April 04, (THEWILL) – The high rate of ritual killings and craziness for the get-rich-quick syndrome is supposed to be a source of concern to any sane and responsible individual. From all indications, we have derailed from the core values of morality.
There is a need for all and sundry to seek a new normal in our dealings with people around us and in our society, which has been completely decayed by our unconsidered actions, which are clearly not in tandem with the ways of doing things right.
Despite this relegation of our norms to the abyss of negligence, stakeholders seem to have kept mute over the abnormalities that have visibly eroded the generally- accepted ways of doing things in our system.
The Nigerian correctional centres across the country and States’ Commands of the Police are filled with young boys and ladies, who are involved in various ritual killings. To stop this evil in Nigeria, parents and guardians must stop encouraging wealth from their children and wards they know nothing about its source.
When a twenty-year-old man starts making money without any verifiable jobs, this should call for a rebuke from those around him. Similarly, when a promising young lady prostitutes or takes in, delivers and sells the babies, it becomes ill-gotten wealth. It does not bring joy to the family concerned.
To show you the heights of debasement of our moral values, those that were not originally born with golden spoons in their mouths are now seen as a source of income. In the Igbo sociological concept, it is deemed to be taboo when a minor that does not have a decent means of livelihood starts fending for the family. Today, reverse is the case.
Nigerians are facing hard times, and this unwarranted situation has forced a few to cut corners in order to make ends meet. Awards givings are now bastardized in our system. Professional, Social, Religious, and Academic groups now offer awards to people with questionable character.
Our women, men and youths now give unmerited awards to the undeserving personalities in the society; ignoring people that have integrity, a sense of responsibility and humility in the society. People who have been tested and trusted.
No wonder our brothers and sisters no longer have that zealousness to engage in skills acquisition like shoe-making, Motor mechanic, bicycle repair, Internet Communication Technology (ICT) and others.
While the States and Federal Governments must be blamed for their failure to provide jobs for University graduates, Nigerian Senators and House of Representatives members & other high-profile personalities have hijacked employment opportunities in Nigeria.
Federal lawmakers allot jobs to their loved ones rather than offering such opportunities to others unrelated to them. Political stakeholders’ sons and daughters that played big roles during their campaigns are compensated with contracts and benefits without considering others that need it.
Youths these days are not patient. They want it now! now! Forgetting that after sacrifice, there come gains. They should show consistency in the little they do. Respect for adults and absolute reverence for God have gone into extinction for the pursuit of money. The level of money consciousness has crazily climaxed that everyone wants it by all means not considering its deadly consequences.
Our religious leaders have a lot to do in order to restore sanity to our society. The re-orientation and reshaping of the minds of our people are now their responsibilities. They should always lay emphasis on the negative consequences of not working hard to achieve success. Biblical admonitions that are themed on materialism should be completely shunned.
Traditional rulers, as custodians of traditions and customs, also have sensitive roles to play towards ensuring that good morals pervade nasty behaviours that are deemed unacceptable to our way of living. Ndi Eze are the Chief security officers of their sundry autonomous communities. The Monarchs are also rural dwellers. They know what goes on in their communities. Royal fathers are accorded powerful respect by their subjects because of their royalty, and for that reason, they are listened to when they speak. Ndi Eze has the thou-with-thou to charge their subjects on lifestyles devoid of questionable tendencies.
The Holy Book of Isaiah chapter 54:13-14 says, “And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD, and great shall be the peace of thy children. In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.”
We can deduce from the above biblical portions that disciplined and loving children are of great reward to their parents. Children should be corrected with love and the need to prepare them for future leadership of Nigeria can not be overemphasised.
Inculcating into them the Bible injunctions every day and daily devotions impact greatly on their lives. Also, It is the duty of parents and guidance to monitor the activities of their children and wards by knowing the companies they keep at home and schools.
