Bishop Charles Ighele, General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission, also known as the Happy Family Nation, has delivered a New Year message urging Nigerians to approach 2025 with resilience and a proactive commitment to self-improvement, particularly through skill acquisition. He emphasizes the importance of identifying and developing God-given talents, transforming these abilities into marketable skills that can enhance earning potential and contribute to both personal and national growth. Recognizing the challenging economic climate, Bishop Ighele appeals to citizens to avoid internal strife and instead focus on empowering themselves through education and skill development, fostering a spirit of self-reliance and productivity. He advocates for contentment coupled with a righteous ambition, encouraging individuals to strive for success while maintaining a strong moral compass.
A significant portion of Bishop Ighele’s message focuses on the critical state of Nigeria’s education system. He expresses deep concern over the perceived failure of public primary and secondary schools to adequately nurture students, both intellectually and emotionally. He argues that the current system falls short of achieving two fundamental objectives of education: mental development, which equips individuals with critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and the cultivation of civil behavior, which instills values of respect, responsibility, and social harmony. The Bishop laments that this systemic failure perpetuates a cycle of poverty and crime, leaving many graduates ill-equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development. He posits that the inadequately prepared graduates emerging from this flawed system are more likely to struggle economically and potentially resort to criminal activities, further hindering societal progress.
Bishop Ighele’s critique extends beyond a simple assessment of academic performance. He highlights the deficiency in character development within the education system, arguing that the absence of a strong moral foundation leaves young people vulnerable to societal pressures and less likely to become productive, law-abiding citizens. He underscores the link between a robust education system and a thriving nation, emphasizing that a citizenry lacking fundamental skills and ethical grounding cannot effectively contribute to economic growth and social stability. This, he argues, reinforces the cycle of underdevelopment and social unrest.
The Bishop’s proposed solution is a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s societal structure, with education serving as the cornerstone of this transformation. He calls for a “total societal re-engineering” of the social substructure, believing that only through such a fundamental change can Nigeria build a “glorious superstructure” – a prosperous and harmonious society. He stresses that a strong foundation, beginning with a revitalized education system, is essential for achieving sustainable progress. This re-engineering, according to Bishop Ighele, must prioritize not just academic excellence but also the development of well-rounded individuals equipped with both the intellectual capacity and the moral compass to navigate the complexities of modern life and contribute positively to their communities and the nation as a whole.
Bishop Ighele’s call for societal re-engineering implies a deep-seated systemic issue, suggesting that superficial changes will not suffice. He advocates for a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of societal challenges, beginning with the education system. He envisions a future where education empowers individuals to become agents of positive change, contributing to national development and breaking the cycle of poverty and crime. This transformation, he believes, requires a shift in mindset, a renewed focus on values, and a commitment to building a more just and equitable society.
Despite the challenges facing Nigeria, Bishop Ighele maintains a sense of optimism. He expresses hope that the ruling class will recognize the urgent need for transformative change and initiate the necessary reforms. He believes that by prioritizing education and investing in the development of human capital, Nigeria can unlock its vast potential and build a brighter future for all its citizens. His message is a call to action, urging Nigerians to embrace resilience, cultivate their talents, and work together to build a more prosperous and harmonious nation. He encourages a spirit of hope and a proactive approach to overcoming the challenges that lie ahead.
