Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN has called on the government at all levels to focus on recognising and celebrating patriotic citizens who have made significant contributions to national development, rather than politicians and public office holders.
Babalola, who lamented the trends of government giving awards and recognition to corrupt politicians and individuals in the society, added that this must stop to build a great nation.
The legal icon who spoke on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti when he received the award of ‘Person of the Year’ from the Summit magazine under the leadership of Tunde Alufa, commended the organization for recognizing his efforts to the society with the award.
The nonagenarian explained that some patriotic citizens across different fields of human endeavours have done well in advancing the course of humanity and deserve to be recognized by the government rather than the politicians.
According to him, “I am short of words, I thank you for planning this in secret. I appreciate all of us; I want others to grow up like me and become better than me. I love giving and the only time I am happy is when I give.
“I was not expecting this, it’s a big surprise; I have known Alufa quite a while, he shows tremendous interest in whatever he does.
“He is a patriotic citizen, he wants Ekiti to progress, he always thrives for the development of Ekiti.
“I will take this opportunity to advise people who appreciate what others are doing. When you say well done to people, it’s encouraging them.
“I will use the opportunity to appeal to the state and federal governments to appreciate those who are good in the country and contribute to society.
“Don’t give awards or recognitions to politicians and members of the National Assembly; look for best market women, best farmers, best producer of cocoa and the rest, that’s the way to encourage people to do more.”
Speaking, the publisher of Summit magazine, Femi Alufa said Babalola was considered for his outstanding achievements across various fields, including education, law, health, agriculture and the economic landscape.
He explained that it was the result of a rigorous screening process aimed at recognizing and celebrating individuals who positively impact lives in Ekiti and the country.
Alufa stressed that Afe Babalola’s contributions have secured him a place in history, with his name etched in gold among the pantheon of living legends.
“No individual has contributed more to the educational development, philanthropy, and the preservation of Ekiti’s pristine values of excellence, knowledge, and industry than the Aare Afe Babalola,” he said.
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