Moral decadence, societal ignorance 40 years after WAI

In March 1994, Nigeria and Nigerians witnessed a reformative initiative called War Against Indiscipline (WAI) which was a mass mobilisation programme with the aim of correcting social maladjustment. 

Individuals who were born at that time that the country’s leadership initiated critical action against moral decadence and societal indiscipline are 40 years now, the parents of these ones gloried in the assurance of their children’s morality, responsibility and security. It must have been a thing of joy to be born at such a time, one would imagine. 

Today, many of these fellows born 40 years ago have their own children who could be adolescents now, but how sad could one who was born into cordiality and a sense of orderliness feel raising his or her children in a maladjusted society? How disheartening could it be waking up every day to watch the giant of Africa facing huge decline in moral standards and values, struggling to find her feet stabled on the solid ground of truth and equity.

Some equivalent and updated versions of WAI had followed with less severity in enforcement. What happened to these reformative initiatives? Why are their impacts hardly sufficient to address or mitigate growing social ills across various social, political, economic, family, religious, tribal and ethnic environments?

The increase in moral decadence manifesting in various forms including rampant insecurity, breakdown of law and order, and unmonitored youth and teenagers engaging in criminal activities can be traceable to societal ignorance, political whoredom, religious prostitution, parental failure, youth and teenage cruelty.  These create a perfect storm for societal dysfunction.

No one person, group or ethnicity is to be blamed for this unfortunate occurrence, but the whole peoples of Nigeria should be held responsible. To be held accountable for the reformation also, leaving no stone unturned, are everyone who participated in bringing the country to her present predicament as this behaviour is characterised by lack of ethics, failure to uphold societal norms, no measures for enforcement or general sense of criticism.

Consequences of moral decadence on citizens and diplomatic relationships 

1). Engaging in immoral acts:

People tend to lose their moral values, and resorting to demeaning acts like stealing, prostitution, corruption and delinquency can impact negatively on a people, making them lose respect in every sense of it. For instance, Nigerians are fast gaining a foul reputation in cybercrimes and fraudulent activities of different degrees, gangsterism among the youth, incessant killings and mutilation of young people, missing people and the endless chase for money and material gains at the expense of others.  These do not speak well of the country and her people who are genuinely fighting to portray the country in good light by consistently doing good works in their areas of endeavours. 

Nigeria’s human resource is unequalled all over the world, their contributions and expertise speak volume of their wealth of experience and commitment, but the impunity of bad eggs among them at home or abroad makes these professionals weak and handicapped as many of them struggle daily to live above the stigma attached to their green passport. Therefore, an urgent systematic reformation strategy is required to bring Nigeria back to her former glory to shine like the star she is created to be. 

2. Cynicism: 

This is a significant consequence of moral decadence. When trust is eroded among individuals and institutions as people witness corruption, dishonesty and unethical behaviours daily, they may be justified to believe that others are primarily motivated by self-interest rather than genuine concern for others. Where people have become obligated to live with normalisation of unethical behaviour because of decline in moral standards, unethical practices can become their reality leading to a great majority adopting a cynical perspective that reinforces the belief that ethical behaviour is old fashioned. In situations like this, it will not be long and the vast majority of the populace will begin to withdraw from civic engagements. At this point, individuals feel that their actions will not lead to meaningful change in a morally declining society. This disengagement can further exacerbate moral decay, creating a vicious cycle where lack of participation allows unethical behaviour to flourish unchecked.

3. Compliance: 

Some people may comply with lower standards and norms for fear of standing alone or facing isolation, exclusion and public shaming.

The harm of moral decadence extends beyond immediate safety concerns. A nation plagued by crime and instability experiences significant social and economic consequences. Citizens live in constant fear, this affects the people’s quality of life and mental health as lack of safety can stifle creativity and innovation, driving away potential talents, entrepreneurs and professionals who could contribute to national growth. 

On a diplomatic level, a country perceived as unsafe or unstable faces challenges in forging ahead and maintaining international relationships. Investors and foreign governments may hesitate to engage with Nigeria, and fear/anxiety for their safety and the security of their investments, will lead to reduced trade relationships and lack of cooperation on global issues thereby isolating the country even more. 

The continuing moral decadence  in Nigeria poses severe threats to the nation’s stability and growth. However, through consistent efforts from parents, credible people in society and the country, it is possible to restore dignity and hope for the future. By ensuring strong community ties, investing in youth, and strengthening family structures, Nigeria can reclaim her glory and pave the way for a brighter, more secure future for all her citizens. 

                                                                                                                     *To be continued…

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