Yorùbá: Ìtumọ̀ Ọmọlúàbí
The Ọmọlúàbí is a Yorùbá philosophical and cultural concept to describe a person of absolute goodness–An epitome of humanity.
The Ọmọlúàbí concept signifies courage, hard work, humility and respect, etc. An Ọmọlúàbí is a person of honor who understands the benefits of hard work, respects the rights of others, and gives to the community in deeds and in action. Above all, an Ọmọlúàbí is a person of high integrity.
The concept Ọmọlúàbí is an adjectival Yoruba phrase, which has the words – “Ọmọ-tí-Olú-ìwà-bí” as its components. Literally translated and separately, ọmọ means ‘child’, tí means ‘that or which’, Olú-ìwà means the chief or master of Ìwà (character), bí means ‘born’. When combined, Ọmọlúàbí translates as “the baby/child begotten by the chief of Ìwà”. Such a child is thought of as a paragon of excellence in character.
An Ọmọlúàbí demonstrates and exhibits the inherent virtue and value of Ìwàpẹ̀lẹ́. Ìwàpẹ̀lẹ́ is ultimately the basis of moral conduct in Yoruba culture and a core defining attribute of an Ọmọlúàbí.
The most fundamental of these principles demonstrated by an Ọmọlúàbí are:
Ọ̀rọ̀ Sísọ (Spoken word, the Yoruba accord great respect for intelligent and expert use of language)
Ìtẹríba (Respect)/(Civility)
Inú rere (Good will, Having a good mind towards others)
Òtítọ́ (Truth)
Ìwà (Character)/(Virtue)
Akíkanjú (Bravery)
Iṣẹ́ (Hardwork)
Òwò (Entrepreneurship)
Ọpọlọ (Pipe (Intelligence)
Àfiorítì (Endurance)
Sùúrù (Patience)
Ìfarabalẹ̀ (Composure)
Ọ̀wọ̀ (Respect)
Ẹ̀sọ̀ (Caution)
Ìmọ̀ ( Knowledge)
Ọgbọ́n (Wisdom)
Òye (Understanding)