CULTIVATING DISCIPLINE, INTEGRITY AND MORAL COURAGE TO SUSTAIN THE CHANGE MANTRA

CULTIVATING DISCIPLINE, INTEGRITY AND MORAL COURAGE TO SUSTAIN THE CHANGE MANTRA.

By Babatunde Aremu

The Grand Master, Rosicrucian Order in Nigeria and West Africa, Frater Engineer Eugenius Idiodi has emphasized the need for Nigerians as a people, to move away from rhetoric into Responsibility, to be able to challenge the prevailing culture of entitlements without accountability.
He stated this while declaring open, the Western Zonal Conclave of Order, with the theme “Unity and Responsibility; Pathway to Freedom and National Progress”, held in Lagos.
Frater Idiodi explained that the conclave was very apt and was convened under a timely and compelling theme which seeks to address issues of unity and national progress.
He also explained that the gathering came at a critical moment of the national life of the nation, when conversations are built towards progress, yet clarity of direction means uncertain, as we speak frequently of freedom but we must now ask – freedom for what? And guided by whose responsibility?
According to the Grand Master, its easy to demand change from Institutions, from the government and the Leaders, but it is far more difficult and far more necessary to confront the deeper question, which is, have we individually and collectively cultivated the discipline, integrity and moral courage required to sustain that change, hence calling for the need to address the uncomfortable truth, in the course of the conclave.
He stressed the need also to reconsider whether national stagnation is merely systemic or it is cultural or even spiritual, thus expressing the hope that the conclave did not become ceremonial but should be strategic intervention in consciousness and conducts.
He posited that “No Nation”, rises above the character of it’s people, noting that, while policies may initiate directions, it is values that sustain the momentum also where responsibility is weak, unity gets fractured and progress gets stalled yet the there should be a cause for optimism, in the people.
He noted that the Rosicrucian tradition reminds them that, transformation begins within and then radiates outward through disciplined thoughts, ethical actions and conscious service, as individuals become catalysts for collective renewal.
“That is why initiatives such as Medifocus and civic engagement sessions embedded within the Conclave, are not symbolic but are operational, as they represent a deliberate effort to attain inner development with outter impacts”.
Frater Idiodi however pledged continuous commitment of the Conclave, to fostering platforms which would always provoke thoughts, inspire actions and to bridge the gap between spiritual ideals and national realities, believing that, the future of Nigeria and indeed Nigerians, will not only be secured by louder voices but by clearer minds, stronger character and shared responsibilities.
He tasked the participants to ensure that the Seminar would serve as a moment that would challenge complacency, Inspire service and redifined what it actually mean, to be free.
Welcoming the fellow Fratres and Sorores to the zonal Conclave, the Royal Father, Frater Babatope Ogunewe posited that the event served as a national surmuns to all who desire the advancement of the society and the elevation of humanity.
“No nation rises to become great by mere policies, institutions or resources alone but they are built by credible characters of the people, with clarity of vision and unity of their collective will”.
According to him, true freedom is not merely political expression nor the absence of visible chains but it’s the liberation of the minds from division of the hearts, from selfishness and of Society, from injustice and indifference as national progress is not a gift bestowed by chance, but it is the fruits of conscious living, disciplined responsibility and enlightened cooperation amongst the citizens and leaders alive”
Frater Ogunewe posited that shared responsibility reminds everyone that every citizen, every institution and every community bears a sacred duty, to the common good so responsibility is not simply a civic expectation but, it is a spiritual obligation as each action we take, either strengthens the fabric of the nation or weakens it.
“Cultivating responsible Citizenship calls for the need for the people to transcend narrow personal interest and to embrace the higher calling of service in serving the society we serve, a purpose greater than, and in lifting others, we lift the nation”.
According to him, “Leadership, if rightly understood, is stewardship, a sacred trust of guiding people towards justice stability and shared prosperity but an enlightened leadership must be met by enlightened Followership, for progress requires both visions from above and goodwill from below.
Speaking on the theme of the Conclave “Unity and Responsibility: Pathway to Freedom of National Progress”, the Grand Councillor Designate, Frater Gabriel Idahosa emphasized unity of purpose as being key to enduring peace and progress, reminding the participants that where division persists , progress falters, citing the case of the Boko haram insurgents, who said, missed earlier good home training which he said, starts at the dinning table and transforms a child into a better person as he grows older.
“Check the age of the Boko haram insurgents, they are young in their twenties, so they lack that basic home training and this where they find themselves today as society deviants, its all about lack of early home training and connection”.
He however expressed optimism that the Conclave would inspire a thoughtful reflection and deepen people’s commitment to responsible Citizenship and renew their collective resolve towards contributing meaningfully to the peace and progress of the nation.
Contributing, Frater Taiye Olaniyi quoted the late Chief Awolowo’s legacies of excellence in the pursuit of an egalitarian society where everyone would put in their best to ensure unity and progress was achieved in the country.
Also contributing, Frater Henry Atobrison also noted that personal responsibilities applies to individual who has authority over himself or herself and such a person is expected to be accountable for his words, actions and the choices he or she makes, for the consequences that would follow.
A Representative of the National Orientation Agency, the Assistant Director, Health and Social Care, Mrs Adegoke Ologungbe, who spoke on the need to renew our value system also called for Community Parenting as a means of checking moral decadence and juvenile delinquency amongst thue childrevn and the Youths.
The high point of the conclave was the observation of a moment for Medifocus for national peace, progress and development, as part of the event.