By Matthew Johnson
Former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has decried the erosion of core values in society.
He spoke at the 29th annual Role Model Award ceremony organised by the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation, HLF, where 13 prominent Nigerians were honoured for their exceptional contributions to the country.
Anyaoku lamented what he described as a sharp decline in the values that once defined Nigerian society, stressing that hard work and integrity, previously upheld as non-negotiable virtues, were increasingly being undermined.
He noted that the awards were designed to recognise individuals whose lives and careers embodied role model attributes, adding that six of the 13 honourees were recognised posthumously for their enduring legacies.
According to him, the recognition is intended to inspire Nigerians, particularly the youth, to embrace diligence, integrity and values that promote both personal excellence and societal progress.
Anyaoku urged young Nigerians to channel their energies into productive sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and entrepreneurship, while also calling on political office seekers to demonstrate genuine commitment to public service.
He expressed concern over what he termed the growing glorification of wealth without scrutiny of its source, noting that even religious and community institutions now celebrate affluence without questioning how it is acquired.
“In our time, success was tied to hard work, and wrongdoing attracted open criticism, including examination malpractice and corruption. Today, there is increasing tolerance for misconduct, even among those expected to uphold standards,” he said.
Anyaoku also called for greater stakeholder support to enable the Foundation expand its programmes and sustain its mission of promoting excellence and nation-building.
In her remarks, Executive Secretary of the Foundation, Mrs. Patricia Otuedon, said Nigeria still possessed abundant human capital capable of driving positive change.
She noted that the Foundation, established 29 years ago, had remained committed to identifying and celebrating individuals who exemplified integrity, diligence and patriotism.
“We must continue to instil the right values in our children and discourage the notion that wealth alone defines success,” she said.
Highlighting the Foundation’s impact, Otuedon disclosed that its scholarship programme, launched in 2008, has supported over 400 secondary school students and produced more than 50 university graduates.
She added that the organisation has provided educational infrastructure, including science laboratories, computer facilities and learning materials, to schools in underserved communities, alongside organising workshops and symposia to promote civic awareness and accountability.
According to her, the Foundation’s youth development initiatives have also identified and nurtured talents across various fields, equipping young Nigerians with leadership skills.
Otuedon charged the awardees to regard their recognition as a call to greater responsibility and to continue contributing meaningfully to national development.
Among the awardees were Mr. Mahmud Ahmed, recognised for contributions to good governance; Prof. Adeyinka Falusi, honoured for her work in genetic research; and Prof. Francisca Okeke, celebrated for her contributions to science, among others.
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