Moral decadence is a gross reduction in moral values in a society. Addressing moral decadence requires a multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders such as the government, educational institutions, religious organizations, community leaders, family and individuals. It is important and timely to discuss this lead topic looking at what’s trending among our youths. You must have heard a young guy putting forward a post to host a kissing challenge in the name of breaking Guinness World Record of longest kissing. This among other very degrading moral behaviors have recently sprang up and I hope to quickly make suggestions on what we should immediately do.
Ekiti is a microcosm of the larger entity called Nigeria. Ekiti ketes are unique, distinct and culturally outstanding people in the southwest of Nigeria. We inherited a solid cultural heritage bequeathed on us by our forebears. But what is happening? Why is the moral standard of our society dropping this fast? What should we do?
- Education and Awareness
Our trademark in Ekiti State is sound education, we were called fountain of knowledge. We didn’t just come by this, we inherited brilliance and native intelligence. We should immediately look at strengthening moral education in schools by incorporating values, ethics, and character development into the curriculum. Can we have a legislation that speaks directly to this? Or should the federal government allow each state run their own curriculum to match up with what’s obtainable in their localities?
We have to promote awareness campaigns and public discussions on moral values, ethics, and the consequences of moral decadence in our primary and secondary schools. The Youth Parliament led this charge by visiting many secondary school in this regards, but the frontiers can be expanded and taken over by government and development partners.
- Government Initiatives:
The government must implement and enforce laws that promote ethical behavior, discourage corruption, and punish immoral activities.
Allocate resources for social welfare programs, poverty alleviation, and job creation to reduce the socio-economic factors contributing to moral decay in our society.
Establish and support agencies responsible for monitoring and addressing moral issues in society. This point particularly can be taken over by the ministry of education.
- Religious and Community Organizations:
Our religious leaders should help in promoting moral values and ethics within their congregations and communities.
Organize community-based programs, including workshops, counseling services, and outreach initiatives, to address moral challenges. This by encouraging the community youth associations to carry out this programs.
Foster partnerships between religious organizations, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to collectively combat moral decadence. Community leadership-Religous-Government collaboration. The government recently released cheques to communities for physical infrastructural development, but more must now be done in building capacity.
- Youth Empowerment and Skill Development:
The youth population is daily increasing, we must start thinking of how to engage and help these youths. We should provide opportunities for skill development, vocational training, and entrepreneurship to engage and empower young people in Ekiti State.
The ministry of yourh development should encourage youth participation in community service and volunteer programs to foster a sense of responsibility and moral consciousness.
I had always advocated for a well structured mentorship programs where experienced individuals can guide and inspire the younger generation towards moral values.
- Media and Entertainment:
The media practitioners have a lot of work to do by promoting responsible media content that upholds moral values and discourages the glorification of immoral behavior. Programs that addresses this menace must be prioritized.
The Government can also collaborate with media organizations to create and broadcast educational programs, documentaries, and dramas that highlight moral dilemmas and promote ethical decision-making. One of the take aways of COVID-19 is the use of social media to engage our people. It’s therefore important to look in this direction.
- Strengthening Institutions:
Our law enforcement agencies must be enhanced to become effective and efficient in ensuring law and order.
Improve the judicial system to expedite the process of justice delivery and deter individuals from engaging in immoral activities.
Develop monitoring mechanisms to identify and address corruption within public institutions.
- Family:
Charity they say begin at home, but is this still true? Parental involvement in the moral upbringing of children through workshops, seminars, and quality parenting is important. We now have absent parents. Parents should help shape their wards at home before pushing them out.
- Individual Responsibility:
In a recent leadership summit hosted by Federation of Ekiti State Student Union, EKSU Chapter where I was invited as a Guest Speaker, I encouraged them to look inward before looking outward. Even though, government manages our resources, it is impossible for government to accommodate everyone now. The youth must deploy their ingenuity, creativity and innate intelligence to create something for themselves.
Individuals should uphold moral values in their daily lives and lead by example.
We must promote a culture of integrity, honesty, and accountability as youths everywhere and anywhere we find ourselves.
Youths should have a sense of community participation and encourage other youths to actively participate in initiatives that promote moral values and social cohesion.
It’s crucial to remember that combating moral decadence is a long-term process that requires sustained efforts and collaboration from all sectors of society, we must look beyond building infrastructures alone, so that the youths we do not build today do not bring down the buildings tomorrow. This is a urgent call.
Toba Fatunla
Youth Leader from Ikole-Ekiti.