Saturday, September 22nd, 2012 was not just an ordinary day. It was a day of fashion and style, a day of glitz and glamour, as crème-de-la-crème in the society came in their best, walking in grandeur. They stormed the venue with their intimidating presence and designers attires. It was the day, the Kogi State University; Anyigba bestowed its prestigious Doctorate Degree Award (D. Litt Honoris Causa) on the man of vision, the Founder of ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola who was celebrated as an icon, worthy of its rare diadem. Infact it was the day the Lord had made for Afe Babalola to receive glowing tributes and encomiums for his good works.
The colourful event took place at the University Stadium. In truth, the venue of the unique event hardly suffers a dearth of sporting activities but for a long time, the place had not experienced such colour, pomp and pageantry as witnessed by all the strata of the society. The venue was swathed in glittering costumes. The usher-delectable damsels from the University, all dressed in local prints (ankara) in company of Protocol Officers with tags, were all delightful and very friendly. Even the entourage from Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti led by the cerebral, hardworking and beautiful Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sidi Osho was quite classy as their buses glided leisurely into the parking lot and disburdened gorgeously attired men and women with their faces wearing a cheer and panache.
On display, were vibrant colours. For women, they clutched matching bags to spice their latest designs, while for men, silk suits and embroidery “babarigas” dominated. Those who wore suits complimented them with expensive bow and long ties. The array of pressmen and photo-journalists with “flashes like thunder” from various media organizations were a beauty to behold.
The honouree and ABUAD’s Founder, Aare Afe Babalola looked youthful in his white suit, red shirt and a fine tie with black shoe befitting royalty. His wife, Yeye Aare Modupe Babalola in her usual resplendent style wore a royal blue gown with black horizontal designs which gave an aesthetic blend to the occasion. She epitomized everything beauty was, at the ceremony. Gracefully tall, Yeye Aare possessed a disarming magnificence that portrayed her easily as not only a wife but a mother that cares. The Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof Sidi Osho spotted a cream suit that was a perfect match with the academic robe which she wore during the academic procession. She was the only female Vice-Chancellor at the occasion. Honourable Michael Opeyemi Bamidele of the House of Representatives looked the quintessential Lawyer in his dark ash-coloured suit while the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti state, Dr. Majekodunmi Ayodele was in a complete Yoruba attire of “agbada” with cap. The Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher was as usual, down to earth in his dark, shining, tailor fitted Babariga.
An art and culture dancing group clothed in the traditional Igalla costume put up a scintillating music and dance performance that mesmerized the guests with euphonious tunes.
Immediately after the national anthem was played to signal the end of a very successful conferment ceremony, photographs were taken variously with Aare and journalists from reputable organizations greeted Aare with questions bordering on the award and the state of the nation.
Mouth watering jollof and fried rice, neatly parked in “take-aways” both from ABUAD and Kogi University plus snacks and drinks that titillated the nostril were served.
The return-trip to ABUAD was smoother and faster. We arrived the campus at about 8:30pm. Glory be to God.