The President of a Non Governmental Organization, Ekiti Kete Coalition USA, Mr Joe Olugbamila has described the Aare Bamofin of Oyo Kingdom, Aare Afe Babalola as a man of character, a role model of inestimable value, uncommon hero and man who deserved to be celebratedAt an emergency meeting of the USA based group held at North Carolina, United States of America on Thursday March 21, 2024, the coalition called for the declaration of Aare Afe Babalola Day in Ekiti, owing to his unmatched achievements and contributions to the state and the country at large.
Olugbamila said. “The resolution of our coalition is premised on the reasons that is not far fetched from all of us; Aare Afe Babalola has done more than any Ekiti man dead or living to uplift economic development of Ekiti State.
He said that any honour bestowed on the Aare is well deserved, because he has done well that even the blind can feel his good works. He represent the hope of the Country. He is ahead of his peers. He is a wonderful man who has done what no man has done.
The legal luminary is clearly outstanding, a man with sound mind and he has set the pace with his achievements in education, Law and Philanthropy.
” Aare Afe Babalola established one of the fastest growing universities in the world, medical schools and teaching hospitals in Ekiti State when he could have done it elsewhere where there are better infrastructural supports that will make the institutions much cheaper to establish. He remarked
Mr Olugbamila also said that Aare Afe Babalola was the biggest employer of labour in Ekiti State, after the State Government, so he deserve to be honoured.
The President added that Governor Biodun Oyebanji has also confirmed Aare Afe Babalola as the highest tax payer in Ekiti State.
The group also stated some reasons while a day should be set aside for the celebration of such a phenomenal, noting that countries such as USA recognizes excellent works of her heroes by declaring a day for them like Matin Luther Day in USA. It is usually done to inspire coming generations to lofty heights.
“If Nigeria will not honour Aare Afe Babalola as he deserved, we Ekiti people should do the needful.””Aare Afe Babalola day will not only recognize his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Ekiti people but more importantly it will inspire coming generations to make better contributions.Aare Afe Babalola day will project Ekiti State as a pioneer state in recognizing spirit of excellence in individuals. Nigeria or any state has never done it before. It will be a good example for others to follow.“In view of the above stated reasons and others too numerous to mention, we resolutely plead with all Ekiti people to support the declaration of the resolve of our Noble Association, Ekiti Kete Coalition USA, to hold annually Aare Afe Babalola Day in Ekiti State.
“We are equally making a clarion call on Ekiti State House Assembly to begin the process of enacting Aare Afe Babalola Day Law immediately.
“Aare Afe Babalola is already 96 years old. Time is of essence. It must be done quickly while he is still alive.Ekiti a gbe a o.”