Why do we need them?

Every society has its quiet pillars, those rare individuals who stand firm when others bend, who speak the truth when silence is more convenient, and who choose the straight path even when the crooked one seems easier. Today, I write from a place of reflection, conviction, and concern. Our nation, our continent, and indeed our world are in urgent need of people whose words match their actions. People whose conscience is not for sale. People of integrity.

Why do we need them? The answer is simple: integrity holds a community together the way mortar holds bricks. Without it, trust collapses, institutions crumble, and progress becomes a mirage. When leaders act without honesty, the people beneath them learn the same. But when a single person decides to do what is right, it creates ripples that spread far beyond them. That is why I believe integrity is not just admirable, it is essential.

Nigeria has been blessed with men and women who proved this with their lives. Gani Fawehinmi stood fearlessly for justice, defending the voiceless even when it cost him his freedom. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala continues to shine on the world stage, her name synonymous with transparency and discipline. Murtala Mohammed, though in office briefly, earned national respect through his firm stance against corruption. Obafemi Awolowo left behind a legacy of clear vision and principled leadership that still guides political thought today.

Across Africa, we find the same spirit. Nelson Mandela, whose moral strength outlived his imprisonment. Wangari Maathai, who fought for both the environment and good governance. Kofi Annan, whose calm leadership made him a global symbol of fairness.

And beyond our continent, the examples continue. Malala Yousafzai, courageous in her fight for girls’ education. Sir David Attenborough, whose honesty about climate change continues to awaken the world. Judge Constance Baker Motley, who stood for civil rights with unwavering principle.

These names matter, not because they achieved fame, but because their character held firm even when the world shook around them. Yet integrity is not reserved for the famous. It belongs to all who choose to walk upright.

I think of the honest teacher who marks scripts fairly, even when no one checks the records. The engineer who refuses to cut corners. The lawyer who says “no” to dirty briefs. The husband who remains loyal and dependable. The wife who stands on truth. The journalist who reports facts rather than favours. The child who admits a mistake, knowing punishment may follow. These are the true custodians of society, the everyday heroes whose stories rarely make headlines.

If there is one lesson I hold close, it is this: charity begins at home, and so does integrity. A child raised in an honest home becomes an adult who carries honesty into the world. A family anchored on truth becomes a pillar for the community. And when communities uphold integrity, nations rise.

Our institutions, parastatals, corporations, and schools need people who understand that a good name is more valuable than any position. Integrity remains the oil that keeps the wheels of society running smoothly; without it, corruption spreads like wildfire in harmattan.

I write this not as a critic looking from afar, but as someone who believes deeply that each of us has a role to play. You become a person of integrity the moment you choose fairness over favour, truth over convenience, and courage over silence. No title required.

If we want a better society for our children and for ourselves, we must celebrate, nurture, and emulate people of integrity. They are the light that guides us through uncertain paths. They are the reason hope survives.

May we all strive to stand upright in a world that often rewards bending.

***Published on December 13