Connect with us

society

Greed, Corruption and the Nigerian Malaise: Why We Are an Embarrassment to Ourselves

Published

on

Greed, Corruption and the Nigerian Malaise: Why We Are an Embarrassment to Ourselves. Written by George Omagbemi Sylvaester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

Greed, Corruption and the Nigerian Malaise: Why We Are an Embarrassment to Ourselves.

Written by George Omagbemi Sylvaester |
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

“How Self-Interest Has Undermined Nigeria’s Progress and What It Reveals About Our National Character.”

No nation’s identity is static, though it is forged in the crucible of history, culture, values and collective behaviour. Yet, for Nigeria, that crucible has, more often than not, revealed not our finest steel but our deepest corrosion. Today, billions around the world look at Nigeria not with admiration, but with exasperating disappointmentant not because we lack potential, but because we collectively betray it. The uncomfortable truth is this: Nigerians are an embarrassment to Nigeria when greed, corruption and self-interest become defining national traits.

This is not a cheap rhetorical flourish. It is a sober judgment backed by hard data, global indices and the frank observations of respected leaders and institutions.

A Nation Rankled by Corruption. The most authoritative global measure of corruption is the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) published annually by Transparency International. In the 2024 CPI, Nigeria scored a shocking 26 out of 100, placing it 140th out of 180 countries and among the world’s most corrupt nations. Low scores and rankings in this index signify a public sector perceived as deeply corrupt, where abuse of entrusted power for private gain is systemic rather than exceptional.

To put that into perspective: countries with similar scores include Iraq and Madagascar, while nations renowned for governance integrity (like Denmark and Finland) score above 88.

This is not just a poor showing and it is an indictment of a culture in which the stealing of public resources is so normalized that it has become a defining feature of our national identity.

Greed, Not Resources, Is the Real Curse. Nigeria’s overwhelming wealth in human and natural resources should have made it the envy of nations. We possess vast oil reserves, energy and a youthful population with boundless entrepreneurial energy. Yet, instead of translating into widespread prosperity, this bounty has become a resource curse with a situation in which wealth fuels CORRUPTION rather than DEVELOPMENT.

Institutions meant to safeguard the public interest are instead captured by private interests. Billions of dollars from oil revenues, subsidies and contracts vanish into private pockets or are siphoned overseas. Even when recovered, these funds tell a story of how much was stolen in the first place. The United States recently returned $52.8 million in assets linked to a former Nigerian oil minister accused of embezzlement, underscoring how leadership greed has internationalized our shame.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (a figure deeply intertwined with Nigeria’s post-military history) has stated bluntly that greed, selfishness and ignorance are the root causes of Nigeria’s malaise, saying that these forces undermine our collective destiny.

When Greed Becomes a National Habit. Greed manifests itself not only among political elites, but across society. It shapes decisions, behaviour and norms. For too many, the overriding question is: “WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?” rather than “WHAT’S BEST FOR US ALL?”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has noted that greed, laziness and peer pressure drive many youths into fraud and economic crimes. These are not isolated cases, but widespread issues that shape the country’s international image.

This is not merely a problem of a few “BAD APPLES” but it is a CULTURAL PATHOLOGY that erodes trust, destroys livelihoods and undermines institutions. When corruption becomes normalised, honesty becomes a liability and greed becomes an expected behaviour rather than an aberration.

The Economic Toll of Corruption and Greed.
Greed is not only immoral but economically destructive. Transparency International’s CPI and numerous global studies show a clear negative correlation between corruption and economic growth. Countries perceived as more corrupt attract far less foreign investment, suffer from weaker institutional trust, and have lower GDP per capita.

In Nigeria’s case, despite being Africa’s largest economy by GDP, its GDP per capita remains among the lowest on the continent and a sign that wealth is concentrated in the hands of few, while the majority languish in poverty. Corruption diverts public funds away from essential services like healthcare, education, power and infrastructure these sectors that should form the backbone of prosperity.

A Crisis of Trust and Values. When citizens see leaders behaving selfishly, it erodes trust in the entire social contract. Surveys reveal that while most Nigerians disapprove of corruption, many tolerate or rationalize it as a necessary evil in a dysfunctional system. This is tragic because it means the very fabric of civic morality is fraying.

A society that tolerates petty bribery, nepotism and embezzlement in public life also tolerates it in business, family and community. This betrayal of collective interest for personal advancement slowly transforms national identity into caricature.

Voices of Conscience: Scholars and Experts Speak
Renowned scholars have long warned of the dangers of institutionalised corruption. Pauline Baker, former President of the Global Fund for Peace, described Nigeria as an archetype of the “RESOURCE CURSE”, where wealth without accountability fuels corruption that cripples development.

Similarly, experts from Chatham House point out that corruption in Nigeria is not an isolated phenomenon but deeply embedded in social norms and expectations, impacting every level of governance and daily life.

These are not abstract academic critiques, they are reflections of a lived reality where greed has become systemic and self-interest undermines collective prosperity.

Cultural Change, Not Just Institutional Reform. To claim that “Nigerians are an embarrassment to Nigeria” is not to condemn individuals wholesale, but to call out a destructive culture that prioritises self-enrichment over national wellbeing. Change must be cultural as much as it is institutional.

The whistle-blowing policy introduced by Nigeria in 2016 (offering rewards for exposing corruption) is one initiative aimed at shifting behaviour, but it is not enough by itself.

Nigerians must reclaim values like integrity, accountability and patriotism. We must demand transparency from leaders, reject the notion that corruption is an acceptable survival strategy, and foster a culture that honours hard work and honesty.

Final Take: A Call to National Consciousness. We can no longer hide behind excuses. Our low ranking on the corruption index, the billions lost to embezzlement and the societal tolerance for greed are not just statistics, they are the everyday realities that have made Nigeria an embarrassment to itself, but this is also a moment for introspection and renewal. If we confront our faults honestly, embrace accountability and reject greed at every level, Nigeria can still rise to fulfill its promise.

As former President Obasanjo said, the problem is not destiny; it is human shortcomings like GREED and SELFISHNESS that have chained us.

The path forward demands courage and it is the courage to do what is right even when it is hard, the courage to serve others before self and the courage to restore Nigeria’s honour not through empty slogans, but through integrity and collective resolve.

Only then will we transform from an EMBARRASSMENT to an INSPIRATION.

 

Greed, Corruption and the Nigerian Malaise: Why We Are an Embarrassment to Ourselves.
Written by George Omagbemi Sylvaester |
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

society

Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise” — Dr Chris Okafor

Published

on

Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise”
— Dr Chris Okafor

…Evil communication corrupts good character
…The Holy Spirit is the seal of redemption

 

 

True Christian living, beyond winning souls, requires nurturing and sustaining new converts in the faith. This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr Chris Okafor, during a teaching on “Understanding the Act of Discipleship.”
According to him, soul winning without proper establishment and follow-up defeats its purpose. “The goal is not just conversion but fruitfulness and continuity in Christ,” he emphasized, noting that believers must also understand the conditions that make prayers effective.

The Necessity of Discipleship

Dr Okafor outlined why discipleship is essential in the Christian journey:
New converts require guidance to withstand temptations that could pull them back into their former ways.
They must gradually disconnect from relationships and habits that previously weakened their faith.
Support systems should be in place to help them navigate personal and spiritual challenges.
Consistent follow-up, rooted in love and care, helps prevent discouragement and negative perceptions.
Proper integration into the body of Christ strengthens their sense of belonging and commitment.

Understanding Discipleship

He described discipleship as a deliberate process of helping believers grow in Christ and align with godly principles rather than worldly influences. It involves:
Guiding converts until Christ is fully formed in them.
Transmitting biblical values that strengthen their faith and daily conduct.

Practical Approach to Discipleship

The cleric highlighted key methods for effective discipleship:
Fervent prayer for the spiritual stability of new believers.
Demonstrating genuine love and consistent care.
Regular follow-up visits and visible engagement.
Encouraging early infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Teaching habits that sustain spiritual growth.

Habits That Strengthen Faith

To remain grounded, believers were encouraged to cultivate:
Daily study of the Word of God
Consistent prayer and fellowship with God
Active participation in church gatherings
Bold expression of their faith
A conscious rejection of unrighteousness
Deep-rooted commitment to the house of God

A Foundation for Growth

In conclusion, Dr Chris Okafor stressed that discipleship thrives when believers are rooted in sound spiritual guidance. “When you walk with the wise, you become wise,” he said, adding that strong spiritual formation protects individuals from negative influences and preserves godly character.

The Grace Nation Global Sunday Communion Service, observed by members worldwide, featured testimonies, healing sessions, deliverance, and a special child dedication, rounding off the service on a note of faith and celebration.

 

Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise”
— Dr Chris Okafor

By Sunday Adeyemi
[email protected]

Continue Reading

society

APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo 

Published

on

*APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo 

 

The attention of right-thinking Nigerians has been drawn to the misguided and politically contrived statement issued by the All Progressives Congress (APC), in which it accused Governor Seyi Makinde of incitement over his reference to “Operation Wetie”. Let it be stated without equivocation, the APC’s reaction is not only a gross distortion of context but also a troubling exhibition of either wilful ignorance or a fundamental inability to comprehend even the most elementary use of historical analogy. One is left to wonder whether those who crafted that statement possess even a kindergarten grasp of the English language, let alone the intellectual depth required for serious political discourse.

 

 

Governor Makinde’s remarks were clearly cautionary and not incendiary. His reference to “Operation Wetie” was an invocation of history, nothing more and nothing less. It was a sober reminder of the catastrophic consequences that follow when democratic processes are subverted, dissent is stifled and political arrogance is allowed to fester unchecked.To interpret such a warning as a call to violence is either intellectually dishonest or deliberately mischievous.

 

 

By attempting to criminalise a legitimate historical reference, the APC exposes a deeper anxiety, an unease with truth and a discomfort with reminders of what unchecked political excess can produce. The tragedy of the Western Region crisis is not a subject to be buried under partisan convenience, it is a lesson to be studied, understood and heeded.

 

It is both ironic and alarming that a party which claims to defend democracy would seek to undermine historical consciousness. Such conduct betrays a troubling tendency towards authoritarian thinking, where even words of caution are twisted into offences and dissenting voices are vilified rather than engaged.

 

 

The statement by Felix Morka, in particular, collapses under the weight of its own exaggeration. To leap from a historical reference to claims of “anarchy” and “murderous rage” is not only illogical but borders on the absurd. It is political theatre of the lowest quality. Furthermore, the attempt to cloak this mischaracterisation in the language of “national security” is both reckless and disingenuous. National security is far too important to be reduced to a tool for partisan intimidation.

 

 

The APC would do well to engage in introspection rather than projection. This pattern of deliberate misrepresentation and inflammatory overreach poses a greater risk to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

 

Nigeria deserves a political culture rooted in honesty, maturity and intellectual rigour not one diminished by propaganda, distortion and opportunism. In the final analysis, the issue is simple, those who cannot understand history are often the first to misinterpret it and unfortunately, the most likely to repeat its errors.

 

 

-Olufemi Aduwo is a

Permanent Representative of CCDI to the ECOSOC/United Nations.

NB: Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity, is a non-profit organisation with Consultative Status of United Nations

Continue Reading

society

Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis Hosts Jehoshaphat Night 2026 : A Powerful Night of Praise, Power, And Prophetic Encounter in Lagos

Published

on

Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis Hosts Jehoshaphat Night 2026 : A Powerful Night of Praise, Power, And Prophetic Encounter in Lagos

 

 

 

Genesis Global Isheri is set to host an extraordinary spiritual gathering tagged PPP, Praise, Power & Prophetic Night, themed Jehoshaphat Night, on May 1st, 2026, from 8PM till dawn. This highly anticipated event will take place at Genesis Bus Stop, LASU–Igando Road, Isheri Idimu, Lagos, bringing together worshippers, believers, and seekers from across the city for a night of intense spiritual upliftment. With a vibrant atmosphere already expected, the event promises a unique blend of deep worship, prophetic ministrations, and life-transforming encounters.

 

The night will be led by Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, the host and founder of Genesis Global, known for his dynamic prophetic ministry and impactful teachings. Attendees can also look forward to powerful ministrations from guest ministers Minister Dare Oxygen and Mista Olamilekan, who are set to usher in an atmosphere of heartfelt praise and spiritual revival. The theme “Jehoshaphat Night” draws inspiration from the biblical account of King Jehoshaphat, where praise became a weapon for victory setting the tone for a night centered on breakthrough, faith, and divine intervention.

 

Beyond just a gathering, Jehoshaphat Night is positioned as a transformative experience where attendees can expect spiritual renewal, prophetic direction, and a deeper connection with God through music and the Word. With a carefully curated lineup and a strong spiritual focus, this all night event aims to ignite faith and inspire testimonies. Whether you’re seeking clarity, breakthrough, or simply a powerful worship experience, this is a night not to be missed in Lagos. Make it an event.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending