By Florence Umoetuk
The Necessity for Good Role Modeling experts say is a powerful teaching tool for passing on knowledge, skills and values.
It is a way to pass on excellent cultural values, personal principles and good traditional ethics.
A Role model is a person whose behavior can be emulated, especially by the younger generation.
Role modeling contributes, critically to how society functions, positively or otherwise.
Apparently, young persons look up to adults and get inspired by their way of life.
And, depending on what is imitated from the adults, the younger generation tends to live in the same manner.
This, of course tells a lot on the society’s behavioural pattern.
Presently, however, most adults in our society cannot be said to be exemplary in their conduct and are thereby not portraying themselves as good role models for those following after them.
It is sad to note that acts of impropriety, corrupt practices, and prostitution are mostly perpetrated by highly placed individuals in the public and private sectors who should be those who lead by example.
It is even more worrisome that these high profiled men and women accused of improper conduct are allowed to walk the streets freely and celebrated with more titles in their Communities and churches, which make such misconducts appear as an acceptable way of life to the society.
There is an urgent need for a call to order, a societal change whereby those accused of misconducts are not spared but brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to the young ones.
The sad incidence of a Nigerian University Professor who was accused of demanding sex from a female student for grades remains a bad example by a leader who should rather be a good role model for youngsters.
Unfortunately, the canker worm of decadence has also eaten deep into the public and private offices where officers seek gratification before employment or before carrying out the least official obligation for a client or guest.
One begins to wonder what kind of society we are creating when a youngster is sanctioned with a jail term for examination malpractice, cultism and other misdemeanors but the adults especially those highly placed mostly get away with more serious acts of corruption capable of bringing the society to its knees.
For Nigeria to have a total turn around, and grasp the change which so far has proved elusive to the society, every citizen and institution must have a change of heart and begin to do things in the right, good and acceptable manner.
There must no longer be contradictions between the spoken words and the acted deeds, but we must all make up our minds to change the way we think and act towards achieving an enduring legacy of moral rectitude for the young ones and the generations yet unborn.
Every day in our homes, offices and business places, we must make up our minds to be role models worthy of emulation by our growing children, subordinates, employees and every one we encounter.
According to Frank Sonnemnerg, An American Author, “people who look up to you watch every move that you make, so do not let them down”.
