MATERIALISM, AN AGENT OF CORRUPTION IN THE SOCEITY

 
  The desire to get rich quick, geed, insatiable love for materialism, power tussle and social malaise have almost caught up with every Nigerian.  That is to say, the love of money is the root of all evils.  Man and woman, young and old have new dimension of corrupt indulgence on daily basis.
  The main causes of corrupt practices are greed and insatiable love for materialism.  Everybody wants to own and ride exotic cars at all cost.  Every citizen wants to own as many houses as possible.  Nowadays, it is very possible to hear people boast of having many chieftaincy titles and degrees, designer shoes, dresses and bags that are now in vogue.  These endless desires lead to different forms of moral decadence in our society.  Corrupt practices are further fuelled by power-hungry politicians and military personnel who spend huge sums of money to acquire political power.  Such money are gotten either by embezzlement of public funds or an other fundamental means.
  Another cause of this social malaise is traceable to societal value system in which diligence, honesty, honour, and integrity are no longer accorded the respect they deserve.  Material fortune speaks louder than such virtues of these days.  Who doesn't know the high rate of corruption in offices and public places?  The dimension and language attached to it is: 'settlement', 'see me', and 'Egunje', which are popularly used.  Bribery and corruption have eaten deep the marrow of our society.  The practice is now integrated into the normal way of life and is regarded as 'fastness'.  The evil of materialism brought about the fast declining state of our economy and limited opportunities for the poor masses.
  However, to alleviate the problem of social ills, all hands must be on deck.  There must be total overhaulting from those at the top.  Our leaders must learn to lead by example.  It is not enough for them to condemn corruption on pages of newspaper and not show good examples.  Secondly, if we have the fear of God, honesty, hardwork, and the love of our country, we shall succeed.  In addition, law enforcement agents must sit up against bribery and corruption.  Above all, we must all discipline ourselves to live within our means and not to allow frenzy to be rich to overwhelm us.