“EMBRACE ACT OF INTEGRITY, TO MAKE YOURSELF RELEVANT”, OGUN GOVERNOR’S WIFE TELLS NIGERIANS
“Integrity is the perhaps the single and most important quality found on the world leaders, most influential Institutions, it is the foundation of anything that will sustainably and what will remain long after we left this Earth, this is why all the people we admire home and abroad, living or dead, have integrity deep rooted in their person’, she said.
“So much so good, the two most significant impediments to integrity are lies and selfishness, and there is no doubt in my mind that the people will be more fairness in their actions, among selfless in their services to God and Humanity’.
“There will be more integrity in the world, our highest achievement should come from the fact that we did our best to what we had, people had said you cannot teach Integrity, that may be true as you cannot force change on someone, who has decided to go in any other direction” she stated.
Penpushing further reports, the Governor’s wife speaking at the ceremony which was part of events leading to Nigeria’s 59th Independence celebration on October 1, also enjoined those in position of leadership to live by example and for those coming behind them to see them as good examples.
“But here is what I also believe; those in position of authority can live by example, so that those who follow can centre their lives on what they have seen us do. I will therefore appeal that we all re-access ourselves while speaking about the generation coming after us, and the legacy we wish to live for our children’s children’
‘We should uphold the universal value associated in fairness, Justice and sacrifice, always thinking of others first before ourselves, at some point in our lives, we would be expected to stand for what we believe to tell the truth, speak for what is right and refuse to compromise our most values. In other words, when your integrity is tested, will you be standing?” She asked.
Penpushing also reports that the Guest Lecturer, Professor. Lenrie Aina, in his speech titled “Integrity and Patriotism: Two Sides To National Development” urged Nigerians to also adopt the culture of reading as Integrity and patriotism are moral compasses, morality which can be attained through reading.
The National Librarian, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Paul Mamman, said, “the key to this is to inculcate patriotism amongst all Nigerians. Integrity and patriotism must occupy prominent positions in our curriculums at all levels. This is why we need to promote reading culture in Nigeria” he said
He further added, “Reading is one of the few distinctively human activities that set us apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. The books I have read over a lifetime have shaped my worldviews, my beliefs, and my life as much as anything else’.
‘I learned how to be myself. These were not mere intellectual or moral lessons, although they certainly may have begun as such. Rather, the stories from these books and so many others became part of my life story and then, gradually, part of my very soul.
“Reading provides critical foundations for development through enabling people to understand from the written text developmental information. Developmental information can enable people to fight poverty, deprivation and illiteracy’.
‘Rural and urban poor communities are better able to tackle problems and introduce social change if they get information relevant to their needs and interests. They can adopt new ideas in development with confidence and a better chance of success if what they read is carefully captured, organised and targeted.
“The process of adopting new ideas can be spread up through reading. People need both technical knowledge and awareness raising information that are closely linked to the problem they face in society using the instrumentality of the written text. And the process of assimilating and reflecting on new information that is read and comparing it with that which is already known is no doubt an empowering experience.
“Reading will promote integrity and patriotism among Nigerians. One does not have to leave Nigeria before one embraces how other societies are patriotic and how leaders cherish their integrity” Aina emphasised
Penpushing reports that he further enjoined Nigerians to have the men and women of integrity in governance to take us to the needed level of national development, adding that all youths must key into the purpose of the event and be good ambassadors, stressing,, “therefore, before you act, think integrity, patriotism and national development” .
The Chairman of the event, Dr. Niran Malaolu, who is the founder of, Boot Communications (Operators of Rock City FM 101.9) enjoined the youths to work together to build the nation since no American or Briton will help build it, adding that they should put into practise what they are learning from the event .
Penpushing also reports that, the initiator of Integrity 2.0 Campaign, Dare Adedotun, in his remarks also advised everyone not to leave the event the way they came, saying they should become a new person, emphasising.,”Integrity is not just mouthing it, but also putting it in practice.
The event also recorded decoration of some, as Integrity Ambassadors and they include Mrs Abiodun as foremost Integrity Crusader, Pastor Julius Adeyemi as Integrity Ambassador, Bishop Jeremiah Okulola as Integrity Ambassador, Sheikh Musaheed Adeyemi as Integrity Ambassador, Mr Adewale Ogundele as Integrity Ambassador, while Aminat Olaleye, student of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere, Abeokuta, who returned some amount of money found was equally rewarded for her Integrity.
Penpushing reports that as part of the event, 20 students from different higher institutions were also awarded as Integrity Ambassadors with cash gift of ₦5,000 each, while schools, organisations; Taidob High School, Asero, Gateway Secondary School, Akin-Olugbade, De-Best Int’l College, Obantoko, Baptist Boys High School, Saje, Victorotti Private School, Kemta-Olokuta, also the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) and Girls’ Guide, were present at the event.
