By Gbenga Shaba
At the height of its great aspirations, it is both impossible and unimaginable to conceive of a Nigeria without the dynamic and valuable contributions of the Yoruba people. Amidst the echoes of this remarkable legacy, a sobering reality emerges: the awe-inspiring dreams that once ignited the spirits of the Yoruba race have now faded into the shadows of a fractured present. What was once a bold vision for greatness has been tempered by the burdens of a nation grappling with its complexities.
These are the ethos of the great Omoluabi behind the Wale Omole Foundation for Virtues and Ethics in Yoruba Culture, Professor Wale Omole—a quintessential Renaissance man, a warrior for justice, a courageous role model, and a revered figure in scientific circles, particularly in Agriculture and Biochemistry. As the former Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Professor Omole is a man of many parts, most notably for his die-hard activism that led to landmark personal battles with institutions, the system, and public opinion.
This Ilesha Prince embodies the ideals of truth, integrity, and exceptional performance that exemplify the Omoluabi traits. As a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, he continues to uphold the enduring legacies of the Yoruba race. Today, at 82, he stands at the forefront of a crusade to restore the dignity of the Yoruba people and revive the indomitable spirit and enduring virtues of the Omoluabi.
This was evident at the grand unveiling of the Wale Omole Foundation for Virtues and Ethics in Yoruba Culture on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at the prestigious Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos. This true Omoluabi not only showcased the deep meaning of culture but also exemplified its significance in the human race.
From the artistic display of cultural dancers greeting the Omoluabi's arrival to the original attires of the courteous ushers to the culturally-themed decor that welcomed the guests, Professor Wale Omole demonstrated that he is a true ambassador of the Yoruba race.
The Wale Omole Foundation for Virtues and Ethics in Yoruba Culture was founded by an unwavering advocate for the moral philosophy of the Omoluabi. Its goal is to bring together a global network of people who share a passion for restoring the dignity of the Yoruba people, preserving the character of the race, and defending, protecting, and sustaining the moral integrity of Yoruba culture. Its mission is to promote the values that lie at the core of the Yoruba way of life.
The event gathered an assemblage of great Omoluabis, including the former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and other notable dignitaries such as HRH Abiola Kosoko, Oloja of Lagos, Olorogun (Dr.) Sonny Kuku, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, Chief Chris Okunnowo, Chief Tokunbo Omisore, Dr. Ebun Sonaiya, the Founder/Executive Director of Total Health Trust Ltd; Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, the Director of Continuing Education, University of Lagos; Professor Gbenga Fasiku, Director, Institute of Cultural Studies; Dr. John Odeyemi, Former Chairman of First Bank Plc; Former Managing Director of Ecobank, Jacobs Ajekigbe and others to discuss and dissect the preservation of Yoruba culture and race. The visibly passionate Professor Omole stated, "I am driven by a deep appreciation for lessons and encouragement from history, wisdom from elders whose knowledge is held in special esteem, and the values enshrined in the Omoluabi moral philosophy. The Wale Omole Foundation for Virtues and Ethics in Yoruba Culture, through its projects, workshops, seminars, and campaigns, is charting a new path for the Yoruba race, firmly rooted in timeless values."
To ensure these values resonate with the world and leave a lasting impact, the Foundation utilizes the language, art, and literature of our forefathers and harnesses the power of film, drama, music, storytelling, books, and cartoons to convey and emphasize the significance of virtues as taught in the Omoluabi moral philosophy.
The CEO of the Foundation, Mr. Babatunde Olowu, stated that the founder embodies the ideals of truth, integrity, and exceptional performance. He added, "Professor Omole's life journey, guided by the values instilled by his parents, has led him to become a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. At 82, he stands at the forefront of a crusade to restore the dignity of the Yoruba people and revive the indestructible spirit and enduring virtues of the Omoluabi."
He further explained that, through the Foundation's agricultural training programs, local farmers will be empowered with the tools and resources needed to cultivate their land and embrace self-sustainability. This initiative will ensure food security and generate livelihoods that enable communities to thrive.
With clearly stated goals, the Wale Omole Foundation for Virtues and Ethics in Yoruba Culture aims to defend, protect, and sustain the moral integrity of Yoruba culture by providing comprehensive education and training programs on moral and ethical principles, ultimately creating a society where Yoruba culture is not only preserved but also cherished.
The astute Professor Omole emphasized that, under the guidance and faithful watch of thought leaders, renowned scholars, and cultural experts who serve as mentors and courageous role models, the Foundation hopes to make its influence fully felt not only on soils where the culture is firmly rooted but also in every country and every home where people are willing and eager to learn and engage with our vibrant culture.
In addition to the unveiling of the Foundation, the event also featured the launch of the Foundation's logo and website through a video presentation that highlighted its journey and objectives. There was also an exhibition where guests explored wall art depicting the Foundation's programs and prospective initiatives.
The seven highlighted projects of The Wale Omole Foundation for Virtues and Ethics in Yoruba Culture include the Iwa Festival of Virtues, the MLB Award (Omoluabi - No Greater Dignity), Words To Grow And Live By, The Beauty Of Our People, Sweet Sounds Of Home, The Higher Aims Of Money, and Insights And Encouragement From Africa.