5 days Ago By Onozure Dania
Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti , Aare Afe Babalola, (SAN), has been conferred with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Nigerian Branch of the International Law Association, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to international law, education, and nation-building. The award was presented during the President’s Dinner and Award Night, held as part of the 8th Annual International Law Conference of the Association, which took place at the university’s campus in Ado-Ekiti, recently. The event was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including the President of the ILA Nigerian Branch, Prof.
Damilola Olawuyi (SAN), who is also a UN Independent Expert on Business and Human Rights, and Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Gambia’s Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, who served as Special Guest of honour. Also present were Gambia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Muhamadou Musa Njie, Director of Trade at the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, and other distinguished guests from across Africa.
Others are the President of the Africa Agenda Network, Ambassador Saul Frazer, the Gambia National Chair of the African Union Women Network, Muna Jallow, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of Ogun State, Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, Partner, Aluko & Oyebode, Mark Mordi, SAN, Chief Kayode Aderemi, Head of Chambers, Kayode Aderemi & Co, and the Vice Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Professor Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde, amongst other dignitaries. Presenting the award, Prof. Olawuyi described it as “the highest and most prestigious award of the ILA,” reserved for those whose lifetime contributions have significantly impacted international law and diplomacy.
“Aare Afe Babalola’s remarkable contributions to food security, education, law, and nation-building are truly inspirational,” Olawuyi said. “He exemplifies what we strive to achieve as international lawyers: to educate, to empower, and to give back. His life is a blueprint for impactful service,” he said.
Related News Nigerians should learn from Obasanjo, return to agric – Afe Babalola Afe Babalola warns against indiscriminate establishment of varsities Afe Babalola warns FG against approving too many new varsities The evening featured a special keynote conversation with Babalola, moderated by Dr. Adenike Akinsemolu, Chair of the Conference Planning Committee. In the discussion, Babalola reflected on his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected legal luminary, educationist, philanthropist, and two-time winner of the African Man of the Year in Food Security Award (2014 and 2024).
Babalola emphasised his belief in the transformative power of education. “My passion for education and service led me to establish ABUAD, I wanted to create a university that could serve as a model for excellence in Africa and beyond,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of entrepreneurial education and agriculture, stressing their role in driving sustainable development and intercontinental trade.
“With more investment and education in agriculture, Africa can become the food basket of the world, it is key to securing food, attracting foreign direct investment, and accelerating Nigeria’s development,” Babalola said. The evening also saw the presentation of the ILA Emerging Star Award to Emmanuel Latona Adedeji, a rising scholar in international law and member of the ILA’s Young Members’ Committee. Ayodeji Asala, President of ABUAD’s ILA chapter, received the ILA Service Award for his dedication and leadership.
The ILA, founded in Brussels in 1873 and headquartered in London, boasts over 4,500 members in 45 branches worldwide. With consultative status at several UN agencies, the association remains a leading voice in advancing the study and application of international law..
