Ayodele Olalere
Following the arrest of Dubai based Nigerian fraudster, Ramon Abass otherwise known as Hushpuppi, youths have been advised to cultivate values such as integrity and honesty in all their endeavours.
At a seminar organised by Sunshine Estate Association, Agege, for youths in the community, speakers at the event lamented high rates of fraudulent practices among youths, saying loss of integrity and honesty are the causes of ill gotten wealth among youths.
One of the speakers, Mr Greg Usiholo, while addressing the youths on the topic ‘Integrity’ said it is sad ‘ a lot of youths are prepared to forego values of integrity in the pursuit of wealth.’
” Some youths believe those who cheat have more chances of succeeding in life. It is distressing to know that numerous young people are willing to forego their integrity for the sake of getting a job in high position and more wealth. This puts them in vulnerable position and at risk of becoming both victims and perpetrators during activities such as taking exams, interviewing for jobs, getting documents. They know very well what is right or wrong in theory but in real life they say it is very difficult to maintain integrity and honesty. If we do not reverse this ugly trend among the youth, the future of the country will be dark and gloomy,” he warned.
He blamed the educational system, family circle and the media for the ugly trend in the society, adding while the media glorify people wealthy individual without knowing their source of income, parents as well as bad educational system have failed to instill discipline in youths.
He urged the government to ‘establish anti-corruption and integrity related education policies to be implemented at all levels of education in both public and private institutions.’
Mr Daniel Odibo, who spoke on the value of hard work urged the youths to be focused on their future.
” You must be focused on your future. Fashion yourselves to what you want to be in the future and set your vision right. You must have vision and purpose in life and use your strength to do what you can do now,”he counseled.
The Chairman of the association, Mr Olatoye Olusegun, on behalf of the organisers said the decaying values among the youths prompted the association to organise the seminar.
“When we noticed what is happening, not just within the estate but in Nigeria as a whole, our youths are not willing to be patient. While we were younger, we did not get much encouragement or advise but our generation can put this present youths on the right track and checkmate them. They should remain humble, committed and be steadfast in what they do. It is not everyone that can become doctors or engineers but the future we want to.build starts today,” he said.
While speaking on behalf of the youths, Miss Oreoluwa Ogunsolu, said lessons learnt at the seminar has helped to prepare them for a better future.
” The seminar has helped us to know that as youth, we can make it in life without being involved in scam or fraud. I now know I can make legitimate money through hardwork and integrity,” she said.
Other speakers include Mr Wale Bamore, an insurance expert and youths counsellor.
