ABAEX 2025: Festival of Farmers, for Farmers, with Farmers by One Farmer – Aare Afe Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN

It was more than an exhibition. It was a festival for farmers, of farmers, with farmers, anchored by one of Nigeria’s most celebrated farmer, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN.

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the expansive field beside ABUAD’s world-class Planetarium transformed into a vibrant hub of agricultural pride as the curtain fell on the 10th edition of the Afe Babalola Agricultural Expo (ABAEX). The scene was nothing short of a spectacle: men and women, young and old, from all walks of life converged, united by a single passion- agriculture.

Farmers from the sixteen Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ekiti State proudly showcased their finest harvests: yams, cassava, maize, vegetables, livestock, and even rare crops sourced from the deepest parts of the hinterlands. Among the attractions was a rabbit so large it rivalled the weight of a full-grown buck, leaving many in awe of what Nigerian farmers can achieve with dedication and the right support.

Then came the grand entry of the convener himself, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, who, despite his towering global stature as a lawyer, philanthropist, and university founder, still holds farming as his first love. His presence electrified the arena, his words reminding everyone that the soil remains Nigeria’s truest source of prosperity. “No nation can prosper on palliatives. Nigeria’s future lies in farming, not in oil, not in politics,” he declared, advising all to imbibe the culture of hard work as “he who does not work should not eat”.

The day also brought life-changing rewards, as five farmers from each of Ekiti’s sixteen LGAs received cash prizes, while the overall best farmer, Chief Sunday Boboye Babalola from Ado-Ekiti, went home with two (₦2) million naira.

In addition, “32 young people (two from each LGA) were empowered through the ABAEX Youth Empowerment Scheme, a programme that has grown from 120 applicants at inception in 2015 to 370 applicants in 2025. These gestures have raised Aare Babalola’s direct investment in Ekiti farmers and youths to over ₦125 million in ten years”, according to the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Abiodun Ojo.

He also emphasised that the introduction and sustained sponsorship of the annual Expo by Aare Babalola has rekindled hope that Nigeria can surmount its challenge of widespread unemployment. He described the 10th anniversary of the Afe Babalola Agricultural Expo as “a decade marked by profound impact.”

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof. E. Smaranda Olarinde, FCArb, FCAI, praised the Founder’s vision, describing ABAEX as both a legacy of impact and a platform for national renewal.

She noted that by investing in agriculture, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola has provided Ekiti and Nigeria with a replicable model of empowerment rooted in dignity, productivity, and sustainability.

The event which started on Thursday the 2^nd of October, climaxed on Saturday, the 4^th of October, 2025, and was graced by policymakers, government representatives, traditional rulers, academics, farmer cooperatives, development partners, students, and members of the ABUAD community.

As the sun set on ABAEX2025, one thing was clear that this was not just an expo, but a movement, proving that with vision, consistency, and collective effort, Nigeria can indeed feed itself and the world.

Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the Expo, Prof. Abiodun Ojo, said the introduction and continued sponsorship of the yearly event by Babalola was fast rekindling the hope that the country could overcome its problems of national unemployment. He described the 10th-year anniversary of the Afe Babalola Agric Expo as a decade of impact.

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