Babalola said: The Federal Government and governors should do more to improve education. All we hear today is about so many billions spent on frivolous projects. The money can be harnessed and used for education. On the other hand, there are so many leakages in government in so many areas. If we can plug those leakages, we can have enough resources to take care of our needs.”
To fill the gaps left by government, Babalola said his NGO had, since inception, been offering scholarships to pupils (about 2,500 in number) and students from secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
He also said the NGO renovated many schools in the Kwara State and provided electric generators to schools.
He described the award as one in a million, coming from a reputable media organisation. He said it would energise him and his wife, Bunmi, to sustain contribution to the uplift of the poor, especially at the grassroots.
Babalola said: “I thank God for the privilege He gave to us to be useful to humanity. I also thank the Daily Telegraph for finding us worthy of that award. We are very elated and happy because when you do a work and it is recognised, you feel like doing more.
“In January, this year, BBBF renovated four classrooms. The classrooms were totally dilapidated. The rehabilitation of the classrooms included flooring, repainting and ceiling. We spent between N2m and N3m. If it were the government that did that, each of the classrooms probably would have cost N15m.”