Media
GEORGE Moghalu, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has challenged Nigerians to embrace integrity and patriotism to overcome the country’s development challenges.
Moghalu made the call on Saturday in Lagos while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ) Integrity Awards.
He said national development could not be achieved when citizens expected only public officials to demonstrate integrity while neglecting their individual responsibilities.
“Everyone should embody integrity and patriotism as essential traits to advance the course of the nation and humanity,” Moghalu said.
The keynote speaker said Nigeria’s challenges included corruption, declining public trust, tribalism, the emigration wave and questions surrounding citizens’ patriotism.
He also identified dishonesty in business dealings and careless attitudes towards the shared environment as practices undermining national development.
Moghalu said rebuilding Nigeria required citizens to demonstrate integrity in their everyday lives, including seemingly insignificant decisions and actions.
“Building a virile nation requires truthfulness in small things,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to love the country enough to contribute to its development instead of merely seeking opportunities elsewhere.
The former NIWA boss also called for children to be raised with strong moral values and national consciousness.
He urged Nigerians to stand for what was right, even when doing so involved personal sacrifice.
Moghalu said Nigerians had a collective responsibility to demonstrate faithfulness in their conduct and contribute towards building a better nation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NACJ awards, under the theme ‘Integrity is Everything’, recognised individuals distinguished by exemplary conduct.
The association said the annual awards were designed to celebrate Nigerians whose integrity could inspire others to uphold ethical standards.
Among the recipients was Mr Mechelin Iketalu, who received the NACJ Integrity Media Personality of the Year award.
Mr Benedict Ogbaegbe was honoured as the Professional Integrity Man of the Year, while Mr Joseph Ikunna received the Integrity Man of the Year award.
Eze Kalu Ogbu IV, the Enachoken of Abiriba, received the Integrity Royal Father of the Year award.
Ogbu also served as the royal father of the occasion at the Lagos ceremony.
Mrs Rita Ikiriko received the Integrity Woman of the Year award, while Mrs Grace Kalunta-Chidinma was honoured as Woman of Integrity of the Year.
Mr Felix Morka and Dr Francis Osita-Chuks were also among the recipients recognised at the ceremony.
Speaking after receiving his award, Ogbu said integrity remained one of the most valuable qualities a person could possess.
“Once integrity travels, it travels farther than any other,” the traditional ruler said.
He attributed the confidence reposed in him by the Abiriba people partly to the integrity he had demonstrated in leadership.
Ogbu urged Nigerians to always do what was right, regardless of the consequences, stressing that honesty ultimately yielded lasting benefits.
NACJ President, Dr Charles Okhai, said the association would continue to identify Nigerians with proven integrity and celebrate them publicly.
Okhai said the recognition would encourage others to emulate awardees and make integrity a guiding principle in their conduct.
He said NACJ remained committed to promoting integrity, anti-corruption and good governance through journalism, advocacy and public recognition programmes. (NAN)
A.I
Sept. 13, 2026
Tags: Dr George Moghalu Eze Kalu Ogbu IV Mr Benedict Ogbaegbe Mr Mechelin Iketalu Mrs Grace Kalunta-Chidinma NIWA