By Daniel Obaje
Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, has called for a moral revival across all sectors of society, saying honesty, integrity and accountability remain essential to rebuilding the nation.
Onaiyekan said this on Saturday at the 10th anniversary celebration and fundraising for the digitalisation project of Divine Love College, Kuchikau, Nasarawa State.
He emphasised the need for government and citizens to work together in promoting transparency, equity and moral uprightness for national development.
“What we are hearing now is that there will be a new tax system and that government will rake in a lot of money
“People are ready to pay taxes, but they also want to see how their contributions are improving the nation. Accountability should go hand in hand with development.”
He said national transformation must begin with good examples from leaders and a renewed commitment to honesty and merit in both public and private life.
“We can only preach and tell people that honesty is the best policy, but out there people are told that honesty is not the best policy, you cannot expect morality to thrive when truth is ignored.”
The cleric urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to keep faith in hard work and integrity, saying those values still offer the surest path to progress.
“In those days, we believed that if we worked hard, we would succeed. Now young people ask, ‘In what country?’ We must not lose hope, If everyone does their part, we can build a better nation.”
Also speaking, the Principal of the school, Sr. Chidebelu Nwigwe, said the anniversary was a celebration of thanksgiving for 10 years of academic and moral excellence.
“It is a celebration of thanksgiving for 10 years of peaceful, useful and industrious growth of children.”
“We are now looking at digitalisation so that children who pass through this school will never be left behind in the technological revolution shaping the world.”
She said the school had already commenced projects such as a digital library, school clinic and examination hall, in line with the vision of hosting computer-based tests for WAEC, NECO and JAMB in the near future.
“By the grace of God, in the next five years, we will have a fully equipped school where external and internal examinations can be conducted digitally
“No child who comes to this school should go away empty-handed. We want every student to leave equipped for life.”
Nwigwe also encouraged increased support for education, saying it remains the foundation for peace, productivity and sustainable development.
“We cannot have abundant natural resources and allow our children to roam the streets doing nothing, education is the key to equipping them for meaningful living.”
A student of the school, Kanu Daniella, described her experience at Divine Love College as enriching and inspiring.
“My experience in Divine Love College has been a lovely one. The school is very good
“The new era of digitalisation is very exciting and I believe it will take our learning to another level.”
Another student, Nongo Shadrack, said his short time at the school had already made a strong impression on him.
“After staying in school half a term, I can say this school is a home away from home, and it is the best place to school, It has been way more exciting than I thought.”
The event featured a thanksgiving mass, cultural performances and fundraising for the school’s digitalisation project aimed at modernising learning and administration (NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
