Finding and nurturing purposeful leaders for socio-political and economic advancement in the 21st Century is a global challenge that defies solution. Thankfully, a glimpse of succour finally came to life as Aare Afe Babalola Founder of ABUAD the fastest growing Private University in Nigeria has been vigorously engaged in riding off leadership deficit through his visionary-transformatory-educational policy which placed priority on the need for developing, training and grooming future leaders in an enabling academic environment that foster job creation, food security and human capacity development.
These value-added qualities which keep resonating in Afe Babalola leadership style has again been eulogised by a Federal Lawmaker, representing Ado-Ekiti/Irepodun Ifelodun Federal Constituency Hon. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele while welcoming Aare Afe Babalola to his 49th Birthday Anniversary Lecture Series and the second MOB Empowerment support programme.
He expressed his appreciation and profound gratitude to the Founder for his belief in his capabilities as well as his continued support and encouragement.
The lawmaker explained that the lecture series which is 5th of its kind is aimed at bringing together friends, associates, well-wishers, stakeholders and the general public to ponder and proffer possible ways out of the myriads of challenges facing the Nigerian Nation. According to Hon Bamidele, this year’s topic entitled Legislating in troubled times: National Assembly and Challenges of Legislating for Good Governance in Nigeria is aimed at recommending panaceas to the challenges currently threatening our existence as a unified indivisible Nigeria; adding that there could be no better way to commemorate his 49th birthday than to contribute to building a Nigeria of equal opportunities, social justice, equity and respect for the rule of law.
Earlier in his opening address, the founder of ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola thanked the celebrant for choosing him as the Chairman at the occasion. He commended him for shunning frivolities and for being in tune with the yearnings and aspirations of the people of his constituency through the life changing empowerment programmes which are gifts to humanity. While wishing him a happy birthday, Aare Afe Babalola, told the gathering that Hon Michael Opeyemi Bamidele is God fearing, humble, honest and level headed Nigerian who is friendly and patriotic, trainable and well trained, dedicated and committed to the Ekiti project.
Aare Afe Babalola described him as an exemplary leader exhibiting the realities of purposeful, progressive and visionary governance. He called him “a cynosure of all eyes” in a political topography devoid of leadership and clarity of political vision and a model deserving of widespread replication. He lauded him for his Empowerment Support Programme that will provide further support and succour to the less privileged and needy in his constituency.
He called on other legislators to emulate MOB in supporting the needy at all times. Aare Afe Babalola urged them to be honourable in every aspect of their private and public lives and be objective in the discharge of their duties. He appealed to them to rise above partisan interest in matters of legislation.
On the State of the Nation, Aare Afe Babalola decried the dwindling fortunes of Nigeria on both economic and socio-political fronts adding that terror is now “homemade” with the advent of the Boko Haram sect. He condemned the daily killings of innocent people in some parts of the country, the widespread corruption that has eaten deep into the fabrics of the nation, the high unemployment rate and lack of adequate basic infrastructure as direct reasons why the nation’s growth is stunted.
Aare Afe Babalola warned that no effort to re-shape the destiny of the Country should be spared. He extolled the “can do spirit” of Nigerians, which he observed had been blighted by stagnation in vital sectors including agriculture, health, infrastructure and leadership deficit.
He blamed the present security problems and the consistent decline in economic growth on the failure of leadership. He therefore called for an urgent discussion on the future of the nation. He enjoined the National Assembly to join in the struggle to put together a perfect structure that will design an all-embracing and functional constitution for our nation.
He called on Nigerians to re-direct their priorities if the country will progress. Aare Afe Babalola urged citizens to embrace farming which used to be the mainstay of our economy.
On the 1999 Constitution, Aare Afe Babalola described it as defective in all ramifications since it did not take into consideration all factors aimed at bringing about a true people’s Constitution. According to him, Nigerians need an all-embracing Constitution which will touch on crucial matters such as devolution of power, fiscal policy and the appropriate type of parliament.
Aare Afe Babalola therefore called for the convening of a Sovereign National Conference as the major solution to solving the myriad of problems afflicting the nation. Other solutions proffered include reversion to the former regional structures, adoption of six zones for 36 states, adoption of parliamentary system of government (unicameral or bi-cameral) and a reduction in the member of legislators Aare Afe Babalola also stressed the need for a referendum which will allow all and sundry to have the ultimate say.
The ceremony which took place at the Alumni Hall of Christ School, Ado-Ekiti recorded a large turnout of dignitaries from far and near.On the Founders entourage were his wife Yeye, Modupe Babalola, members of ADUAD Management team and Staff of the Institution. Also present at the occasion were Political big wigs including the former Executive Governor of the Old Ondo State Amb. Bamidele Olumilua, Ekiti State Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Chief Jide Awe, some members of the House of Representatives, some members of the State House of Assembly, traditional rulers and members of the public.
