By Patrick Wemambu
“Nigeria’s reputation, again I repeat, needs a radical transformation. And I’m not referring to our standing on international ranking. Instead, I’m talking about the reputation that is built on the integrity of our institutions. The transparency of our leadership and the well-being of our people.”
Those were the remarks of Dr. John Momoh, OON, NPOM, Chairman of the Channels Media Group, while delivering an address at the public presentation of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG) – a private sector – led initiative by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to promote core values, principles and beliefs of Nigerians which held at the Rotunda Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Tuesday.
Sadly, when government is perceived as an avenue for personal gain, the results are felt deeply by all – Momoh rued noting that corruption and self-interest erode public services, leaving schools underfunded with health care systems in decline and infrastructure neglected.
He explained; “Invariably, this widens the gap between the privileged few and the majority who struggle for basic necessities. That’s where we are today as a nation. The people are hungry, the poor are hungry. The government is doing a lot but there’s been a lot of rot over the decades. So much so that no matter how much effort they put in, it’s like a drop in the ocean – not that kind of drop but we need a drop like a dye that will color everything and make it perfect.”
X-raying the damages occasioned by corruption beyond the national boundaries, the media mogul who doubled as chairman of the occasion described the consequences as gargantuan which resonate outstandingly even on the global stage. Scenarios of a few reputable and decent businesses becoming less attractive to foreign investors, less trusting by international partners and their influence in world affairs becoming somewhat diminishing were painted.
“A nation marred by corruption cannot expect to thrive or command respect among other nations. So today I offer a charge. First, to our politicians and leaders. The mandate that you politicians hold is a sacred trust, not a personal opportunity for enrichment. You are the stewards of our nation’s future. And the integrity of your leadership will determine whether we move forward or remain trapped in circles of corruption and stagnation,” the Channels Television CEO told top public servants in attendance at the event.
He reiterated that it was time to shift the focus from self-interest to genuine service and from short-term gains to long-term prosperity for all. Ethical leadership, the gathering learnt, must become the standard, not the exception. And to Nigerians, particularly those who may have lost sense of value and morality in the present trying times, they were urged to remember that the future of the nation lies not only in the hands of its leaders but in actions of every citizen.
A word of admonition from the veteran broadcast journalist; “We cannot demand integrity from others if we do not hold ourselves accountable. Corruption thrives when it is tolerated. And we must each play our parts in upholding the principles of honesty and responsibility. The part to rebuilding our nation begins with every individual practicing the values that we want to see reflected in our own leadership.”
To the youths who feel let down by leaders they once looked up to, Momoh expressed sympathies – reminding those concerned that change is never out of reach. Instead of despairing, they were enjoined to engage with the political process – channel frustrations into actions while holding their leaders accountable and being the leaders they wish to see.
