A Profaned Society:

A profaned society is one 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. In such a society, materialism, corruption, selfishness, and cynicism replace shared spiritual and moral principles. This leads to a deep erosion of trust, unity, and collective responsibility, weakening the very fabric of society.

Nigeria: Tending Towards a Profaned Society?

Historical Context of Moral Decay in Nigeria:

Since its independence in 1960, Nigeria has oscillated between hope and despair. While the country had great potential, its trajectory has been marred by a steady decay in moral values, which has become evident in both individual behaviors and institutional practices. Key points in this moral decline include:

1. Military Rule and Corruption: The successive military coups that began in the 1960s brought with them authoritarian rule, suppression of civil liberties, and systemic corruption. The state became a tool for personal enrichment rather than public service, setting a dangerous precedent that eroded moral values in governance and trickled down to society.

2. Economic Collapse of the 1980s: The Structural Adjustment Programs (SAP) implemented by the Nigerian government, under pressure from international financial institutions, resulted in widespread economic hardship. These economic crises further pushed individuals toward survivalist tendencies, often at the cost of ethical and moral considerations.

3. Post-Military Democracy: The return to civilian rule in 1999 came with renewed hopes, but endemic corruption persisted, especially in governance. Electoral fraud, political violence, and the mismanagement of Nigeria’s vast resources continued to erode trust in public institutions.

4. Religious Extremism and Ethno-Political Divides: In recent decades, Nigeria has also witnessed a surge in religious extremism (e.g., Boko Haram insurgency) and ethno-political conflicts. These events reflect a deeper moral crisis, where violence and division are often justified in the name of religion or ethnicity.

The Effect on the Individual:

The degradation of moral values in Nigeria has left a significant impact on the individual. The traditional Nigerian society, once known for values of honesty, communalism, and integrity, has been replaced by a culture where personal gain is prioritized above the common good. Corruption, dishonesty, and a lack of accountability have become normalized. The Nigerian youth are particularly vulnerable, often growing up in a system where short-term gains, quick fixes, and unethical practices are seen as acceptable pathways to success. Hopelessness, disillusionment, and a loss of identity plague the younger generation, while selfishness and cynicism are rife among many.

The Challenges to Nigerian Society:

At the societal level, the decay of moral values has severely hampered development. It manifests in:

1. Weak Institutions: Public institutions lack the moral authority to enforce laws, maintain transparency, or foster social justice. Corruption has eroded the public’s trust in key institutions, including law enforcement, the judiciary, and government agencies.

2. Economic Inequality: The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few corrupt elites has left the vast majority of Nigerians in poverty. The disparity between the rich and poor widens each year, and opportunities for social mobility are minimal.

3. Social Fragmentation: Moral decay has also contributed to the growing ethnic and religious divides in Nigeria. In a society where self-interest prevails, people seek security in their ethnic or religious identity, rather than in a shared national vision.

4. Brain Drain: Nigeria continues to lose its most educated and talented citizens to other countries due to a lack of opportunities, insecurity, and systemic corruption. This hinders national development, as many who could contribute to the nation’s progress are disillusioned and choose to seek better prospects elsewhere.

Characteristics of a Profaned Society:

1. Loss of Trust: Institutions and individuals are no longer trusted due to corruption, dishonesty, and a lack of accountability.

2. Materialism and Consumerism: A shift towards valuing material wealth and personal gain over communal well-being and spiritual fulfillment.

3. Cynicism and Apathy: People no longer believe in the possibility of a better society, leading to widespread disengagement from civic duties.

4. Moral Relativism: The distinction between right and wrong becomes blurred, with unethical behaviors becoming normalized.

5. Fragmentation: The absence of shared values leads to a divided society, where people are more loyal to subgroups (ethnic, religious, political) than to the common good.

Causes of Profaned Societies:

1. Corruption: A fundamental cause of moral decay, where public service becomes self-serving.

2. Poor Leadership: Weak, unethical leadership that prioritizes power over principle.

3. Economic Instability: Economic hardship often forces people into survivalist behaviors that compromise their ethical standards.

4. Cultural Erosion: Globalization and the erosion of traditional cultural values can lead to the loss of moral anchors.

5. Weak Education Systems: Education that lacks a moral foundation and civic responsibility fosters individuals who are technically skilled but morally adrift.

Historical Examples of Collapsed Civilizations:

1. Ancient Rome: Once the most powerful empire, Rome collapsed due to moral decay, political corruption, and the overextension of its resources.

2. The Mayans: While there were many causes of the Mayan civilization’s fall, internal strife, the abuse of power by leaders, and a disconnect from core values contributed.

3. The Soviet Union: Though a superpower, the USSR crumbled under the weight of corruption, economic inefficiencies, and the disillusionment of its people.

From these examples, we learn that civilizations do not simply collapse because of external pressures but because their internal moral and ethical foundations crumble.

Moral Principles as the Foundation for Nigeria’s Development:

Nigeria’s path to greatness lies in re-establishing a society where moral principles form the foundation of governance, business, and everyday life. These principles include integrity, justice, fairness, and community responsibility. A society that upholds these values will have stronger institutions, more engaged citizens, and sustainable development.

Practical Steps to Restore a Profaned Society:

A Special Case for Nigeria

1. Leadership by Example: Nigerian leaders must embody the values they wish to see in society. Accountability, transparency, and a commitment to justice must become the new standards of leadership.

2. Civic Education: Education must go beyond academic knowledge. Moral and civic education, which emphasizes ethics, citizenship, and the importance of community, should be integrated into Nigeria’s educational curriculum.

3. Cultural Renaissance: There must be a conscious effort to revive traditional Nigerian values that emphasize honesty, community, and respect for others. Cultural leaders, alongside religious institutions, should champion these values.

4. Youth Empowerment: Nigeria’s youth must be re-oriented towards the values of hard work, integrity, and service. Initiatives like mentorship programs, community service, and entrepreneurship training should be prioritized.

5. Reforming Institutions: Institutional reform is crucial. Anti-corruption agencies must be strengthened, the judiciary made independent and accountable, and public servants held to higher moral and ethical standards.

6. Engaging Civil Society: Civil society organizations should lead efforts to promote good governance, accountability, and social justice. By keeping institutions in check, they ensure the moral values of society are not undermined.

7. National Dialogue: A national conversation on the moral direction of the country should be initiated, involving all stakeholders - government, religious leaders, community heads, and ordinary citizens.

Conclusion:

The time is now for Nigerians to rise and embark on the Revolution of the Mind. The restoration of our moral values is not just a lofty ideal but a practical necessity for the survival and thriving of Nigeria as a nation. Every Nigerian must commit to this change, starting with individual, and collectively, we can build a nation grounded in the Moral Principles that will drive our development and prosperity for generations to come. Nigeria Must and Will Rise!

Yours for Nigeria as a Global Leader!

Musa-Ododo Abdulrahaman,

Founder/President,

Initiative for Discovery of Nigeria Heritage and Endowment (IDNHE).

Project Coordinator,

National Policy Dialogue.

www.nationalpolicydialogue.org