Babafemi Badejo honoured with Timor-Leste's Order of Timor-Leste
Babafemi A. Badejo accepted the Order of Timor-Leste from President José Ramos-Horta, honouring his four-decade peacebuilding career, especially his role as Chief of Staff in Guinea-Bissau and his work as former UN Deputy Special Representative for Somalia. He reflected on lessons from Timor-Leste's independence struggle and thanked his wife Adejumoke for supporting his demanding schedule.
This matters because Badejo highlighted Timor-Leste's $8 million contribution to Guinea-Bissau's 2014 elections—more than Nigeria's $7 million—showing how even small nations can drive regional peace. He praised the quiet work of mediators, civil society workers, and ordinary citizens who hold countries together without applause, underscoring that peace requires more than ballots.
Readers should consider recognising unsung peacebuilders, supporting peace initiatives, and learning from Timor-Leste's generosity despite limited resources. Badejo's background includes professorship at Chrisland University, chairmanship of Nigeria's NBA Anti-Corruption Committee, consultancy at Yintab Strategy Consults, the 2025 Nelson Mandela Distinguished Africanist Award, and Djibouti’s 27 Juin 1977 Order.