Victor EzejaPresidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has hailed the legal icon and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola SAN, for his contributions to the legal profession, education sector and humanity, as he celebrates his 60 years at the bar.
Babalola, 93, marked his 60th call to the bar anniversary at an event held in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Monday, 10 July 2023.
The educationist was called to the Bar of England and Wales on July 9, 1963.
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In a statement posted on his Twitter handle on Tuesday, Mr Obi while congratulating him on the 60th call to bar anniversary, described Babalola as “a man of unusual stature and excellence” who has recorded a “phenomenal achievement.”
He said Babalola has had “three streams of significant lifetime achievements” which include his exploits in the legal profession, education sector, and pioneering role in the industrial and economic development of Ekiti State.
“Chief Afe Babalola CON, OFR, SAN have had three streams of significant lifetime achievements. First as an indisputable giant of the legal profession in Nigeria. Second, as an educator par excellence with the conspicuous attestation of the nationally and globally esteemed Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD; and a ten million pounds endowment at kings college, University of London for the benefit of African scholars. Third, as a pioneering and unrivalled socioeconomic and industrial developer of Ekiti state.
“Above all, he is an uncommon Nigerian role model and moral beacon who have taught us the virtue that it is possible to attain great wealth without being compromised by the Nigerian corruption syndrome,” the former Anambra State governor stated.
He further thanked the legal luminary and educationist for giving him a lavish reception in Ado Ekiti during the presidential election campaign when he had a stopover in the state.
He noted that Babalola’s lifetime story is “indeed a most compelling demonstration of grass to riches narrative.”
“At 93 years and still going strong, coupled with your peerless lifetime accomplishments, including the blessing of a great family life, I readily conclude that God has favoured you. May you continue to be a testimony of professional excellence, private and public charity and philanthropy, industry, drive, success, and a man after God’s heart,” Obi concluded.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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