JUNE 12 PREESS RELEASE

Return of Cultural Values: A Viable Solution to Societal Decay in Nigeria-NICO BossThe Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, has called for the restoration of Nigeria’s cultural values as a strategic response to the growing challenges of insecurity, corruption, kidnapping, banditry and moral decadence across the country.According to him, “If Nigerians as a people can bring back their cultural values, regardless of ethnic nationality, many of the crimes and societal maladies plaguing the nation today can be cured or considerably reduced.”While stressing that traditional Nigerian cultures place a high premium on honesty, self-respect, dignity, hard work and respect for others, Otunba Ajiboye explained that in many Nigerian societies, criminality and unexplained wealth were strongly frowned upon with communities serving as moral watchdogs, questioning sudden affluence and encouraging integrity, accountability and responsible living.Using Yoruba cultural practices as an example, Ajiboye said respect for elders was deeply ingrained in the social fabric and helped to shape responsible behaviour among young people. “When a young person bows or prostrates before an elder, it is more than a greeting; it is a demonstration of humility, respect and submission to societal values,” he stated.The NICO Boss observed that the erosion of these values has contributed significantly to the social challenges confronting the nation. He stressed that cultural orientation remains a subtle but effective tool for addressing moral decline and reducing criminal tendencies among young people.He therefore advocated deliberate efforts to teach and internalise cultural values from childhood. “One effective way of addressing the problems facing our society is to consciously teach and ingrain cultural values in our children so that they grow up appreciating and living by them,” he said.Otunba Ajiboye further urged the mass media, schools, community leaders, religious institutions and cultural stakeholders to champion campaigns that promote the values and traditions that historically held communities together and fostered peaceful coexistence.Recalling earlier times when trust and communal responsibility were stronger, he noted that society was once safer and more orderly because cultural values were widely respected. He emphasized that rebuilding those values can contribute significantly to restoring social harmony and national development.While acknowledging that banditry, kidnapping and other social vices did not emerge overnight, he maintained that it is not too late to reverse the trend. “If we had consistently pursued cultural reorientation years ago, the impact would already be evident today. Nevertheless, it is never too late. The time to restore our values is now,” he concluded.Caleb NorMedia Asst.-ES, NICO, Abuja