Afe Babalola, a Blessing to Ekiti, Nigeria, Says Oyebanji

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has lauded renowned legal luminary and Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), for his unwavering philanthropy and contributions nation-building, describing him as a blessing to Ekiti State, Nigeria and this generation.Oyebanji, who gave the commendation in Ado-Ekiti yesterday while inaugurating the Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital Annex, Odo Ado in Ado Ekiti, lauded the nonagenarian’s consistent contribution to the development of the state across various sectors.

Emphasising the pivotal roles played by Chief Babalola in advancing the education, agriculture, healthcare sectors, and  the socio-economic growth within the state and beyond, the governor said Babalola has remained the highest tax payer and highest employer of labour after the state government since the creation of the state, thereby making him a key player in the development of the state.

While commending Babalola on the opening of ABUAD Multi-system hospital in the area, Oyebanji called on well-meaning Ekiti indigenes at home and in the Diaspora to emulate the good gestures of Babalola, maintaining that the fortune of the state would double if it has more people like the ABUAD founder, and added that the government alone cannot shoulder development responsibilities.

He assured the management of the hospital and the resident of the state that the road leading to the hospital area had already been penciled down for construction, adding that he will not derail from the vision of the founding fathers of Ekiti State.

According to the governor, “Health is wealth! What Aare Afe Babalola did was not for himself. He did not forget home. He was the highest taxpayer in the old Ondo State, and since the creation of Ekiti State, he remains the highest taxpayer and the largest employer of labour after government in the state.

“I have heard about the road, and ‘daddy’ has spoken to me about the road. The truth of the matter is that the advert for this road has been placed and by March 24, they will close the bid and they will award the road before the end of next month.”

In his response, Babalola commended Governor Oyebanji as a worthy Ekiti son, who upholds the state’s culture and traditions, praising him for maintaining the vision of the founding fathers.

Babalola, who regretted the fact that Oyebanji  did not govern the state much earlier, commended the governor’s programmes and policies, which according to him, have brought a huge development to the state.

He explained that the hospital was built to improve quality health services, inspire hope, and contribute to health and well-being by providing the best care at reduced cost to patients in Ado Ekiti and its environment.