A non-governmental organisation, Emmanuel Ivorgba Centre, has organised a two-day training for youths in Plateau, in promoting national ethics and value reorientation

Speaking at the event on Saturday in Jos, the centre’s President, Dr Emmanuel Ivorgba, said that the initiative was aimed at instilling Nigeria’s good values in young people.

Mr Ivorgba said that the event was organised in partnership with the Centre for Faith and Community Development.

The president, who decried the rising decay in ethical values in Nigerians, said that the training would enable participants to become ambassadors of national identity.

He stated, “We are worried about the decaying values and ethics in our country; we are worried about the future of our dear country. We believe that change in modern times should begin with the youth. They should be at the centre of the conversation; this is why we organised this event to begin the conversation for a better Nigeria. We want to see a nation with high morals, respect for one another, truthfulness, loyalty, and patriotism. We do not have another country, so we need to do everything to make it better. Agreed, we are not yet there, but the country is not as bad as Nigerians see it.’’

Mr Ivorgba called on young Nigerians to defend and project Nigeria in a positive light, noting that it was the citizens that would make their country beautiful and great.

He particularly called on young people to desist from love for material things and the “make it quick” syndrome.

He said, “This training will run for sometime; so, after these two days, we will bring another set of young people for the same exercise. Our desire is to have young ambassadors who will spread the gospel of ethics and values reorientation in their communities.’’

Speaking, a Deputy Director with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Yohanna Filibus, who commended the organisers of the training, described the move as a right step in the right direction.

Mr Filibus explained that the exercise would inspire the participants and other young people to inculcate values that would engender national identity.

According to him, Nigeria has made significant progress in the recent past, so the onus lies on the citizens to project the country’s positive image.