Pa Nelson Onyebujor, former Permanent Secretary of Civil Service Commission on Friday said in spite of the challenges being faced in Nigeria, there was still hope for the future. Onyebujor, who turned 91 this year, said although what he was witnessing now in Nigeria was not comparable to what was obtainable in his time, adding there was room for positive change.
“In our time, it was something pleasurable; above all, effort was recognised and we were always sufficiently mobilising citizens to act in ways that promote peace, harmony and national development.
“Nigeria can only attain its desired national goals and developmental objectives if our values are right and our culture beneficial and development -orientated.
“ We must develop a Nigerian society that is orderly, responsible and disciplined, where citizens demonstrate core values of honesty, hard work and patriotism.
“Also where democratic principles and ideals are upheld; and where peace and social harmony reign,’’ he said.
The nonagenarian advised that people should go back to their roots as that was the only way to bring back the aesthetics embedded in culture, which was the most important part of the country’s success.
“We should not imbibe so much of the western culture by allowing our culture to die, be honest to yourself and be our brother’s keeper.
“I was a palm wine tapper, when I was in the college; if I come back to the village I go to tap wine but today, if anyone is asked to do that now it will sound abominable,’’ he said.
“Our customs, beliefs, traditions and arts are part and parcel of our total identity and existence as Nigerians.
“We indeed have a very rich and unique cultural heritage, which must be protected, preserved and promoted.
When asked what it was like to be 91, the nonagenarian said he was actually looking forward the age 90.
“I was looking forward to being 90 but today I am 91 and to God alone be all the glory.
“It is the joy that you’re not thinking of the past but seeing the present and maybe the future with full of hope,’’ he said
NAN
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