Whistle blowing brings to the limelight, the case of value and values. “The Federal Ministry of Finance’s (FMF) whistleblowing programme is designed to encourage anyone with information about a violation of financial regulations, mismanagement of public funds and assets, financial malpractice, fraud and theft to report it.”
The primary goal of the FMF Whistleblowing Policy is to support the fight against financial crimes and corruption. It does this by increasing exposure of such crimes through the encouragement of voluntary information about corrupt practices. Whistle blowers are to be protected from harassment and intimidation, and will be rewarded with a percentage of the loot, which will be deployed towards financing Nigeria’s infrastructural deficit and other pressing national needs.
Certainly, the fact that staggering amounts of money are being recovered is a measure of the success of the policy, but the more fundamental issue that should concern us all is that of a fractured value system.
Values
“Our values are important because they help us to grow and develop. The decisions we make are a reflection of our values and beliefs.” – Barrett Values Centre
A society that celebrates a person’s worth based on his or her assets, connections, and influence is superficial, as it builds a social stratum based on material things. A materialistic society rates individuals not on personal character and achievement, but rather on the fantastic shows of opulence.
In Nigeria for decades, the societal value system has evolved to where material fortune is more widely celebrated than diligence, honesty, honour and integrity. Such virtues are seldom accorded the respect they deserve. Primary success should include character, integrity, humility, service above self, and legacy; these are far more important than title, position, bank accounts, properties, and other material possessions.
[Tweet “Success shoud be more than material fortune “]
As materialism becomes endemic and as a society values money, power, position, and possessions and acknowledges and celebrates wealth without questioning its source, there is a tendency for people to go to extremes to fulfil an insatiable desire for money. This ultimately leads to dishonesty and corruption.
As people compete to put the trappings of wealth on display, the seeds of corruption are sown. Greed and the insatiable love for materialism are at the root of bribery and corruption, which have eaten deep into the marrow of society. The endless desire of all, for possessions inevitably leads to moral decadence. [Read: Ways to Raise A Child With Values in the 21st Century]
Anti-corruption strategies should include moral education and a strengthening of the ethical principles that guide civilised society. The home is where nurturing of ethical and moral values starts and should be re-introduced into schools.
Role of the Family
The family is the smallest unit of society and this is where it all starts and there is no greater legacy than to raise children with a strong value system. Include children in discussions of family values; so that they understand their parents stand on issues. This understanding gives children and teens a moral compass as they step out into the world and start making decisions on their own. Values act as the signposts, the compass that sets them in the direction.
To spare the next generation from the scourge of materialism, we must teach our children and our youth, that their true value lies in their inner qualities. Qualities such as kindness, sensitivity, creativity and compassion are more important than looks, performance, possessions, and money. Success comes from embracing hard work, discipline and diligence. Children should build their resolve so that under pressure they do not seek shortcuts to amass wealth.
Fight Corruption
It comes down to being a role model because children will do what you do and not what you say. Surround children with value-driven people and like- minded people. People that are an extension of the values that you hold dear and wish for them to imbibe. Let us engage our youth about what ethical behaviour is, what corruption is and how to fight it.
Corruption destroys the social fabric and economy of a country. Every citizen should start with their own sphere of influence to do the right thing. Our fight against corruption and restoration of our core values cannot be left to government alone; it is our collective responsibility.
Nimi Akinkugbe has extensive experience in private wealth management. She seeks to empower people regarding their finances and offers frank, practical insights to create a greater awareness and understanding of personal finance. For more personal finance tips, Follow Nimi on Twitter and Instagram: @MMWithNimi Facebook & Google+: MoneyMatterswithNimi.
Website is www.moneymatterswithnimi.com or you can send her an email:[email protected]
