Nigerians have been urged to take the responsibility of creating a just and right society by doing things the right way, regardless of status and the challenges being faced in the society.
Stakeholders in the “Do the Right Thing Summit”, organized by a group of concerned Nigerians, made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja.
In his opening remarks, the convener of the summit and Executive Director/ CEO of Do The Right Thing for Less Privileged and Youth Foundation, Mr Mike Nwadiora, said that Nigerians must be the change they wish to see in the world and the society.
“Our collective wisdom and determination can lead to a world where doing the right thing is not just a slogan but a way of life.
“Together, we can drive positive change, foster ethical leadership, and champion the cause of doing the right thing in every facet of our lives.
“By arming ourselves with knowledge, compassion, and the will to act, we can truly transform lives and societies.
“This summit is a testament to our collective dedication to doing what is right, even in the face of adversity or skepticism. It is a reminder that progress often comes from those who are unafraid to challenge the status quo and champion justice.
“So, let us come together with open hearts and open minds, ready to listen, learn, and collaborate.
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor, so let us choose the path of empathy, advocacy, and action,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director, Special Duties at the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr David Akoji, stressed the need for collaboration in work.
“The task of attitudinal change of imbibing of our ethics and values as contained in the constitution of Nigeria is not something that can adequately and completely be achieved by one agency of government.
“So, when we see what “Do The Right Thing Summit” is doing, it makes us feel elated that citizens are beginning to participate in the campaign, and they are also realizing that they have a role to play in creating the nation of our dreams.
“Yes, NOA will lead this effort, but NOA cannot do it all by itself. We need other stakeholders like traditional rulers, religious leaders, influencers, actors and musical artistes to sing the right things and to act the right things,” he stressed.
According to the spokesperson of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, the ICPC remains committed to partnering with relevant agencies to ensure that the public joins in the fight against corruption.
“The commission wishes to use this opportunity to call on all leaders in the country to shun every act of corruption or compromise and embrace integrity and uprightness in all their activities. This will manifest as they follow the rules, give room to others to hold them accountable, and make their work transparent.
“The ICPC is also working with schools and youth groups to groom leaders, who will do the right thing now and do the right thing tomorrow. We do this by partnering with civil society organizations, such as the summit organizers, with the hope that we will build a society that is free from all forms of corruption and corrupt practices. That is the ICPC vision,” said the ICPC spokesperson.
Music as a Tool for Change
On his part, a celebrity and Nigerian movie actor, Mr Ejike Asiegbu, said that movies and music can be used to promote the “Do the Right Thing” campaign.
“In most of the movies, stories are told; and through the acts, we are able to showcase ourselves.
“We mirror the society in doing the right thing. We show good and bad character and how they end up. To that extent, I believe both the musician who passes a message through his songs is also either chastising the society or telling the society through his songs what is good and what needs to be changed about the society,” said Mr Asiegbu.
Students from various schools in the Federal Capital Territory were among the participants at the summit as a way of catching them young.
The summit with the theme “Being the Right Leader” was aimed at reorienting the society to the right value system, pull stakeholders and chart a new course in managing indiscipline, as well as stimulate effective and transformative leadership.
