With our collective resolution and understanding of the great contributions to humanity especially the unquantifiable moral, financial and intellectual support given to the Institute of African Studies of the University of Ibadan, we honour you, our own Aare, legal Icon, philanthropist per excellence, role-model, hero,  transformatory educationalist, great arbitrator an apostle of impossibility made possible and Founder/President Emeritus of ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola, today, with the Distinguished Personality Award of the Institute, may god bless you and renew your strength.

Those were the exhilarating words of the Director, Institute of African Studies , Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert during the Award presentation.

The occasion which took place at the Trenchard Hall of the University was part of the Fiftieth anniversary of the Institute and was transmitted live on the University of Ibadan Diamond FM Radio.

In his welcoming address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Isaac Folorunsho Adewole who earlier accorded ABUAD Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sidi Osho with a warm reception during a courtesy visit to him in his office, lauded Aare Afe Babalola’s virtues of transparency, honesty and kindness. He said, it’s gratifying to show honour and appreciation to people whom God has used to elevate the Institute to achieve its mandate while they are alive.

He commended past leaders of the Institute for their efforts. Prof. Adewole rejected the notion that Africa is a white man’s burden, adding that Africa remains a blessing to the Universe in terms of God endowed resources which the colonialists tapped for their own greatness.

He explained that peace is what Africa needs to prosper. Prof. Adewole called on African leaders in war-torn areas to sheath their swords, stop internal conflicts, stop amassing weapons of destructions and use their resources to develop the continent that God has favoured by being immune from major natural disasters like their counterparts in the developed world.

The Vice Chancellor congratulated the array of stars who were the Awardees for their supports and challenged them to continue to partner with the Institute for the benefit of mankind.

The anniversary lecture titled ‘’Building and Consolidating Peace in Africa’’, delivered by Mr. Larwa Zebulon who was a Camerounian by descent, a strong African by conviction and top official of the African Union in Addis Ababa; Ethiopia dwelt extensively on peace in the Continent. He called for a paradigm shift that will enable Africans to look inward, focus on peace making, prevent human and material losses due to war  and put the continent at the centre stage of  development.

Mr. Zebulon commended Nigeria for being in solidarity with other African nations particularly in educating youths from countries in conflicts and crises. He therefore congratulated the Nigerian Technical Corp on their positive roles and impacts in fostering peace in Africa.

The lecturer condemned the International Media Organisations that were anti-Africans in their reportage of events happening in the continent. Mr. Zebulon urged them to be objective and fair in news coverage  and desist from painting the Continent as a curse enclave where gun-carrying, destruction, wholesome death, kidnapping, child-labour, child- soldier were the order of the day. The African Union Official expressed optimism that the Continent is on the fast track of development.

He thanked the Institute for believing in his capability by inviting him to share his experience in peace building and conflict resolutions with them.

Ageless Jimi Solanke, Ayangalu Soungobi Talking Drummers and the Nigerian Security and Civic Defence Corp Musical Ensemble added colour and glamour to the Ceremony.

Other dignitaries that bagged the Distinguished Personalities Award were the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Governor of Niger State, Dr. Aliyu Muazu, and Prince (Engr) Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon.