The Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) on Friday, February 5, 2026 presented the Nobel Patron of the Arts Award to a distinguished Nigerian legal practitioner, educationist and writer, Aare Afe Babalola.
A press statement issued by the association said the elaborate ceremony took place at the premises of the 96-year old recipient’s private university, the Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ado Ekiti.
It 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, where he 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, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, thanked PAWA for deeming it fit to honour 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, Okediran emphasised that PAWA’s decision to honour Babalola was based on his track record of scholarship, service and devotion to education and mentorship.
While thanking PAWA for the honour done him, Babalola, who is also a recipient of nine honorary doctorates including one from his alma mater, the University of London, said that the honour 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 PAWA reserved for distinguished personalities who have excelled in their areas of endeavor.
Previous awardees include the late President of Ghana, 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.
