Only a return to time tested Omoluabi principles of probity, honesty, temperance and commitment to community goals rather than that of self will make Nigeria great again. This was the conclusion as prominent southwestern leaders recently gathered at at the first summit of Yoruba socio-cultural organization – The Omoluabi group. The event held at the MITROS Events Centre Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The event themed OMOLUABI PRINCIPLES: A CALL TO RETURN had in attendance many Yoruba leaders including His grace, Emeritus Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, who opened the summit with a thought provoking perspective on the omoluabi ethos while Professor Banji Akintoye presented the lead paper. Other distinguished speakers include Senators Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa and Femi Okunrounmu.
According to Senator Okurounmu, “it is lack of omoluabi values that has led to the current reign of low integrity, dishonesty and bad governance being experienced generally across the length and breadth of Nigeria”. He stressed that today’s youth ought to become value driven at an early age similar to the likes of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe. He concluded by expressing his faith in groups like the Omoluabi Group. According to him, “with initiatives and groups like this Nigeria will no doubt reach her desired destination”.
On his part, his grace, Emeritus Archbishop , Ayo Ladigbolu admonished that “as parents and leaders, we must always think of the legacy we wish to bequeath our children and country”.
Lead speaker, Professor Banji Akintoye was full of praises for the host city Abeokuta and the legendary political juggernaut, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The professor however did not spare the present order of government in Nigeria. He stressed that Nigeria stopped growing some 54 years ago when the system of government changed from federalism to the unitary system of government. He emphasized the need for Yorubas to become bold again and take their place of leadership in Nigeria. In his words, “the fact that the Yorubas belong to Nigeria does not mean we should forget our destiny of global leadership”
Other speakers including senator Akinfemiwa stressed the need for Senators, Governors, Ministers and even Presidents to be first Omoluabis before vying for any office. That it is only an Omoluabi who would not abuse or steal whilst in office.
The event came to an end with a question and answer session anchored by the chairman of the group, Mr. Ladi Smith, who also took time to buttress the fact that the vision of the Omoluabi Group is to inculcate and incorporate Omoluabi Principles in all human endeavors in Yoruba land and Nigeria.