The International Friendship League (IFL) has called for a renewed commitment to responsible citizenship, ethical leadership and the fear of God as the country continues to prepare for the 2027 elections.
The call was made at a symposium organised by the group at Rockview Hotel, Festac Town, Lagos, with the theme, “A Call to Citizenship Transformation.”
Speaking after the event, a representative of IFL Old Festac, Pastor Melville Abang, said Nigeria’s challenges were not due to a lack of human and natural resources, but largely to poor leadership and management of the country’s resources.
Abang said leaders who feared God and placed the interest of the people above personal interests would create an environment where citizens could prosper. He said: “If a man who fears God is in a position of authority, the people will rejoice, but when one who does not fear God is in power, the people will suffer.”
According to him, the symposium focused on transformation because Nigeria has sufficient resources to become a prosperous nation, but has continued to struggle because of corruption, poor leadership and the absence of a clear vision. He said there was a need for citizens to embrace a new orientation and work collectively towards building a transformed society.
Abang also identified ethnicity, tribalism, corruption and the preference for mediocrity over merit as some of the factors that had hindered Nigeria’s development. He called on Nigerians to rethink their approach to national development, stressing that citizens must play active roles in restoring the values that once contributed to the country’s progress.
Recalling his early years in the military, he said opportunities were previously available for personnel to improve their education and welfare, noting that the situation had changed significantly over the years.
He, however, expressed optimism that Nigeria could still overcome its challenges if citizens humbled themselves, prayed and committed themselves to rebuilding the country.
“There is still hope. As we are praying, we humble ourselves and pray that God will heal our land. That is my belief,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Pastor Taiwo Adeoye identified three principles which he said could improve the lives of citizens: “Yearn, Learn and Earn.”
Adeoye explained that ambition often drives people to acquire knowledge and skills, which subsequently create opportunities for economic and personal advancement.
He, however, warned that many people become complacent after achieving some level of success, thereby losing the desire to continue learning and improving themselves.
According to him, earning should not be viewed solely in monetary terms, as individuals also earn positions, opportunities, comfort and influence through their efforts.
He urged Nigerians not to abandon their aspirations after attaining certain positions or levels of comfort, stressing that continuous learning and personal development were necessary to fulfil one’s purpose.
The symposium brought together participants from different backgrounds to discuss ways of promoting responsible citizenship and contributing to national transformation.