Why Nigerians need new Values for Sustainable Development

By Ifeoluwa Oluwatobi Akinola

For the Nigerian renaissance, personal and Government efforts are needed

The two should compliment each other. Making a country great requires effective and morally inclined human mind.

The mind is the creator of evil. It is also the hatchet of good. The nature of ethnics, the people’s conception of what is good and what is bad is critical to nation building.

The National Community Ethics and Value Environmental Compliance Corp is steadfast in its dedication to promoting and maintaining societal values. As a reputable institution with a primary focus on ethics and value compliance, NCEVEC assumes integral responsibilities in actively and transparently engaging local communities, government agencies, and industry representatives. These efforts aim to address concerns that directly impact the ethical and value framework of our nation.

Value is the worth or importance that something holds, whether it be an object, idea, service, or concept. It is subjective and varies from individual to individual, as people assign different meanings and significance to different things. Value can be determined by various factors such as utility, scarcity, desirability, and usefulness. It can also be influenced by cultural, societal, and personal beliefs and perceptions.
In the context of society, value refers to the principles, beliefs, and ideals that are esteemed and considered important by a particular group or community. It is the collective notion of what is deemed valuable or worthy within that society.

These values often shape social norms, behaviors, and expectations, influencing how individuals interact and make decisions.
Values in society can encompass a wide range of aspects, including moral and ethical principles, cultural traditions, economic priorities, social justice, environmental sustainability, and equality. They can shape attitudes towards issues like education, governance, justice, human rights, diversity, and the environment.

The concept of value in society is complex and dynamic, as it can change over time due to social, economic, technological, and cultural shifts. Values can also differ among different societies and cultural groups, leading to diverse perspectives on what is considered valuable or important.

Value as it relates to environmental stability refers to the recognition and appreciation of the importance of preserving and sustainably managing natural ecosystems and resources for the benefit of current and future generations. It involves understanding that a healthy environment is crucial for human well-being, biodiversity conservation, and the overall functioning of the planet.
In this context, value can be seen as recognizing the intrinsic worth of nature, meaning that elements of the environment have value independent of any benefit they may provide to people. This perspective emphasizes the ethical and moral responsibility to protect and conserve nature for its own sake.

Additionally, value in environmental stability can also refer to the recognition of the instrumental value of nature to human society. This includes the ecosystem services provided by nature, such as clean air and water, climate regulation, soil fertility, pollination, and natural resources. These services are essential for human survival, health, and economic prosperity, and their preservation is important for long-term sustainability and well-being.
In all the contexts of values, it cannot be separated from Ethics because it is the basic criteria to influence what is ethical. The value must be correctly resolved if a positive impact of ethics
must benefit any society or community.

The values must first be ascertain before determining the codes for ethics. The South West ethics supervisor,rtd DCC Akinola Olusegun had directed the employment of value ,integral and process approaches to effect the transformation our communities needed. The Ekiti state Ethics Commander ; Olabisi Oluyomi had made her commitment to carrying out the directive of the South West Ethics Zonal supervisor by starting with the integral approach whereby everybody will be involved in the implimentation

Understanding and promoting the value of environmental stability can drive efforts towards sustainable development, conservation practices, and the adoption of policies that prioritize the protection and responsible use of natural resources. It also involves individual and collective actions to reduce pollution, promote renewable energy, conserve biodiversity, and mitigate climate change.

Value as it relates to social justice refers to the beliefs and principles that prioritize fairness, equality, and the promotion of dignity and human rights for all individuals within a society. It involves recognizing, respecting, and upholding the inherent worth and equality of every person, regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, disability, or other characteristics.

Value plays a pivotal role in the grand tapestry of social justice, acting as both a driving force and a guiding principle. At its core, the concept of value encompasses the deeply held beliefs, morals, and principles that individuals and societies cherish as essential to their existence and well-being. In the realm of social justice, values serve as a compass, directing efforts towards creating a fair, inclusive, and equitable world for all.

They underpin the pursuit of equality, respect, and dignity for marginalized communities, shaping the discourse and actions that challenge systemic injustices. The recognition and promotion of universal values form the bedrock upon which trans-formative change is built, providing the moral framework necessary to challenge and dismantle oppressive systems and create a society that cherishes the worth and rights of every individual, irrespective of their background or circumstances.
In the circumstance of social justice, value encompasses the recognition that every individual deserves access to basic necessities, opportunities, and resources necessary for a dignified life. This includes but is not limited to education, healthcare, housing, employment, food security, and legal rights.

It also involves addressing and eradicating systemic inequalities, discrimination, and power imbalances that perpetuate injustice and hinder social progress.
Values of social justice emphasize the need for inclusive and non-discriminatory policies, laws, and practices within society. This not only entails fair treatment and equal opportunities for all individuals but also seeks to address and rectify historical and ongoing injustices.
Promoting value in social justice requires promoting equality, equity, diversity, and inclusivity. It involves challenging and dismantling structures and systems of oppression, advocating for equal rights and opportunities, and fostering an environment that respects and values all individuals regardless of their background.
The construct of value in relation to social justice is rooted in the belief that every person deserves to have their basic human rights met and to be treated with dignity, regardless of societal prejudices or disadvantages they may face. It encourages a collective responsibility to actively work towards creating a more just and equitable society where every person has the opportunity to thrive.NCEVEC remains resolute in its unwavering dedication to the preservation and promotion of values and ethics, as these factors bear relevance not only to our local community but also impact our national economy. By actively addressing issues encompassing the misuse or destruction of shared resources, the absence of fairness and equality, and the necessity for heightened accountability, NCEVEC endeavors to safeguard the values that embody our esteemed nation both within its borders and on the global stage.