Embrace Development-Driven Values-Fashola

Gov.? Babatunde? Fashola of Lagos has called on Nigerians? to embrace values and make? choices that will encourage the development of the nation.
Fashola made the call?at the Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, when he delivered ?the 21st annual lecture? of the institution on Tuesday.
The theme of the lecture organised by the institution`s Alumni Association was “Re-ordering Our Social and Cultural Values for Good Governance??.
“I do not share in the belief that it is good governance that will revitalise this country. It is the reverse. It is only a restoration of values ?that will make good governance thrive.
“Citizens should, therefore, live their lives in consistence with values such as integrity, honesty, hard work, humility, among others.
“As a nation, regrettably we need to reclaim these values that are fast sliding away from us and affecting our development on all fronts,?? he said.
Fashola wondered why Nigerians?had made it a norm to spend hugely on parties and events even as the country was facing? the problem of want.
He?also raised concerns about ?the craze by Nigerians to hold? parties, such as marriages, and birthdays abroad.
According to him,?the practice is a threat to the economy as it is a veritable source of capital flight.
He cautioned religious leaders against religious teachings that placed prosperity ahead of faith and hard work.
He said the teachings had? promoted the culture of miracles seeking and?seeking wealth without hard work.
Fashola urged Nigerians to see the country as their project and work assiduously to ensure that it was positioned for greatness.
He implored Nigerians not to play the ostrich, but to face the country?s challenges headlong and work toward solving it.
The governor argued that the different crisis besetting?the countries showed that Nigeria?was not after all the worst place.
He advised Nigerians to believe more in the country and be committed to its greatness.
A former Head of State, Chief Earnest Shonekan, chaired the lecture attended by? members of LASU academic community.
In an address, Shonekan urged Nigerians to have deep faith in the country and pursue efforts that would refine and upgrade its democracy.
He asked Nigerians to jealously guard the nation`s democracy, adding that in spite of its imperfections, democracy still remained the best form of government.
The former head of Interim National Government called for concerted efforts to solve the country`s security challenges to make the nation?a better place for all.
He said?that some of the social and cultural values embraced by citizens favoured waste, indolence, and poverty, adding that these impeded development.
The governor said if citizens?were serious about?solving some of the country?s challenges, they should make only choices that would ?not harm its development.