Babcock Cultural Day highlights unity, shared values among international students

The Babcock International Students Seminar Cultural Day has emphasised the importance of shared values, unity and human dignity amid growing global divisions marked by conflict, hate and wars.

Speakers at the event noted that despite differences in nationality, language and culture, unity anchored on faith and excellence remains essential for peaceful coexistence.

Delivering the keynote address titled “Many Communities, One Culture,” Babcock University alumnus and Executive Creative Director at Omni Group, Samuel Oludipe, reflected on the symbolism of national flags as representations of identity, pride and belonging.

“Behind every flag is a people insisting on visibility, insisting that their story should not disappear,” Oludipe said.

He urged participants to reflect on broader questions confronting human civilisation, including how diverse identities can coexist peacefully without suppressing one another.

“How do many identities live together without one swallowing the other? How do many communities share one space without turning differences into threats? How do many flags fly in one sky?” he asked.

Oludipe noted that at Babcock University, the unifying factor among students has historically not been ethnicity, nationality or language but a shared commitment to excellence.

According to him, excellence represents “a disciplined way of being in the world,” which involves bringing one’s best self into a shared environment and helping to build a space where others can also thrive.

Also speaking at the event, the President and Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, represented by the Director for Institutional Effectiveness, Prof. Ngozi Nwongwugwu, stressed the importance of recognising a shared spiritual origin among people.

“In spite of languages, hometowns and flags, we are one-not uniform, but united,” he said.

Ojewole explained that cultural celebrations serve as a means of affirming identity and honouring diversity while recognising the common source that connects humanity.

He added that one person’s success does not diminish another’s, noting that shared faith fosters mutual support and cooperation among individuals.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice President for Student Development, Prof. Tolani Williams, the Deputy Director of the Student Support Centre, Dr. Michael Ibitoye, also highlighted the spiritual significance of diversity.

“Our diversity is real; our oneness in Christ is deeper,” Ibitoye said, encouraging students to see their current environment as part of a purposeful journey.

He advised students to regard their location and experiences as opportunities for service and leadership rather than temporary circumstances.

The Cultural Day celebration brought together international students from different backgrounds who showcased their traditions through cultural attire, food, music, dance and language.

Organisers said the event was designed to celebrate diversity while reinforcing the values of unity, faith and academic excellence that define the university community.

Head of the International Students Unit, Mr. Joshua Umahi, and the event’s compere, Mr. Chibundu Eti, described the celebration as a tribute to the rich cultural diversity of the institution’s international student community.

They noted that the gathering reflected how people from different cultures can coexist harmoniously under a shared commitment to excellence and mutual respect.