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The Reformed Ogboni Fraternity (ROF) has presented an award to Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin and Founder of Igbinedion University, over contributions to the growth of the fraternity.
Igbinedion, was honoured among other prominent Nigerians during the 110th anniversary celebration of the fraternity on Wednesday in Lagos.
During the event, members of the fraternity from within and outside Nigeria, ROF called for more love, culture promotion and integrity among Nigerians to foster national cohesion and development.
The Chairman of the event’s planning committee, Francis Inegbeniki, said that promoting love, culture and integrity would facilitate national development.
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He urged public office holders to uphold the highest level of integrity to secure public trust.
According to him, all faiths recognise the supremacy of one universal God that emphasises love for one another.
” Our illustrious organisation is anchored on the values of love, culture and integrity and the universal law of do to others, the way you want others to do to you.
“We have members from different faiths and ethnic groups with different cultures.
“This occasion is not just a celebration of our past but a reflection on our present and a vision for our future as a people,” he said.
The chairman urged ROF members to do more to positively impact their communities to correct any public misconception of the fraternity.
The guest lecturer, Prof. Joseph Abugu (SAN), said that faith in the universal God and love for one another were essential to national development.
Abugu, spoke on the topic: “Reformed Ogboni Fraternity: Exploring Culture and Faith for National Unity”.
He said that imbibing one’s culture would aid in proper understanding of the scriptures – Islamic or Christian.
The lecturer added that no culture promoted discrimination and dishonesty.
“One hundred and ten years of existence is a testament to our resilience, our commitment to our ideals, and our unwavering pursuit of harmony and understanding within our communities.
“The strength in our diversity as a body should be made to dovetail into the larger society through public enlightenment to foster seamless cohesion and halt the drift in cultural values,” he said.
According to him, cultures are the bedrock upon which societies are built.
“They determine our identity, influence our behaviours, and guide our interactions with one another.
“Nigeria is a nation blessed with diverse cultures, languages and traditions. It is vital that we embrace our differences as strengths rather than weaknesses.
“Each ethnic group and each cultural practice contributes to the beauty and richness of our national identity.
“This diversity is not a barrier; rather, it is a bridge that can connect us all,” he said.
According to him, the body was founded in 1814 by an Anglican cleric, Ven. Thomas Adesina Ogunbiyi, in Lagos State.
He said that the organisation was envisioned to build a global community of trust, love and truth, fostering quality interpersonal relationships based on the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do to you”.
