Building Nigeria on the values of truth, honesty, contentment, and integrity (2), By Ayo Akerele

Developing and imbibing the values of truth, honesty, contentment, and integrity is essential for Nigeria’s progress. By incorporating these values into education, leadership, and community practices, Nigerians can build a society that is prosperous, secure, and stable. Learning from nations that have thrived on these values can pave the way for a brighter future for Nigeria.

Contentment

Contentment involves being satisfied with what one has and not constantly seeking more. It is about finding happiness and fulfillment in the present moment. This now seems very elusive among many Nigerians, particularly the greedy political class. Nothing is ever enough anymore.

To cultivate contentment, Nigerians need:

1. Practice mindfulness and gratitude. Encourage individuals to appreciate what they have and focus on the positive aspects of their lives.
2. Promote the idea of simple living. Urge people to live within their means and avoid excessive materialism.
3. Foster a sense of community support, whereby individuals help each other and share resources. This can create a sense of belonging and reduce the desire for excessive accumulation.

Example

Bhutan is known for its emphasis on Gross National Happiness (GNH), rather than Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Bhutanese government prioritises the well-being and contentment of its citizens, leading to a high level of happiness and social cohesion.

Integrity

Warren Buffet was asked, “what do you look out for when hiring people?” He replied, “I look out for intelligence, energy, and integrity. If they do not have the latter, the first two will kill you.” Integrity involves adhering to moral and ethical principles, even when it is challenging. It is about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. To instil integrity, Nigerians needs:

1. Strong Legal Frameworks: Establish and enforce strong legal frameworks that promote integrity. Laws and regulations should be clear, and violations should be met with appropriate consequences.
2. Ethical Leadership: Leaders at all levels should demonstrate integrity in their actions. Ethical leadership sets the tone for the entire society.
3. Public Accountability: Create mechanisms for public accountability. Citizens should have the means to hold leaders and institutions accountable for their actions.

 A society that values truth and honesty will foster a transparent business environment that attracts investment and promotes economic growth. Integrity in business practices leads to fair competition and sustainable development.

Example

Singapore is renowned for its high levels of integrity and low level of corruption. The Singaporean government has implemented strict anti-corruption laws and promotes ethical behaviour among its citizens. This commitment to integrity has contributed to the country’s economic prosperity and global reputation.

Impact on Economy, Security, Employability, and Political Stability

The values of truth, honesty, contentment, and integrity have far-reaching impacts on various aspects of society:

1. Economy: A society that values truth and honesty will foster a transparent business environment that attracts investment and promotes economic growth. Integrity in business practices leads to fair competition and sustainable development.
2. Security: When citizens and leaders uphold these values, trust is built within the community. This trust enhances social cohesion and reduces crime rates, leading to a more secure society.
3. Employability: Employers seek individuals who demonstrate honesty and integrity. These values enhance employability and create a workforce that is reliable and trustworthy.
4. Political Stability: A government that operates with transparency and integrity gains the trust of its citizens. This trust leads to political stability, as citizens are more likely to support and cooperate with their leaders.

Selfishness in politics can lead to political instability. When leaders are more concerned with maintaining their power and wealth, they may resort to undemocratic practices, such as rigging elections or suppressing dissent.

Negative Consequences of Selfish Politicians on a Nation

Selfish politicians prioritise their own interests over the well-being of the nation. This behaviour can have devastating consequences, including:

1. Corruption: Selfish politicians often engage in corrupt practices, diverting public funds for personal gain. This leads to a lack of resources for essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
2. Inequality: When politicians prioritise their own interests, they often implement policies that benefit a select few, while neglecting the needs of the majority. This exacerbates social and economic inequalities.
3. Instability: Selfishness in politics can lead to political instability. When leaders are more concerned with maintaining their power and wealth, they may resort to undemocratic practices, such as rigging elections or suppressing dissent.

Example

The 2008 financial crisis is a prime example of the destructive power of selfish behaviour. The greed and selfishness of a few individuals in the financial sector led to widespread harm to the global economy. This crisis serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting cooperative and altruistic values in all areas of life.

Conclusion

Developing and imbibing the values of truth, honesty, contentment, and integrity is essential for Nigeria’s progress. By incorporating these values into education, leadership, and community practices, Nigerians can build a society that is prosperous, secure, and stable. Learning from nations that have thrived on these values can pave the way for a brighter future for Nigeria.

Ayo Akerele is the senior pastor of Rhema Assembly and the founder of the Voice of the Watchmen Ministries in Ontario, Canada. He can be reached through ayoakerele2012@gmail.com