The Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola has accepted his appointment as Patron of the World Orisha Congress (WOOCON), an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The initiative is championed by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) and dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and advancement of Orisha tradition, indigenous knowledge systems, and African spiritual heritage.
A statement by Caleb Nor, the Media Assistant to Executive Secretary, NICO explained that Afe Babalola’s choice for “the appointment is in recognition of his remarkable scholarship, deep appreciation of African values, and unwavering commitment to the promotion of indigenous knowledge, where he is expected to provide moral support, guidance, and occasional counsel towards advancing the objectives of the Congress on both national and international stages.”
The Board of Trustees of WOOCON under the Chairmanship of Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Adekeye Enitan Ogunwusi, expresses confidence that Afe Babalola’s association with WOOCON will not only lend credibility and prestige to the Congress but also enrich its intellectual and cultural discourse. As Patron, his role will be largely advisory and symbolic, providing moral support, guidance, and occasional counsel towards advancing the objectives of the Congress on both national and international stages.
While accepting his appointment, Aare Afe Babalola expressed full support towards the initiative, stressing his firm belief in the potency of the African man which must be upheld always to ensure the black race takes its rightful position in the equation of global racial comparisons. He emphasized that any effort geared towards revamping the neglect of the African race must be sustained to make it a success.
Presenting the letter of appointment on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, expressed confidence that Aare Afe Babalola will bring on board, his wealth of experience especially in terms of ideas and philosophy, saying “Your insight is greatly respected, and we are happy that we are associating this fantastic concept with you”.
With his acceptance to serve as Patron, Aare Afe Babalola will join global intellectual giant and Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka and Professor Wande Abimbola, a respected Nigerian scholar who has contributed significantly to the study of Yoruba traditional worship and spiritual practices as Patrons of WOOCON.
