The current reality in our national affairs has suggested a focus on the young generation in Nigeria and the importance of altering or reshaping their behaviors, attitudes, or moral qualities for the better. This is a call for a deliberate effort to improve the ethical and moral compass, behaviors, and values among the youth in Nigeria.
Anyway, it has become glaringly clear that there is many gross mismanagement of funds at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. But, unfortunately, these so-called youth are not representing us well at the helm of affairs.
Truly, they are smart and intelligent. But their performance is telling us that something is wrong with our national values.
Where is our National Orientation Agency, NOA? Nigeria is stumbling for survival. Corruption has become a legitimate enterprise and this has shown in the reason we are still crawling on the spot since 1960 (63 years ago).
Reviewing and evaluating policies on ethics and values is crucial to addressing the growing issue of corruption among Nigerian youth. To combat this, consider incorporating comprehensive ethical education programs, fostering mentorship opportunities, and creating transparent mechanisms for reporting unethical behavior.
However, Abdulrasheed Bawa, the Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was suspended from his position by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over allegations of corruption and abuse of office on 14th June 2023 he is just 43 years of age.
Today, the 8th of January 2024, a rising star in the politics of our Federation, Dr. Betta Chimaobim Edu who is just 37 years of age was suspended as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation over allegation of corruption and mismanagement of funds worth billions of naira. She was the former National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC who was appointed as Minister in August 2023 (less than 6 months in office).
These two individuals are youths with competencies and are respected for their abilities and achievements at that young age. But they refused to represent the youth constituency very well allowing selfish interest, greediness, and lack of patriotism to overcome their potential to redeem the mess in our national affairs.
Where have we gotten it wrong in this country?
Encouraging civic engagement and emphasizing the importance of integrity in educational institutions and communities can also help instill a culture of ethics and accountability among the youth.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Nigeria needs to play a crucial role in curbing corruption among youths through various initiatives like:
1. Public Awareness Campaigns: NOA needs to create and implement campaigns to educate youths about the dangers and consequences of corruption, promoting ethical behavior and integrity.
2. Advocacy and Sensitization: They also need to engage in advocacy programs to sensitize youths on the importance of integrity, good governance, and anti-corruption measures.
3. Youth Empowerment Programs: NOA needs to design initiatives or programs aimed at empowering youths economically and socially, reducing their susceptibility to corrupt practices.
4. Collaboration and Partnerships: NOA must collaborate with other government agencies, NGOs, and stakeholders to strengthen anti-corruption efforts, encouraging collective action against corruption among youths.
5. Civic Education: They also need to provide civic education to youths, promoting values such as transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in public and private spheres.
6. Monitoring and Reporting: The National Orientation Agency, NOA needs to monitor and report on corrupt practices affecting youths, advocating for policy changes and interventions to tackle these issues effectively.
Arguably, By addressing attitudinal and behavioral aspects, Nigeria can lay a foundation for sustainable change in its fight against corruption, promoting a more equitable and prosperous society.
So, attitudinal and behavioral change is crucial to combat corruption in Nigeria for several reasons:
1. Cultural Norms: Culturally ingrained practices and attitudes might tolerate or even encourage corrupt behavior. Changing these mindsets is essential to alter the perception of corruption.
2. Ethical Standards: Encouraging ethical behavior through attitudinal shifts promotes integrity and honesty, fostering a culture where corruption is less acceptable.
3. Accountability: Changing attitudes towards accountability can help hold individuals and institutions responsible for their actions, reducing opportunities for corrupt practices.
4. Legal Framework: Behavioral changes complement legal measures by ensuring that individuals actively abide by anti-corruption laws and regulations.
5. Transparency and Trust: Transforming attitudes towards transparency and honesty rebuilds public trust in institutions, reducing the prevalence of corrupt practices.
6. Leadership and Example: Encouraging leaders to exemplify ethical behavior can set a precedent for others to follow, promoting a culture of integrity like what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did to sack corrupt officers.
7. Societal Progress: Embracing positive attitudes and behaviors helps create a more conducive environment for economic growth, social development, and foreign investment.
NOTE: The change we dearly want in this part of the world begins with me and you!
God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria 🇳🇬.
