Vice President Kashim Shettima has said that an ethical and morally upright society is essential for attracting investors and promoting economic development.

Shettima, who was represented by Bashir  Maidugu, Senior Special Assistance to the President on Legal and Compliance Matters,  Office of the Vice President, said this at a Webinar tagged: “Let’s Talk Ethics’’ on Tuesday in Abuja.

The theme of the Webinar is: “Community Engagement for Ethical Transformation, Leadership and Integrity.”

It was convened by the Civil Society for Ethics and Values Development Initiative (CSEVDI) to mark the Independence Day anniversary.

According to Shettima, the call was imperative because a nation’s morals are like the teeth, the more decayed they are, the more it hurts to touch them.

He said that President Bola Tinubu had a lot of agenda for the growth of the nation.

He said that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current government could not be an effective transformative policy without a sincere ethical transformation, authentic leadership and uncompromising integrity at all levels.

He added that Nigeria was in dire need of a reorientation, a repositioning of Nigeria and Nigerians with respect to the values they should hold dear in order for the nation to be where it ought to be.

“I am impressed with the organisers of this webinar because this is a responsibility of all Nigerians, as mothers, as parents, as teachers, to ensure that ethics, morals, are imbibed in ourselves, in our youth, so that we have a better society.

“This is because without a morally upright society; without an ethically upright society, there won’t be a positive economic growth.

“Investors will be very unwilling to invest in such a society.

“So, it is our collective responsibility, not only for government, and the private sector, but the responsibility of every Nigerian, to ensure that we do things according to how they should be done.

“Not because people are looking at us; not because we want people to notice it, but because these are the right things to do. Do the right thing at all times, and then we will have a better society.’’

He reiterated that Nigeria’s seven national ethics as prescribed by the 1999 Constitution were discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, social justice, religious tolerance, self-reliance and patriotism.

“The teeth that are our morals are hurting because this code of national ethics has been observed more in the breach than in true and good faith.

“We have sunk into an ethical wilderness of despairingly unimaginable proportions.

“The totally negative value system that has resulted from abandoning the noble path of ethical conduct has had serious consequences for our individual corporate image and reputations both home and abroad,” he said.

Shettima said the first step towards the overhauling of the national ethics would be a revolutionary re-orientation of the value system of the society.

He said there was a need to embark on an authentic search for that genuine national culture that would reshape Nigeria’s core value system, national character and national image.

He urged Nigerians to be very patient with the government because it had positive programmes for the country but it required sacrifice.

Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has appealed for patience, saying that most government policies take time to yield results and his administration would not fail the people.

Alia made the appeal on Tuesday during a live broadcast in Makurdi to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary.

The governor stated that his administration focused on the well-being of every Benue citizen.

He also congratulated the people of the state and all Nigerians for their resilience and for living peacefully together.

“As your governor, I am committed to your welfare and urge each of you, both in Benue and across Nigeria, to continue supporting the policies and programmes of the government.

“These initiatives are designed to improve our collective welfare, though their impact may take time to fully manifest. Progress often requires patience, understanding, and the cooperation of every citizen.

“I call on you to renew your hope in this government, as we are committed to the progress of our state,” he said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that what was due to workers and pensioners in the state was paid on time.

Alia said with the continued support of everyone in the state, his administration was on course to build a Benue that was peaceful and prosperous and served as a model of good governance in Nigeria.

According to him, his administration has aligned this year’s celebration with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where the government has already made strides in areas such as poverty reduction, zero hunger, quality education, and decent work.

“All these efforts aim to empower every citizen of the state, enabling them to become productive and contribute to the development of Benue,” he said.

He also highlighted the massive infrastructural projects in the state that were connecting communities for improved living standards and economic activities.

On the October 5th Local Government Council elections in the state, he urged Benue people to come out and vote for APC candidates for progress, development, and continued good governance under the APC-led government.

“The collective future of our villages depends on the choices we make on that day, as local governments are closest to the people.

“The opposition parties have had their time, and we all know the path they led us down: a path of underdevelopment, massive corruption, stagnation, and setbacks.

“But today, we stand on the threshold of progress, and we must not allow any backward steps. Let us vote for progress, development, and continued good governance under the APC banner,” he said.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Tuesday called for stronger unity and progress in the country, as it marks its 64th independence anniversary.

President of the association Archbishop Daniel Okoh made the call in an emotional-laden message to Nigerians.

Okoh highlighted the strength of the nation’s diversity and urged citizens to coexist peacefully.

He stressed that the national development agenda of the country “must continue to focus on infrastructure development,  economic growth, and youth empowerment.”

These initiatives, according to him, are crucial to the advancement of Christian communities and the nation at large.

“By investing in our infrastructure and empowering our youth, we pave the way for sustainable growth and a brighter future for all,” he said.

Reflecting on the security challenges in the country, the cleric commended security forces for their efforts and commitment towards safeguarding the lives and properties of the people.

He called for the enthronement of social justice, better education, and the creation of jobs for the youth.

He emphasised the importance of religious freedom and mutual respect for all faiths.

“As Nigeria celebrates this milestone, I encourage citizens to remain hopeful and committed to building a brighter future together.

“This momentous occasion offers us a profound opportunity to reflect on our journey as a nation, to acknowledge our achievements and to commit ourselves to the ideals of unity, peace, and progress.

“Our beloved nation, Nigeria, stands as a shining example of the strength, found in diversity.

“Regardless of the challenges that have tested our resolve, we continue to demonstrate resilience and a shared commitment to the common good,” he said.