Afe Babalola Unveils Transnational Education Centre, Launches Free Maternity Program To Empower Less-Privileged

Renowned legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has launched a transnational education centre aimed at empowering less-privileged individuals, alongside a free ante-natal and delivery program for pregnant women, named ‘Afe Abiye.’

Babalola made these announcements on Friday during the maiden celebration of Afe Babalola Day in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State. The event, organized by the Ewi-in-Council in partnership with the Ado Progressive Union (APU), marked the first of what will become an annual celebration, held in recognition of Babalola’s humanitarian efforts and contributions to societal development.

The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, declared October 18 as Afe Babalola Day to honor the esteemed lawyer’s lifelong dedication to community service and philanthropy.

Speaking at the event, Babalola expressed gratitude for the honor, stating that it inspired him to continue supporting underprivileged young people. He highlighted his own journey of earning degrees privately without attending traditional secondary or university institutions as a source of motivation.

“In collaboration with King’s College, London, I am pleased to announce the establishment of the Afe Babalola Centre for Transnational Education,” Babalola said. “This centre will offer brilliant but financially disadvantaged young people across Africa the opportunity to earn university degrees without attending any physical college or university.”

In addition to the educational initiative, Babalola also addressed the growing issue of hunger in Nigeria. He announced the formation of two cooperative societies for Ado Ekiti residents, one for men and one for women, each seeded with N100 million in funds. The aim is to help locals start businesses through affordable loans.

“There is hunger in the land because we consume more than we produce. It is not the government’s responsibility to provide food for everyone. I have created these cooperative societies to help our people become self-reliant,” Babalola explained. “Each cooperative will receive N100 million today, and members can apply for loans with a minimum of N100,000 at just 5% interest, far below the over 20% charged by banks.”

Babalola’s free maternity program, ‘Afe Abiye,’ will provide free ante-natal care and delivery services for pregnant women in the community, further solidifying his commitment to social welfare.

The event drew a host of dignitaries, including Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, his wife Olakemi, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, and prominent Ado Ekiti natives from across the globe. The initiatives mark another milestone in Babalola’s ongoing efforts to uplift his community and empower future generations.