The cause of Nigeria’s woes has been identified as by the former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku. Speaking at the weekend, the former scribe said ethics and values in Nigeria have generally collapsed.
Anyaoku, however, expressed optimism that in spite of this, some Nigerians have distinguished themselves to become role models in their fields.
The former Secretary-General stated this in Lagos during the 27th Anniversary and the Great Nigerian Awards, 2024. The event, which was organized by Hallmarks of Labour Foundation was used to honour 12 distinguished Nigerians.
The occasion was chaired Dr. Christopher Kolade, Chairman Board of Trustees of the foundation.
Those honoured included the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammad Ali Pate. Foremost Professor of Mass Communication, Umar Pate; former Minister of Education and Prof. Rukayyatu Ahmed Rufai. Also on the honours list were Emeritus Professor, Akinjide Osuntokun and Prof. Adesola Ogunniyi.
Others are former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Barr. Geoffrey Onyeama and former Minister of Petroleum, Barr. Odein Ajumogobia. Not left out were foremost Accountant, Bashorun Jaiye Kofolaran Randle (JK Randle) and Prof. Baba Yusuf Abubakar. Barr. Louis Nnamdi Mbanefo, Prof. Adesola Ogunniyi, Prof. Christian T. Happi and Prof. Jibrila Dahiru Amin, also received awards.
As Chairman of the Award, Anyaoku described the recognition as significant in a Nigerian society where ethics and values have generally collapsed.
Speaking at the award ceremony, he said, “People were thought in Nigeria of those days that success came only from hard work and integrity.
He, however, pointed that good character was the most important possession of any human being at the time.
Anyaoku, therefore, decried the moral decadence in present day Nigeria. He noted that when “Character is lost, everything is lost.
He, used the occasion to congratulate the awardees whom he stated are “Indisputably deserving individuals.”
The Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Christopher Kolade was represented by the Executive Secretary of the foundation, Patricia Otuedon-Arawore.
In his message, Kolade said despite the socio-political and economic challenges facing Nigeria, the country like other countries in the world, has its share of men and women of note who have made their marks and left their footprints on the sands of time.
Prominent among the dignitaries at the event included Izoma Phillip Asiodu, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, and Mr. Femi Falana. Others are Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Prof. Itse Sagay, Dr. Tony Iredia, Dr. John Momoh, among others.
source: Daily Post
