society
Bloodlines of Theft: Corruption in Nigeria from the 1960s to Today; Who Will Break the Chain?
Bloodlines of Theft: Corruption in Nigeria from the 1960s to Today; Who Will Break the Chain?
George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
“They stole our future; then taught our children to do the same.”
From the ashes of colonial rule in 1960, Nigeria rose with immense promise, a land blessed with crude-oil, talent and a population hungry for progress. Yet, six decades later, corruption has eaten into the very fabric of the nation like a hereditary disease. It has become so deeply woven into the country’s political, economic and social DNA that many now describe it as something that “flows in our blood and veins.” From the corridors of power to the back alleys of bureaucracy, from the military barracks to the village councils, corruption is not just an act, it is a way of life.
The tragedy is not only that Nigeria’s leaders steal, but that they do so without FEAR or SHAME. Chinua Achebe lamented in The Trouble with Nigeria (1983): “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.”
That failure began in the 1960s. Independence came with hope, but also with political greed. The First Republic, barely six years old, collapsed in 1966 under the weight of ELECTORAL FRAUD, NEPOTISM and TRIBAL POLITICS.
When the military seized power, many Nigerians thought corruption would be crushed with the iron discipline of soldiers. Instead, the khaki rulers perfected it. They replaced the ballot box with the barrel of the gun and turned the national treasury into a private vault.
During the oil boom of the 1970s, when Nigeria’s crude production skyrocketed, billions of petrodollars flowed into the country. Instead of electricity, roads, refineries and schools, we got abandoned projects, phantom companies and padded budgets. The saying “OIL BOOM, OIL DOOM” was born. A 1980 World Bank report on Nigeria’s public spending revealed billions unaccounted for; proof that the boom enriched only the connected few.
Then came the 1990s, the darkest chapter in Nigeria’s corruption history, epitomized by the regime of General Sani Abacha (1993–1998). His government institutionalized looting on a global scale. The Nigerian government, through investigations and international collaboration, confirmed that more than $5 billion was siphoned into secret Swiss accounts and foreign investments. The so-called “ABACHA LOOT” has been repatriated in tranches from Switzerland, the U.S. and the U.K. yet much of it has been RE-STOLEN or UNACCOUNTED for, a vicious cycle that mirrors the very rot it sought to correct.
Nigeria among the most corrupt nations in the world, scoring between 20–27 out of 100 on its Corruption Perception Index (CPI) over the past decade. This is not a rating of shame; but a mirror of our collective moral decay.
From 1999, when Nigeria returned to democracy, through the administrations of Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan, Buhari and now Bola Ahmed Tinubu, corruption has remained a common denominator.
When Nigeria discovered oil in commercial quantity in Oloibiri in 1956, it should have guaranteed prosperity. Instead, it became a curse. A handful of elites cornered oil licenses, inflated contracts and built empires abroad. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka once said:
“The Nigerian tragedy is not the absence of riches but the presence of thieves in power.”
The sad reality is that the system rewards corruption and punishes honesty. The elite steal to get richer, and the poor cheer them on and aspire to replace them. A civil servant earning ₦150,000 monthly drives a ₦50 million SUV, yet no one asks questions. A governor misappropriates billions and becomes a senator after leaving office. The common man, meanwhile, cannot afford a loaf of bread or a sachet of water.
The tragedy is worsened by moral fatigue. Many Nigerians now believe that corruption is normal due to a SURVIVAL STRATEGY. The taxi driver gives bribes to policemen, the trader inflates invoices, the student cheats/pays their way in exams and the pastor manipulates offerings. This cultural acceptance of wrongdoing is what has made corruption so resilient.
Comedian Gordons once joked bitterly during a stand-up show:
“In Nigeria, corruption has a driver’s license. Even if you catch it, the police will tell you to release it because it’s their oga.”
Even I Go Dye, another popular comedian, used his platform to challenge the people directly, saying:
“We can’t fight corruption by clapping for the corrupt. The day Nigerians stop laughing at thieves, the thieves will stop smiling.”
Their jokes sting because they reflect truth. Comedy has become one of the last weapons for telling the bitter truth in a society where truth itself is endangered.
How did we get here and what truly can be done?
1. Rebuild Institutions, Not Just Arrest Individuals.
Corruption thrives where systems fail. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) were created to fight graft, but they are often politicized. Real reform means granting them operational independence, free from presidential or partisan control. Trials of corrupt politicians must be swift, public and conclusive. The message must be clear: if you steal from Nigerians, you will lose your freedom, your wealth and your name.
2. Strengthen Civic Accountability.
Corruption will not die in silence. Citizens must demand transparency. Every Nigerian project (from roads to hospitals) should have an online record accessible to the public. Civil society and investigative journalists must be protected and encouraged. As Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala once said,
“No one can fight corruption for Nigerians except Nigerians. Everyone has to be committed from the top to the bottom to fight it.”
3. Reform Campaign Financing.
Politics in Nigeria is the most expensive in Africa. When candidates spend billions to win elections, they must recover their “INVESTMENT” once in office. We must regulate political spending, make campaign donations transparent and ban anonymous contributions.
4. Create Economic Incentives for Honesty.
When civil servants are underpaid and undervalued, corruption becomes tempting. Pay must reflect responsibility. Digital payroll systems should be enforced across all government agencies to close loopholes. Reward honesty publicly and shame theft openly.
5. Cultural Reorientation.
We must teach integrity from the home to the classroom. A society that worships wealth without questioning its source will continue to breed thieves. Media, entertainment and religious leaders must champion integrity as a national value.
6. Follow the Money; Even Abroad.
The Western banks that house looted funds must be pressured to disclose and return stolen assets. Nigeria must strengthen its financial intelligence units to trace offshore transactions. The Abacha case proves that stolen wealth leaves a trail, we only need political will to follow it.
7. Empower the Judiciary.
Without an independent judiciary, anti-corruption is dead on arrival. Judges must be selected on merit, protected from political influence and held to the highest ethical standards.
The biggest lie ever told to Nigerians is that CORRUPTION IS UNSTOPPABLE and that it is PART OF OUR BLOOD. No, it is not GENETIC; it is a CULTURE. And like every culture, it can be unlearned. It begins with leadership, but it ends with us. Every bribe we pay, every rigged vote we tolerate, every silence in the face of theft, these are the nails we drive into our own coffin as a nation.
As the late Kenyan scholar Prof. Patrick Lumumba aptly said,
“Africa is poor because her leaders are thieves.”
Nigeria must decide whether it will remain part of that tragedy or rise as the exception.
Our children deserve more than this endless cycle of looting and lamentation. Corruption has stolen our future, but it does not have to own our destiny. The cure will not come from London or Washington; it will come from a generation of Nigerians who refuse to bow to thieves, who will name corruption for what it is: treason against the people.
Let this be the call to citizens, journalists, teachers and even comedians to make corruption socially unacceptable again. The elites may steal our gold, but they cannot steal our conscience unless we hand it to them.
And if CORRUPTION truly flows in our veins, then let INTEGRITY be the blood transfusion that saves Nigeria.
society
Stakeholders Seek Urgent Reforms to Tackle Youth Unemployment at disrupTED EduKate Africa Summit
Stakeholders Seek Urgent Reforms to Tackle Youth Unemployment at disrupTED EduKate Africa Summit
By Ifeoma Ikem
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector have called for urgent and scalable solutions to address the rising rate of youth unemployment, stressing the need for strengthened technical education and increased collaboration with the private sector to bridge existing skills gaps.
The call was made at the disrupTED EduKate Africa Summit 2026, a one-day leadership forum held at the University of Lagos, where participants examined the growing disconnect between education outcomes and labour market demands.
The summit brought together education leaders, private sector operators and development advocates to promote adaptive learning, practical skills acquisition and innovative financing models for Africa’s education sector.
Experts at the summit strongly advocated increased investment in technical and vocational education, noting that training programmes must reflect current industry realities and evolving labour market needs.
Speakers emphasised that Nigeria’s education system, particularly at the tertiary level, must urgently shift from certificate-driven learning to skills-based and experiential education aligned with global best practices.
Among the speakers were Deby Okoh, Regional Manager at Brunel University of London; Ashley Immanuel, Chief Operating Officer of Semicolon; Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation; and education advocate, Adetomi Soyinka.
The speakers highlighted the importance of continuous learning, teacher retraining and comprehensive curriculum reform to meet the demands of an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
They stressed that apprenticeship programmes, internships and hands-on training should be fully integrated into academic curricula, noting that over-reliance on theoretical qualifications has widened the employability gap among graduates.
In his remarks, Mr Tosin Adebisi, Director of EduKate Africa and convener of the summit, said the event was designed to challenge what he described as the education sector’s rigid attachment to outdated methods.
Adebisi said innovation must remain central to education reform, adding that stakeholders must rethink teaching methods, learning processes and approaches to solving challenges such as access to education, financing and employability.
He expressed confidence that sustainable solutions could be achieved through strong collaboration across education, private sector and development institutions.
Adebisi, alongside co-Director Mr Francis Omorojie, said the summit aimed at connecting stakeholders working across sectors to close existing skills and opportunity gaps for young people.
The summit also urged parents and educators to promote lifelong learning, critical thinking and adaptability among young people, stressing that education systems must evolve in line with global economic trends.
No fewer than 200 students from the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Ojo, and other institutions participated in the summit, which was initially expected to host the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.
In a welcome address, Prof. Olufemi Oloyede of the University of Lagos emphasised the need to shape young minds through innovation and positive thinking, noting that Africa’s development depends on the strategic use of its human and natural resources, as well as a shift towards creativity and innovation among youths.
Turning Point: Dr. Chris Okafor Resumes with Fresh Fire of the Spirit
-Steps onto the Grace Nation Pulpit After a Month-Long Honeymoon Retreat with Renewed Supernatural Power
By Sunday Adeyemi
The much-anticipated February 1, 2026 “Turning Point” service of Grace Nation has come and gone, but its impact remains deeply etched in the hearts of Grace Nation citizens across the world. The significance of the day was unmistakable—it marked the official return of the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr. Chris Okafor, to active ministerial duty as the Set Man of the commission.
The date was particularly symbolic, as Dr. Okafor had taken close to one month away from the pulpit following his wedding late last year. The period served not only as a honeymoon but also as a season of rest, reflection, and intimate fellowship with God in preparation for a greater spiritual assignment ahead.
The atmosphere at Grace Nation was electric as the Generational Prophet and his wife were received with a heroic welcome, accompanied by prophetic praise, joyful dancing, and fervent prayers. It was a celebration of return, renewal, and readiness.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Chris Okafor declared that he had returned to fully pursue the mandate God entrusted to him—winning souls for the Kingdom of God. He issued a strong warning to the kingdom of darkness, stating that light and darkness cannot coexist. According to him, the season ahead would witness intensified spiritual engagement, as the Kingdom of God advances and the forces of darkness lose ground.
“This time,” the Generational Prophet affirmed, “it will be total displacement of darkness, as the light of God shines brighter than ever.”
The Message: Turning Point
Delivering a powerful sermon titled “Turning Point,” Dr. Okafor explained that a turning point is defined as a moment when a decisive and beneficial change occurs in a situation. He emphasized that such moments are often preceded by battles.
According to him, battles do not necessarily arise because one is doing wrong, but because God desires to reveal His power and teach vital lessons through them. Every genuine battle, he noted, carries divine involvement and purpose.
Addressing the question “Why must I fight a battle?” Dr. Okafor explained that individuals who carry extraordinary grace often encounter greater challenges. “When you carry what others do not carry,” he said, “the battles that come your way are usually bigger.”
Characteristics of a Turning Point
The Generational Prophet highlighted that when a person is firmly rooted in God, no storm can uproot them. A strong spiritual foundation ensures that no battle can shake one’s destiny. He explained that prayer does not eliminate battles, but preparation through prayer guarantees victory on the evil day.
“Battles push you into your turning point when you are rooted in the Spirit,” he stated, adding that a prayerful life is essential for sustained victory and elevation.
A Supernatural Service
The Turning Point service witnessed an extraordinary move of the Holy Spirit in a fresh dimension. Deliverance, healings, miracles, restoration, and diverse testimonies filled the atmosphere as worshippers encountered the power of God during the Sunday service.
In a related development, Dr. Chris Okafor officially commissioned the ultra-modern church restaurant, Fourthman Foodies, dedicating it to God for the benefit and use of Grace Nation citizens worldwide.
The February 1 service has since been described by many as a defining moment—one that signals a new spiritual season for Grace Nation Global. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1B2Eh6B6wo/
Sunday Adeyemi is a Lagos-based journalist and society writer. He writes from Lagos.
Adron Homes Hails Ondo State at 50, Celebrates Legacy of Excellence
The Chairman, Board of Directors, Management, and staff of Adron Group have congratulated the Government and people of Ondo State on the celebration of its 50th anniversary, describing the milestone as a significant chapter in Nigeria’s federal history and a testament to visionary leadership, resilience, and purposeful development.
In a goodwill message issued to commemorate the Golden Jubilee, Adron Group noted that since its creation in 1976, Ondo State has consistently distinguished itself as a centre of honour, intellect, and enterprise. Fondly referred to as The Sunshine State, the state has produced generations of outstanding professionals, administrators, and national leaders whose contributions continue to shape Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development.
According to the company, the strength of Ondo State lies not only in its rich cultural heritage and intellectual depth, but also in the values of integrity, diligence, and excellence that define its people. These qualities, Adron noted, have remained the bedrock of the state’s enduring relevance and national impact over the past five decades.
Adron Group further commended the state’s renewed drive in recent years towards infrastructure development, economic diversification, industrial growth, and youth empowerment, describing these initiatives as indicators of a forward-looking, inclusive development agenda anchored in sustainability and long-term prosperity.
“As a corporate organisation committed to nation-building and sustainable development, Adron Group recognises Ondo State as a strategic partner in progress,” the statement read. “We commend His Excellency, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Executive Governor of Ondo State, and the leadership of the state at all levels for their dedication to public service and their commitment to the advancement of the people.”
As Ondo State marks its Golden Jubilee, Adron Group joined millions of well-wishers in celebrating a legacy of excellence, strength of character, and promise, while expressing optimism that the next fifty years will usher in greater milestones in economic vitality, social advancement, innovation, and enduring peace.
The company concluded by wishing the Government and people of Ondo State continued progress and prosperity, adding that the Sunshine State remains well-positioned to shine even brighter in the years ahead.
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