Civic Education
Table Of Contents
1. Meaning Of Integrity
2. Attributes Of Integrity
3. Examples Of People Of Integrity In Our Society
4. Need For People Of Integrity In Society
5. Consequences Of Lack Of Integrity
National Values Integrity
Meaning Of Integrity
Integrity is the virtue of being honest and firm in one’s moral principles. It involves having a transparent (open) sense of moral standards in human relationships. An honest and sincere person who does cover evil or defends wrongdoings but is always open and sincere in all his doing can be said to be sincere.
A man of integrity is a man who is not corrupt; such a man will not, for the sake of money or any other advantage, do what he knows to be wrong.
A student with integrity will choose not to cheat in an examination, even when he knows he will not be caught. He will choose not to tell lies to get more money, even when no one will discover he is telling a lie.
A man of integrity is straightforward and honest in his relationship with others. He is trustworthy and disciplined. He can be trusted with public money to be used for the development of the community.
Integrity is necessary for the well-being and progress of society, and it promotes good values.
What Are The Attributes Of Integrity, And Explain?
- 1. Probity refers to being completely honest in life and all human endeavors or relationships. This involves showing transparency in handling public money, property, and information. A man of integrity must be honest and accountable for whatever task or duty he gives.
- 2. Honesty: This is the quality of being truthful, sincere, and straightforward in one’s dealings with others. An honest person always tells the truth and does not deceive, cheat, steal, or hide vital facts from people who need them. He is highly principled and disciplined and cannot be easily influenced by money or appointment into a high position. An honest student will not be involved in examination malpractice or tell lies to his teacher to avoid being punished. Honest people are known for their honest communication with people. They are objective in their views or opinions on sensitive issues. They are never biased or afraid to speak the truth, whether on positive or negative behavior. Honesty among the people brings a good name and image to the country as it will attract foreign investors. Honest people are highly needed in our country because they encourage good relationships and mutual understanding and promote social harmony and peaceful coexistence.
- 3. Contentment: This means being satisfied with what one has for a given period. It is happiness and satisfaction with whatever one possesses, whether small or big. A contented person is relaxed, peaceful, and positive. He shows these qualities in his relationship with others. He is never involved in idle talk, gossip, backbiting, discussion of persons, or character assassination. A contented person does not feel inferior to people higher than him but rather works hard to attain his goals and improve himself. He is not into competition with his peers but moves at his own pace.
- 4. Truthfulness: This refers to the ability or quality of a person to be real or sincere in his dealings with the members of society. A truthful person does not tell lies but will always tell the truth or give the correct report concerning any situation. Such a person is trustworthy and a man of honor. He is trusted and respected in society as a man; Truthfulness among people enhances good relationships, confidence, and mutual trust. It brings about cooperation, growth, peace, and unity. Students are encouraged to be truthful in whatever they do at school and home.
- 5. Fair Play: This is the quality of being just and honest in one’s dealings with others. It is a fact of acting honestly by the rules and regulations of society. You are being fair to people if you give them what they deserve. In fair play, there is no room for partiality and favoritism. Things are done correctly and at the right time without bias and prejudice. A fair person is honest in his actions and does things honorably and according to the rules. He is responsible, sincere, trustworthy, and reliable. He is respected in society because he is never involved in corrupt practices. People with this unique virtue are needed in society because there will be peace and progress when they are in leadership positions.
- 6. Non-compromise Of Principles This is where a man with principles cannot be easily influenced by money or any material object. He cannot succumb to pressure or threat to do the wrong thing or compromise on what is against his belief or societal values or norms. He strictly follows the rules guiding people’s behavior and societal activities. His willpower guides whatever steps or decisions he takes in every matter. He puts public interests before his interest.
Examples Of People Of Integrity In Our Society, Past And Present Heroes Like:
- 1. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (Late)
- 2. Mallam Aminu Kano (Late)
- 3. Chief Obafemi Awolowo (Late)
- 4. Dr. Akanu Ibiam (Late)
- 5. Chief Gani Fawehinmi (Late)
- 6. Alhaki Balarabe Musa
- 7. Prof. Wole Soyinka
- 8. Prof. Chinua Achebe (Late)
- 9. Chief Emeka Anyaoku
- 10. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
- 11. Prof. Dora akunyili (Late)
- 12. Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili
International Figures Or Statesman
- 1. Nelson Mandela of South Africa (Late)
- 2. Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia
- 3. Barack Obama of America.
- 4. Chief Emeka Anyaoku of Nigeria.
Need For People Of Integrity In Society
Every society, whether small or large, needs to have people of integrity. This is due to the fact of their numerous importance, which among others, include:
- 1. Community Development
Community development arises when people of a particular locality or area come together to identify, discuss and agree on any felt need of their community. Such felt needs can be a project in the form of health centers, schools, markets, pipe-borne water, roads, electricity, etc. Such projects or programs usually require members of the community will contribute to their actualization.
These projects can be done only where people of integrity in the community handle the projects regarding planning, raising funds, and execution. This means that the presence of people of integrity in any community ensures community development.
- 2. Award Of Scholarships
Brilliant but financially handicapped students benefit from the charity of people of integrity who extend help to them without expecting a financial or material reward in return. They send them to academic institutions like universities and skills acquisition centers to acquire knowledge in different trades and crafts. They pay all the needed fees for them.
- 3. Attraction Of Personalities Of Their Likes
People of integrity attract personalities of their likes who are friends, partners, or contemporaries from other communities into their locality to support them financially and otherwise. During launching ceremonies or fundraising meetings, they can invite such personalities or friends to donate generously towards the provision of essential amenities which will stand as a legacy in society.
- 4. Peaceful Coexistence
People from different geographical, political, religious, and other backgrounds find communities blessed with people of integrity and a fertile environment for living. They can carry on business transactions since life and property security exists.
All meaningful human activities are carried out without bitterness and resentment. The presence of people of integrity in that environment or community ensures peace, law, and order.
- 5. Growth And Development
Men of integrity in any society or country ensure sustained growth and development in all areas of life, which bring about satisfaction in the life of members of such society.
- 6. Reference Points
Men of integrity are always regarded as reference points because of the rare qualities that make them stand out from the crowd as good examples of organized and well-behaved people. The youth or young people see them as their role models and as mentors to emulate, imitate, or copy.
- 7. Resource Persons
People of integrity can serve as teachers, lecturers, or those who give talks in schools, workshops, seminars, etc., to drive home issues that could be difficult to comprehend. They can speak on the bad effects of wrong behavior among the youth and those that transmit such behavior to them.
These integrity men who have made it through honest and honorable ways will be better examples for the youth to copy.
- 8. Custodians Of Values
Men of integrity are needed in society because they are custodians of society’s values and norms.
They are living examples or embodiments of our values because they live them out or are seen in them. Such values like chastity before marriage, faithfulness in marriage, kindness, selflessness, justice, truth, avoidance of falsehood, protecting or defending the poor, the weak, and the needy, giving honor and respect to those in power and the elderly, and avoiding giving and receiving bribes or kick-backs, are all seen in people of integrity, and must neither be allowed to die or despised.
Consequences Of Lack Of Integrity
Societies or communities that lack people of integrity are likely to suffer these consequences:
- 1. Unhealthy Living
There will be unhealthy living among the people. Fear, mistrust, bitterness, jealousy, greed, anger, and other social vices will become the order of the day. These social menaces will be a setback to society.
- 2. Lack Of Sustained Growth
Without people of integrity, education will suffer, as people may not get the quality of education they desire. The basic amenities, e.g., roads, water, and electricity, will also be lacking in society.
- 3. Criminal Tendencies
When men of integrity are lacking in society, social vices like child stealing, kidnapping, drug abuse, smuggling, care snatching, impersonation, forgery, falsification of documents, examination malpractice, murder, arson, and so on, will become the order of the day.
- 4. Weak Institutions
Social institutions such as education, health, power, economy, law, etc., will become ordinary structures that exist in name. This is because men of integrity are not found in the leadership positions of their social institutions. The institutions become non-functional and merely shadows of the real thing.
- 5. Ignorance, Diseases, And Superstitious Beliefs
Societies without persons of integrity risk being infected with ignorance, diseases, and superstitious beliefs. This element makes members of society live meaningless lives.
- 6. Creation Of Gaps
Lack of people integrity creates gaps that can be exploited by few privileges, local champions who cannot compete with outsiders in rural environments. This situation can make the poor to be poorer and the rich to be richer.
- 7. Unhealthy Competitions
Societies without a person of integrity always witness unhealthy competition in human affairs, such as leadership positions and economic and social activities.
What are the 5 attributes of integrity?
- Dependability. It means people can rely on you and that you keep promises.
- Loyalty. As Employers especially value and appreciate the loyalty of their employees.
- Honesty. Integrity requires honesty And Sincerity.
- Good judgment.
- Respect.