integrity panacea to development — clericA Catholic cleric, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Eshiowu has called on relevant stakeholders in the country to uphold their integrity in order to boost the nation’s development.
Eshiowu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that his admonition was based on his 147- page book, titled, “Integrity Campaign, the Antidote for Corruption’’.
The cleric said that every developed country was built on integrity by men of integrity.
“This is why they have continued to stand the test of time.
“When integrity succeeds integrity in governance; patriotism is venerated and patriots honoured, then stability is achieved in the society.
“The greatness of America did not come out of a night’s dream but through diligence and integrity. The pioneers did not just walk into an empty land to possess it,” he said.
Eshiowo, a priest of the Diocese of Orlu, noted that though Nigeria was a product of inter-tribal wedlock, it should not result into communal misconceptions.
“It is about seeking honour instead of wealth, because honour goes with reverence but wealth goes with worries. Integrity is about being honest and truthful,” he said.
The cleric also said that the nation should continue to celebrate and revere its cherished history that had been characterised by heroic deeds and monumental achievements.
He said that a nation without a history of its past was like a tree without a root, adding that every successful nation learned from its own history.
“Therefore, the downfall of any nation began with the neglect of its history which is its mother; for every nation is born into history and grows through history.
“Good leaders make history, while bad leaders destroy history and perish in it.
“ Integrity is the bedrock of every history because history does not alter its contents but keeps it intact,’’ he said.
The cleric advised families, public office holders and institutions to make their constituencies conducive habitations for the good of all.
“It is about employers paying fair wages to their workers and at the right time; and for the workers to work judiciously to justify their wages so that when they retire, there will be fund for their pension and gratuity.
“ Teachers should impact good knowledge on their students, not for the salary but for posterity and shunning examination malpractices.
“Doctors and healthcare professionals, the law enforcement agencies, artisans, business men, the media and parents should perform their functions selflessly, to tackle corruption in the society,” he said.
The cleric said that “just as we use water to put out fire, we, likewise, can stop corruption by means of integrity”.
He told NAN that the book, which was first launched in the United States of America, will be officially launched in Nigeria, in December.
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