IN our previous edition, we discussed the Nigerian Promise, which outlines the expectations of citizens from the government. In this third edition, we will focus on the Citizens Code, also known as Citizens Commitment. The Citizens Code is a set of seven commitments that every Nigerian citizen is expected to uphold. These commitments form the core values of our nation and serve as a call to action for every citizen to contribute to the development of the country. In this article, we will explore the seven commitments of the Citizens Code and how they can guide us towards building a better Nigeria.
Discipline
The first commitment on the list is discipline. Discipline is a foundational ingredient upon which national development is anchored. A nation without discipline cannot make any progress. Nigerians must adhere strictly to the rules and regulations locally and globally, recognize and respect constituted authorities, respect all national icons, be punctual and avoid all forms of truancy at work, always be productive and work towards the achievement of set objectives, obey traffic rules and ensure respect for other road users and pedestrians, and be committed to work and display a high sense of responsibility and due diligence in our daily lives.
Discipline is not only about the above-mentioned rules but also about committing to excellence and being accountable for one’s actions. It is about being diligent and focused on achieving one’s goals. By embracing discipline as a core value, Nigerians can foster order, growth, and development in all aspects of their lives.
Duty Of Care
The second commitment on the list is Duty of Care. This is the willingness of every one of us to contribute positively to the well-being and development of fellow citizens and everyone in Nigeria for the overall good of the Nigerian state and its component units.
Nigerians must create a safe and supportive environment for all by ensuring that our thoughts, words, and actions are peaceful and friendly. We must respect the rights and dignity of all, and we must understand and act in a manner that safeguards the rights and privileges of all despite their status, gender, religious affiliation, or group membership.
Duty of care is about showing empathy and compassion towards others. It is about being aware of the needs of our fellow citizens and taking action to support them. By upholding the commitment of Duty of Care, Nigerians can build a strong and united nation that is committed to the well-being of all its citizens.
Tolerance
The third commitment on the list is Tolerance. Nigerians must be mutually tolerant and should respect each other. We must appreciate that we are all created by the Almighty God differently and for a purpose. This difference is reflected in our words and deeds. Understanding will come if we are patient with each other to appreciate the value in the other person or groups of persons.
Doing this will help us avoid conflict and build consensus. We must cultivate an environment of inclusivity by actively listening to diverse perspectives and valuing the richness that comes from our differences.
Tolerance is about accepting and celebrating our differences. It is about recognizing that diversity is a strength and not a weakness. By embracing the commitment to tolerance, Nigerians can build a nation that is inclusive and respectful of all its citizens.
Leadership
The fourth commitment on the list is Leadership. The Nigerian is a born leader. We are a great people, with a very promising country. We must stand united to build and defend our nation, have a sense of nationhood wherever duty calls, lead by good and worthy examples, inspire confidence and goodness in others, not despair or succumb but be determined when faced with challenges, hold our leaders at all levels accountable for actions that impact the Nation and citizens, abide by the ethics and oaths of our various professions and associations, and love and respect the values and symbols that define us as a country.
Leadership is not just about holding a position of authority. It is about taking responsibility for one’s actions and inspiring others to do the same. By embracing the commitment of Leadership, Nigerians can build a nation that is accountable, responsible and committed to the well-being of all its citizens.
Accountability
The fifth commitment on the list is Accountability. Accountability is about being responsible for one’s actions and holding others responsible. It is about being transparent and honest in all dealings. By embracing the commitment to Accountability, Nigerians can build a nation that is transparent, honest, and committed to the well-being of all its citizens.
Transparency, accountability, and integrity are crucial for the growth and development of any nation. Nigerians must embrace practices that combat corruption at all levels, hold public and social institutions accountable, advocate for transparency and open governance principles, expose all acts of corruption and promote good governance, provide selfless service when called upon, perform our civic responsibilities, ensure a secure society, and promote ethical business practices.
Environmental Awareness
The sixth commitment on the list is Environmental Awareness. Environmental Awareness is about being responsible stewards of the environment. It is about recognizing the impact of our actions on the environment and taking steps to minimize that impact. By embracing the commitment to Environmental Awareness, Nigerians can build a sustainable and environmentally conscious nation.
Nigerians must respect the sanctity of human life, protect our children from bullying and negative peer pressure, teach and impact on them the dignity in legitimate labour, ensure positive use of social media and the internet, guarantee to insulate the child from unwholesome exposures, study our environments and circumstances towards useful insights in the pursuit of happiness and the attainment of the Nigerian Promise, and be cautious of cybercrimes and support cybersecurity measures.
Resilience
The seventh and final commitment on the list is Resilience. Resilience is about being persistent and determined in the face of challenges. It is about not giving up and striving towards excellence in all aspects of one’s life. By embracing the commitment to Resilience, Nigerians can build a nation that is determined, hardworking, and committed to the well-being of all its citizens.
Nigerians must take pride in our all-legitimate efforts at earning a living, uphold the principle that every legitimate job is important and useful to society, treat everyone with respect and dignity, derive satisfaction and a sense of pride in all we do, strive to be contented as against being greedy, be focused on independent-mindedness, not give up no matter the circumstances, push against all odds until we achieve our goals, strive to excel in every field of human endeavour at both local and global levels and value hard work.
In conclusion, the National Values Charter provides a framework for Nigerians to live up to their responsibilities as citizens of a great nation. By adhering to the seven key commitments highlighted in this article, Nigerians can contribute to the betterment of their country and the well-being of their fellow citizens. Let us all commit to these values and work towards a brighter future for Nigeria. As we journey in our collective efforts of nation-building, we shall still create time to dwell more on each of the expectations from the government and the governed. Thank you.
Comments and Contributions to improve the presentations to the understanding of all Nigerians are welcomed.
Contact:
Bimbola Sulaiman, a trained journalist and broadcaster, is a staff of National Orientation Agency (NOA), office of the Director General, Lanre Issa-Onilu.
Her column ‘NOA ON THE MOVE’, a sponsored partnership with News Point Nigeria, appears on this platform on Thursdays. She can be reached on bimbolasulaiman@gmail.com. Twitter: @bimssulaiman, Instagram: bimbolasulaiman, Linkedln: @ Bimbola Sulaiman