Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has called for a moral revival across all sectors of society, saying honesty, integrity, and accountability remain essential to rebuilding the nation.

Mr 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 the government will rake in a lot of money,” said Mr Onaiyekan. “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,” Mr Onaiyekan said.

Speaking at the event, the school’s principal, Chidebelu Nwigwe, encouraged increased support for education, saying it remains the foundation for peace, productivity, and sustainable development.

(NAN)