Gombe State Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, has blamed declining family values, moral decadence and failure of parental responsibility for some of Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges, urging renewed commitment to education and moral reorientation.
Jatau spoke on Saturday at the launch of Educating for Self-Discipline and Effective Citizenship: A Philosophical Approach, authored by the Gombe State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Father Joseph Alphonsus Shinga, who also celebrated his 51st birthday.
The deputy governor described the book as timely, saying its message on self-discipline and effective citizenship was particularly relevant to Nigeria’s struggle with corruption, insecurity and declining societal values.
He commended Shinga for investing his time and intellectual resources in producing a publication aimed at addressing the country’s moral and educational challenges.
Congratulating the cleric on joining the league of authors, Jatau said education remained a critical instrument for national transformation and the restoration of societal values.
He, however, expressed concern that families, religious institutions and cultural structures were failing in their responsibilities to promote discipline and responsible citizenship.
According to him, “None of these institutions teaches or encourages corruption, bribery, banditry, kidnapping and other social vices. So, we must ask ourselves where these problems are coming from.”
He urged parents to take greater responsibility for the moral upbringing of their children, stressing that character formation must begin at home.
The deputy governor also called for unity among Christians, citing John 17:21, which emphasises the need for believers to be one.
“Unity is essential to achieving success in every endeavour. We must remain united and work together for the common good,” he said.
Reviewing the book, Reverend Dr Christopher Laima said the publication was divided into five chapters examining Nigeria’s challenges, their underlying causes and the need for character reformation and self-discipline.
He described it as a valuable resource for educational development and nation-building, urging students, researchers, philosophers, policymakers, parents and other citizens to read it to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s challenges and possible solutions.
Also speaking, the Gombe State APC governorship candidate, Dr Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, congratulated Shinga on his 51st birthday, describing his years as productive and impactful.
Gwamna commended the cleric for contributing to national development through intellectual engagement and his commitment to promoting positive societal values.
The District Head of Jessu, Mr Bainus Laban, lamented the declining reading culture in Nigeria, describing books as indispensable tools for knowledge acquisition and societal development.
He urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of reading and embrace the newly unveiled publication.
Earlier, Shinga said his decision to write the book was motivated by concerns over increasing moral decadence, declining societal values, deteriorating character among young people and widespread corruption.
He explained that the book launch also provided an opportunity to celebrate his 51st birthday and express gratitude to God for His protection, kindness and provision.
Reflecting on his tenure as CAN chairman in Gombe State, the cleric described the responsibility as both transformative and demanding, expressing appreciation to the Christian community, his family and others whose prayers and support sustained him throughout his service.
Other speakers, including the State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Micah Sunday Hamman, and the Chairperson of the Gombe State Teachers Service Commission, Mrs Naomi Philip Meguwa, congratulated the celebrant and commended his contributions.
In his vote of thanks, the CAN State Secretary, Special Apostle Solomon Anyanwale, appreciated the deputy governor for his commitment and continued support for the association and its activities.
He also thanked all those who contributed to the success of the event and prayed for God’s continued grace, wisdom and blessings upon the CAN chairman.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, special dedication of copies of the book and prayers for the celebrant and the APC governorship candidate.
The CAN Women Fellowship also entertained guests with special musical renditions.