By Popoola Olakunle

Corruption is undoubtedly one of the worst challenges bedeviling Nigeria as a country. I will like to look at corruption from the perspective of Otite O., in his book “Sociological Study of Corruption”. He defines corruption as ‘the perversion of integrity or state of affairs through bribery, favouritism or moral depravity’. In a similar perception, Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines corruption as ‘a dishonest or illegal behaviour, especially of people in authority’. It states further that corruption is ‘the act or effect of making somebody change from moral to immoral standards of behaviour.

Based on these definitions, it is crystal clear that corruption is not instinctive, rather, it takes personal decision to be or not to be corrupt. Therefore, corrupt behaviours can be deliberately eschewed. Corrupt acts include: stealing, bribery, rigging of election, favouritism, money laundering, embezzlement of public funds, homosexuality, deception, to mention a few.

Corruption is not new in Nigeria. It has been a monster threatening the development of our country from time immemorial. In recent time however, corruption has eaten deep into the entire fabric of our beloved country. Our youths who are supposed to be the ambassadors for eradicating or reducing corruption are now the most corrupt.

As a result of unemployment and poverty, Nigerian youths are being lured into manipulation of primordial values rooted in African cultures and religions. They succumb to negative pressures by promoting selfish interests at the expense of the future generations. Bribery, nepotism, rigging, thuggery, gangsterism, sexual immorality, advance fee fraud, injustice, favouritism and avarice are now considered virtues among Nigerian youths.

Majorly, financial reason is why youths fall cheaply to corruption. Nigerian youths are in a hurry to catch-up with the level of their pairs in other countries. It takes grave personal effort to desist from being persuaded with financial gains. It is disheartening that some of the youths are ignorant of the fact that they are only being used as instrument in the hands of some desperate public office holders and politicians.

The fact that it takes personal effort to be incorruptible cannot be over emphasized. Nevertheless, the government has a role to play in ensuring that this future threatening monster is totally eradicated. There is need for government to provide befitting employment for the youth so that corrupt politicians and public office holders will not take advantage of their intelligence and strength to propagate personal greed.

In conclusion, it is pertinent to accentuate that the issue of integrity transcends any form of religious affiliation. Integrity has to do with our personal commitment to do what is right always irrespective of the benefits attached to compromising our stance in promoting justice.

Dare to be different!

Ex-corper Olakunle Popoola, Batch B 2015, NYSC Magazine, Benue State.

http://crestgist.com/corruption-and-future-of-nigerian-youth/

The Nigerian youth of nowadays is not ready to come out patriotic, once they have the prospect of making cool cash under the guise of any shady deal. Chop and clean mouth. May God help us to find our way out before it's too late.

Mayour11:
The Nigerian youth of nowadays is not ready to come out patriotic, once they have the prospect of making cool cash under the guise of any shady deal. Chop and clean mouth. May God help us to find our way out before it's too late.

You are correct... A country where youth preferred to be called "bad guy"