Oyebanji, Ooni, Ewi hail businessman’s investments in agriculture, tourism, job creation

The Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has conferred honorary Doctor of Letters degrees on the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo; Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Niyi John Olajide, and an educationist, Osula Mku-Atu, in recognition of their contributions to entrepreneurship, education, healthcare and economic development.

The awards were presented during the university’s 14th convocation ceremony and 17th anniversary celebration held at the Alfa Belgore Hall, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The university also honoured a business leader and philanthropist, Dr Rosemary Osula Mku-Atu, with an honorary Doctor of Letters degree for her contributions to the welfare of the less privileged, education and human development.

Okonkwo, an academic, entrepreneur and philanthropist, was recognised for his contributions to enterprise and the advancement of functional education, while Olajide was honoured for his investments in healthcare, enterprise, poverty alleviation and women’s empowerment.

The ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary Doctor of Laws degrees on the university’s Founder and Chancellor, Aare Afe Babalola, by Trinity Western University, Canada, and Trinity International University, United States, in recognition of his contributions to law, education, philanthropy and public service.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. E. Smaranda Olarinde, while speaking at the convocation ceremony, said that the honourees had distinguished themselves through their contributions to society and their commitment to initiatives that promote economic growth, education and human welfare.

She announced that the university graduated 2,194 students, comprising 1,759 undergraduates and professional graduating students and 435 postgraduate graduands, making the Class of 2026 the largest in the institution’s history.

Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines expressed delight at the honour, describing it as recognition he deeply valued.

He praised Babalola’s decision to establish ABUAD as an inspiring demonstration of vision, hard work and determination, noting that the university had grown into an institution capable of transforming society.

Okonkwo pledged to explore areas of collaboration between United Nigeria Airlines and the university, particularly in skills development, technology transfer and employment opportunities for graduates.

He said that the partnership would include scholarships, employment opportunities and a yearly award for outstanding students.

In his remarks, Olajide expressed appreciation to Babalola, describing the legal icon’s decision to set up ABUAD as an inspiring example of what determination, strong will and commitment could achieve.

He said Babalola’s achievement in building a world-class university at an advanced age demonstrated that people could continue to make meaningful contributions to the society regardless of their stage in life.

In his remarks, Babalola thanked the visiting representatives of the two international universities for travelling to Nigeria to present the honours, describing the recognition as a source of encouragement and expressing appreciation for the gesture.

Meanwhile, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and prominent traditional rulers have commended Olajide’s investments in agriculture, tourism and job creation in the state.

The governor described him as one of the leading investors in Ekiti, noting that his business interests had generated employment for thousands of people through agricultural, hospitality and other ventures.

Also, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, praised Olajide’s contributions to Ekiti, describing him as an enigmatic personality whose investments and commitment to his home state deserved recognition.