The preoccupation with unbridled desire for material things of this world has reached a level that requires constant appeal to the psyche of Nigerians if the society is to experience the peace and tranquillity that are necessary for development and meaningful existence. Only last week, it was reported that the MOTHERS (how many of them?) in Lagos wanted to form an association of PARENTS OF YAHOO-YAHOO boys and girls in order to counter the CONSTANT HARASSMENT of their children by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). I waited endlessly for denial from these group of women but none was forthcoming and the only reasonable thing to do in the circumstance is to conclude that the report was not an error! The motive for their supposed intention, the report said, is that the proceeds from the INTERNET FRAUD go a long way in providing for the needs of their families. This is one typical example of how the YOUTHS receive TACIT approval of criminal activities from parents and the elderly within the Nigerian society. The feeling that your worth in society is dependent on the number of exotic cars you can parade, the number of mansions you can have in Banana Island, and the number of records musicians can wax in order to popularize your fame cannot but be worrisome to any right-thinking member of Nigerian society. Reasonably, it can be said without any equivocation that all the SERMONS on Sundays and the NASIA on Fridays are not having any effect on any of us. It is particularly saddening to note that we are yet to realize that the YOUTH of any nation is the FUTURE of that nation. Whether in the church or outside of it, it appears to me that our trust, rather than being in God, is placed in EXCESSIVE MATERIALISM! How are we going to acquire the necessary behavioural traits that make for national greatness? How are we going to convince the YOUTHS that a man’ life does not CONSIST IN THE ABUNDANCE OF THINGS he/she possesses? How do we put it across to the YOUTHS that we have not brought ANYTHING into this world and it is certain we are not going to take ANYTHING out of it? What moral justification do the elders have when they could be supporting criminal activities of the youths? What contributions have we unwittingly encouraged in churches with the overemphasis on payment of TITHE, contribution of OFFERINGS and the SOWING OF SEEDS? When are these SEEDS going to germinate and start yielding the FRUITS of Galatians 5:22-23? These are germane questions that requires reflective THOUGHTS by the Nigerian parents, religious leaders, and other well-meaning Nigerians. Shalom
