The Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) on Thursday February 5 2026 presented the Nobel Patron of the Arts Award to a distinguished Nigerian Legal Practitioner, Educationist and Writer, Aare Afe Babalola.
The elaborate ceremony which took place at the premises of the 96- year old recipient’s private University, the Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) Ado Ekiti, Nigeria was attended by members of the University community, academicians, journalists and students.
Also in attendance were delegations from PAWA led by the PAWA’s Secretary General, Dr Wale Okediran and from the Association of Nigerian Authors ( ANA) led by the National President, Dr Usman Ladipo Akanbi.
The recipient who is the author of many educational and literary books, established his law firm: “Emmanuel Chambers” as far back as 1965, has groomed an impressive array of senior members of the bar and the bench.
After his meritorious service as the Pro Chancellor of the University of Lagos, he established the ABUAD, a non profit University in 2009.
In her welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof Smaranda Olarinde thanked PAWA for deeming it fit to honor Aare Babalola who has distinguished himself in several areas of life especially as the Founder of a magnificent University with world class facilities.
In her welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof Smaranda Olarinde thanked PAWA for deeming it fit to honor Aare Babalola who has distinguished himself in several areas of life especially as the Founder of a magnificent University with world class facilities.In his presentation, Dr Okediran emphasized that PAWA’s decision to honor Chief Babalola was based on his track record of scholarship, service and devotion to education and mentorship.
While thanking PAWA for the honor done him, Aare Babalola who is also a recipient of nine honorary doctorates including one from his alma mater, the University of London, said that the honor will spur him to do more for Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
The Noble Patron of The Arts Award is a prestigious recognition from the Pan African Writers Association reserved for distinguished personalities who have excelled in their areas of endeavors.
Previous awardees include the late Ghanaian President, Jerry John Rawlings, Goodluck Jonathan, Nana Akufo Addo and Musa Bihi Abdi who are former Presidents of Nigeria, Ghana and Somaliland respectively as well as President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine, President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria.
Above picture showed the PAWA Secretary General with the recipient and the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD at the award ceremony.
