In today’s world, where social media has become a platform for instant gratification and recognition, a concerning trend is emerging amongst the younger generation, particularly those aged 16 to 21. The relentless pursuit of wealth, not through hard work and dedication, but through shortcuts and morally questionable means, has fostered a disturbing culture. This culture idolizes money to the point where ritual killings and fraud have become rampant.

This “money worship pandemic” is not just about the desire for wealth; it’s about how the means to acquire it have drastically shifted. Instead of building legitimate careers and businesses, many young individuals are drawn to illegal activities that promise fast money and flashy lifestyles. But what has led to this rise in criminal behavior, and what does it mean for society at large?

The Role of Social Media in the Glorification of Wealth
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are flooded with influencers flaunting designer clothing, luxury cars, and expensive vacations. The perception that success equals immediate wealth has become ingrained in the minds of impressionable youth. Many of them are drawn to these images, wanting to emulate the lives of those they see online, without fully understanding the hard work that typically goes on behind the scenes.

Unfortunately, the pressure to “keep up” has led many to believe that legitimate work, which often takes time to yield substantial returns, is a futile pursuit. Patience, discipline, and long-term planning have been replaced with the belief that life should be lived in the fast lane, no matter the cost. This growing obsession with wealth has spiraled into dangerous territories, with many resorting to fraud, theft, and ritual killings in the hope of achieving financial success.

Ritual Killings and Fraud: A Frightening Reality
In recent years, there has been an alarming rise in reports of ritual killings in various African countries, including Nigeria. Young individuals, desperate for wealth, have been lured into the dangerous belief that performing rituals and sacrifices will bring them money and power. The glorification of ritualistic practices, sometimes seen in movies, music, and even whispered about in communities, has encouraged impressionable youth to seek out quick solutions to their financial struggles. The horrors of these actions are often ignored in favor of the promise of overnight success.

Fraud, too, has become a prevalent issue. Internet scams, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo” in Nigeria, have exploded in recent years. The lure of hacking into unsuspecting victims’ accounts and stealing their money seems easier and more attractive than working a legitimate job. Some young people believe they are entitled to wealth at any cost, and the thought of defrauding others, especially foreigners, is normalized among them.

The Consequences of Money Worship
The societal consequences of this money-worship culture are profound. Communities are becoming fractured, as trust between people diminishes. The rise of fraud makes it difficult for genuine entrepreneurs and businesspeople to operate, as they are often viewed with suspicion. Moreover, families are torn apart when children engage in dangerous or illegal activities in their pursuit of wealth. The erosion of values such as honesty, integrity, and hard work leaves a hollow moral vacuum in the hearts of the youth.

Furthermore, many of these young people don’t consider the long-term consequences of their actions. Fraud and ritual killings come with significant risks, including imprisonment, social isolation, or worse, death. The overwhelming desire to flaunt wealth blinds them to these dangers, and the glamour of the lifestyle they seek is fleeting. In the end, they are left with broken lives, ruined reputations, and no real financial security.

Breaking the Cycle
To address this pandemic, society must collectively step in to shift the narrative. We need to celebrate stories of perseverance, hard work, and legitimate success rather than idolizing overnight millionaires who achieved their wealth through dubious means. The government, schools, and community leaders need to play a proactive role in educating the youth about the dangers of fraudulent activities and ritual practices, as well as providing viable opportunities for them to achieve success through legitimate means.

Community Engagement: Families and communities play a crucial role in shaping the values of young people. By fostering open discussions about the dangers of money worship and providing support for youth who are struggling financially, communities can help steer them away from illegal paths.
Conclusion
The money worship pandemic is a growing concern that threatens the moral fabric of society. It’s a problem that can no longer be ignored, as it not only puts the lives of young people at risk but also undermines the integrity of entire communities. By addressing the root causes of this issue, providing educational and vocational opportunities, and promoting positive role models, we can help redirect the youth toward legitimate and fulfilling paths to success. Wealth, when earned through honest means, is more than just money it’s the result of personal growth, perseverance, and integrity. And that is a lesson we must teach the next generation.

By Edima Columbus