Stakeholders have identified the revival of Nigeria’s cultural and moral values as a critical pathway to strengthening national unity, improving governance, tackling insecurity and promoting sustainable development.
The position was canvassed on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of Nigeria: Culture and Values, a book published by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with O&I Contact Limited.
The event attracted government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, academics, media practitioners, civil society organisations, development partners and other prominent Nigerians.
Speakers maintained that restoring values such as integrity, patriotism, justice, accountability and peaceful coexistence would help address many of the nation’s social, economic and security challenges while reinforcing democratic institutions.
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’s shared cultural identity.
He said Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage offers practical solutions to contemporary challenges, including insecurity, poor governance and declining moral standards.
According to him, political leaders should embrace indigenous values of honesty, transparency, justice, accountability and mutual respect, noting that the country’s cultural diversity should be harnessed as a unifying force rather than exploited for political interests.
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.
The NUJ leadership further urged journalists to remain committed to factual, balanced and development-focused reporting capable of fostering national progress and enhancing Nigeria’s image globally.
It also highlighted the country’s creative industry—including film, music, literature, fashion and the arts—as a viable non-oil sector with immense potential for job creation, investment and global cultural influence.
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’s rich cultural heritage while examining the relationship between culture, governance and national development.
He explained that the publication seeks to preserve the country’s cultural identity and encourage citizens to uphold values of integrity, accountability, hard work, justice and patriotism.
Osaikhiwu expressed confidence that the book would inspire ethical leadership and responsible citizenship as essential ingredients for national transformation.
Other speakers urged governments at all levels to formulate policies that reflect Nigeria’s shared cultural values, describing the nation’s diversity as a source of strength that should be harnessed to promote unity and development.
In his goodwill message, the Director of International Liaison, Forward Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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.
He encouraged Nigerians to serve as worthy ambassadors of the country wherever they find themselves, noting that Nigeria’s cultural diversity remains one of its greatest assets. He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to national development and citizens’ welfare.
Participants at the event agreed that Nigeria’s future prosperity depends not only on economic reforms and political leadership but also on the restoration of enduring cultural and moral values capable of strengthening democracy, improving governance, promoting peace and accelerating sustainable development.
