The revolution of our minds is the most urgent task before us as a people. We stand at the precipice of a new era, one that demands the establishment of a New Social Order. Nigeria, our beloved country, must be at the forefront of this transformation. We are facing a critical moment, a juncture where the erosion of our values has brought us to a tipping point. In this reflection, we must confront an uncomfortable truth: we are tending towards becoming a profaned society.
What is a profaned society? It is a society where the sacred values that hold a community together – its moral compass, cultural norms, ethical standards, and sense of duty – are desecrated, diminished, or destroyed. Materialism, corruption, selfishness, and cynicism replace the spiritual and moral principles that once united us. The trust that binds people together is eroded, leaving behind a fragmented nation. The soul of the society weakens, and its collective responsibility fades into self-serving interests. The Nigeria of today bears the marks of this decay.
Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria’s history has oscillated between the promise of greatness and the reality of deep-seated moral decline. At our inception, the future seemed bright with hope and potential. Yet, over the decades, the trajectory of the nation has been one of moral erosion, seen clearly in both individual behavior and institutional practice. The military coups of the 1960s set the stage for this decline. Authoritarian rule and the suppression of civil liberties took root. Corruption flourished under these regimes as the state became a tool for personal enrichment. Rather than serving the people, the state was transformed into a machine for the self-serving ambitions of the few.
The economic collapse of the 1980s, driven in part by the implementation of Structural Adjustment Programs, only worsened the situation. Hardship pushed individuals toward survivalist behaviors, often at the cost of ethics and morality. The return to democracy in 1999 promised a rebirth, but the democratic era brought with it endemic corruption. Electoral fraud, political violence, and the mismanagement of Nigeria’s vast resources continued to erode trust in the government. Public institutions, once seen as custodians of the public good, became symbols of deceit and failure.
In recent decades, Nigeria has also witnessed a surge in religious extremism and ethno-political conflicts. These events have not occurred in a vacuum but are rooted in a deeper moral crisis. Violence and division have become justified in the name of religion or ethnicity. Boko Haram, for instance, is not just a threat of violence but a symptom of the broader malaise afflicting the soul of the nation.
This decay has left an indelible impact on the Nigerian individual. The traditional values of honesty, communalism, and integrity have been replaced by a culture where personal gain is prioritized above the common good. Corruption has been normalized; dishonesty is no longer a transgression but a way of life. Nigerian youth are growing up in a system where short-term gains and unethical practices are seen as pathways to success. The result? A generation plagued by hopelessness, disillusionment, and a loss of identity. The rise of selfishness and cynicism has left our young people without a compass, unsure of who they are or where they belong in the world.
At the societal level, this moral decay has stunted our development. Public institutions lack the moral authority to enforce laws or maintain transparency. Corruption has corroded trust in key institutions, including law enforcement and the judiciary. The consequence is a system that cannot deliver justice or foster social equity. The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few corrupt elites has left the majority of Nigerians in poverty. Economic inequality has widened, and the opportunity for upward mobility has shrunk. Those with means continue to thrive, while the majority are left behind.
Social fragmentation is another result of this decay. As self-interest prevails, Nigerians increasingly seek security in their ethnic or religious identity rather than in a shared national vision. Brain drain has also become a serious issue. The best and brightest minds are leaving the country, disillusioned by a lack of opportunity and the systemic corruption that prevents them from contributing meaningfully. This constant loss of talent weakens the nation’s potential for progress.
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A profaned society is defined by its characteristics: the loss of trust, the rise of materialism and consumerism, cynicism, and apathy. The moral compass becomes blurred, and ethical behavior is no longer celebrated. Individuals are loyal to subgroups – ethnic, religious, or political – rather than to the collective good. How did we get here? The causes are clear. Corruption has been at the heart of Nigeria’s moral decline. Leadership, too, has been a critical factor. When leaders prioritize power over principle, society mirrors their actions. Economic instability has forced many into survivalist behaviors, further compromising ethical standards. Globalization, while bringing opportunities, has eroded traditional cultural values, weakening the moral anchors that once held us together. Education, too, has failed to instill civic responsibility, producing individuals skilled in technical matters but adrift morally.
History teaches us that no society survives long when it abandons its moral foundations. Ancient Rome, once the most powerful empire, collapsed because of moral decay, political corruption, and overextension. The Mayan civilization, too, fell due in part to the abuse of power and the erosion of its core values. The Soviet Union, a superpower, crumbled under the weight of corruption and disillusionment. These examples show us that external pressures do not destroy a civilization; rather, its internal moral and ethical collapse sets the stage for its downfall.
The path forward for Nigeria is clear. If we are to rise, we must rebuild our society on the firm foundation of moral principles. Integrity, justice, fairness, and a sense of community responsibility must be the cornerstones of our national identity. These values will strengthen our institutions, engage our citizens, and foster sustainable development.
Practical steps must be taken to restore Nigeria. Leadership must be redefined, not by power but by accountability, transparency, and a commitment to justice. Civic education must be at the heart of this renewal, instilling in our youth a sense of duty to the nation and to their fellow citizens. Cultural renaissance is also critical. We must consciously revive traditional Nigerian values – honesty, community, and respect for others. Our youth, in particular, must be empowered to reclaim the values of hard work, integrity, and service. Institutions must be reformed to ensure that corruption is rooted out. Civil society must play a role, acting as a watchdog to promote good governance and accountability.
A national dialogue is also essential. The moral direction of Nigeria must be openly discussed, with all stakeholders contributing to the conversation. Government, religious leaders, community heads, and ordinary citizens must come together to chart a new course for the nation.
The time has come for Nigerians to embark on the revolution of the mind. Restoring our moral values is not a dream; it is a necessity. It is the only way for Nigeria to rise from the depths of decay to the heights of greatness. Each Nigerian must commit to this change, starting with themselves. Together, we can build a nation grounded in moral principles, driving our development and ensuring prosperity for generations to come. Nigeria must and will rise.
*Abdulrahaman is Founder/President, Initiative for Discovery of Nigeria Heritage and Endowment (IDNHE) and Project Coordinator, National Policy Dialogue (www.nationalpolicydialogue.org)
