FG Receives Blueprint on National Values Charter, Admits Nigerians Now Skeptical

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government has received the blueprint on national values charter which envisions how to bring the various subnational values together to create a national culture that speaks to Nigeria’s common destiny.

 President Bola Tinubu will formally unveil the charter to the public soon.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, yesterday in Abuja received the blueprint prepared by the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

In his remarks, Idris said a blueprint on national values charter was long overdue to address the question of identity among the sub-nationals within the post-amalgamation structure of the country.

The minister said the search for a national identity had been a challenge over the decades by real and imagined ethnic, linguistic and cultural differences.

He stressed the determination of the government to define and document the core values that will guide all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion, social and economic status and all other real or imagined barriers and differences.

While stating that there was nothing wrong in recognising the differences, Idris tasked Nigerians not to allow them to be robbed of a strong sense of appreciation of their collective destiny.

According to him, “Our differences and diversity should be seen as strengths rather than weaknesses. The lack of understanding and acceptance of this reality is at the root of many of the problems undermining this great country’s growth and development.

“It has led to needless ethnic suspicions and tensions, and hate speech, when we should instead be seeing these differences and diversities as sources of strength to build one of the greatest nations on earth.”

The minister also conceded that Nigerians were becoming impatient and skeptical with mounting hardship, unemployment, corruption, failed promises, lack of social amenities, illiteracy, and many other negativities.

He said the problems had created a situation where many of the youths, the greatest assets as a country, had emigrated in search of greener pastures.

Idris said: “While migration is a natural human activity, many who leave would have wished to stay in a country blessed with human and natural resources if the situation were different.

“We acknowledge this grave dilemma that continues to confront many of our people. We will never be tempted to minimise the pains, challenges and frustrations that Nigerians face.

“At the same time, we will also always seek to emphasise that making our way out, and advancing along the path of lasting greatness, is a collective responsibility.

“By saying this, let it be clear that we are not trying to deflect any blame or responsibility due to government or the ruling class. We are only seeking to map out, with this national values charter, the various rights, roles and responsibilities of all Nigerians-leaders and followers, public and private sectors-on this quest for national greatness.”