Daniel once said that to destroy a nation, you don’t need nuclear bombs or intercontinental ballistic missiles; simply lower its educational standards and allow cheating in exams. The nation will destroy itself. Values—those core principles that define us—are instilled early in life, beginning at home, reinforced in schools, and carried into adulthood. Unfortunately, in Africa, these values are eroding rapidly, much like oceans swallowing islands or deserts overtaking farmland.
Social media has exacerbated this decline by promoting decadence and trivializing meaningful principles. If this continues unchecked, it will become a pandemic that could devastate Africa’s future. To counter this, I propose the establishment of a Citizens Forum in Nigeria and other African nations—a movement that prioritizes national and communal interests over personal gain.
The Importance of Values
Values shape our identity, guide our actions, and distinguish us as civilized people. I experienced this firsthand at Government College Ughelli, which instilled in me a strong sense of discipline and responsibility. Institutions like Government College were modeled after Eton College in England, established in 1441 by King Henry VI to raise citizens with aristocratic values, regardless of their backgrounds. Eton has produced numerous British leaders, including 20 prime ministers.
This focus on values distinguished generations of Nigerians educated in such institutions. I remember instances like refusing to cross a lawn or insisting others dispose of trash properly—not because anyone was watching but because these were the principles ingrained in us. Even a senior alumnus at a recent school celebration fetched water to flush a restroom after use, demonstrating the values we were taught.
The Consequences of Losing Values
The erosion of values in Nigeria manifests in various ways:
- Chaos and Noise: Our public spaces are rowdy, dirty, and poorly managed.
- Disregard for Rules: From driving against traffic to littering, many have abandoned basic etiquette.
- Political Violence: At venues like electoral tribunals, thuggery and ballot box snatching have become commonplace.
This decline is not just about etiquette—it reflects a deeper societal decay. Without values like integrity, punctuality, truthfulness, hard work, and delayed gratification, no nation can thrive.
A Call to Action
It is time to restore and uphold the values that define us as individuals and communities. Through mentorship, education, and deliberate efforts like the Citizens Forum, we must teach younger generations how decent societies are built and sustained.
Values are what sustained figures like Joseph in the Bible. He lost his coat of many colors and his position in Potiphar’s house, but he never lost his integrity. In the end, his values elevated him to become a leader in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh.
You can lose your possessions, status, or power, but never lose your values—they define you.
Join the Movement
I invite you to join me in rebuilding our communities and nations through the Citizens Forum. Let’s mentor the younger generation and instill in them the values necessary for a thriving society.
Contact us for:
- WhatsApp Mentorship Group
- Upcoming Webinar
- Properties for Sale
Hold on to your values, no matter what. God bless you.
Dr. Charles Apoki, The Area Grandfather
