Anambra Unveils Moral Reformation Committee to Tackle Declining Social Values
By Chibuzo Obidike
In a bold move to address declining moral standards and promote responsible citizenship, the Anambra State Government has inaugurated a Committee on Moral Suasion and Enforcement to spearhead a statewide campaign for ethical and social transformation.
The committee was inaugurated during a high level stakeholders’ meeting themed “Building a Value Driven Anambra: Strengthening Our Shared Responsibility for Ethical and Social Transformation,” held at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat in Awka.
The gathering brought together representatives of government ministries, religious organisations, educational institutions, the media, civil society groups, and other critical stakeholders to chart a new course for restoring values that strengthen society.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, described the initiative as the beginning of a renewed social contract between the government and the people of Anambra State.
Dr. Mefor noted that while infrastructure and economic growth remain vital, they cannot achieve lasting development without integrity, discipline, honesty, respect for the rule of law, hard work, and civic responsibility.
He explained that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo is driving value reformation through a three pronged strategy of Legislation, Moralisation, and Enforcement.
The Commissioner challenged participants to move beyond discussions by making practical commitments that would promote ethical conduct and responsible citizenship within their homes, workplaces, schools, and communities.
Also addressing the stakeholders, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Chief Ugochi Amedu, described culture as the foundation of identity and character formation.
She stressed that genuine value reformation must begin at home, urging parents and guardians to lead by example, as children are more influenced by what adults do than by what they say.
Chairman of the Committee on Moral Suasion and Enforcement, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, identified effective communication as a critical tool for changing attitudes and rebuilding societal values.
He assured that journalists would play an active role in promoting the campaign and expressed concern over the growing influence of poor parental guidance and unrestricted digital exposure on children.
According to him, many young people now imitate behaviours they consume online, making it more important than ever for parents to guide and monitor their children’s use of digital devices.
During the interactive session, stakeholders, including Rev. Fr. Ifeanyi Ojene, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, and the representative of the Nigerian Press Council under the Federal Ministry of Information, Eziaku Ifewulu, called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, schools, religious bodies, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and the media.
They maintained that sustained partnerships and public enlightenment would be essential in translating the state’s value reformation agenda into measurable behavioural change across Anambra.
The meeting climaxed with the official inauguration of the Committee on Moral Suasion and Enforcement, which will coordinate public enlightenment, stakeholder engagement, and enforcement strategies aimed at building a more disciplined, ethical, and value driven Anambra society.
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