The Citizen’s Drive Towards Value System Reform Summit and the launch of the book “You are the Nigerian Dream” took place in 2020 with the aim of transforming Nigeria by addressing the core values of its citizens. This summit, together with the book launch, seeks to create a systematic approach to reform Nigeria’s value system, with a focus on making integrity the foundation for national transformation.
Overview of the Event
Many Nigerians possess strong moral integrity and adhere to an upright value system. However, to make this the societal norm, the summit aimed to bring together such inspiring individuals to form a network that would strategically foster a value-driven transformation in Nigeria.
As part of this vision, a special chapter in the book “You are the Nigerian Dream” was dedicated to highlighting 25 inspiring Nigerians who embody these values. This chapter provides a platform for these individuals to share their personal stories of integrity, patriotism, and their vision for Nigeria.
#MyNigerianDream Challenge
The project started with the #MyNigerianDream Challenge on Instagram, where young Nigerians were invited to share their stories of integrity and their aspirations for the country. The primary goal of this challenge was to ignite a spark within Nigerian youth, motivating them to visualize and work towards a better future for Nigeria.
Participants were asked to submit their answers to the following questions:
- What is your Nigerian Dream?
- Have you done something patriotic? (Optional)
- Submit a picture for your #NigerianDream banner/flier.
The challenge received entries from young Nigerians eager to contribute their stories, with the top entries featured on customized banners. Ultimately, the initiative aimed to select 100 inspiring Nigerian youth whose dreams and stories would be published in the book “You are the Nigerian Dream.”
Incentives for Participants
Participants stood to benefit in several ways, including:
- The platform to inspire thousands of other Nigerian youth.
- The opportunity to earn royalties as contributors to the book.
- Personalized #NigerianDream banners for their social media platforms to promote their stories and dreams.
The challenge successfully gathered the desired entries, which were highlighted in the campaign’s promotional materials.
Citizen’s Drive towards Value System Reform Summit
The Citizen’s Drive towards Value System Reform Summit provided a platform for dialogue on how to shift Nigeria’s national value system towards integrity. The summit emphasized the importance of personal value system reform as a precursor to transforming Nigeria’s national character from corruption to integrity.
This summit aimed to establish a solid foundation for achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by aligning Nigeria’s value system with principles of integrity, accountability, and good governance. The central theme of the summit was that “transformation emanates from within,” meaning that the change Nigeria needs must begin with a collective commitment to personal value system reform.
Guest Speakers
The summit hosted an impressive lineup of influential speakers and thought leaders, including:
- Hon. Dayo Israel – National Youth Leader of APC and Former Permanent Board Member of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board.
- Titi Ojo – Trainer at the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP).
- Niyi Onabanjo – Development Expert and Former UNDP Project Manager.
- Adebowale Olorunmola – Country Director, Westminster Foundation for Democracy.
- Oshakuade Ifeoluwa – Founder & Executive Director, Young Shapers Club.
- Jude Feranmi (JFK) – Bestselling Author, Lead the People.
- Ayomide Alao – Team Lead, Reformers of Africa.
These distinguished guests shared their insights on leadership, value system reform, and how Nigeria can be transformed from within by nurturing a culture of integrity and responsibility.
The Launch of “You are the Nigerian Dream”
The book “You are the Nigerian Dream” serves as a personal letter to every Nigerian, challenging them to reflect on their role in shaping the future of the nation. It poses the “Billion Naira Question”: If everyone in Nigeria were exactly like you—possessing your attitude, values, and work ethic—what would Nigeria be like?
This thought-provoking question encourages readers to critically assess their contribution to Nigeria’s societal and economic landscape. Would Nigeria continue to struggle with issues like poverty, corruption, and inefficiency, or would it be transformed into a first-world nation, driven by citizens with a strong moral compass and dedication to national progress?
The book is structured to empower readers with practical steps for contributing to Nigeria’s transformation. It underscores the importance of personal responsibility and highlights how individual actions shape the collective destiny of the nation.
Key Messages
- Personal Integrity as National Capital: The book highlights that the integrity of Nigerian citizens is a national asset. It calls on Nigerians to recognize that their daily actions and decisions contribute to shaping Nigeria’s future.
- Building a Value-Driven Nigeria: The project emphasizes that Nigeria’s transformation into a first-world nation hinges on the alignment of individual and national values towards integrity, accountability, and service.
- Youth Empowerment for Transformation: The summit and the book launch encourage Nigerian youth to envision a brighter future for their country and equip them with the mindset and tools to achieve it.
The Citizen’s Drive towards Value System Reform Summit and the launch of “You are the Nigerian Dream” marked a critical step in addressing the challenges of Nigeria’s value system. Through the collaborative efforts of youth, thought leaders, and inspiring individuals, this project aims to create a ripple effect of positive change across the nation. By emphasizing the role of personal responsibility and integrity, it sets the stage for Nigeria’s transformation into a first-world nation, driven by citizens who are the embodiment of the Nigerian Dream.