The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola; former Heads of State, General Yakubu Gowon and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, on Saturday, charged Nigerians on selfless service to humanity, describing it as “ultimate” to national development and nation-building.
The four eminent Nigerians, who spoke at the unveiling and dedication of Owa Ofokutu (Memorial) Ecumenical Centre (OOFEC), in Ilesa, Osun State appealed to Nigerians to imbibe philanthropic gesture by dedicating their wealth and resources to the service of God and impact positively on the lives of the people.
Owa Ofokutu was the paramount ruler of Ijesa land from 1842-1856.
The edifice was built, donated and dedicated in his memory by Professor Debo Adeyemi of Ofokutu’s royal family.
The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo who was represented by the Chaplain, State House, Abuja, Pastor Seyi Malomo, called on Nigerians to promote unity, love and togetherness, describing unity as central to development, adding that Nigerians must begin to see strength in their diversity.
In his remark, General Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd) described the good gesture of the donor as phenomenal and worthwhile, just as he advocated the need for Nigerians to renew their faith in God by rededicating themselves to service of humanity.
On his part, General Yakubu Gowon, urged Nigerians to emulate the good gesture of the donor, observing that the dedication of the buildings to service humanity was an affirmation to biblical verses.
While inaugurating the edifice, Oyetola, urged Nigerians to focus on things that can strengthen the bond of unity, saying Nigerians, irrespective of their religious beliefs and persuasions, should emulate the motive and the noble initiative that can strengthen the ties of unity in the country.
He, however, lauded the donor and the entire family of Owa Ofokutu royal family for dedicating the edifice to the glory of God and to serve humanity, stating that “this is a commendable community service. I, therefore, call on other wealthy individuals to emulate this gesture.”
Oyetola further averred that “beyond the fanfare and the solemn dedication ceremony of today, this event has an underpinning philosophy of ‘all-inclusiveness’ attached to it. The concept of ‘Pan-denominational’ Ecumenical Centre symbolises the oneness and the bonded unity of the church, which is awesome and towers above all other mundane considerations.”
The donor, Professor Debo Adeyemi, attributed the gesture to divine inspiration from God, urging Nigerians particularly the rich to always share their blessings and wealth with others since they cannot enjoy their wealth while the majority are suffering.