By Richard Agwu
The emergence of the National Community Ethics and Values Environmental Compliance Corps is a significant development that warrants attention. Analytically, it is an advanced form of the defunct War Against Indiscipline (WAI)
which was a nationwide campaign launched by the Muhammadu Buhari-led military administration in Nigeria in March 1984. The program aimed to address social maladjustment, corruption, and indiscipline that had become rampant in the country.It was designed to promote national unity, economic self-sufficiency, and cultural, personal, and moral discipline. It was implemented in phases, each focusing on a specific aspect of indiscipline .WAI encouraged Nigerians to queue and wait their turn, promoting respect for fellow citizens.
It also aimed to improve work ethic and productivity by promoting punctuality, hard work, and efficiency.
Additionally,it sought to promote genuine national unity by encouraging Nigerians to forgo tribal affiliations and appreciate national symbols.
It targeted specifically at criminal activities like oil bunkering, smuggling, and drug peddling.
The environment was not left out as it also focused on cleaning private and public environments through sanitation programs.
The WAI campaign was implemented through a combination of federal and state-level committees, with the Ministry of Information overseeing the program at the federal level.
The program promoted discipline, patriotism, and productivity in Nigeria. The program was aimed at addressing various social and economic challenges facing the country.
Its rebirth in the National Community Ethics and Values Environmental Compliance Corps, a body established to promote ethical values, community service, and environmental sustainability in Nigeria is a welcome Development.
Basically , NCEVECC aims at promoting Ethics and Values, thus , fostering a culture of ethics, transparency, and accountability in Nigerian communities.
NCEVECC also encourages community service among Nigerians.
Like the defunct WAI, it promotes Environmental Sustainability and compliance with environmental regulations.
NCEVECC hopes to roll out workshops, seminars, and campaigns to promote ethics and values.
The body that has been rightly positioned under Federal Ministry of Information & National Orientation will also Implement community service projects, such as clean-up exercises, restoration of values and healthcare outreaches.
The body also monitors and reports environmental violations and non-compliance.
Hopefully, public education and awareness on environmental laws, regulations, and best practices should be well embraced by Nigerians,as there is no other time in Nigeria’s history that the need for environmental cleanliness is more pressing than now.
As Nigerians embrace NCEVECC, it is believed that its impact should be seen as a rebirth of WAI that became a household name in the 80s.
Nigerians should therefore share the corps’ values and objectives through:
i) Community-based organizations and groups.
2) Environmental Organizations focused on environmental sustainability.
3) School Outreach and formation of volunteer groups
NCEVECC is currently structured with National Headquarters coordinating national activities and programs, State Local Government Area Commands Implementing programs and activities at the state and local government levels.
Conclusion
The rebirth of WAI in NCEVECC is a significant development that warrants attention and analysis. By understanding the context, drivers, and implications of this development, stakeholders can better appreciate the opportunities and challenges presented by this initiative.
Richard Agwu writes from EBONYI State Command of NCEVECC
