Freemasonry celebrates 300 years of service to humanity
The District Grand Lodge of Nigeria recently celebrated its 300 years of freemasonry under the United Grand Lodge, worldwide with its renewed pledge for continued service to humanity.
Established on June 24, 1717, with lodges and districts across the continents, freemasonry have been involved in charitable work focused on healthcare, education, and welfare among others.
Some of the charity work in Nigeria include donation of relief items to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and medical supplies for children through the Masonic Room Charity; donation of equipment to the Sickle Cell Foundation, Lagos; donation of a brand new bus and a new facility at Amuwo Odofin, to Beth Torrey Home, Lagos.
Others include regular donations to Anglo-Nigerian Welfare Association for the Blind (ANWAB), scholarships to students at secondary and tertiary institutions and donation to widows and indigent persons in society.
Although there have been several misconceptions about freemasonry as a secret society, religious body or political group, its members insist it is a social, educational and charitable organisation that is focused on promoting values of honesty, brotherhood and charity with no class distinction.
Speaking to newsmen, the District Grand Master of Nigeria, Olorogun Moses Taiga, said the district lodge of Nigeria, which comprises 46 lodges under six masonic areas have devoted their service to humanity, which is the essence of the organization.
“Our charity knows no bounds, the whole essence of freemasonry is to give back to the society we have benefitted from and supporting the deprived in the society. It is our own free will and accord to improve and contribute to communities in Nigeria. Currently, one of our lodges, St. George’s lodge No. 3065, whose primary focus is on healthcare and education, is building a medical facility at Elegushi, in Lagos, which will provide free medical care to the less privilege.”
A highlight of the event was the launch of the 1913 Grand Charity Foundation led by King T.J.T. Princewill, the Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom.