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IMPERATIVE OF MORAL RENAISSANCE

The times call for a national re-birth
As we begin year 2024 today, it is important for Nigerians to reflect on the self-inflicted problems that continue to hold the nation down. Since the turn of the century, we have been witnessing a steady and progressive deterioration of those cherished values which form the superstructures for the building of our national ethos. In an age invaded by new inventions and technological advancement, values which previously were held immutable and sacrosanct are being jettisoned. Lamentably, we are experiencing the deterioration of the family, the fundamental unit of society. Amid the moral confusion, it is difficult for the Nigerian young of today to know what to believe in or practice.
The old image of the country as a citadel of humanitarianism, peacefulness, fraternity, cultural and moral renaissance seems blurred. Today, there is disorderliness and chaos everywhere. In the press, pulpit, lecturer rooms, marketplaces, stadia and other fora, Nigerians soberly ask a flurry of questions: What does the future hold for us and our children? What is the way forward? Ironically, no one can answer these questions with great assurance. With many years of failed dreams, shattered expectations and betrayed hope, the people have lost confidence in their leaders in practically all spheres.
Nigeria is currently being challenged on all fronts – politically, socially, culturally, intellectually and morally. The estrangement from pristine values finds dramatic expression in crass materialism, inordinate ambition to get rich quick at all costs and, official corruption. Gradually, we are building a country where people can be materially rich but lack character. Ordinarily, men and women in our public offices ought to be setting the standards of behaviour. But unfortunately, the lowest common denominator of acceptable behaviour in political life has grown much lower at all levels.
The consequence of the foregoing is that Nigeria now seems like a strange place to live in, as many young professionals emigrate in droves. The entire security picture is messy, confused, and troubling. While the military has taken the battle to the insurgents in the North-East, the general security situation remains largely volatile. In the Northwest, banditry has been raised to an art. The deteriorating security situation in the Northwest states of Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina has led to the displacement of tens of thousands of people to Niger. Almost 200 people were killed across three local government areas in the Northcentral state of Plateau State on Christmas eve while ‘Unknown gunmen’ continue to kill in the Southeast. Southwest is fast becoming the epicentre of kidnap for ransom. We now live in a country that is increasingly torn apart by deep hatred, instincts to dominate others and unbridled individualism.
Therefore, we call for a moral renaissance or a new national re-birth in Nigeria. We must restore the power of moral indignation in our country. We must raise the standards of public behaviour by eschewing bitterness, rancour and hatred. We should learn to forgive always without habouring grudges. We should build a country where the citizens are not wolves unto their fellow citizens. We need to identify some common values from which to build a new humanism where justice, service, peace, respect for human dignity and mutual understanding reign supreme.
As we enter a new year, we must all resolve to build a nation where neigbours are bound together by the aspiration to promote abiding values and the common good. But President Bola Tinubu and the state governors must go beyond preachments. They must begin to lead by examples. So, must leaders in other spheres of our national life. That is the only way the future will be guaranteed for us and our children.
We wish all our readers a prosperous Year 2024.