Legal icon and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola has set new record as he was named the ‘2024 African Man of the Year in Food Security’ for the second time .
The award was bestowed upon the the Senior aAdvocate of Nigeria(SAN) by a global body Initiative for Green Sustainability.
Having won the award twice, the legal luminary thus became the first African to have attained this feat.He win the award , first in 2014.
Speaking at the award ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, the country representative of the initiative, Caleb Osasona explained that the award was bestowed on the legal luminary over his numerous contributions to food security, which had a profound impact, extending beyond Nigeria and Africa.
Osasona expressed admirations for Babalola’s commitment and dedication towards agriculture, saying Nigeria would have been more developed and food-secure if such actions were replicated nationwide.
In his remarks, the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji hailed the transformative contributions of the legal icon to agricultural sector, saying his outstanding impacts have positively changed the facelift of the state.
Oyebanji, represented by the State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade described the award as a well deserved recognition for Babalola.
The Governor, who also described the icon as a man of vision, tenacity and commitment, said his works and landmark achievements in agriculture have redefined and reinforced food security in Nigeria, inspired generations of young farmers and demonstrated that agriculture is not just a tool for survival but a gateway to prosperity.
“Through the ABUAD Bio-Diversified Farms and granting millions of naira under the Afe Babalola Annual Agricultural Grants to farmers among other laudable gestures, he has shown Africa what is possible when intellect meets innovation in agriculture.
“In Ekiti State, we are proud to align with, and take a cue from the laudable programs of this great sage”. He added
In his response, Afe Babalola expressed his gratitude to the Initiative for recognising his contributions to agriculture, describing it as a challenge in ensuring food sufficiency.
Babalola, who described Nigeria as a net consuming country, said the nation cannot achieve true development without prioritising large-scale production of goods and services, particularly in agriculture.
He urged the Ekiti State Government to create a conducive environment for farmers, saying this would enable the subnational to be a self-sustaining food hub.
“What causes problems for us in this country is because we do not produce and yet, we eat. Those who don’t work do not deserve to eat, that’s what the Bible taught us.
“When I started this University, I made agriculture my first priority.
“I founded the Association of Afe Babalola Farmers in Ekiti, we do annual gathering where we give out money to best farmer.
“Today, my farmers have influenced people in Oyo, Lagos and Osun.
“What the state government needs to do is to make the environment conducive for us so that we can farm.
“My joy is to see my people comfortable, live in peace, go to the farm peacefully and come back home without harm. Without agriculture, this country can’t make it”.