Boss Of The Week

I’m Looking Forward to My Ph.D Before My 50th Birthday – Tolulope Onalaja

Published

6 years ago

March 27, 2020

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

She is a combination of brains and beauty with a solid dose of entrepreneurial skills. She is Mrs Tolulope Adelaja, the vibrant Executive Director of Revolution Plus Properties. The woman, who many has said posseses the proverbial Midas touch, revealed her very essence and those intricacies that make her thick as a wife, mother and business development executive in this exclusive chat

Kindly give us a brief detail of your background

My name is Tolulope Onalaja. I was born into a family of six. I am the only girl and have three younger brothers. I come from a middle-class home and went to Our Ladies of Apostle Private School, Yaba, Lagos, and that’s actually the first private school in Nigeria, before going to Methodist Girls High School, Yaba. I attended the University of Ibadan, because I got tired of Yaba axis, where I graduated from the Faculty of Education, as a Counseling Psychologist. I practiced for about three years at the Federal College of Education, Coker as the School Counsellor.

Afterwards, I obtained a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management from the University of Calabar and followed it up with a Masters in Business Administration from the same university. And for the sake of self improvement, I did several professional courses. I am looking forward to having my Ph.D before I clock 50. I am an alumnus of Pan-Atlantic University and Lagos Business School and also a member of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

I joined Revolution Plus in 2016 after a 13 years professional stint in other organisations including Dry Cleaners Limited, one of the biggest facility company in Nigeria where I worked for 10 years as the Chief Operating Officer. I joined my husband’s business when it was gathering momentum and needed more hands.

I graduated at 21 and served at 22. I entered the labour market at 23 (2003), got married in 2004 and gave birth to my first child in 2005.

I have two children, and married to Mr. Bamidele Onalaje, the MD of Revolution Plus.

Was growing up among three brothers made you a tom-boy?

Honestly, I was a tom-boy all through my school days. I still exhibit traces of a tomboy, and it is difficult to let go. I don’t do what most ladies do like selecting body cream and others. I have that carefree attitude like boys. We all use the same body-cream, hair-cream, and all. Till now, my mannerism and behaviour still betray me. You rarely see me gossip, and keep female friends. I have more male friends than female friends. I have more male traits than female traits.

You just celebrated your 40th birthday. What does it feel like to be 40?

It feels like normal. I am still young, but sometimes, when I look at my children; it reminds of my age. Nevertheless, everything looks normal.

If everything looks normal, why was it necessary to have an elaborate celebration?

This is because it is a landmark. For me, I have a lot of things to thank God for at 40.

Your husband claims you are the brain behind Revolution Plus, how would you describe this?

Real estate is my husband’s thing because he is passionate about it and once worked in the Mortgage Industry. It was from there he developed passion for real estate and affordable housing. He is so passionate about real estate that if you ask him what he want to do in ten years’ time, he will tell you real estate. One day, he brought the vision that he wants people to own homes and that government cannot do it alone; and I just supported.

My support in the business occurred because I have sat on several boards and been a top management staff of several organizations; so, I have a lot of management skills which has helped the business tremendously. Basically, I handle all the management skill.

Maybe another reason is because, when we were about starting, we had a lot of challenges and my husband was about giving up after no one agreed to support his idea. One day, I remember he came home unhappy and I comforted him; telling him it is too late for us to give up, and I told we should hold a fast and pray for seven days with the belief that God will speak to us. On the third day of the fast, I told him the Holy Spirit ask me to tell him we should meet my uncle, Dr Boye Olusanya. He objected at first because he doesn’t like meeting family members for help, but he said if it is the Holy Spirit who told me, He would go ahead of us. So, I called him. He is the immediate past Provost of Federal College of Education, Akoka. He died last year (2019). He was the person God used to start Revolution Plus, and he was the first person that invested in this business. And I remember he gave us N3 million. Maybe that’s why my husband will always say that I’m the brain behind the business.

So, what is it like working with your husband?

People do say it is very difficult to see husband and wife working together because of fights and misunderstandings. But our working together has been fun as we have our strengths. He handles the sites and land grabbers while mine is to manage all the offices; employment of staff, administration, and all management functions. This makes us work seamlessly, since we know what Managing Director and Executive Director is in-charge of.

This has also helped our marriage. We can’t fight for more than 30 minutes because we have many things in common for the business, and we know can’t keep malice and achieve results. Even when we fight, something about the business will immediately bring us back. Working together has really brought us closer.

Over time, there have been several revolutions in Revolution Plus. What’s the magic?

Nobody is an island of knowledge, and we can only try our best, and God blesses. If he doesn’t, one will only struggle in vain. We are six this year, and those we met in this industry marvel at our achievements. I will say it has been God. When God sees your heart and genuineness, He just works. Also, our work experiences are core factor, and everything we do there is a consequence of passion, commitment, desire to improve and more. All these have made Revolution Plus.

What can you say life has taught you at 40?

Yes! One of the things I learnt recently is that you need to limit the access you give people into your life. And that you don’t over trust people because the people you trust the most will disappoint you. Aside that, life has been good to me, and God has also been good to me at 40. People do think I am more than 40 because of my achievements and accomplishments.

Sometimes, people describe you as extremely beautiful, smart and brilliant. How does this make you feel?

(Laughs) I am just wonderfully and fearfully made by God. I am one who likes excellence and love having intelligent people around me. I don’t take NO for an answer; I am a goal-getter and a very focused person. Things that don’t go along that line doesn’t resonate with me. I was an A student and I balance it with social activities, but I cut off distractions.

Despite all your achievements, you are widely known for humility. How did you achieve this?

When you remember where you are coming from, it will make you humble. A scripture always comes to mind. And it says “what is man that God is mindful of him?” I know that it is not because I pray or worship God better but because He chooses to extend His grace to me. So, that’s what keeps me humble.

You are a mother, a wife and an accomplished entrepreneur, how did you manage these at your age?

It is natural for a woman to multi-task but how we develop it matters. Naturally, you must be a wife to husband, mother to children and still work. Therefore, learning to combine all is multi-tasking. With all humility, my organizational skill is top-notch. I am very organized. During my child rearing days, if you visit my house, you won’t know toddlers live in it as the house is always well arranged unlike other people’s house that will be scattered. So, this has helped me to balance; I know when to pick up my children, make dinner for my husband, do house chores, etc. All through my work life, nothing has suffered. Even when my children were growing, I was still working for people.

Aside business, how do you relax?

I relax in two ways. One, when I sometimes close from work on Fridays, I go to the cinema to see movies I have not seen before. I don’t like watching movies at home. Two, I love sun-bathing at the beach side. The beaches I love are Landmark and Hard Rock Café. This brings inspirations into me and that’s how I basically relax.

What sport do you like?

I don’t like sports. I am not a sport person at all. My husband is the sport fan. He always tries to make me like sports. I think I love books more. Everybody is a Man-U fan in my house because my husband is a Man-U fan; so, he made everyone like Man-U by force. To the point that he took us to Manchester United’s stadium in 2015 to go see the place. We just have to like Man-U by force.

What dish can make you abandon other things?

I don’t have a best food but maybe I like rice or pounded yam. And my mood determines what I eat; sometimes I prefer porridge. I don’t like one specific food as preference depends on the environment.

What’s your fashion sense?

My fashion sense is simplicity. I hate anything loud and heavy; like make-up, jewelry, etc. I like to be simple and classy; that’s my style. I don’t buy anything bogus like jewelry, dress, and even to cars. I don’t like going around with big cars but my husband forces me to take it out sometimes. I am just a simple person; very simple person.

As Rotarian, what inspired you to join the club?

I am a philanthropist by nature. I love to give a lot. When I have not given, it looks as if something in me is not right. Like other clubs that show their members luxurious status in golf playing, tennis, etc., I realized Rotary Club is not like that. They are meant to help the less privileged. The Rotary ideals go with my ideals in life. Rotary is a philanthropic organization that helps the needy around the world. I joined it while I was in secondary school. I was the President at Methodist Girls High School in 1996. I couldn’t follow up in the university because I was busy pastoring a fellowship. I was also involved in school politics. But when I left school, someone invited me to Rotary Club, and based on my past experience as an Rotaractor, I joined the Rotary Club. And on March 13, 2014, I was the President of Rotary Club, Lagos West. I am a past president in rotary and also a major donor.

As a mother, wife and entrepreneur, what qualities do you admire in people?

I think because I am a workaholic, I admire people who are hardworking, focused and contended. Anyone with these things would be my best friend. I dislike anyone who doesn’t like to work and prefer to cut corners to get things. That is why to my staff, I am a role-model.

Who is your role model?

My role model is Folorunsho Alakija. She is one of the people I look up to, and people do say we look alike. She is my role model and I aim be the richest too.

Aside not liking people with lackadaisical attitude, are there other things you don’t like in people?

I don’t like people who are not straight forward; people who pretend and are not what they claimed to be. I tell people, I am a Christian and a very devoted one. But I don’t miss the part of grace with the part of work. When you are lazy and you are quoting scriptures saying God will do it, you cannot be my friend. Those are some of the things I don’t like.

Where do you see Revolution Plus at 10 years?

By then, we would have taken over. You know our mission is to be the number one real estate company in Nigeria and the Sub-Saharan Africa. And we are working tirelessly to achieve this. This year alone, I know the number of states we have visited to open offices. We also have an office in the United States, and planning to have one in Canada. By our 10th anniversary, I know Revolution Plus will be unbeatable.

Who are your competitors and those that threatens your vision?

About competitions, I don’t strive. My spirit doesn’t strive. It doesn’t go down well with me. When I copy other people to do my things, it won’t work for me. So, I hardly look at what competitors are doing; I just do what God asked me to do because once I focus on people, I lose focus on God. I don’t focus on competitors; no one shakes me! Everyone is doing their things. The world is enough for everyone. I know once I do what God asked me to do, I will survive. I will rather focus on doing this and leave the rest.

Since the company started, can you itemize the CSR done by it?

We do a lot of Corporate Social Responsibility services. As my husband and I are philanthropists by nature, CSR shows in our businesses, to our staff and even those who don’t work for us. Some bigger multi-national companies don’t attempt the kind of giving back we do. Every year, we partner with Lagos State government and Access Bank for the Lagos marathon. We have a five years mandate to be the official real estate sponsor for the marathon. This marathon supports several athletes; even disabled. Sometimes, we give them lands. The journalist, Owolabi, who was killed in Abuja was honored by us with a land, and the parents have come to pick up the documents. And we do a lot of event sponsorship like AY Live, gospel concert, and many others. We do a lot of giving back. Sometimes, we go to anywhere our estates are located to give foodstuffs, school bags, etc., and we run ‘stomach infrastructure’ with our sales, and people are given rice, ram, groundnut-oil, cow, etc. People that received bags of rice during Christmas were grateful since it is expensive in the market. I think giving back is just part of us.

What is your prayer at 40?

Since I still have many things to achieve, my prayer is that God will fulfill all desires I have tendered before him.

Definitely, there were several admirers on your neck before you married your husband. What made you settled for him?

When I met my husband, his salary was be around N30,000, he didn’t really have money. Then, he wasn’t looking like he is now. I think he had two or three shirts because when he comes to visit, he repeats those shirts. And then, I had two other guys who are on my neck who were bankers, with cars and money. But one thing differentiates him; he was God fearing, and I know anyone who loves and fears God will definitely love man. Secondly, he was very selfless. All my life, I have never met anyone like him. He can give out his eyes if another person needs it more than him. It is extreme to the point that I have to put cautions. This attracted me to him because if he was that selfless. Then, he would take me to Ikeja under bridge to buy ‘Bend Down Cloths’; since that’s what he can afford. One day, he took me there and spent N18,000. I know he earns N30,000 and he bought cloths worth N18,000 for me. This got me thinking, and that means if he has one million, he won’t hesitate to spend 800,000 on me. With this, I made up my mind that he is the person I am going to marry because I know when he has more, he will do more. And he wasn’t doing it to me alone, he does it to everyone even with the little he had. My guess wasn’t wrong, because as he grew bigger and bigger, he was doing better and better. Even for my birthday, he spared no expense. Even when I complained, he shrugged it off.

Boss Of The Week

Prof Jide Owoeye: When a Distinguished Academic Turns 70

Published

3 days ago

February 28, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

It was a gathering of distinguished egg heads, prolific intellectuals and ardent academics at the Adeline Hall of the Lead City University, Ibadan, when notable and celebrated Chairman of Council and Pro-Chancellor of the Institution, Professor Jide Owoeye, marked his entry into the septugenarian circle.

The event, a multiple-in-1 classic, featured tribute session, a panel session, books presentation and reading as a well as a defined colloquium. Among topnotch individuals that graced the event were delectable heads of higher institutions of learning including the Vice Chancellor, Edo State University, Uzairue, Sheldrake O. Akindele; the Vice Chancellor, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Oyedunni S. Arulogun; Vice Chancellor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ibrahim Gbajabiamila, and the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Muyiwa Popoola, who were members of the panel session that discussed critical mechanisms that enhance and safeguard the future of education in the country.

The panelists leveraged on the theme, Nigeria Higher Education and Private Sector Involvement: Navigating the Path, Confronting the Challenges, Exploring Opportunities for the Future. The lead discussant was the Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Katherine, Gombe State, Umaru Pate.

Speaker after speaker, the academic giants celebrated the unequaled legacies of Prof Owoeye’s 70 years of impressive existence, especially his scholarly contributions to the standardization of not only learning, but also academic environment in Nigeria with the establishment of Lead City University in 2005.

The ceremony was punctuated with various genres of entertainment including cultural dances, touch of saxophone, talking drum display, drama presentation by students of the institution, and a host of others.

Among the books presented at the ceremony were Asia in World Politics and Knowledge in the Emerging Global Order.

The highpoint of the gathering was the cutting of the birthday cake with various presentations of full size portraits and other gifts items from colleagues, students and staff.

Othe dignitaries who graced the occasion were Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, General Secretary, Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), Wale Okediran, Oyo State Commissioner of Lagos among others.

Speaking on his achievements, a long time friend from the University of Ife days, Chief Momodu, noted that Prof Owoeye has always been a man of letters, who has carved a niche for himself, adding that Nigeria and Africa are proud of him.

Distinguished in every ramifications, and an authority in International politics and relations, with bias to Asia, Owoeye has transverse all areas and degrees of the academic environment, terminating at the professorial level, and capping it all with the establishment of topnotch private university as the icing on the cake of his academic pursuit and inclination. He boasts of bachelor’s, masters and doctorate degrees in different fields of international studies.

For Owoeye, reaching the peak of his profession was when he became a professor of International Relations at OAU in the year 2000.

Born on March 1, 1956, Prof. Jide Owoeye is a teacher, and a very proud one at that, who would not miss any opportunity to introduce learning and exchange of knowledge. That practically explains why his 70th birthday celebration was tailored towards a colloquium and book presentation status.

Owoeye began his schooling at the OLMC Demonstration School, Ibadan, where he spent the period between 1962 and 1967 acquiring elementary or foundational knowledge of education.

Afterwards in 1968, he attended Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, for his school certificate, and left in 1972 before attending Government College Ibadan, for his Higher School Certificate, from 1973 to 1974.

He was admitted into the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, for his first degree.

On graduation, he was employed as Insurance Officer at Akin George & Company, Lagos, as he decided to try his hands in circular career. His stint at the firm lasted between 1979 and 1980.

Thereafter, he made a daring turn into the word of teaching, becoming Lecturer II at the Department of Government, OSCAS, Ile-Ife, from 1980 to 1982. He briefly worked as Administrative Officer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, afterwards in 1983 before landing the position of Senior Lecturer at the Department of International Relations, Obafemi Awolowo University.

Then, there was no turning back from the academic world. He was made a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos, from 1992 to 1993, and then, Associate Lecturer, Foreign Policy Academy, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Centre for Asian Studies.

In a 2019 interview he granted The Punch, Owoeye noted as follows as to what propelled his desire to establish his own university: “I have been in the university system for almost 37 years and 24 of those years were spent in the public university system. I was a professor at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, and I noticed then that if one has passion for education, one should have seen some of the lapses (in the system), and some of those lapses one discovered can only be corrected if one is the head of the institution. I believe if you aspire to have a better university system, it is either you head the institution or you look for avenues to help create one where you can impact upon. That was what brought about the passion to work towards establishing a private university where the quest for excellence can actually be attained.”

Owoeye’s rich trajectory in the world of education is common knowledge, leading to his hold several high-profile positions in Obafemi Awolowo University.

Owoeye is married to his lovely wife, Emuleomo, whom he wedded in 1982, and they are blessed with three children; a son and two daughters.

Meanwhile, a special birthday soiree has been scheduled for March 1, his day of turning 70 proper, at Adeline Hall of the university. It promises to be the mother of all celebrations.

Having spent a lot of energy paying attention to education, Owoeye would love to be remembered as somebody who contributed to quality education (at the tertiary and non-tertiary levels) in this country.

Happy 70th birthday sir!

Photos: Tunde Bolarinwa

Boss Of The Week

Kojo Bonsu: Creating Ghana’s New Investment Face in China

Published

2 weeks ago

February 15, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Schooled in varioius areas of human endeavour and administration, Mr Kojo Bonsu is an asset, not only to the Republic of Ghana, but the world in general. He has by every standard paid his dues to the development of his country, serving as the current Ambassador to the Peoples Republic of China, and having served in many other diverse areas including sports administration and entrepreneurship.

Presently, the face of the Republic in China has taken it upon himself to recreate the investment platform of Ghana in China, mandating the media to begin as a matter of urgency, to make Ghana the subject of focus in their reporting.

In other words, the Ambassador has appealed to the Chinese media to use their medium to promote Ghana. A call that resonate the general mantra of the government of President John Dramani Mahama

According to Bonsu, Ghana boasts of several business opportunities, therefore if the Chinese media take keen interest in Ghanaian issues, it would help attract investors from China to Ghana.

He insisted that the door of the Ghana Embassy in China is wide open to Chinese journalists, especially those who want to positively project Ghana.

Bonsu made the remarks while hosting a press soiree in Beijing, on behalf of the Ghana Embassy, which was graced by a number of prominent media institutions in China.

The programme was mainly used to promote Ghana’s upcoming 69th independence anniversary celebrations and also highlight investent opportunities in the country.

Kojo Bonsu, who is a former Kumasi Mayor, said Ghana is the safest, friendly and best country for any investor to do business, urging Chinese businessmen to heed his advice.

“The Chinese media institutions should henceforth partner with the Ghana Embassy in promoting trade and investment opportunities in both of our sister countries for growth.

“There are potential for growth in various sectors such as infrastructure, clean energy, Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), healthcare, minerals processing and agriculture,” Mr. Bonsu pointed out.

According to him, Ghana is a democratic nation, which has conducive atmosphere for businesses to flourish, stressing his desire to work and improve Ghana-China relations.

“Ghana is committed to strengthening ties with China. My country is a stable democracy, has business-friendly environment and rich cultural heritage,” Kojo Bonsu stated.

A native of Offinso, a town in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, Michael Kojo (Mensa) Bonsu, thoroughbred professional, both in politics and administration, was born to a respected Offinso Queen Mother and a military officer, among eight other siblings.

He had his Ordinary Level education at the Tamale Secondary School, between 1974 and 1979, where he developed the knack, desire and dream of becoming a football administrator.

Thereafter, he was admitted into the Drayton School in London, but could not immediately assume studies because of the several businesses he was handling at the time. However, between 1985 and 1990, when Bonsu joined giant sports kit manufacturers, Adidas, he enrolled into their football Business Unit at Herzogenaurach, Germany, and in the process obtained a Diploma in Sports Business and Marketing. Presently, he holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations.

After completing his training in sports Business and marketing, Bonsu worked with Adidas and became their first representative in West Africa and served as an Assistant Marketing Officer. He rose to become the kit maker’s manager in Ghana and the whole of West Africa. Within which period he brokered deals between the company and the Ghana football Association specifically the Ghana football national team.

Bonsu has nine biological siblings. They shared a home in Offinso, a town in Ghana’s Ashanti region, but as they grew older, their lives started to diverge. His mother was a respected Offinso Queen Mother who was wed to a rigid military officer.

Bonsu’s dexterity in all the things he has laid his hands, including the oil sector, on earned him a citation of honour in 2015 by Managing Director of GOIL, Mr Patrick A.K. Akorli as follows; “You were the key advocate on the board when the monumental decision to rebrand GOIL was taken – the results of which have seen GOIL being propelled to the number one position (retail) among oil marketing companies in Ghana”.

He served as the Managing Director of GOIL from July 2011 to February 2012.

In addition to his legacy of achievements, Bonsu is a director of Tamale-based club Real Tamale United. He was also an executive member of Asante Kotoko.

In 2003, he launched a bid to be the Ghana Football Association’s President. He went against former president of the GFA Kwesi Nyantakyi, politician and executive member of Accra Hearts of Oak, Vincent Odotei Sowah, a former FA vice-chairman, Joseph Ade Coker and former executive council chairman, Y.A Ibrahim. He subsequently lost to Kwesi Nyantakyi in the elections in December 2005.

An ardent supporter of Asante Kotoko and Premier side Tottenham Hotspur, in 2001, he founded and published Agoo Magazine, an African lifestyle magazine.

In January 2010, Bonsu was appointed board chairman of the National Sports Authority then a council under the Ministry of Youth and Sports. He is known and respected for spearheading the re-branding of the sports council until it subsequently became a sports authority.

In 2013, President Mahama nominated him for the position of Metropolitan Chief Executive for the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly. He resigned in July 2016, following an issue with the Kumasi Traditional Council.

Among many other landmarks, Bonsu would be remembered building the first ever recreational facility, the Kumasi Rattray Park, and organizing the second largest event as part of the celebration of Ghana at 50, dubbed “Ghana As One Gala Night” at Ghana’s Black Star Square with International artists including The Whispers, Shalamar, Pat Thomas, AB Cresntil, Gyedu Blay Amboley, Paapa Yankson and Ola Williams.

It is also on record that in 2014, he secured a loan facility from the Deutsche Bank UAE through parliamentary approval to build the largest modern market in West Africa, the Kejetia Market, called the “Kejetia Dubai,” completed in 2017. He also built the Asawase market, Tafo market, and Atonsu-Agogo market. He renovated the Kumasi Prempeh Assembly Hall. Bonsu’s strides speak volumes.

Bonsu tried his hands at the presidency of Ghana in 2024, but could not win the ticket of his party as Mahama was the preferred choice.

Bonsu continues to exhibit great strides as a distinguished administrator, businessman and political juggernaut.

Boss Of The Week

Renowned Academic, Lawyer, Prof Afe Babalola, Bags PAWA’s Top Award

Published

4 weeks ago

February 7, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The University community of the prestigious Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), buzzed with renewed vigour during the end of last week, when the renowned founder, who doubled as a distinguished Academic and Legal luminary, Prof Afe Babalola, was honoured with the Pan African Writers Association’s (PAWA) top award.

Early on D-day, the 5th of February, 2026, members of the university community, media practitioners, friends and well wishers gathered at the premises of the academic landmark for the all-important conferment of the Nobel Patron of the Arts Award to the distinguished Nigerian Legal Practitioner, Educationist and Writer, Aare Afe Babalola.

The event, which took off with a tour of the gigantic and expansive setting, saw guests representing PAWA, Authors Association of Nigeria, management and staff of the university, expressing heartfelt wow at the luxury that greeted every section and department of the institution, including the medical facility and the farm. Everyone unanimously agreed that the school merits its Time Higher Education (THE) Impact ranking as at 2025 as the 84th in the world, 3rd in Africa and 1st in Nigeria.

Babalola, at 96, and who has not shown any sign of slowing down in his pursuit of rendering academic assistance and nurturing the real leaders of tomorrow through purposeful education, followed in the footsteps of other great Africans, who had been recipients of the prestigious PAWA award. Some of them are former President of Ghana Jerry John Rawlings, former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, immediate Past President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, and former President of Somaliland, Musa Bihi Abdi.

Others are President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine, President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria. The award, according to the leader of the delegation and General Secretary of PAWA, Dr. Wale Okediran, is reserved for top world leaders, who have contributed immensely to the development of the arts.

Lending credence to the contributions of Prof Babalola in the academic and legal world, leading to the establishment of the world class University, the crowd of attendees representing the 54-African nations strong PAWA, ANA among others, were already in the huge conference room, venue of the elaborate ceremony, before the recipient made his grand entry into the hall.

Acknowledging reverence and accolades, Babalola, who was dressed in pure white suit, with red shirt and tie to match, and complimented with his signature (white) hat, made his way to his seat, guided by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Smaranda Olarinde, who momentarily anchored the event.

Other professionals, who graced the occasion with their presence were members of PAWA, ably led by Dr Okediran, members of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) led by the National President, Dr Usman Ladipo Akanbi.

In her welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Olarinde, extended a hand of fellowship to the delegates, and thanked PAWA for deeming it fit to honor Prof Babalola who has distinguished himself in several areas of life especially as the Founder of a magnificent University with world class facilities.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Okediran lauded the landmarks contributions of Prof Babalola, noting that none other deserve the award at a time like this like the ABUAD founder.

The PAWA Secretary, who has served six years, with just two more years to go, noted that PAWA is not just a run-off-the-mill group, but renowned in all 54 Africa counties, with headquarters in Accra, Ghana, where the secretariat resides. He further stressed that awards emanating from the group is acknowledged worldwide.

Dr Okediran further emphasized that PAWA’s decision to honor Chief Babalola was based on his track record of scholarship, service and devotion to education and mentorship.

Among the many intimidating qualities of the recipient, is his influence in the literary world, having authored many educational and literary books, established a distinguished law firm, “Emmanuel Chambers” dating back to 1965, and also groomed an impressive array of senior members of the bar and the bench.

After his meritorious service as the Pro Chancellor of the University of Lagos, he established the ABUAD, a non profit University in 2009.

With the formalities concluded, Okediran went ahead to decorated the recipient with the golden medal of award, and complimented it with a presentation of certificate of merit as the Grand Patron of the Arts mid loud applause from the audience and a convivial atmosphere.

One of the fireside activities of the occasion was the presentation of his book, Medicine and Literature without Borders to the Vice Chancellor and the Founder. It is worthy of note that Dr Okediran is a qualified medical doctor, who diversified into literal writing. He also runs a writing retreat resort, Ebedi International Writers Residency, Iseyin, Oyo State.

Responding in a speech laced in achievement, Babalola thanked PAWA for the honour done to him, flaunting prowess in the world of awards and honours. He reiterated that he is also a recipient of nine honorary doctorates including one from his alma mater, the University of London, noting that the honor will spur him to do more for Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

The Noble Patron of The Arts Award is a prestigious recognition from the Pan African Writers Association reserved for distinguished personalities, who have excelled in their areas of endeavors.

THE MAN, AARE AFE BABALOLA SAN

Below is the life and times of the accomplished legal icon, educational mentor and philanthropist, as lifted from his personal website, afebabalola.com

Aare Afe Babalola SAN is one of the most distinguished legal luminaries of his generation, renowned both in Africa and globally for his profound contributions to the legal profession and the advancement of education. With over five decades of uninterrupted legal practice, Aare Babalola’s career is a testament to exceptional dedication, strategic advocacy, and visionary leadership.

A highly accomplished advocate, he has led some of the most celebrated cases in Nigerian legal history, representing high-profile clients, including government institutions, multinational corporations, and individuals. His advocacy spans domestic and international courts, including contributions as a consultant to the Federal Government of Nigeria, World Bank, and various conglomerates. His extensive experience includes his role in arbitration, both locally and internationally, where he remains a respected authority. Aare Babalola has appeared in numerous landmark cases, shaping Nigerian jurisprudence and establishing himself as one of the nation’s most formidable legal minds.

His influence goes beyond the courtroom. As the Founder of Afe Babalola & Co. (Emmanuel Chambers), one of Nigeria’s leading law firms, Aare Babalola has trained over 300 lawyers, including 14 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), judges, and attorneys-general, making his chambers one of the most significant contributors to the legal profession in Nigeria. His exceptional litigation skills and legal acumen earned him the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1987, cementing his place at the pinnacle of legal practice in the country.

A renowned scholar and author, Aare Babalola has authored several authoritative legal texts, including Injunctions and Enforcement of Orders and Law and Practice of Evidence in Nigeria. His contributions to legal education extend to teaching at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and delivering lectures at prestigious universities such as the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan. His popular column, YOU AND THE LAW, published in the Nigerian Tribune, reflects his commitment to educating the public on legal matters.

Beyond his legal practice, Aare Babalola has made extraordinary strides in education. His experience as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Lagos (2001-2007) exposed him to the declining standards of education in Nigeria, spurring him to establish Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).

ABUAD has quickly become a beacon of academic excellence, setting new standards in Nigeria’s educational system. His efforts in education have been recognized globally, with numerous honorary degrees from universities, including the University of London, University of Lagos, and Ekiti State University.

Aare Babalola’s leadership in academia and law has earned him numerous accolades, including the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), and international recognition such as the Queen Victoria Commemorative Award at the Socrates Awards in Oxford, UK. He was named Africa Man of the Year on Food Security and awarded an Honorary Doctor of Management by the Federal University of Technology, Akure. His groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire generations of lawyers and leaders across Africa and beyond.

In addition to his legal and educational contributions, Aare Babalola remains a committed philanthropist and advocate for reform in various sectors. His vast experience, unmatched expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him not only a legal icon but also a trailblazer in the fight for quality education and justice.

Key Achievements:

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), 1987.
Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Lagos (2001-2007).
Founder and Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).
Queen Victoria Commemorative Award winner, Oxford UK.
Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of London, Ekiti State University, University of Lagos, and more

From all of us at the Ovation Media Group, we wish the revered professional many more years of accomplishments and honours.