VALUE RE-ORIENTATION AND TRANSFORMATION: A PANACEA FOR THRIVING IN TURBULENT TIMES

Abstract

This paper concentrates on the evaluation of value system in Nigeria and how it can be used as a potent tool to thrive in turbulent times. The challenges of insecurity; wide spread corruption; lack of respect for the dignity of human persons; lack of value for lives manifested in violence and killings and various forms of vices in different parts of the country are pointers to the degree of decadence that permeates the society as a result of the erosion of moral values. These conditions are antithetical to the transformation and development of the society. It is against this background that this paper attempts to analyze the role of value re-orientation and transformation as a panacea for thriving in turbulent times. The re-orientation and transformation of value system in our society is a search for national culture that would reshape national character and image. This paper employed the review of literature and making logical inferences from them. It is revealed that when national life is taken over by social sins, the citizens pursue wealth without knowledge and character, pleasure without conscience, commerce without morality, worship without sacrifice, science without humanity and politics without principles. This paper provided that re-orientation of value system would promote national image, respect for human life and corporate values. It is on this premise that the people would imbibe the culture of hard work and productivity, wealth creation, employment generation, entrepreneurship, intangible wealth and competition. Hence, it is advocated that, for the country to thrive and move forward, there must be value re-orientation among citizens engendered by transformational leadership with good values, correct ideas, appropriate strategies and policies, good institutions, political will, building state capacity and accountable governance among others.No society can thrive in turbulent times if its value system is left at the mercy of individuals' situations, circumstances and times.