The dearth of office accommodation at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA, Ado Ekiti) will soon be a thing of the past.
Aare Afe Babalola made the declaration at the turning of the sod to commemorate the laying of the foundation stone of the office extension of the Television outfit. He said it is gratifying to know that the building when completed would be known as Aare Afe Babalola Office Complex.
Aare said like everyone else in the world, the global crisis has hit every economy hard with output stagnating, rising unemployment, increase in job insecurity, government debt soaring and the stock market at risk of crashing. In the same vein, manufacturing production has plummeted; trade balance has deteriorated sharply while corporate bankruptcies are increasingly frequent.
According to him, no government can satisfy the needs and yearnings of her citizens alone. It therefore behooves on well meaning individuals to support each other for the good of the country.
Aare Afe Babalola thanked NTA for honoring him while alive adding that naming the project after him is a veritable endorsement of his numerous socio-economic contributions and philanthropic gestures aimed at promoting the well being of the masses.
He directed that a Committee of Building Experts involving the NTA and his University be set up to facilitate easy completion of the office complex.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the General Manager, Mr. Bernard Akinbola described Aare as a caring father, unparalleled philanthropist, an epitome of hard work and an apostle of productivity.
He thanked Aare for deciding to change the face of a federal government establishment that people have not shown much commitment to.
The General Manager appreciated Aare for the opportunity to expand their coast after ten years of existence. He therefore prayed to God to grant Aare Afe Babalola long life and good health in his efforts to improve the lots of humanity. Governor Kayode Fayemi who was represented at the ceremony by his Commissioner for Information promised to support the project fully. He expressed gratitude to Aare for his philanthropic gestures which was described as second to none.
Many dignitaries including the wife of Aare, Yeye Modupe Babalola, key functionaries of ABUAD, Anglican and Catholic Bishops of Ekiti Diocese, Members of the fourth Estate of the realm and well wishers graced the occasion which was transmitted live by the television station.