By Temi Olowu
Former Nigerian Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili ignited a compelling debate on the nature of Nigeria’s shared values through her social media platform, X on Thursday.
Her inquiry into the core values that unite Nigeria’s diverse populace drew a wide range of responses from her followers, reflecting the country’s complex social and political landscape.
Ezekwesili’s post, asking “Do you know Nigeria’s shared values? What are they? What do you think they should be if you know of none? Please kindly share with me. #NigeriaSharedValues,” served as a catalyst for a robust discussion among her audience.
The question tapped into a national conversation about the principles that define Nigeria’s identity and the perceived erosion of these values.
Diverse Opinions and Concerns
The responses varied greatly, illustrating the fragmentation of societal values across the country. Dj SpoiltKid expressed skepticism, suggesting that Nigeria’s diverse beliefs make it difficult to establish shared values, even proposing that the nation might be better divided into multiple countries.
Conversely, cookiee@browncookiee questioned the very existence of a unified set of values, urging others to reflect on what could potentially unite Nigerians.
Onyinyechi Ayogu lamented the erosion of values, attributing this to a lack of strong leadership, which she believes has contributed to Nigeria’s negative perception abroad.
Several respondents, including Ogbuinya Prince Nnamdi and Sir Maxy, highlighted traditional values such as respect for elders, hard work, and resilience as positive aspects of Nigerian society. Sir Maxy emphasized the importance of national unity and social justice as core values that should be reinforced.
Others, like Akinlolu Michael Olaniyan and Dreallest, pointed out more pragmatic concerns. Olaniyan admitted uncertainty about any unifying values, while Dreallest highlighted pervasive issues such as hunger and economic hardship, which overshadow discussions about values.
Chukwum’emelie and Potentia Amoris offered critical views on the prevailing moral and political climate, with Chukwum’emelie describing a society where the strong exploit the weak, and Potentia Amoris criticizing the prevailing justification of unethical practices by their outcomes.
Criticism and Accusations
Not all responses were supportive. Max Weber criticized Ezekwesili for her perceived inconsistency, accusing her of hypocrisy based on her past tenure in government. This sentiment reflects broader frustration with political figures and their perceived failure to address Nigeria’s longstanding issues.
Call for Leadership and Reform
The discussion on Ezekwesili’s post underscores a broader call for leadership and reform. Many participants stressed the need for a figurehead or policy changes to restore and uphold the values that they believe have been compromised.
As the debate continues, it highlights the urgency for a national dialogue on shared values and the need for concrete actions to address the concerns raised by citizens. Ezekwesili’s engagement has sparked a critical conversation about Nigeria’s identity and the collective values that should guide its future.
In summary, Oby Ezekwesili’s social media query has not only illuminated the diverse perspectives on Nigeria’s shared values but also catalyzed a broader discussion on the country’s social and political challenges. The responses reflect a nation grappling with its identity and the need for a renewed commitment to core values amidst ongoing issues.
(Edited by Oludare Mayowa; omayowa@globalfinancialdigest.com; Newsroom: +234 8033 964 138)
