Culture has again been identified as a remedy for the propensity of Nigerians for various acts of indiscipline and corruption, which have resulted in financial and moral decadence in our society.

This position was contained in an address delivered by the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, on Monday, 27th February, 2017, at the Kwara State Banquet Hall in Ilorin, during the formal launching of “Change Begins With Me” and “Kick Indiscipline and Corruption out of Kwara” (KICK) campaigns, organized by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Kwara State Office, in collaboration with Kwara State Ministry of Information and Communications.

Governor Ahmed, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Shola Gold, added that the total abandonment of our core cultural values is the main reason why Nigeria today is passing through challenging times characterized by the free reign of indiscipline, corruption, insurgency, thuggery, cultism, dishonesty, laziness, disrespect for elders, disrespect for constituted authority, lateness or absence to work, exam malpractices and other social vices, which are impacting negatively on our social, political and economic life.

According to him, since indiscipline and corruption begin in the mind, eradicating them should not be a government affair alone but a collective responsibility by the citizenry, stressing that as individuals, we need to revisit our past by becoming Nigerians of yesteryears that were known for moral rectitude, more so now that the country is doing everything possible to correct the negative impressions ascribed to it by the outside world.

Earlier in his opening remark, the State Director, NOA, Kwara State Office, Mr. Olusegun Adeyemi, said the programme, which was aimed at re-orientating individuals on attitudinal change, in order to make life meaningful for all, was organized in collaboration with the State Government to fulfil the mandate of ensuring that all states of the federation prosecute the campaign to help the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration sustain its programmes and eliminate insecurity as well as corruption.

While delivering his welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kwara State, Alhaji Mahmud Babatunde Ajeigbe, said retracing our steps by imbibing those core values exhibited by our heroes past still remains the only way for us to get it right in order to bring about the desired positive change in our country.

Alhaji Ajeigbe therefore called on parents, especially women, to take the lead by impacting positive values in their children, as the saying goes that, “charity begins at home”.

The programme, which was well attended by several dignitaries, including, traditional rulers, law-makers, members of the judiciary, military and paramilitary, government establishments, youth and women groups, as well as school children, also featured goodwill messages and a short drama sketch by the Kwara State Theatre for Development group.

Also present at the occasion were staffers of NICO North-Central Zone, Ilorin, namely, Mr. Deji Iledare, Mrs. Olajumoke Adewuyi, Mr. Christopher T. Bello, Miss Temilade Olajide and Mr. Toyin Adeseko.

Ahmed Mohammed

NICO North-Central Zone

Ilorin, Kwara State