The founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), has emphasized the importance of Nigeria returning to full-scale agricultural practices, asserting that no nation, particularly in Africa, can prosper without a robust agricultural sector.

During his investiture as African Man of the Year in Food Security, awarded by the Global Food Security Initiative for Green Sustainability/FIGS-Africa at ABUAD, Babalola described Nigeria as a net-consuming nation. He stressed that development is unattainable without prioritizing large-scale production, especially in agriculture.

Babalola urged all levels of government to create favorable conditions for farmers, enabling regions to become self-sufficient food hubs. He remarked, “The problem in this country is that we consume without producing. The Bible teaches that those who do not work should not eat.”

Highlighting his commitment to agriculture, Babalola shared his initiatives, including founding the Association of Afe Babalola Farmers in Ekiti and hosting annual gatherings to reward outstanding farmers across all 16 Local Government Areas. He noted the positive influence of his farmers in states like Oyo, Lagos, and Osun.

He also called on the government to adopt policies similar to those under Obasanjo’s administration, which prioritized farming for all citizens. Babalola lamented the current state of hunger in Nigeria, despite its fertile lands and abundant rainfall.

Caleb Osasona, the Country Representative of the awarding body, praised Babalola’s contributions to agriculture and food security, stating that replicating such efforts nationwide could significantly advance Nigeria’s development.

Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by Commissioner Ebenezer Boluwade, commended Babalola’s visionary work in agriculture, describing his achievements as transformative for food security in Nigeria. Oyebanji highlighted initiatives like ABUAD Bio-Diversified Farms and the Afe Babalola Annual Agricultural Grants as examples of innovation meeting intellect in agriculture.

The governor expressed pride in aligning with Babalola’s programs, which have inspired young farmers and demonstrated agriculture’s potential as a pathway to prosperity.