…urges citizens to take farming seriously
Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola university, Afe Babalola received the 2024 African man of the year in food security investiture.
The initiative for Green Sustainability presented the award to him on Friday.
He is the two times winner of this prestigious award.
Speaking at the event was the Vice chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Prof. E. Smaranda Olarinde.
“Celebrating the induction of our father, the Baamofin of Yoruba land and the formidable achiever- Aare Afe Babalola as the African Man of the Year in food security, 2024.
This title resonates deeply with his lifelong commitment to alleviating hunger, empowering farmers, pioneering agricultural innovation and food security. The award is a testament to Founder’s unwavering belief that “food security is the very foundation of any thriving society”.
The award is more merely personal, it is a victory for every farmer in Ekiti she added.
Accepting his award, the Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola university, Afe Babalola was full of joy and excitement as he appreciated his staffs for their selflessness while encouraging others to take farming seriously.
“I will advise my guests here today and other Nigerians particularly universities to go round our vast farm and more importantly, our Industrial Park where we have added value to agric raw materials. We produce among others, Poundo Yam, Fufu, Gaari, Ogi, Starch, cashew which are sold throughout Nigeria and overseas.
The main purpose is to earn foreign currency and to make farmers belief that gone are the days when their tomatoes, pepper, mango, yam, maize, cassava cashew and vegetables rot away on the farm and in the market. We believe that these innovations are part of the reasons why we are given this second award.
We are happy that farmers in Ekiti, Osun and Cotonou are benefitting from the modern steps being taken by the university. However, we are still not there.
Most Nigerians complain about hunger. I do not believe that any Nigerian should complain about hunger. God has been so merciful that there is no desert in Nigeria. Although, so have more rains than the others.
There is nobody, where a clerk, a teacher, or a pastor who cannot make use of the rich and fertile soil granted to us freely to plant some vegetables, pepper, tomatoes, cocoyam, potato, yam and plantain. The old adage is, he who does not produce, does not deserve to eat.”
“Finally, I seize this opportunity to thank ABUAD staff, ABUAD student for their cooperation in putting priority on farming which is acknowledged throughout Africa.
Thank you and God bless you all.”
