<\/p>\n
Stakeholders have identified the revival of Nigeria\u2019s cultural and moral values as a critical pathway to strengthening national unity, improving governance, tackling insecurity and promoting sustainable development.<\/p>\n
The position was canvassed on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of Nigeria: Culture and Values<\/em>, a book published by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with O&I Contact Limited.<\/p>\n The event attracted government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, academics, media practitioners, civil society organisations, development partners and other prominent Nigerians.<\/p>\n Speakers maintained that restoring values such as integrity, patriotism, justice, accountability and peaceful coexistence would help address many of the nation\u2019s social, economic and security challenges while reinforcing democratic institutions.<\/p>\n Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, the National Secretary of the union, Achike G. Chude, described the publication as a timely national intervention aimed at rekindling Nigeria\u2019s shared cultural identity.<\/p>\n He said Nigeria\u2019s rich cultural heritage offers practical solutions to contemporary challenges, including insecurity, poor governance and declining moral standards.<\/p>\n According to him, political leaders should embrace indigenous values of honesty, transparency, justice, accountability and mutual respect, noting that the country\u2019s cultural diversity should be harnessed as a unifying force rather than exploited for political interests.<\/p>\n He also stressed that lasting security cannot be achieved through military operations alone, calling for greater collaboration with traditional institutions, religious leaders and community-based organisations that enjoy the confidence of the people.<\/p>\n The NUJ leadership further urged journalists to remain committed to factual, balanced and development-focused reporting capable of fostering national progress and enhancing Nigeria\u2019s image globally.<\/p>\n It also highlighted the country\u2019s creative industry\u2014including film, music, literature, fashion and the arts\u2014as a viable non-oil sector with immense potential for job creation, investment and global cultural influence.<\/p>\n Speaking on the motivation behind the publication, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of O&I Contact Limited, Mr. Isaac Osaikhiwu, said the book documents Nigeria\u2019s rich cultural heritage while examining the relationship between culture, governance and national development.<\/p>\n He explained that the publication seeks to preserve the country\u2019s cultural identity and encourage citizens to uphold values of integrity, accountability, hard work, justice and patriotism.<\/p>\n Osaikhiwu expressed confidence that the book would inspire ethical leadership and responsible citizenship as essential ingredients for national transformation.<\/p>\n Other speakers urged governments at all levels to formulate policies that reflect Nigeria\u2019s shared cultural values, describing the nation\u2019s diversity as a source of strength that should be harnessed to promote unity and development.<\/p>\n In his goodwill message, the Director of International Liaison, Forward Bola Ahmed Tinubu <\/a>2027, High Chief Wisdom Chukwuma Okoye (Ozo Amamaife Chukwu I of Isuokoma Kingdom), described the publication as a valuable contribution to national consciousness and cultural preservation.<\/p>\n