The Madonna University Okija, Anambra State has held its maiden legacy lecture series, tagged: “Faith And Legacy: Reclaiming Moral Leadership In A Fractured Nigeria.
The legacy lecture Series was held at the Madonna University, Okija Campus in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Speaking, Prof. Jonah Onuoha, an International Relations Expert ,at the University said that the theme was timely and focuses on solution to gain true leadership in troubled present world where anarchy rules
Onuoha, who doubled as Chairman of the occasion described the Madonna Maiden Legacy lecture series as a platform to Foster National reflection, Intellectual engagement and visionary discourse.
He said that the Nigerian nation has been watched by people who are either fearless, shameless and careless because they have exhibited tout like attitude driven by nurture or nature principles.
He disclosed that His Eminence Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke was considered ripe to discuss the issues mitigating good leadership and in a discussion mood proffer important ways to navigate the complexities of this nation.
He further stated that the achievements of the early Catholic Missionaries and the successful establishment of the first schools, hospitals and other facilities in Nigeria is on record signifying the role of the church in reclaiming the moral leadership for a healthy living.
“The church has established schools from primary to secondary and tertiary institutions. The church-run-schools emphasides on moral values, discipline and character development offered by the church as critical in nation building.
He said that things fell apart in the 1970s when the Nigerian government became in control over many of the schools and Hospitals and the growth of cultism started in our schools.
“The church has a role to play in cleansing the Society of drugs, kidnapping, fast money and moral decadence” “In short the church must reclaim its leadership in Nigeria and that is the crux of the series.
He acknowledges his eminence’s contribution to education, peace building and spiritual growth which has been truly inspiring as a renewed leader in the Catholic Church hence his choice as a speaker.
“Our work in promoting interfaith dialogue, Social Justice and human dignity has not gone unnoticed. We are eager to hear your thoughts on how we can reclaim moral leadership in a society that often seems fractured and divided”.
He said he lacks no confidence that his eminence lecture will be impactful and insightful and able to hold base for meaningful conversation and reflection on the importance of moral leadership in our Society and that greater values will be drawn.
He appreciated the eminence for accepting the invitation to deliver the lecture and declared the event open urged the public to pay rapt attention in his eminence speech for solution gathering.
Speaking Okpaleke said that he was asked to reflect on the topic : faithand the future: reclaiming moral leadership in a Fractured Nigeria. He said that the theme resonates deeply with the national realities and the mission of csthHigher Education in forming ethical,responsible leaders for tomorrow.
“Simply put i will reflect on how christian faith as communicated through Catholic Higher Education, example Madonna University can contribute to the formation of morally grounded leaders in. Nigeria. the scope is broad and the is tropical.
He said that faith and the dominant image of God clarifies that faith is not underin terms of opinion,views convincitions held without solid evidence as such view opposes faith to reason and science.
Okpaleke said that moral leadership often conjures up the image of a person responsible for or in charge of others.
He said that it is seen as elite -social -politi economic and cultural which confines leadership to few ,though the bane of Nigeria society is that moral decadence.
He said that when the people respects values,culture,irrespective of their status or religion and respect the internal affairs of the country, international bodies would not have control over their internal principles.
“When everyone is equal before the law, only then can we have it right, the rule of law is the only way to live according to what is lager than oneself.
“When people violates social order and are been reprimanded despite their status, the law then is seen to command the politicians, professor, market women, producers to be lawful .
“ It is only when we as the society, as church, student, academia resolve to be ruled by the law then that faith, spirituality and brain will be seen to work together to salvage the nation,”he said.
Prof Chibueze Aniebo in the university’s Department of Economics, said that more collaboration needed to be done by the church where the actors would seat together for more agreement on formation creation acceptable to all.
He said that the youths needed to have clear cut push in order to pick greater talents.
Earlier, Prof Jonah Onuoha, chairman of the occasion, described the lecture as a platform for national reflection, intellectual engagement and visionary discourse.
“The title of your lecture- Faith and the Future: Reclaiming Moral Leadership in A Fractured Nigeria – is both timely and important as we navigate the complexities of the nation.”
Onuoha stated that the achievements of the early Catholic Missionaries and the successful establishment of the first schools, hospitals and other facilities in Nigeria laid a good foundation for the country.
“The church established schools from primary to secondary and tertiary institutions.
“The church-run-schools emphasised on moral values, discipline and character development.
“Things fell apart in the 1970s when the Nigerian government took control of many of the schools, hospitals and the growth of cultism started in our schools.
“The church has a role to play in cleansing the society of drugs, kidnapping, fast money and moral decadence.
“In short, the church must reclaim its leadership in Nigeria,” he said.
Prof. Nkechi Ezenwaamadu, Chairperson Planning Committee, said that the maiden lecture series was to plant the seed of a tradition that would blossom into an enduring intellectual and moral landmark for the university, the church and the nation.
Ezenwaamadu, who also is the Dean, Faculty of Education and Arts, said that the series had been conceived as an annual event of high academic, cultural and moral value.
She said that it was also designed to be a meeting point of scholarly forum, where leading voices in the academy ,the church and society come together to interrogate critical issues to chart pathways.
The Administrator of Okija campus, Rev’d Fr Cyriacus Emedolu,in his vote of thanks, expressed pleasure having the privilege to host the bishop, team from Elele campus and guests from the government circles.
He urged the students, teachers and non-academic staff not to relent in their effort to ensure high moral standard and discipline were maintained.
Emedolu said that the students were groomed to be balanced in academic formation, morale, cultural and religion since 1999 when the university was established.
A three hundred level student in the International Studies’ Department asked if it was possible for people to have a peaceful community despite the diversity in religion.
He was told that it was possible as long as the rule of law was followed.
Mr Patrick Ahga-Mba, Anambra Commissioner for Youth Development was among the government dignitaries in attendance.
