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Kolade, Akanbi, others task Nigerians on service
By Tayo Adelaja
AGAIN, Nigerians have been called upon to imbibe and internalise the virtues of patriotism and civil duties which are essential for national growth.
The call was made yesterday in Lagos at a symposium entitled "Civil Responsibility: An Essential Ingredient for National Development by Nigeria's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade. Also, the chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Mustapha Akanbi spoke in the same vein.
Kolade said that Nigeria needs to re-examine its values and work towards real progress and development. He wondered why Nigerians brought up in a culture that demands positive commitment to civil duty on the part of individual citizens have failed to put such values into the development of the country.
He commented that "this culture is also the foundation of the practice by which Nigerians form themselves into "Progressive Movements," "Development Associations" and "Descendants" Unions," and there are many villages in our country today that make tremendous strides largely because of the faithful performance of civic responsibility by their sons and daughters who live abroad."
He, however, added that the scenario above does not translate into the activities and relationships at the national level. He then said the major question for the symposium must be, "where did we lose momentum, and how can we regain our direction and civic responsibility and energy?"
Akanbi noted that of the many ills that have plagued the country, religion and ethnicity have been at the front-burners.
He added: "While the process of confidence building in the ability of the country to reduce the incidence of corruption is progressing steadily, it must also be appreciated that the problem of insecurity to life and property, as religious bigotry and ethnic jingoism must be given priority attention." He berated the religious fundamentalist, but however advised them to follow the tenets of their religion. He said that the doctrine of all the religion is love, peace and goodwill towards fellow men.
Apparently in a response to Kolade's poser, Osuntokun Akinjide of the Department of History, University of Lagos (UNILAG) in his paper "Catch them Young: Civic Education for Young Nigerians" said that the incorporation of civic education in primary school's curriculum could go a long way in fostering the civic responsibility required from the Nigerian children. He said, "the whole purpose of civic education was the idea of "catch them" while still young because the impressionistic years of youth were deemed decisive in moulding the character and personality of the citizens.
He said that the country's unique music, accoutrements, cuisine and artistic civilisation is not only worth celebrating but that of the various milestones in our national life should be studied.
In his presentation, Prof. Joy Ogwu, the Director-General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) said "many Nigerians do not truly feel that they are citizens of Nigeria in the sense of having and being able to claim privileges as citizens."
She said Nigerians must see themselves as essential units of a democracy. He implored the "citizens to engage in dialogue not only to articulate shared values but especially to understand their differences."
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