One troubling observation I’ve made about our nation is that despite our religious fervor in churches and mosques, many Nigerians worship the same idol—money. This idolatry has infiltrated every aspect of our lives and is eroding our moral and societal fabric.
The Worship of Money
From religious institutions to social interactions, money dominates our values and decisions. Sermons in churches are often centered around prosperity, with messages of financial breakthroughs taking precedence over spiritual growth. Similarly, societal gatherings revolve around the display of wealth.
Young people are particularly affected. Some resort to extreme measures, such as rituals, fraud, or even traveling abroad to engage in illegal activities, all in the pursuit of quick wealth. In my small town, young girls from across Nigeria and even Ghana engage in exploitative activities to earn money, while some young men sacrifice integrity and morality for financial gain.
Even institutions that should uphold ethics are not spared. Teachers, police officers, and even magistrates compromise their roles for bribes. This systemic corruption perpetuates a vicious cycle where money dictates outcomes in education, justice, and governance.
The Rise of Self-Idolatry
Another emerging idol is self-centeredness, fueled by social media. Platforms like TikTok in Nigeria differ from those in countries like China, where content focuses on innovation and productivity. Here, the focus is often on flaunting physical attributes or material possessions to gain attention and wealth.
This obsession with self and the constant need to showcase wealth is eroding modesty and discretion, values that were once upheld by previous generations. Many young men, particularly from the Igbo community, display wealth conspicuously, often without considering the consequences.
The Dangers of Conspicuous Consumption
Excessive displays of wealth breed jealousy and resentment, especially in communities where this wealth was generated. It can encourage criminal activities like kidnapping and fraud as others strive to replicate the same level of financial success. Moreover, such displays invite scrutiny and investigations, which can lead to legal trouble, especially if the sources of wealth are questionable.
A Call for Modesty and Wisdom
I urge young people, particularly those who are financially successful, to embrace modesty and discretion. Our forefathers, despite their wealth, lived simple lives and maintained humility. Wisdom is profitable to direct, and it is crucial to avoid actions that could jeopardize the peace and progress of our communities.
The Way Forward
We must challenge the idolatry of money and self-centeredness that has gripped our society. Religious leaders need to refocus their messages on morality and spiritual growth rather than material prosperity. As individuals, we must prioritize integrity, hard work, and modesty over the pursuit of wealth at any cost.
God bless you, God bless Nigeria, and let us strive for a society built on fairness, modesty, and integrity.
— Dr. Charles Apoki.
