The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has warned that Nigeria’s development in every sector is at risk unless the country revives its moral values and ethical standards.
In his Eid-el-Fitr message issued through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch expressed concern that the country, despite being blessed with intellectuals, economists and skilled politicians, lacks the moral foundation rooted in its socio-cultural traditions and religious teachings.
He warned that scientific and technological advancement without a corresponding moral base could worsen human suffering and deepen insecurity.
“A modern Nigerian society without a sound social and moral base will become its own worst enemy, leading to human misery, fear, insecurity and self-inflicted challenges driven by misguided advancement,” he stated.
Oba Owoade said many of the nation’s persistent challenges are a result of neglecting moral principles, leading to stagnation in both public and private sectors.
He stressed that true national development depends on promoting values such as justice, integrity, responsibility, selflessness, probity and honesty among leaders and citizens.
The monarch lamented the steady decline of societal values, including honesty, good neighbourliness and religious tolerance, noting that violence and insecurity have become normalised.
“We have become so desensitised that we are no longer shocked by senseless killings. Even with the growing number of internally displaced persons, life continues as though nothing is wrong, with everything reduced to politics,” he said.
He urged Muslims to emulate the teachings of Prophet Ibrahim, highlighting faith, charity and love for one another as keys to lasting blessings.
The Alaafin added that many of Nigeria’s security, corruption and economic problems stem from a lack of accountability to God, which has also fuelled distrust among the country’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.
According to him, strengthening God-consciousness and adherence to moral values would offer lasting solutions to the nation’s challenges while promoting peace and unity.
He called for sincere and sustained efforts to instil these virtues, noting that such a shift would improve lives and secure a better future for coming generations.
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