…As African Capital Alliance Foundation inculcates ethical values in Nigerian youths

CSR REPORTERS fears, the depletion of sound morals, values, and ethics has become a growing concern globally, transcending age, faith, tribe, and culture.

This erosion of societal ideals is largely to blame for the rise in social vices, which threaten the stability and peaceful co-existence of communities worldwide. Nigeria, in particular, has been grappling with various social ills among its youth, including cultism, ritual killings for money, indecent dressing, examination malpractice, cybercrime, sexual promiscuity, prostitution, and drug abuse.

To address these issues and ensure a better future, it is essential to halt this decline through individual and collective efforts, as well as institutional involvement, resource pooling, and organized approaches. The African Capital Alliance Foundation (ACAF), the charitable arm of African Capital Alliance, has stepped up to the challenge, aiming to foster a future where ethics and values reign supreme through strategic youth engagement.

In collaboration with Enactus, ACAF launched the “Ethical Living” Project, which focuses on instilling ethical decision-making values in Nigerian youth. This initiative represents a significant shift in approach and began earlier this year. Over the past few months, the Foundation has conducted youth-oriented and school-based training workshops on values and ethical living, culminating in an essay competition titled “My Role as a Youth and the Strategies I Will Deploy in Creating a More Ethical, Just, and Equitable Society.” The competition saw 353 students from 10 selected schools in Lagos State participating, with winners receiving cash awards and ICT devices.

At the project’s grand finale, held on August 7, 2024, at the Civic Centre in Lagos, OtelaJa Ayanfeoluwa from CMS Grammar School Bariga emerged as the overall winner of the essay competition. The event, attended by industry leaders, government officials, and education stakeholders, was hailed as impactful and capable of redirecting Nigerian youth towards promoting excellence in all aspects of life.

Dr. Okey Enelamah, Chairman of African Capital Alliance, emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to fostering an environment where ethical business leaders can thrive and contribute to society’s well-being. He highlighted the importance of ethical living as a way of life that prioritizes choices that benefit individuals, communities, and the nation. Enelamah expressed hope that the “Ethical Living” Project would expand its reach to more schools, helping to instill these values deeply in society.

Former Lagos State Commissioner of Education, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, delivered a keynote address titled “The Transformative Power of Ethical Living,” urging the current generation to make conscious decisions for a better tomorrow. She emphasized that ethical living benefits society and brings inner peace, urging Nigerians to abandon the mentality of “everyone is doing it.”

Michael Ajayi, Country Director of Enactus, underscored the program’s focus on promoting ethical decision-making among Nigerian youth. He described the “Ethical Living” project as a developmental program designed to elevate consciousness around ethics among secondary school students. Ajayi expressed confidence that the project would transform Nigerian youth into change agents who embrace the highest standards in all they do.

The project, a collaborative effort between ACAF and Enactus Nigeria, represents a significant step in shaping the ethical foundations of Nigeria’s future leaders. Through workshops, seminars, and interactive activities, the initiative aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for ethical living, ultimately contributing to their holistic development and the betterment of their communities.