Nigeria: Tackling Social Vices in Our Society

 Adedokun Boluwatife Ruth.

Nigeria is a blessed country. Unarguably, she is a country full of unutilized milk and honey. Although referred to as the giant of Africa, she has undoubtedly been experiencing a geometric setback in the past two decades. This pathetic situation has been an issue of discussion over years, as many of her problems can be best described as "social vices."

Social vices are simply the decadence of moral acts in the society; it is the act in which immoralities is taking ground in the society . Over the years, moral acts that majorly represented the cultures and traditions of several different ethnic groups in Nigeria are deteriorating and dwindling. This has led to the prevalence of immoral acts such as: smuggling, thuggery, forgery, indecency, assassination, pornography, gambling, importation, and use of hard drugs.

With no positive effects, the negative effects of these vices can never be underestimated. Do we continue on this path? Certainly, not. A step to curbing the different menaces is identifying their root causes.

Let's start with the negligent attitude of some parents towards their children. It has been observed that children who become perpetrators of crimes probably had little or no parental attention while growing up. Some parents with their perfunctory attitude neglect their children and fail to instill in them the domestic trainings that they need.

 There is a need to reinforce the fact that parenting is not about giving birth to children. It involves being a part of their growing up, catering for their needs, educating them on their civic obligations to their society and country, instilling in them the virtues and wisdom for proper living, and living lifestyles our children can emulate.

Nevertheless, these problems are not only attributed to parents, it can be further   traced to children. According to Abram Lincoln "I will study and wait until when opportunity comes," unfortunately, the virtue of patience is lost in our society today. The desire to become rich in no time makes some young people ignore legitimate means of making money. Rather than resulting in activities that would tarnish the image of the country, it is highly advised that youths get legitimate jobs, prepare for higher opportunities, and develop their abilities.

 Furthermore, the government shares a huge part of the blame. It is tiring that students spend more than expected years in school due to incessant industrial strikes. Sadly, it is more tiring when higher institution graduates can't secure good jobs after their (NYSC) National Youth Service Corps. Against its full meaning, " National Youth Service Corps," the one-year compulsory service has now been tagged "Now Your Struggle Continues." 

It is important to say that Irrespective of anyone's educational qualification, good jobs should be accessible. To make this happen, the Nigerian government must provide good jobs, increase the minimum wage, and also collaborate with private organizations and investors on how to reduce the rate of unemployment in the country.

Not only this, but also, young people should engage themselves in entrepreneurship, rather than getting involved in illicit behaviors. The bad economic condition shouldn't be an excuse for committing crimes.

According to John Maxwell, "No problem is insurmountable." Social vices can only be nipped in the bud if all members of the society consciously do good and contribute their quota to the promotion of peace and harmony in the country.

Written By : Adedokun boluwatife Ruth.

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