Aare Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University in Ado Ekiti, has commended the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for her dedication to education over ceremonial activities.
Babalola’s remarks came in response to Dr Oyebanji’s offer to teach and mentor students at ABUAD. During her visit, Dr Oyebanji, a senior lecturer at the University of Ibadan’s Department of Education Management, also sought Babalola’s support for her ‘Widows and Orphans Hope’ project.
Babalola expressed his admiration for Dr. Oyebanji’s commitment, stating,
“You are not that type of First Lady that will be moving about for ceremonial activities… you are truly a First Lady.”
He also lauded her contributions to Educational Management and promised to support her WAOH project.
Editorial:
The commendable gesture by Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the First Lady of Ekiti State, is a testament to the transformative power of education and its role in societal development.
In a society where ceremonial activities often overshadow substantive contributions, Dr. Oyebanji’s commitment to teaching and mentoring students is a refreshing change. It underscores the importance of leaders, especially those in influential positions, to prioritize meaningful contributions over mere optics.
Such actions inspire the younger generation and set a precedent for future leaders.
Did You Know?
- Afe Babalola University, founded by Aare Afe Babalola, is one of Nigeria’s prestigious private universities.
- Dr Olayemi Oyebanji’s ‘Widows and Orphans Hope’ project aims to support over 30,000 registered widows and orphans in Ekiti State.
- The First Lady’s recent ‘Back to School Programme’ provided school bags and other educational materials to underprivileged pupils, many orphans.
- Afe Babalola is not only an educationist but also a renowned philanthropist, supporting various charitable causes.
- The role of a First Lady, traditionally seen as ceremonial, can be redefined to make impactful contributions to society, as demonstrated by Dr Oyebanji.
