By Rasheed Muraina, Ado-Ekiti
Renowned legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, has criticized the Nigerian government over the nation’s deteriorating infrastructure. He condemned the poor road network, unstable power supply, and lack of pipe-borne water, blaming these challenges for the continued exit of multinational companies from Nigeria.
Speaking at the second anniversary of Aare Afe Babalola Day held in Ado-Ekiti over the weekend, the elder statesman called on federal, state, and local authorities to immediately reconstruct the Ado–Ijan–Ikare Road, describing it as a “death trap.” According to him, the road is vital as it links Ado-Ekiti to the university, the state’s airport, Ondo State, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Babalola, visibly concerned about the current state of the economy, lamented the rising cost of living and high bank interest rates that have made access to loans difficult for ordinary citizens. In response, he announced the establishment of two cooperative societies—one for men and one for women—funded with an initial ₦200 million to empower small business owners and tackle poverty.
He further donated ₦100 million to the cooperatives and another ₦100 million to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Aladesanmi, to complete the ongoing pavilion project at the palace.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s past, Babalola said, “There was a time when every household had a garden and people had enough to eat and even share. But today, the situation is different—companies are leaving, roads are bad, electricity is erratic, and security is a major concern. Even air travel has become unpredictable and unreliable.”
He added that his cooperatives will offer members loans of at least ₦100,000 at a five percent interest rate, compared to the over 20 percent charged by commercial banks. He urged affluent Ekiti indigenes to contribute to the fund and help lift more people out of unemployment and hardship.
“I believe anyone can succeed with the right direction and a helping hand from kindhearted people,” he said, encouraging residents to register and participate in the cooperatives.
Representing Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Deputy Governor Chief Monisade Afuye praised Babalola as the highest taxpayer and largest employer of labor in Ekiti State. She commended his exceptional contributions to education, healthcare, agriculture, and human development, describing him as a role model worthy of national recognition.
The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, also hailed Aare Babalola for proving that Africa can achieve world-class standards through his numerous ventures. He noted that the Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital (AMSH) stands as a symbol of medical innovation, while the university and its agricultural initiatives continue to improve lives across the state.
The monarch urged residents to emulate Babalola’s principles of integrity, selfless service, hard work, and commitment to excellence.
In his remarks, the Global President of the Ado Progressive Union, Segun Famuagun, applauded the legal icon’s lifelong dedication to community development and called on other indigenes to invest in the cooperative societies, describing it as a practical step toward the economic growth of Ado-Ekiti.
The event’s highlight was the presentation of ₦500,000 cash prizes to outstanding cooperative members who promptly repaid their loans.
Aare Afe Babalola Day is held annually to honor the legal titan’s immense contributions to law, education, healthcare, agriculture, and community service—values that continue to inspire generations across Nigeria.