By Samuel Iwunna
Ambassador Karen James has called on Nigerian leaders to embrace the responsibility of leading by example, stating that a better Nigeria can only be achieved if those in power first commit to changing their own ways. Speaking at a youth empowerment seminar, Ambassador James emphasised the importance of leadership in shaping societal values.
“When leaders want the people to change, they need to lead the way by setting an example,” she said. According to her, much of the moral decay seen in society today, particularly among teenagers, is due to negative influences within the family structure and among peers.
She highlighted the concerning trend of young teenagers being “misused or abused” as a result of the environment in which they are raised. “There’s a saying that goes, ‘Your future is in your hands.’ You can fix it when you realise your mistakes and retrace your steps,” James added, stressing the importance of self-reflection and correcting past mistakes in order to move forward.
She drew attention to the impact of poor parental behaviour on children’s futures, using the example of domestic violence and neglect. “When a father begins to maltreat his wife in front of his children, this shows he has begun to expose the child to criminal activity, such as disrespectful behaviours, lower thinking of life, and future scraps.”
Ambassador James argued that parents are often the first to shape their children’s destinies. By engaging in harmful activities like smoking, drug abuse, alcohol consumption, and partner abuse, parents inadvertently set a poor example for their children, leading them down a path that can derail their potential.
“Many parents don’t check on the life activities of their children, allowing negative influences to take root,” she warned. James urged parents to be more vigilant in their children’s upbringing, fostering a home environment that promotes positive values, respect, and discipline.
Her message underscored the role of leadership at all levels, from the family unit to the highest levels of government, in driving the societal change needed for Nigeria to thrive once again.
