By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
A new non-governmental organisation, the Social Engagement and Reorientation Initiative (SERI), has been officially launched in Akwa Ibom State, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Benue State, with a mission to promote ethical values, responsible citizenship, and attitudinal reorientation across Nigeria.
Speaking during the inauguration in Uyo on Monday, the Founder of SERI, Engr. Ekemini Amos, inducted more than 100 volunteers and described the event as a renewed call for young Nigerians to actively participate in nation-building through volunteerism.
Amos said although the organisation was established in 2019 to champion social, ethical, and attitudinal reform, its relaunch in Uyo, Abuja, and Makurdi marks a fresh commitment to addressing the country’s moral and social challenges.
According to him, the initiative was born out of a determination to confront the growing erosion of societal values.
“Our silence, our refusal to act in the face of eroding moral values, makes us complicit in the crisis. I did not come into this world to watch my nation decay. SERI was born out of that refusal,” he said.
The founder lamented the increasing prevalence of internet fraud, corruption, drug abuse, prostitution, reckless driving, environmental degradation, and other social vices, stressing that such behaviours should never become accepted as normal.
He said the organisation would focus on promoting integrity, civic responsibility, and ethical conduct through community engagement, mentorship programmes, and awareness campaigns targeted at schools, markets, and other public spaces.
“We will mentor young people and show them that there is dignity in hard work. We will remind Nigerians that a nation is built not only with infrastructure but also with character,” Amos stated.
He commended the volunteers and partners in Uyo, Abuja, and Makurdi for supporting the initiative, describing them as nation builders who had chosen action over indifference.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Building the Mindset of Nation Builders,” Dr. Reuben Etuk emphasised the importance of civic values and urged educational institutions to prioritise character development alongside academic excellence.
The event attracted several stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John; the Senior Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Ethical Orientation, Dr. Osondu Ahirika; and the Senior Legislative Aide to the President of the Senate, Barr. Kemfon Neke, who also served as a lead discussant.
The organisation said it hopes to expand its activities nationwide as part of efforts to inspire positive behavioural change and strengthen civic responsibility among Nigerians.
