By LAW GOD RAISE-MEUP
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, has formally installed Yeye Aare Modupe Babalola as the Grand Matron, bestowing her ‘Icon of Excellence award ‘ in recognition of her contributions to human development, philanthropy, and public service.
At the ceremony held on the premises of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, extolled the virtues of the new Grand Matron, citing her “outstanding contributions to human development in all sectors and her selfless service to humanity.” He added,
“Your selfless services and dedication to the welfare of others have earned you the admiration and respect of our union.”
In her acceptance address, Yeye Aare Modupe Babalola expressed gratitude to the NUJ council for deeming her worthy of the honour, and pledged that the title would inspire her to do even more for the advancement of mankind. She appealed to journalists across Nigeria, particularly as the 2026 and 2027 election cycles approach, to maintain fairness, objectivity, and accuracy in their reporting. She emphasized that:
“While performing your entertaining role, you must not promote indecency in any form, and you must promote a culture of excellence for a better society.”
She also touched on the pervasive
poverty in the country, calling on Nigerians to extend solidarity and assistance to the less privileged. According to her, such gestures would help forge a more egalitarian society bound by mutual empathy and shared prosperity.
Present at the event, Aare Afe Babalola, founder of ABUAD and husband of the Grand Matron, encouraged journalists to vigilantly expose the malpractices of leaders that hamper national progress. He recounted how leadership ineptitude, corruption, and apathy have undermined good governance in Nigeria.
He called on the government at all levels to tackle the nation’s economic distress—highlighting hunger, insecurity, collapsing infrastructure, and deteriorating road networks as urgent issues demanding remedy. Aare Babalola also expressed deep appreciation to the NUJ chairman for honoring his wife, and pledged to support the NUJ, including backing its building projects in Ekiti.
On her part, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, hailed Yeye Aare Modupe Babalola as a motherly, humble, and virtuous figure whose life exudes grace, humility, and godliness. She affirmed that the honour was richly deserved, and emphasized that Yeye Babalola’s character inspires trust and admiration across Nigeria.
The ceremony drew participation from ABUAD management, veteran journalists, NUJ executives and rank-and-file members, as well as students of the university. A campus drama troupe further enlivened the proceedings through cultural performances.
Recall that Yeye Aare Modupe Babalola is known not only as the spouse of a prominent legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola, but also as a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and leader in various enterprises. Her public profile includes active involvement in educational and social initiatives in Ekiti State and beyond.