BY *BABAFEMI OJUDU
In the Ekiti dialect of the Yoruba language, “Afe” is short for “Eniafe,” meaning “the one we want” or “the one we love.” It is because of this love that the people of Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, have gathered today, October 18th, to honor an exceptional man beloved by us all—Afe Babalola.
The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, alongside his more than 150 chiefs, and in consultation with the entire citizenry, has unanimously agreed to celebrate this exemplary man in a manner unmatched in the over 2,000-year history of our town.
The consensus on this celebration has never been witnessed before. Since the day our Kabiyesi announced it, people of all walks of life—young and old, rich and poor—have come together to ensure this day becomes a reality. Kabiyesi, we thank you, and we thank your chiefs. As the Yoruba saying goes, “A man who recognizes honor in another is himself honorable.” We count today among your many achievements since you ascended the throne of your fathers.
Kabiyesi, our esteemed chiefs, and the proud people of Ado-Ekiti, today is a momentous day. Today, under the leadership of our revered king, we proclaim this day as Afe Babalola Day—a day to be celebrated in perpetuity in honor of one of Nigeria’s most illustrious sons, Afe Babalola. His life is a remarkable tale of determination, resilience, unyielding excellence, and service to humanity.
Born into humble beginnings, Afe Babalola’s journey exemplifies the power of self-belief and perseverance. From the modest town of Ado-Ekiti, where he grew up in a thatched-roof family house, he pursued education with fervor, setting himself on a path to greatness.
Self-taught and rising against all odds, he became one of Nigeria’s most respected legal practitioners, with a career spanning over six decades. Afe Babalola has represented clients across all strata—government officials, private institutions, and prominent individuals—establishing a reputation for legal prowess, ethical practice, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
When most would have retired, Afe Babalola, at a remarkable age, embarked on perhaps his most impactful endeavor: founding Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).
A global search would reveal that no one of his age has ever accomplished this feat, making him worthy of recognition in the Guinness World Records. With a vision to redefine education standards in Nigeria, ABUAD stands as a benchmark of excellence in tertiary education across Africa, providing a world-class learning environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and a curriculum that bridges theory and practice. ABUAD has become a cradle for leaders, innovators, and change-makers and remains one of the proudest legacies of this extraordinary man.
By this visionary endeavor, Afe Babalola has placed Ado-Ekiti on the world map, ensuring that for generations to come, students from ABUAD will carry his name—and the name of his birthplace—across the globe.
We know you have been conferred with honors by this country, by numerous towns and communities, universities, and many institutions across the world. But no honor is as valuable as the one bestowed by one’s own people.
His philanthropy is vast and far-reaching. Whether in education, healthcare, agriculture, or environmental protection, Afe Babalola’s generosity knows no bounds. He has funded countless scholarships for underprivileged students and demonstrated a deep commitment to community development through agriculture.
His passion for the land is evident in his cultivation of food crops and the establishment of expansive tree plantations, which contribute to food security, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation.
In healthcare, he has built what is widely regarded as the best-equipped and best-staffed medical institution in Southwest Nigeria. This institution stands as a beacon of hope and an exemplar of modern medical practice, providing quality healthcare services to countless Nigerians.
What is even more remarkable is his boundless energy and dedication. Just a few years shy of becoming a centenarian, Afe Babalola defies age.
He goes to work daily, oversees the operations of his university, farm, and industrial park, writes a weekly newspaper column, and imparts legal wisdom through lectures at his university. His work ethic is unparalleled, and his love for his people, for learning, and for Nigeria is manifest in all he does.
Today, we celebrate a man whose life is an inspiration to all—a life defined not only by milestones but by values: hard work, integrity, and service. Afe Babalola’s legacy is enshrined in history, as a trailblazer, a visionary, and a true son of Ekiti who has touched lives and made an indelible mark on his community, nation, and the world beyond.
As we honor you today, Afe Babalola, we hold you up as a beacon for the present generation and those to come—a model of courage, integrity, and achievement. Heroes inspire collective aspiration, unite people, drive positive change, provide hope in times of crisis, and inspire future generations. You embody all these qualities—bravery, selflessness, and perseverance—and encourage others to reach higher and strive for the greater good of our community.
By proclaiming Afe Babalola Day, we adopt you as a unifying figure, one who brings people together under a shared vision and represents the ideals and values of our community, strengthening social cohesion. From this day forward, we will invoke your name as a source of moral clarity, for your life stands as a model of virtue and righteousness, guiding our moral compass in times of uncertainty.
Whenever there is a need to fight for justice, freedom, or equality, we will look to you, placing you alongside leaders like Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr., whose lives made the world better and inspired millions. Your story teaches us that it is possible to overcome adversity, make sacrifices for others, and stand up for what is right. We want the lessons of your life to positively shape the character and actions of all who look up to you.
May Afe Babalola Day serve as a lasting reminder of what is possible when one dedicates their life to the service of humanity and the pursuit of excellence. As the title of your autobiography so aptly states, you have indeed “Made Impossibility Possible.”
*#AfeBabalolaDay*
*#October18*