It is time we embraced our interrelated structure of reality for the world belongs to the energetic in thoughts and actions. As Nigeria’s current leaders continue to grapple with the challenges of governance, it is unsettling to consider the prospect of the country’s decadent youth becoming the leaders of tomorrow. The growing trend of internet scams, kidnappings, robberies, cultism, ritual killings, prostitution, and hard drug abuse among Nigerian youths is a ticking time bomb that threatens to destroy the very fabric of the nation.
Nigeria’s current and virtually all past leaders are not immune to criticism for the corruption in their systems is the chief cause of the criminal and unconventional behaviour among the youth, as leaders remain out of touch with the needs and aspirations of the country’s youth. However, the prospect of a new generation of leaders emerging from the ranks of decadent youths is a frightening one. These individuals have been shaped by a culture of corruption, dishonesty, monstrosity and immorality, and it is unlikely that they will possess the integrity, vision, and leadership skills required to move Nigeria forward.
If Nigeria’s decadent youth were to become the leaders of tomorrow, the consequences would be dire. Some of the potential outcomes include: 1- Increased Corruption – A leadership comprised of individuals who have been involved in internet scams, kidnappings, cultism, robberies, prostitution, and hard drug abuse would likely perpetuate a culture of corruption, further entrenching the country’s reputation for insecurity, dishonesty and graft. 2- Moral Rot – The leadership’s moral compass would be severely compromised, leading to a further erosion of the country’s moral fabric; 3 – Insecurity and Instability for a leadership comprised of individuals with a culture of decadence would likely create an environment conducive to insecurity, criminality and instability.
To prevent this frightening prospect from becoming a reality, we must take immediate action. Some possible solutions include: Mentorship and leadership training programmes for Nigerian youths to instill in them the values, skills, and knowledge required to become effective leaders; education and awareness programmes about the dangers of internet scams, prostitution, hard drug abuse and other forms of criminality can help to prevent them from getting involved in these vices; engaging with communities and families can help to identify and address the root causes of these problems. Above all, encouraging positive role models and incorruptible leaders to emerge, with capital penalty for corrupt public office holders, can help to inspire Nigerian youths and provide them with a sense of positive direction and purpose.
If the Nigerian society fails to arrest corruption in public offices, Nigeria’s future will remain at a crossroad, leading to bloody leadership crisis in the future as different criminal factions and interest groups vie for power, which, in turn, will lead to economic stagnation, as investors become wary of investing in a country with an uncertain future.
The high rate of corruption in our society, if not suffocated, will lead to social unrest and wars in the future, as citizens become frustrated with the lack of progress and the failure of leaders to address their needs. However, by taking immediate action to address the root causes of these problems, which are rooted in the corruption in public offices, we can prevent this scenario from becoming a reality. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the future of Nigeria to act now.
It is unfortunate that most Nigerian youths have cultivated a mindset that expects harvest without planting, which shall never be free from evil arithmetics.
– Ambassador Ezewele Cyril Abionanojie is the author of the book ‘The Enemy Called Corruption’ an award winner of Best Columnist of the year 2020, Giant in Security Support, Statesmanship Integrity & Productivity Award Among others. He is the President of Peace Ambassador Global.