Nigerians should imbibe the timeless words of Rotary 4-Way Test in their personal and community relationships, Rotarian Dr Wale Ogunbade, District Governor of Rotary International District 9110, Nigeria, has said in a special Independence Day message.
“As a people, we have collectively walked a chequered road where we have experienced a broad gamut all that is now part of our history as a nation” in a special message to mark Nigeria’s 57th Independence Day celebrated October 1, across Nigeria.
"The Rotary Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do, which was scripted by Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as RI president) an American from Chicago as he set out to save the Club Aluminum Products Distribution Company from bankruptcy, was later adopted by Rotary International."
The Rotary Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do, which was scripted by Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as RI president) an American from Chicago as he set out to save the Club Aluminum Products Distribution Company from bankruptcy, was later adopted by Rotary International.
The 24 timeless words of The Four Way Test reads as follows:
- Is it the truth?
- Is it fair to all concerned?
- Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
According to the District Governor, Nigerians should adopt The Four Way Test as yardstick across all their private and community lives in the Independence Day 2017 message below:
Fellow Rotarians,
It's another 1st October and a moment to pause and reflect over the past 57 years of our experiencing as a nation called Nigeria.
As a people, we have collectively walked a chequered road where we have experienced a broad gamut all that is now part of our history as a nation.
Sometimes the future may appear bleak, but when you look deep into the psyche of the average Nigerian, you know it will be good ultimately because we don't give up.
For our government, we need re-orientation, restructuring and a virtual complete moral rebirth across all levels.
This is also why this milestone Independence Day offers us an opportunity for sober reflection.
It is also when The Rotary 4-Way Test becomes important as a yardstick for all human behaviours and we as Rotarians should be the example for others to follow. But are we or can we try? Mahatma Gandhi taught us to be the change we want to see around us. But are we ready or willing?
For our trajectory as a nation to change however, that is the inevitable route for us all to travel.
Each of us must determine to be the agent of change for us “To make a Difference” in our personal and communal existence.
I wish all Nigerians a Happy and Peaceful 57th Independence Anniversary.
Wale Ogunbadejo
District Governor,
Rotary International District 9110, Nigeria