Published Article

ABSTRACT

Traditional African societies, which also make up Nigeria, have always placed great value on sound morality and ethical values in human behaviour and in every form of social relationships. This has been evident in the communal lifestyles and the emphasis on the premise that "I am because we are". Young people were raised from generation to generation to value moral virtues such as the dignity of humanity, the sanctity of life, the dignity of labor, and social relationships, among other things. Traditional Nigerian societies thrived on the foundation of morality because it helped in sustaining peaceful coexistence. The situation today appears to be a far cry from what it used to be, as the nation is witnessing serious deficits in moral values. This has resulted in a plethora of morality-related problems that make survival challenging. Problems plaguing Nigerian society include lawlessness, indiscipline, banditry, cultism, fraud, sexual assault, rituals, thuggery, corruption, drug use, terrorism, insurgency, militancy and the like. This paper discusses these challenges as resulting from deficits in moral values and how they can be addressed through concerted human efforts. Suggestions on how Nigerian society can tackle it are proffered as a way forward from the seeming hopelessness.

KEYWORDS: Morality, Declining Morality, Traditional Nigerian societies and Attendant problems