ADDRESSING THE ROOTS OF FRAUD AND GAMBLING AMONG NIGERIAN YOUTH

 Addressing the Roots of Fraud and Gambling Among Nigerian Youth

To understand why many Nigerian youths turn to fraud and gambling, we must examine the societal pressures and systemic failures rooted in generations past. Let me share a story that reflects this cycle. 

Kenneth, a young man from a poor family, worked hard to earn a university degree. His parents sacrificed everything to fund his education. Living next to Kenneth was Bushi, a neighbor’s son of the same age. Bushi, desperate for opportunity, risked crossing the Sahara Desert to Europe. Years later, Kenneth graduated but struggled to find employment. To survive, he opened a barbershop while hoping for a stable job. Meanwhile, Bushi returned from Europe after six years, flaunting newfound wealth and renovating his parents’ home. 

Kenneth’s parents, witnessing Bushi’s apparent success, grew resentful. They berated Kenneth for failing to “measure up,” despite his efforts. Crushed by their cruelty, Kenneth begged Bushi for help relocating to Europe. Tragically, Bushi’s wealth came from drug trafficking a path Kenneth reluctantly followed. On his first cocaine-smuggling mission, Kenneth was shot dead. 

This story highlights the toxic blend of parental pressure and societal greed that has festered since the 1950s and 60s. While parents naturally want their children to succeed, equating success solely with wealth breeds desperation. Today’s youth face relentless comparisons not just to peers, but to unrealistic standards set by social media influencers, celebrities, and even corrupt politicians. 

The problem, however, is not theirs alone. Society glorifies “success” at any cost. I recall a mother boasting about her 16-year-old daughter in Italy, ignoring how the girl got there. Another woman proudly accepted a bag of rice from her daughter, oblivious that it was a gift from the daughter’s married lover. When material gain overshadows integrity, moral decay follows. 

Our values are eroding. The internet glorifies overnight millionaires, pushing youth to chase wealth through fraud or gambling. Even religion has been commercialized churches demand exorbitant contributions, and kidnappers donate illicit funds to congregations. Hypocrisy thrives, and the message is clear: money trumps morality.

Bad governance exacerbates this crisis. Nigeria’s weak economy and population boom leave millions jobless. Politicians loot public funds with impunity, yet society scorns a struggling graduate more than a corrupt official. As one man quipped: “Show me ten youths, and I’ll show you five fraudsters.” My reply: “Show me ten politicians in EFCC custody, and I’ll show you nine elders.”

We must collectively restore values like integrity, hard work, and community. Parents should teach financial literacy and the fear of God not the worship of wealth. Schools and religious institutions must prioritize ethics over materialism. Leaders must model accountability. 

Finally, Nigerians at home and abroad must stop romanticizing “escape” to greener pastures. We cannot lament a broken society while refusing to fix it. True progress begins when we celebrate those who build, innovate, and serve not those who exploit. 

Let us rebuild a society where honesty is honored, knowledge is valued, and success is measured by character, not cash.

Until the moment when will shall dance in white Greater Grace.

Oyugbo Osagie Jonah