Foundation Seeks Antidote Against Corruption
Dr Patrick Uduma, the convener of Standout with Patrick Uduma, has emphasised the need for a value system overhaul to combat corruption in Nigeria.
According to Dr Uduma, building a strong value system is the key to promoting integrity and honesty in the country.
He made this assertion during the 8th Anniversary of Standout with Patrick Uduma in Port Harcourt, where he argued that punishing corrupt individuals is not enough to drive effective change and that a more holistic approach is needed.
“If you look at our society, one thing that you notice is the lack of a value system, and anywhere there isn’t a value system, it’s difficult to build a culture of character, and you see the character component has been left in our development pursuit of national development.”
He noted that the call for a value system overhaul comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with widespread corruption and insecurity while advocating the incorporation of value systems into development, parenting, and school curriculum to create a society that values integrity and honesty.
He emphasised the importance of modelling values and being agents of transformation.
He highlighted the need for government institutions to emphasise value systems and encourage creativity and character, citing the example of Dubai’s approach to development, where consistency and value systems were emphasised and rewarded.
According to Dr Uduma, when individuals have value, they make better decisions and are less likely to engage in corrupt practices.
He said, “Value will help us to make corporate decisions. When we say we are clueless, it’s because we don’t have value. Once you have value, your decision, your choice-making is so perfect, and you won’t have regrets,” Dr Uduma concluded.
Also, the Executive Director of Uduma Development Initiative (UDI), Chioma Praises Basil, while expressing her joy and gratitude for the organisation’s growth and progress over the years, noted that the idea for Standout With Patrick Uduma was born out of a simple conversation, and with determination and hard work, it has evolved into a remarkable initiative that has impacted many lives.
“Just start something; start it; it will grow,” she said. “The ability for it to grow is not completely in your hands, but just start it because you’ll never know.”
Foundation Seeks Antidote Against Corruption is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
