Former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku at the weekend said ethics and values have generally collapsed in the Nigerian society.
He said despite this, some Nigerians have distinguished themselves to become role models in their fields.
The elder statesman spoke in Lagos during the 27th anniversary and the Great Nigerian Awards, 2024 organised by Hallmarks of Labour Foundation where 12 distinguished Nigerians were recognised under the auspices of Dr. Christopher Kolade, Chairman Board of Trustees of the foundation.
The awardees included the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammad Ali Pate; foremost Professor of Mass Communication, Umar Pate; former Minister of Education, Prof. Rukayyatu Ahmed Rufai; Emeritus Professor Akinjide Osuntokun and Prof. Adesola Ogunniyi.
Others are former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Barr. Geoffrey Onyeama; former Minister of Petroleum, Barr. Odein Ajumogobia; foremost Accountant, Bashorun Jaiye Kofolaran Randle (JK Randle); Prof. Baba Yusuf Abubakar; Barr. Louis Nnamdi Mbanefo; Prof. Adesola Ogunniyi, Prof. Christian T. Happi and Prof. Jibrila Dahiru Amin.
Anyaoku who chaired the award event said the recognition is significant in a Nigerian society where ethics and values have generally collapsed.
According to him, people like him were thought in Nigeria of those days that success came only from hard work and integrity.
He said good character was the most important possession of any human being at the time.
He, however, decried the moral decadence in the present day Nigeria, noting that "Character is lost, everything is lost.
Anyaoku congratulated the awardees whom he stated are "Indisputably deserving individuals."
Executive Secretary of the foundation, Patricia Otuedon-Arawore who delivered the message of Dr. Christopher Kolade said despite the socio-political and economic challenges facing Nigeria, the country like other countries in the world, has its share of men and women of note who have made their marks and left their footprints on the sands of time.
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Apart from the awardees who were present at the occasion, several dignitaries and elder statesmen witnessed the award presentation.
They included Izioma Phillip Asiodu, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, Mr. Femi Falana, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Prof. Itse Sagay, Dr. Tony Iredia, Dr. John Momoh, among others.
