From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has charged youths in the country to embrace the future with hope and optimism, recognizing the unique advantages of being a Nigerian in a rapidly evolving world.
Chidoka, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on media, Ikechukwu Okafor, stated this in a lecture at the Coal City University, Enugu, during combined convocation for the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 classes, recently.
The statement noted that the former minister,
in the lecture titled “Unveiling the Shadows: Deciphering the Moral Ambiguities of Local Aphorisms” emphasized the value of curiosity, principled living, and respect for community and societal norms as foundations for a successful and ethical life.
Chidoka, who is also a former Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corps( FRSC told the graduates that Nigeria, despite its challenges has bestowed them with some advantages.
“Nigeria instills boldness in you; we are a country of free and fearless people. We confront the world without any sense of inferiority. As a Nigerian, you can live with diversity. We thrive in other countries because our country is a crucible of diversity. We confidently confront diversity challenges because we live it daily, whether ethnic or religious.
“Our country has taught us how to assert ourselves and yet make the necessary compromises, enabling a shared sense of community. Our worst disagreements only magnify the bond that ties us.”
He added :“The diverse tapestry of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, enriched with an abundance of local aphorisms, has traditionally been revered as vessels of wisdom. These aphorisms have nurtured moral values and guided social conduct.
“However, in our contemporary society, some of these sayings may justify behaviors that erode the moral fabric of our youth. This perspective underscores the importance of understanding and adapting cultural wisdom in today’s context.
“As young people, you may face ethical dilemmas when there’s a dissonance between traditional moral precepts and contemporary moral or social norms. This dissonance can lead to moral ambiguity or conflict affecting your moral disposition”.