“If we lose our values, we lose our nation. It is as simple as that,” declared an anonymous source. In the words of John Kerry, “Values are not just words, values are what we live by. They’re about the causes we champion and the people we fight for.” These profound thoughts suggest that a country is more than just a geographic boundary; it is a shared commitment to a set of moral standards and collective aspirations. Today, let’s reflect on the urgent necessity of restoring our national values to ensure our survival as a cohesive society.
Do you know that the soul of our nation may be at a crossroads, where the lines between order and “anyhowness” have become severely blurred by recent events that challenge our common humanity? Imagine the horror of a suspect being shot in broad daylight by the very law enforcement officer who swore to protect him, or a consumer being arrested simply for raising an alarm about what she considered a public health threat regarding a product. Consider a parent being detained for questioning the moral suitability of her kid’s school book, and citizens being treated not according to the law, but based on their perceived social status or who they know. Over the years, it seems a depraved understanding of our national identity has taken root, characterized by the reign of force over intellect and the institutional abuse of power by overzealous security agents and some “big men” with access to the instruments of power. When we allow a culture where the law is applied selectively and human life is treated with levity, we move further away from the progress we desire and the national cohesion we need. We cannot claim to be a functional society if the custodians of our laws must be regularly called to order by social media influencers before justice is served. It is not a good situation that many citizens seem to trust these people more than those paid to protect them. It is high time we returned to the drawing board to define what we as a people will no longer accept, what we treasure irrespective of our tribes, religions or political affiliation, and how we can stop the perceived “anyhowness” that seems to currently define our national character.
So, it is time we enhanced our capacity to embody and demand a national reorientation that moves beyond mere rhetoric and into the realm of sincere, lived commitment. We must advocate for the integration of national values into our lives and school curricula, ensuring that the next generation understands that integrity, equity, and respect for life are not optional but essential for national cohesion. This call for action includes the reorientation of our law enforcement agencies to understand that their primary value is the protection of the citizen’s rights, not the intimidation of the vulnerable. Leaders must take the lead by showcasing these values through their actions, inaction or body language, especially when it is not convenient, proving that the national pledge and anthem are not just lines to be recited but a covenant to be honoured. Let the National Orientation Agency spearhead a campaign for ordered behaviour, where every Nigerian, regardless of their political or ethnic background, feels a sense of inclusiveness and shared destiny. By refusing to stay silent in the face of perceived abnormalities, we begin the hard work of building a nation where progress is fueled by intellect, discipline and justice rather than by force or favouritism. Only by making our shared values the instrument of our cohesion can we hope to prosper and create a society that history will judge as truly civilized.
As you step out each day, let your conduct be a living testament to the values of fairness, respect, and integrity that we wish to see in our larger society. Remember that the strength of our nation lies not in its resources, but in the character of its people and the consistency of its principles. May your commitment to restoring our national values be the spark that ignites a renewed sense of pride and purpose in every Nigerian you encounter.
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Esang Esitikot, a chemical engineer, is a professor of occupational health and safety. He is a public affairs analyst, UN Ambassador for Peace, and a pro bono lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only) or email (esitikot@gmail.com).
