Afe Babalola is a Blessing to Humanity: Celebrating a Decade of Impact.

Afe Babalola is a Blessing to Humanity: Celebrating a Decade of Impact.                               By Wale Fapohunda

Ado Ekiti was agog with dignitaries from various walks of life who gathered to celebrate the Afe Babalola Beneficiaries Worldwide Day. The event, hosted at the Ewi's palace, witnessed a notable representation of individuals who came together to honor the living legend, Aare Afe Babalola.

The Chief host, Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, conveyed his gratitude to Aare Afe Babalola for establishing the world-class University ABUAD in the town, which stands as the second-largest employer of labor in Ekiti after the state government. Although unavoidably absent, Oba Adejugbe was aptly represented by High Chief Ogunmodimu, the Odole of Ado.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Faboro, expressed his appreciation for the honor done to Aare Afe Babalola while he is still alive. He highlighted the positive impact of Afe Babalola's contributions to the state, praying for the emergence of more individuals like him as a blessing to humanity.

The representative of Afe Babalola at the event, ABUAD Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof., conveyed Baba Afe's happiness at the consistent celebration of the event for the past ten years. He urged people to embrace the spirit of giving and helping others, echoing Afe Babalola's principles.

The initiating coordinator of Afe Babalola Beneficiaries Worldwide, Chief Ogunniyi Morakinyo (Kayegbo), marked the 10th edition of the celebration, acknowledging the journey's significance and the positive results achieved. He thanked Oba Dr. Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, the Grand Patron, and highlighted the global recognition of December 12 as the Afe Babalola Beneficiaries Day since 2013.

The event also witnessed the unveiling of the proposed prototype of Afe Babalola Park to be sited in Ado-Ekiti. Afe Babalola Honors Awards and Certificates of Participation were presented to outstanding individuals, including High Chief Ejigbo, High Chief Alareerin, and High Chief Odofin (THE AGBA ADOS'), among others.

As the celebration concluded, Chief Morakinyo announced plans for the AFE BABALOLA PARK inside Ado Ekiti, a permanent venue for celebrating Afe Babalola, emphasizing the continued focus on emulating the philanthropic ideals of the living legend.