Boss Of The Week

Khadija Ibrahim: Amazon Redefining Agriculture, Manufacturing

Published

3 years ago

September 2, 2023

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

One would not be wrong to call her a woman of many enterprising parts: dedicated, focused, and determined. She is Engr. (Dr.) Khadija Kuburat Ibrahim MNSE, COREN, FGAU (CYPRUS), the Chief Executive Officer of KK Farms Limited, Kubib Food and Spices Limited, Kubib Limited, Task Event Planners Limited, Senior Investment Advisor and Business Partner with a global leading real estate firm, Bilaad Realty. She is a businesswoman of repute whose primary objective is to ensure that society basks in the euphoria of abundance, especially in food and agriculture.

In this brief chat, the young entrepreneur, who was born on October 17, shared with The Boss the very essence of humanity and how she intends to create sustainable food chain to ensure the nation remains self sufficient in agricultural products, using her diverse personalities as a farmer, engineer, entrepreneur and fashion icon. And she has stories of happy customers trailing her.

Excerpts:

Can you trace your background?

Sure. I was born in Ilorin, from the popular Ileko family in Idi Ape, Ilorin, Kwara State. I am the first daughter and third child of my parents; Alhaji Ibrahim Katsina Isa, a retired Customs officer, and Hajia Fatima, also a Customs officer, who passed on while in active service. I am known as Alhaja, which incidentally is a sobriquet; a name I got at the age of three when I returned from Saudi Arabia with my grandmother, Alhaja Salamatu Akewushola, who was a successful business woman. I must say she had a great impact on me as I practically inherited my business skills from her.

Apart from your business acumen, you are also an engineer by profession. Tell us about it.

Yes, I obtained a Bachelors of Engineering in Civil and Water Resources from the University of Maiduguri, Borno State. Not only that, I am a certified member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for the Registration of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). I have undergone various courses which have earned me qualifications in Project Management, Entrepreneurship, Business Model Innovation, and Human Resource from reputable institutions including University of California, University of Virginia, Duke University, Rice University, and University of Minnesota, all in the United States of America. And because learning is a never-ending process, I am presently an MBA student of Business School of Netherlands.

Talking about your vocation or vocations, what can you say is your strong motivating factor that prompted your choice of career?

You see, I’ve always wanted to give back to the society in any way I can. And I am striving to get to the level where I will give without restriction. I have chosen this line of business to give back to the society by selling quality products at affordable rates, and thereby breaking the jinx of high pricing, substandard products and general customer relations apathy. I am prompted by the fact that customers must be treated well and made to assess products without stress, and that’s what I am doing.

How and when did you start your businesses?

I am a firm believer in little beginnings, and though I started from little beginning, it is imperative to note that I took time to do my feasibility studies and research. So when I eventually started, I hit the ground running. For KK Farms and Kubib Food and Spices, I started officially in 2022. This was after I had set up my factory and got the products approved by NAFDAC. You see, there groundwork in the background before we hit the public domain.

As regards farming, I’ve been in it since 2018. And because I did my background checks appropriately, I started with a bang; poultry farming, general farming, animal husbandry, snail farming, among others.

Another reason was because I have had a passion for agriculture since childhood. For Kubib Limited, I started with interior decoration, house renovations, and selling of imported furniture, clothes, and others as far back as 2010. I also took a few years break to learn more about the field.

I started by renovating family and friends’ houses as far back as 2010 because I have a passion for interior decoration. I renovate my house quarterly and put up my old furniture for auction, and I help some of my friends renovate their houses free, or just charge them administration fee.

I also started making spices for friends and families from my house in 2015 because I make them for myself, and whenever they come to visit me, they love them and take some away, so I was advised to monetize them since I make good spices. I prayed about it and started small. And as they say, the rest is history.

Do you have any inspirations?

Yes! In the first place, I am blessed with natural knowledge, Alhamdulilla. I also learned some from my late mum, late maternal grandmum, school, including online classes, family, friends, and even strangers. It is important to mention here that the life of Nana Khadija (wife of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.) also inspired me.

In addition, I inherited the love for business from my maternal grandmother, including the likes of Aliko Dangote, Folounsho Alakija and Mira Metha. My other inspiration is my belief in prayers and hard work.

How would you describe yourself as a person?

Much as I would love to leave that to people who know me to do, I will humbly say that I am highly courageous and adventurous, very intelligent, a leader worthy of emulation and modest fashionista. I am humble, creative, jovial and well connected. I am also a good ambassador of Islam, women, and Nigeria in general. I love to travel, and have visited many countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and USA where I obtained most of my certificates. I can confidently say that I am a role model to many.

I have been conferred with an honorary doctorate in entrepreneurship and social development by Iheris University in Lome, Togo as a result of some of my contributions and achievements.

Just recently, on May 20, 2023, to be precise, I was conferred with the fellowship
award of the Girne American University, Cyprus.

If you were not in agro-allied sector, where would you have been?

I’m not sure because I love what I am doing. But Allah knows best. However, I believe that I am cut out for this sector because this is where I was created to be, and I am poised to give it my best shots for the benefit of humanity.

You are into many things. How are your products different from others in the market?

In the first place, I choose quality over quantity, and I invent new strategies to make my services and products unique. I know what the customers crave for, and strive to give it to them.

Where do you see your business in the next five years, and by extension, yourself?

I am more Balanced, Innovative, Better, Stronger, and Successful than the present because I am very open to future opportunities. Change is constant and inevitable, so I pride myself on being flexible and adaptable. I think the best way of planning for the future is to make the most of the present. And having said that, I see my next five years colourful and promising because I am doing my very best presently to make it so.

Of all the challenges you face, which is the most daunting, and how do you propose overcoming it?

Most times, in a bid to be more accommodating and benevolent, we take in every kind of staff, especially lazy and unskilled ones, so managing them becomes a challenge. However, I am in the business of sending some of our staffers out for more training and rewarding the more serious ones so others can take a cue. Another challenge is Market Inflation. This I’m solving by getting more capital to purchase raw materials in large quantities, and put them in storage so our customers won’t face back-to-back increments on our products due to market inflation. And of course, I am moved by humanitarian considerations other than profit in this business. This has made it easy for us to engage more in corporate social responsibility. We are more reasonable in our profit earnings and have also introduced promos to encourage customers. There’s also the issue of producing large quantities of items in a short time. This we are overcoming by upgrading our equipment and expanding our production base.

Do you have fears or regrets?

I fear only Allah, and death, which can come at any time; asides that, I fear nothing because I put my trust in Allah. I try my best, and I leave the rest to destiny. I am wired to believe nothing can stop whatever it is meant to be, so I don’t fear anything or anybody. At the same time, I give my best to achieve what I want. I am not in competition with anyone. I am happy for where I am today, and will continue to work and pray to be a better version of myself and be more successful. So, no regrets.

What leverage would you want to get from the government or individuals to help reduce the food crises?

The government has a lot to do to assist this sector. They must support the farmers by constructing good roads for smooth transportation of farm produce, improve the power sector and support with grants and flexible loans.

Your line of business faces climate change issues. How has it affected your business, and how have you managed it?

That was a major problem we faced when we first started. It was so heartbreaking that I had to close the farm for years. However, the years I took off from farming helped me to re-strategize, study, and learn more, so we came back with a better solution by avoiding to farm or producing what does not fit the season, and if we must, then we already took many precautions and had our backup plans ready in case of emergency.

Do you think environmental sustainability is possible? What are your contributions to the effect?

It is possible if we all cooperate, and are determined to make it work. As you know, I sell organic products. I am more particular about the health and wellbeing of my customers because it is my priority. We have also helped in creating new job opportunities for the people, avoid products that are harmful to the environment, support recycling, and buy energy-efficient appliances, among other indices.

What are your plans for your business?

Because whatever we do has the customers as the centerpiece, we intend going deeper into agriculture, like manufacturing tomato paste, pasta and many more, to help the masses get quality products at cheaper prices.

We are also working towards opening more branches across the globe so our spices can circulate the market quickly. At the same time, we are introducing smaller packages and increasing our production so the masses can easily buy them at low prices and, of course, provide more jobs for people. Like I said, we are precisely people-oriented

How do you combine being a family woman with your professional life?

It takes Allah’s guidance. It’s not been easy, but Alhamdulillah.

At your young age, you have achieved quiet a lot, and still rearing to go, what advice would you want to give fellow women, especially young girls?

You know we have for so long made to believe that we are at the receiving end, not knowing we are programmed to make things happen. So to every women, young firls especially, the sky is large enough for all of us to explore. Hard work pays, and there’s no basis to look for quick money; there is nothing like fast money if you want to do a legitimate business. There is no shortcut to success; it takes built-up effort, experience, persistence, failures, restart, hard work, strategy, commitment, and continuous learning to succeed. Remember that agriculture is not meant for men alone, and it has many advantages.

I was taught that the first Secret to success in business school is KEY, an acronym for KEEP EDUCATING YOURSELF. That helped me to achieve more in life.

Always be easy on yourself, and not indulge in unhealthy competition with anyone. Let everyone be a source of inspiration for you to aim higher.

Have a legitimate multiple source of income. Aside having my spice production companies, Farm, and Interior decoration businesses, I am also a major distributor of many reputable companies like TOMATO JOS, which was founded by a Mira Metha who came from the USA to set a multi-billion naira of Sachet Tomato paste.

Any possibility of going into politics in the near future?

Much as everything about life revolves round politics, we all cannot be politicians. We strive to build the nation from the corner we find ourselves, and aim to do it much better. However, a call to serve my fatherland will always be honored, and that’s a promise.

Let’s talk about your fashion sense, likes and dislikes

Waooo…that’s one area I cherish a lot. I am a fashionista, and a proud one at that. One distinct thing about it all is that I created fashion identity to suit my religious beliefs. It is unique to me.

Years back, I took a decision never to wear any dress I cannot pray in. There was this particular that i forgot my praying at home, and the cloth I was wearing was not suitable for prayers. I was heartbroken because I hate to delay my prayers. There and then, I took a decision to dress only to please my creator (ALLAH).

Well, some friends mocked me at first at the way I dressed, but I was not deterred as I knew I was pleasing my creator. But the same people today admire my dressings, and some have started to dress like me and even better.

It’s obvious your dress sense is a function of your Islamic orientation

Yes…I am a practicing Muslim, and my religion frowns at indecent dressing. Unfortunately, some women believe exposing their bodies in the name of fashion makes us beautiful. No, it doesn’t. I might not be wearing hijab today as a practicing Muslim, but I’m well-covered, and proud of my achievement.

I effortlessly turn heads with my eclectic ensembles, blending vintage with contemporary pieces. My impeccable taste and daring combination create a style that’s uniquely my own. As a dynamic fashionista and visionary CEO, I effortlessly blend my passion for style, which is why many address me as Queen Khadija. When people ask where the king is, I answer, “Masha Allah, I am a born Queen.

How adaptable are you as a national figure because this country needs men and women, who consider merit as against tribe and religion to succeed

Thats a good one and i must tell you that i am a unifier, a true unbiased Nigerian. I lead a team of 33 workers comprising 45% male and 55% female. If I break it down further, tou will see that 30% are from the South East, 15% from the South-South, 18% from the South West, 6% from the North Central, 21% from the North East, and 9% from the North West.

One last word

I am an embodiment of innovative vision, expertise and modernity. These I have employed to build my companies, to the admiration of staff and clients. I must add that I am a culinary genius.

Thanks for your time Engr. Ibrahim

The pleasure is mine

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

3 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.