, Afe Babalola & Company (Emmanuel Chambers), which has groomed top-tier legal professionals in Nigeria.
“You have consistently demonstrated qualities of selflessness, integrity, and dedication to societal improvement. Your impact transcends the legal sector, touching countless lives across multiple sectors,” the letter stated.
Babalola’s nomination was submitted by Oba David Rotimi Adetiloye, the Obanla of Yoruba Gosa Community in Abuja, and Professor Abiodun Michael Ajibade, founder of Horizon International University. His selection emerged after a rigorous comparison with 20 other elder statesmen.
Award Ceremony to Feature Humanitarian Gesture
As part of the award celebration, the association will support 300 widows registered under the National Association of Nigeria Widows (NANIWO) with Christmas food packs and transportation stipends.
The award ceremony is scheduled for January 9, 2025, at Labour House, Abuja, by 11:00 a.m.
Award Amidst Defamation Allegations
This honor comes amidst recent controversy involving Aare Babalola. Human rights activist Dele Farotimi had alleged defamation against the elder statesman in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. However, this recognition underscores Babalola’s towering reputation and his commitment to national unity and development.
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