Omoluabi (Gladys)

Dr. Gbadegesin’s lecture on Omoluabi was very inspiring. I really liked how he preached that students should always do their best and be their own self. I also enjoyed how he highlights the importance of having a good character and getting a good  education.

Gbadegesin says that part of life requires one to have a good education due to its impact on not only your life, but your human condition. He also says that education can also affect your place in society by what you decide to use that education. This the definition of Omo Olu Iwa Bi, which means “A person of character, disciplined, and self-improving, thus earning the respect of peers and community on account of practical wisdom, putting knowledge acquired through education to the service of the community, and not shying away from personal sacrifices when needed” (personal communication, September 5, 2011).

            Gbadegesin also discusses the different types of Iwa. There is Iwa as existence, Iwa as a character, and Iwa  as it relates to endurance. I believe this was a way of describing people according to their endurance, character and responsibility towards themselves and their community. I believe that this is very important because nowadays, it seems like society is always looking for a scapegoat to balme things on, whereas if we were to look at ourselves instead, we would be able to better our own issues rather than to blame other people or the government for it.

            Gbadegesin also discussed why education is so important. He explains that by gaining education, we would be able to pass it on to the many generations to come. This would allow us all to stay educated for centuries to come and also allow us to prepare future generations for the various task needed to keep things in the world and in the government running which is really necessary to surviving.

            I really enjoyed the lecture because it made me realize that everyone affects their community in some way. But if we learn to use our education and knowledge to the full extent, we may be able to make more good impacts rather than bad.