Nigerian Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo has urged that an ethical revolution is necessary to fast-track the country’s development towards becoming a great nation indeed.
Osinbajo stated this in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Tuesday, while delivering the Centenary Lecture of Baptist Boys’ High School (BBHS) in the State capital, on the topic “Values: the difference between success and failure.”
He said, “Nigeria can produce highest quality individuals to run the most efficient governments and private institutions if we teach right values not only in our institutions of learning, but also imbibe a national ethic of hardwork, honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, among others.
Added that there was need for a national consensus, especially among the political, religious and business elite, in accepting and implementing minimum ethical standards, “where we establish a national work ethic, of honesty, hardwork, thrift and the deferment of gratification.”
Explaining further, Osinbajo said “it is what is taught and learned that shapes the character of individuals and nations. But it is not just teaching, governments must lead this ethical revolution, by rewarding ethical behaviour and ensuring speedy punishment for misconduct.
“The religious elite must reinforce the ethical direction agreed by showing that wealth, and influence are built by hardwork, diligence and the deferment of gratification and not just by miracles.
“The religious elite must also reject and ostracize public officers and persons whose wealth cannot be explained or is clearly from shady or suspicious sources.
“Every modern society has had to deal with corruption, and enthrone minimum ethical standards to succeed, we must do the same.”
Noting the examples of countries in Asia and Africa with huge deposits of natural resources and human talents, the VP said “while geography plays an important role in success of people and communities, they are not defining features; otherwise, the countries with the largest deposits of mineral wealth would be the most prosperous.”
Defining values as ethical principles by which individuals, communities live, work and interact, including honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, perseverance, hard work, diligence, discipline, respect, etc., Osinbajo emphasised that “it is values that determine the success or failure of individuals or societies.”
According to him, “Venezuela has one of the largest oil deposits in the world but the UN estimates that 94% of its citizens are poor. The Great Lakes region in Africa has some of the world’s richest mineral deposits, yet the countries in the region are some of the poorest in the world.
“On the other hand, some of the wealthiest countries in the world and those that have the most companies listed on the Nasdaq are Israel, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, South Korea and Singapore — none of which have any natural resources.
According to the statement released by his aide, the Vice President stated that “every one of the great and successful economies of the world share the same characteristics, they emphasise hardwork, integrity.”
Osinbajo also highlighted the ‘incredible legacy’ of BBHS in producing alumni that have gone on to attain national and international renown in academia, the professions, business, politics, and civil society, narrating stories of four of such alumni, emphasised their strong values.
They are the first premier of the then Western Region, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo; Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, the late Chief MKO Abiola, acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election; and one-time Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN.