The inculcation of morals, among other virtues, have been identified as vital elements in raising people in the society, as these traits eventually aid them in becoming good, responsible and accountable humans in any area of life they find themselves. This, among other thoughts, was put forward by stakeholders, while seeking solutions to the challenges confronting the country, at a forum organised by the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Lagos Archdiocese, held recently at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos.
The stakeholders’ dialogue, with the theme, “After 25 years of democracy, is Nigeria on its way to economic prosperity?”, aimed at assessing the achievements and challenges of democratic rule in Nigeria, had in attendance civil society representatives, business leaders, academics, religious sects, among others who shared their thoughts on the discourse. Speaking on the occasion, Rev. Fr. Raymond Anoliefo, Director, JDPC, noted that we stand at a critical juncture in our nation’s history, adding that the journey of democracy in Nigeria, spanning a quarter of a century, has been marked by remarkable achievements and persistent challenges.
Fr. Anoliefo said that the dialogue allows the people to assess their progress as a nation, identify the shortcomings, and chart a course for a more prosperous future. He said the central question being addressed on the occasion, is not merely academic but a pressing and practical inquiry into the state of the Nigerian nation. “Have the democratic gains we’ve made translated into tangible economic benefits for our citizens? Are the promises of democracy being fulfilled in the everyday lives of Nigerians? And perhaps most importantly, what more can we do to ensure democracy is a true catalyst for economic prosperity? He inquired.
The priest disclosed that the dialogue brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, each bringing a unique perspective and expertise, adding that through this rich tapestry of insights, they hope to uncover new pathways to development. On commitment to justice, transparency, and inclusive governance, he said the accurate measure of democracy is found in the well-being of the people; the opportunities they have to thrive, the fairness of the systems that govern them, and in the shared prosperity that lifts them up. He said the goal is to diagnose the current state of affairs, as well as envision and work towards a Nigeria where democracy and economic prosperity go hand in hand.
At the end, the discussants among other things, noted that teaching morals is vital for social accountability, as they harped on the need, especially at this time to keep pushing voter education more than ever. According to the stakeholders, “We need to help our nation to build peaceful resolution whenever there is conflict. We need to promote, defend and sustain human rights, rule of law at all times. “We need to ensure that this gathering becomes a continuous exercise. We need to build and sustain social welfare and interpersonal relationships to encourage a more sustainable development, growth and productivity in the society we find ourselves.”
