NACJ Honours Eminent Nigerians With Integrity Award

Peterclaver Egbochue

The Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists, NACJ, has honoured some eminent Nigerians with the Integrity Award for demonstrating a high sense of patriotism and integrity in their various fields of human endeavour.

The event which took place on Saturday, the 26^th of October,2024 at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos state had in attendance the award recipients joined by their family members and friends.

Some of them include Dr.Oluyemi Owolabi, the Chief Executive Officer Explidale Logistics, Mr. Shaka Momodu, editor This Day, Rev. Dr. Esther Ajayi, Architect Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Lagos state at the last general election, Dr. Sawa Barka Birma, Service Cordinator, CBN, Yola Branch and others.

In his opening remark, president of the association, Dr. Charles Okhai, stated that the award programme was instituted to encourage individuals and organisations who are showing the twin virtues of integrity and patriotism in their little spaces even when nobody is watching them. He charged them to continue to uphold these virtues.

The keynote speaker, Hon. Justice Oludotun Adefope-Okojie JCA (Rtd.) who spoke on the theme, “Integrity And Patriotism: Key Vital Factors To Building A Virile Nation,” described integrity and patriotism as the two key elements that are indispensable to the building of a strong, prosperous, and virile nation, stressing that the twin virtues are not only central to the moral and ethical foundation of any society, but also form the bedrock upon which nations can thrive and reach their full potential.

According to her, “Integrity goes beyond personal character; it is the cornerstone of trust between individuals, communities, and institutions. Without integrity, a nation loses the very fabric that holds it together—trust. A society where integrity prevails is one where the rule of law is upheld, public officials are accountable, and citizens have faith in the fairness of the system.

“Integrity is the antidote to corruption, which is one of the greatest impediments to development. Corruption erodes the trust between the governed and those in authority, undermines democracy, and hampers sustainable economic growth. When leaders lack integrity, they compromise the welfare of their people for personal gain, leaving nations vulnerable to poverty, instability, and chaos. Therefore, fostering integrity in governance and public life is crucial for building a strong nation.

“Furthermore, integrity ensures that public resources are managed with accountability and transparency. It encourages the development of strong institutions that prioritize the well-being of citizens over individual interests. When leaders are guided by integrity, they make decisions that benefit the people, which in turn enhances the confidence of the people in their government. This trust fuels national unity, promotes civic responsibility, and lays the groundwork for long-term prosperity.”

The keynote speaker stressed that Integrity must therefore be ingrained in every sector of society, from businesses to educational institutions, and even within families, noting that integrity builds a foundation of trust, respect, and moral responsibility, which in turn shapes the citizens of tomorrow.

Similarly, she described patriotism as a profound love and loyalty toward one’s country, noting that it is the belief in the common good and the willingness to put the nation’s interest above personal interests and ambitions which calls for active participation in the nation- building process, whether through service, sacrifice, or advocacy for the greater good.

In her words, “When citizens are disconnected from their sense of belonging and duty to their nation, societal cohesion and stability are at risk. A virile nation requires citizens who are not only proud of their heritage but are also willing to contribute their time, skills, and resources to the advancement of their country.

“Patriotism is about more than flying the national flag or singing the national anthem. It is the recognition that our individual well-being is intrinsically linked to the well-being of the nation as a whole.

“When combined, integrity and patriotism become a powerful force for building a virile nation. A nation where leaders and citizens alike practice integrity is a nation where honesty, accountability, and fairness prevail. When citizens are patriotic, they become active participants in the nation-building process, working to uphold the values that make the country strong and united.

“Such a nation is where national policies and programs are designed to promote these values and anti-corruption laws are strictly enforced to ensure that integrity is maintained in public and private sectors.

“A nation without integrity is one where trust is eroded, and a nation without patriotism is one where unity is fractured. But when integrity and patriotism are embraced by leaders and citizens alike, they become the pillars upon which a virile nation stands.

“Together, these values foster national unity, enhance trust in institutions, promote economic development, and secure a brighter future for all.

“Having set out the meaning of these important terms, Integrity and Patriotism, the question is whether these are prevalent in our nation. Sadly I must answer in the negative. One of the greatest challenges we face as a nation is the absence of integrity and patriotism, especially in a globalized world where personal and sectional interests often overshadow national goals.

“This is not to say that there is complete absence of integrity or patriotism but when the level of corruption outweighs the integrity, you cannot say this is a nation known for its integrity and patriotism.

“By Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perception Index, Nigeria ranks 145 out of 180 countries, scoring 25%, just above countries like Somalia, Venezuela, Southern Sudan, North Korea, Haiti, Libya, Equatorial Guinea, Yemen, Nicaragua, ranking along with countries like Syria. What are we doing there? Ghana scores 43% to our 25%, meaning it ranks 70 out of 180. Republic of Benin ranks 70 out of 180 countries, i.e 43%. Togo has a score of 126 out of 180, scoring 31%. Cameroun scored 27 % being 140 out of 180, South Africa scored 41%. The question is what Nigeria is doing at the bottom and ranking lower than these nations that we think we are better than. We moved only one point since last year.

“Countries with a strong rule of law and well-functioning democratic institutions often sit at the top of the index, such as Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, Singapore and Sweden being perceived as the least corrupt nations in the world.

“I travelled to St Vincent and the Grenadines about three years ago, Nigeria was one out of 13 nations that needed a visa. None of the African nations above, with the exception of Cameroon needed a visa. We were classed along with nations like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Haiti, Bangladesh, Syria, Iran. My consolation is that China also needed a visa!

“David Cameron, the former Prime Minister of England, was overheard describing Nigeria and Afghanistan to the Queen of England at a garden party to mark her 90th birthday, during the regime of President Buhari, as fantastically corrupt countries! Is he lying?

“The tragedy is that it runs throughout the strata of this nation. Most organisations are corrupt. Police, LASTMA (hide behind barriers to spring out at you), airport officials, immigration, Customs.

“The Airports! How will those in authority know what is happening when they go through VIP channels, by passing the extortion that takes place at the airport, opening almost everybody’s luggage, for what? Should they not have cameras at the airport to monitor what is happening? These cameras only to be accessed by the head of FAAN or her very trusted aid.

“Customs and immigration They prefer to drive people to neighbouring ports byinflicting customs duties and graft that are way higher than our neighbours, thereby enriching our neighbours. The Government wants the people to export their products.

“What about the bottlenecks before you can get your goods through? By the time perishables get to their destination, they are rejected.

“Are there no critical thinkers in Government that will take these factors into

consideration by creating a business friendly environment for both importers and exporters. Look at other ports, LA, Singapore. When a country is not growing, it feeds on its own.

“Nigeria cannot make more money from its major source of revenue as it cannot meet the OPEC quota. Why, Bunkering. They know the people. Rather than go after them, you go after the small fry trying to eke out a living. You’ve taken away their source of livelihood. You don’t empower them. No patriotism there. Rather than enrich the country, it is their private pockets!

“NNPC. Trillions have been spent on Turn Around Maintenance. They said refineries would be ready for March? August? September? Now nothing! Salaries are still being paid in all the refineries, promotions granted, for zero productivity! What has happened to the monies expended. No answers. NACJ, what is being made to unearth the truth?!

“What about our ministries. Complete clog to progress except if they have an interest to gain. Davido, father’s story.”

She stated that for things to change for the better in the country, the leadership must entrench meritocracy in the system, noting that this accounted for the success of Singapore.

The guest speaker canvassed for honesty, overhaul of the Criminal Justice System and that leaders must live by example.

“Our leaders must not be allowed to live better than the people they govern. Tighten your belt the same way the citizens are. Lee Kwan Yew lived by example. Rode in commercial airlines. He said he can’t go looking for aid if he goes in private jets, like other leaders who will stay in the best hotels,” she stressed.

She admonished Nigerians to get rid of ‘Colonial Mentality,’adding that Nigerians are the brightest brains in the world.

In her words, “The world’s fastest computer was designed by Philip Emeagwali. Did he do this in this country, no!

“It was a Texas based Nigerian, Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye, who achieved a rare medical feat when he successfully operated on an unborn baby in its mother’s womb and replaced the baby. After the operation the mother’s pregnancy continued and she delivered a healthy baby.

“Prof Olawale Sulaiman, Canadian and American trained, with early training in this country, is one of the best neurosurgeons in the world. Who are the Doctors that head a number of the hospitals abroad, Nigerians! From the statistics reeled out by Mr. Akinwunmi Adesina, President African Development Bank, some of the leaders in the Fintech Industry, Flutter wave, Piggy vest, MTN Mobile Money (MOMO), Palm Pay rank among the top 250 Fintech companies globally.

“Nigeria also has five of the top 7 Unicorn Fintech companies in Africa. A Unicorn is when the capitalisation of a company reaches $1 Billion and above. When 5 out of 7 do that, it tells you the potential this country has to take over the world – Flutter Wave, O Pay, Interswitch, Andela, demonstrating the ingenuity and entrepreneurial capacity to lead, innovate and dominate the Fintech industry.

“ was listening to Dr. Ndiame Diop, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, a Senegalese. He said Nigeria has the skill that is unique in Africa. It has a private sector that is the most vibrant and dynamic in Africa. All the ingredients are there, he said. Nigeria is extremely entrepreneurial. We need a public and private sector for growth and jobs.”

She challenged the government to create enabling environment for Nigerians to be able to to invest in themselves.

In his brief remark, Architect Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Lagos state at the last general election, lamented that the situation in the country had degenerated to the point that the leadership has lost the sense of shame.

On her part, Rev. Dr. Esther Ajayi expressed optimism that Nigeria would definitely be better.