Concerned parents and community leaders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have emphasized the need for continuous moral discipline in youths to foster a more responsible society.
Speaking in separate interviews with correspondence on Monday in Abuja, they expressed worry over the growing decline in ethical values and virtues among young people.
They stressed that while parents bear the primary responsibility for instilling good morals in their children, institutions also have a role in promoting positive societal values.
Mrs. Funke Dosumu, a lecturer, noted that strong moral foundations start with proper parental guidance.
According to her, many youths deviate from ethical behavior due to a lack of correction at an early age.
“Raising a child doesn’t start in primary or secondary school; it begins from infancy. Unfortunately, many parents hesitate to correct their children when they do wrong. A child who is not disciplined at home is likely to misbehave in public,” she said.
She also decried the rising trend of indecent dressing among youths, urging parents and guardians to lead by example in promoting appropriate attire.
Dosumu advocated for mentorship programs in schools and clubs to provide moral guidance and ethical decision-making support for young people.
Similarly, Mr. Christopher Idawskoji, a parent, stressed the importance of discipline and boundaries, urging parents to ensure their children seek guidance before making life-altering decisions.
“Modest and responsible lifestyles must always be encouraged. Discipline remains key, even when children become adults and enter tertiary institutions. We must draw a clear line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior,” he said.
Mr. John Awoyi, a youth advocate and President of the Bwari Youth Forum, emphasized that communities play a vital role in promoting ethics and responsible citizenship.
“Open discussions and debates on moral dilemmas can help young individuals develop a strong moral compass. Engaging them in community activities fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility,” he stated.
Awoyi also urged leaders across all sectors to model ethical behavior, as their actions set an example for younger generations.
He further suggested promoting media literacy to help individuals differentiate between ethical and unethical content, particularly in the face of rising cyberbullying and online crimes.
Additionally, he called for integrating ethics into school curricula as part of critical thinking and decision-making education.
Mr. Samuel Egwuje, a cleric, stressed the importance of instilling religious and moral teachings in children to shape their values.
“Friends and social influences can shape morality, but young people must be able to distinguish between right and wrong. With the fear of God in them, they can easily disassociate from immoral behavior,” he said.
He recommended that schools and communities implement programs focused on character development, empathy, and positive moral values.
Malam Isiaka Dauda, a traditional leader in Bwari, urged public officials to demonstrate ethical leadership, emphasizing that transparent and accountable governance fosters trust and discourages youth from negative behaviors.
“As leaders, we must act in the best interests of our people, uphold human rights, and provide equal opportunities for all. Our youths look up to us as mentors, so we must set the right example,” he said.
He further called for an environment that reinforces ethical conduct, encouraging selflessness and responsibility among young people.
(NAN)