The Spate of Immorality in Nigeria: Causes and Solutions -By Imran Oyelowo

Immorality in Nigeria has been a rampant attitude portrayed by almost every individual in the country. It’s a disgusting behaviour showcased by Nigerians including the leaders who have been seen as the most ungodly in the country. Due to this fact, the masses develop the audacious mindset to behave as they like since law and order has been broken by their leaders and it’s not willing to be curbed. However, what exacerbates the matter is that the youth (i.e teenagers and adolescents) are also corrupt and affected so much that the elderly ones who are supposed to guide them have woefully failed in their responsibility. Simply put, immorality is a behaviour which is also synonymous with act like corruption, dishonesty, rape kidnapping, cultism and a lot of other vices. Therefore, the causes of the layers of immorality in the Nigerian society today are as follows.

Firstly, the home or family. As it’s all known that the family is the first agent of socialization, a lot of youth or children lack what we call responsible parenting. Some parents cease to give their wards parental care, guidance and advice, while some others are not able to give their children the basic necessities of life. The inability of the parents to provide these needs will prompt the children to start stealing people’s belongings whereby the act will escalate to armed robbery or cyber fraud.

Secondly, the total breakdown of law and order. In this aspect, it has been shown to us that the rule of law has been shattered because the politicians or the leaders have appeared to be above the law. Due to this fact, corruption becomes a problem tempering on the growth and development of the Nigerian state. Many a politician has been found guilty and responsible for siphoning the public funds into their personal accounts, but no genuine actions have been carried out against them. The fact that law and order doesn’t exist in Nigeria lures most young Nigerians into unlawful act such as cyber fraud. As a result of mass unemployment in the country, the youth refuse to work hard to earn legitimate money; rather many of them choose to be fraudsters. Funnily enough, the policemen who are aware of this trend see it as an opportunity to exploit any youth caught in the dirty job whereas the youth will be given option to either bribe them huge amount of money or be reprimanded and exposed.

Thirdly, the satanic desire for wealth by the people. Most Nigerians today aren’t patient and God-fearing. It’s clear that when the attitudes of patience and fear of God are lacking in people, they engage in all sorts of unwholesome actions such as murder, ritual, kidnapping only just to acquire wealth, and this is detrimental not only to them but also the country at large. As a result of this, the society looks abysmal and unsafe for all.

Having explored some causes, it’s pertinent to highlight some solutions to the increasing rate of immorality in Nigeria. One, there is urgent need for responsible parenting. Every parent should show or give their children adequate care, guidance and advice in order to make them live responsibly. The children should not also be deprived of the basic necessities of life.

Two, the ability of the security agencies to enforce law and order in the society is necessary. Security personnel must stop collecting bribe from offenders. This links well with the urgent need for everyone to vote for atruistic leaders who have the interest of the masses at heart, instead of grasping ones who give money or palliatives to people just to get their votes.

Lastly, the government should provide employment opportunities for the teaming unemployed youth. This will reduce despicable acts which they indulge in. Empowerment programme for people to work and earn income should be encouraged, for this will create lively atmosphere for them to be responsible. “An idle hand is the devil’s workshop”, goes the common saying.

Imran Oyelowo is from Ilorin. You can reach him via imranolakunle32@gmail.com.