- Vice President Osinbajo has reiterated his position that Nigerians must be imbued with a national ethic of hard work and integrity.
- The vice president pointed out that such values will accelerate the development of the country to become a great nation.
- Vice President Osinbajo also urged religious leaders to avoid people with questionable wealth in society.
Abeokuta – Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo has said that Nigeria can produce the highest quality individuals to run the most efficient governments and private institutions and also imbue itself with a national ethic of hard work, honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, among others.
According to a statement sent to legit.ng By Laolu Akande, spokesman for the vice president, Osinbajo made the remarks in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while delivering the Baptist Boys High School (BBHS) Centennial Lecture.
Source: Twitter
Speaking on the theme “Values: the difference between success and failure”, Osinbajo urged that an ethical revolution is needed to accelerate the development of the country towards a great nation.
read also
“The 2023 election is not about political parties but about candidates,” Buhari’s ex-minister warns politicians
He said:
”It is what is taught and learned that shapes the character of individuals and nations. But it is not just about teaching, governments must lead this ethical revolution, rewarding ethical behavior and guaranteeing swift punishment for misconduct.
“The religious elite must reinforce the agreed ethical direction by showing that wealth and influence are built by hard work, diligence and the postponement of gratification and not just miracles.
“The religious elite must also shun and ostracize public officials and people whose wealth cannot be explained or clearly comes from shady or suspect sources.
“Every modern society has had to deal with corruption and enshrine minimum ethical standards to succeed, we must do the same.”
The vice president, referring to the previous section of the ceremony where the Centennial Commemorative Obelisk was unveiled with the names of the distinguished centenarians inscribed on it, observed that these values are what make people, institutions and nations great.
read also
CBN: Coalition threatens to mobilize 1,000 CSOs in support of the SSS operation
He said:
”The difference between men and women who achieve significance and those who don’t, are values. So it is also the case that the difference between successful societies or countries and unsuccessful or unsuccessful countries are values.”
Prof. Osinbajo also highlighted BBHS’s ‘incredible legacy’ in producing alumni who have achieved national and international renown in academia, the professions, business, politics and civil society. He told stories of four of those former students emphasizing their strong values.
They are the first Prime Minister of the then Western Region, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo; the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, the late MKO Chief Abiola, acclaimed winner of the annulled elections of June 12, 1993; and the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN.
Speaking further, Professor Osinbajo pointed out that the successes of these four old BBHS boys who rose to prominence and greatness were not based on talent or opportunity.
read also
Polls 2023: Dilemma for Tinubu as aggrieved APC members threaten to quit party in north center
He noticed:
“They all worked hard, but they showed courage and integrity, they fought for what they believed in, and in three of the four cases they were wrongly imprisoned for their beliefs or because their opinions or positions were seen as threats to the authorities of the day.”
Goodluck Jonathan, Kagame, Late Magufuli and others to receive African Icon Award in Kigali
In a related development, former Tanzanian President the late John Magufuli, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and many others will be honored at the inaugural African Heritage Concert and Awards.
The distinguished African personalities would be honored at the event scheduled for Saturday, April 1 in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
According to a statement sent to legit.ng on Monday, January 9 by the organizers, the event is intended to celebrate and honor personalities of African descent who have distinguished themselves through notable achievements around the world.
read also
53 years after civil war: Peter Obi says a new Nigeria is achievable, lists plans ahead of 2023 election
Jack-Rich seeks the inclusion of Nigeria and the AU in the G-20 to accelerate economic growth in Africa
Meanwhile, Tein Jack-Rich CON, a former presidential hopeful under the ruling All Progressives Congress, has called on the United States to speed up the process to admit Nigeria and the African Union as members of the group of 20 (G-20). ) to promote regional development.
Jack-Rich, president and founder of Belema Oil, Nigeria’s indigenous oil company, made the appeal recently on the sidelines of the US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington DC, United States, during an engagement with the Association of Mayors of USA.
He told world leaders that the inclusion of the AU and Nigeria in the G-20 is something Africa needs right now.
Source: Legit.ng
