…urges FG to stop awarding senators, other politicians
The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, on Tuesday was decorated as the Ekiti Summit Person of the Year 2024.
The legal luminary was decorated in Ado-Ekiti by Ekiti Summit Magazine, for his outstanding achievements in areas of human endeavours such as education, law, health, agriculture, technology, among others.
Addressing journalists, the Publisher of the Magazine, Femi Alufa said the award is a merit and value-based honour emerged after a rigorous screening process to recognize and celebrate eminent personalities that impact lives positively in Ekiti.
Alufa said no individual has ever contributed to the educational development, philanthropy Ekiti pristine values of excellence, knowledge, industry more than the legal icon.
He added that Babalola has earned his place in history and written his name in gold among the pantheon of the living legends.
In his response, Afe Babalola commended the Media Outfit for the award, saying the honour came as a surprise that would be hard to forget.
He urged government at all levels to stop awarding senators and other public office holders and advocated for the recognition of patriotic citizens who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the nation.
The legal icon emphasized the importance of encouraging others through recognition and celebrating those who excel in their respective fields.
Babalola also praised Femi Alufa for his dedication to Ekiti’s progress, describing him as a patriotic citizen committed to the state’s development.
His words, “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 about quite a while, he shows tremendous interest in whatever he does.
“He is a patriotic citizen, he wants Ekiti to progress, he always thrive for the development of Ekiti.
“I will take this opportunity to advise to appreciate what others are doing. When you say weldone to people, it’s encouraging them.
“I will use to opportunity to appeal to the state and federal government to appreciate those who are good in the country.
“Don’t give awards to policians and members of assembly, look for best market women, best farmer, best producer of cocoa, that’s the way to encourage people to do more”.
