It would be an understatement to say that the 4th Convocation Ceremony of the Kogi State University, Anyigba was a carnival, specially arranged and designed by the Almighty God to honour a man of character, role model, hero, an uncommon man doing uncommon things in an uncommon environment and a man who has performed his tasks creditably and deserved to be celebrated:
Indeed, it was truly the constellation of important dignitaries from the nooks and crannies of Nigeria at the ceremony to felicitate with the hardworking, visionary, Aare Afe Babalola on his well deserved Doctorate Degree (D.Litt, Honoris Causa).
it was not only people that stood still for Aare, the sun in its resplendent nature was kind to all at the ceremony, even the rain suspended its works temporarily until very late in the evening when the heaven opened up to pour its blessings on Aare for the conferment.
Aare’s entourage took off from ABUAD at five in the morning for a journey which normally should take only four hours (4hrs) but at Lokoja-the confluence city, both Rivers Niger and Benue overflew its boundary with serious incursions into the main road hence a diversion into the lengthy, nerve-wrecking and improvised flooding road path which took one and half hour to meander before hitting the main road leading to Anyigba via Ajaokuta.
Everybody that were at the ceremony waited expectantly for the arrival of the latest Doctorate Degree holder in Nigeria, the revered and the distinguished Aare Afe Babalola. The very polite, civil and warm Executive Governor of Kogi State and Visitor to the University, Capt. Idris Ichala Wada led members of his Executive Council to welcome Aare Afe Babalola into the Senate building of the University and later started a long procession of who is who in the academic world. People of various walks of life were there to honour the man of Letters. They came, they saw and they spoke. Indeed, political gladiators, legal icons, company chiefs, academics, traditional rulers and Students witnessed the conferment of the Doctorate Degree on Aare Afe Babalola.
They lauded the Kogi State University for the honour and eulogised the recipient. Here are what they say: ‘’The honour bestowed on the Aare is well deserved. He has done well that even the blind can feel his good works. He represent the hope of the Country. He is ahead of his peers. He is a wonderful man who has done what no man has done. He is a worthy recipient of the degree’’ Capt. Idris Ichala Wada, Executive Governor and Visitor to the University.
‘’When you reward those who are doing very well, it waters the ground for better and improved performances. The choice of Aare is commendable. He has made his mark. Whatever he touches, turn to gold. He is already a reference point in education, Law and philanthropy’’ His Royal Majesty, Dr. Nnaemeka A.U. Achebe CFR, Obi of Onitsha (Agbogidi) and Chancellor Kogi State University, Anyigba.
‘’Every Nation that is outstanding is outstanding because it has role model. Aare Afe Babalola is clearly outstanding. Aare is a man with sound mind and a gift to Nigeria. The honour is well earned. His conduct is refreshing and good. He has been unblemished: Aare has set the pace with his achievements in education, Law and Philanthropy. The honour itself is a way of benchmarking service delivery, excellence and quality leadership. If I had my way, I I would personally give him an award because he deserves every honour and recognition. Those who are performing should be congratulated. I feel very proud being here to celebrate with my hero’’. Hon. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Member, House of Representative, Abuja.
‘‘The honour is a true confermation of Aare’s competence, efficiency and patriotism. This type of honour confers immediate legitimacy and further credibility on Aare because it was not commercialized. The honour is meant to ginger and spur him to greater heights. He is a shinning star in a dark firmament’’.
Dr. Majekodunmi Ayodele, Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti.
The honour is a stepping stone for further pursuit of success. Aare is a man of proven probity. I doff my heart for him. Sir Omotoso, a business Mogul, Lagos, Nigeria.
In a Country which has been bedeviled by the twin disappointment of unemployment and corruption, any attempt by people or institution to recognize the achievements and services to man kind in the midst of chaos must be celebrated. Aare is the 2nd largest employer of labour in Ekiti State after the State Government. He has zero tolerance for corruption.
Sir (Arc) Dipo Ajayi, Lagos, Nigeria.
Aare is the shinning pathfinder through the labyrinth of darkness. He has paid his dues in all facets of life. The honourary degree awarded to him is to encourage him to do more for mankind. The honour is also meant to reverse the penchant for glorifying dwarf and vilifying giants. Aare is a giant, worthy of celebration. May your star never dim. Prof. Hassan Isah, Vice Chancellor, Kogi State University, Anyigba.
The degree awarded to Aare is to serve as an incentive to others since people will know they will be appreciated when they do well. Those who are performing should be appreciated. Aare is a performer. A selfless father-figure who places National interest above self, whose heart are for the people and a leader with a fear of God. Dr. Ibrahim O. Usman, Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Kogi State University, Anyigba.
“Aare is a blessing to humanity. The Doctorate Degree is a timely reward for an excellent man who recognizes excellence and who performed excellently. The more excellent people we have, the better for Nigeria. This award is a testimony and manifestation of his outstanding qualities as a great achiever. His numerous virtues gave us faith which also gives us courage to face the present with confidence and the future with hope. Aare, you are a gold fish that has no hidden place. I wish you God’s blessing, good health and long life as you receive the new feather, added to your feather- filled cap”. Prof. Sidi Osho, Vice Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado- Ekiti .