Nigeria’s Growth Tied To Moral Re-birth

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor Friday decried the erosion of moral values in the society and called for moral transformation to restore the country on the path of development. They spoke at the flag-off of the National Christian Campaign on Social Transformation in Abuja, with the theme, “I Be the Change You Want to See.” Jonathan noted that the entire society had failed, adding that the result could be seen in incidences of kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and ritual killing among others. Urging Nigerians to return to God, the president said: “It would appear we have the society we deserve. In deed, we have lost moral values and principles; we have lost the values of hard work, respect for elders, truthfulness and contentment. So much has gone wrong in our family life, schools, churches and the society in general. Our priorities are misplaced.” Represented by the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms Amma Pepple, the president said that a great responsibility is placed on the church to lead the campaign to

restore our values and morals in order to bring about the much-needed transformation in the society. He described the campaign as the spiritual arm of government’s Transformation Agenda. In his sermon, CAN President, Oritsejafor called for a new Nigeria where people are no longer judged by their tribe or religion and a Nigeria where mediocrity is exposed and hard work is rewarded. He stated that the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 was not by mistake, adding that God is behind the idea of the country called Nigeria. continued