Anglican Primate decries moral decay, materialism in Nigeria

Boye Oyeyemi –

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has raised concern over the rising wave of social vices and the steady decline of moral values across the country.

The cleric spoke in Ado-Ekiti during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, ahead of a church programme in the state capital.

He lamented that society now places greater emphasis on wealth and social standing rather than integrity and service, stressing that the principles taught by the early missionaries are gradually being replaced by greed and self-centred leadership.

His words, “We can see that people are so materialistic now that everything is monetised. People are measured by the amount of wealth they control and the higher position they occupy. And even when people are given opportunities to lead in different spheres, many have used such opportunities to seek their own well-being rather than the well-being of the people.

“And therefore, I think that something is wrong somewhere. Our values are being changed, not for good, but rather for the worse.

“At such a time as this, we are asking that people need to reconsider their understanding of leadership and their understanding of helping the people. That cannot be in the right perspective except if you turn to God with your heart.”

The Primate sought the blessings of the monarch and pledged that the church would continue to work with the traditional institution to promote peace, harmony, and stability in Ekiti State.

Responding, Oba Adejugbe commended the Anglican Church for its impact on society, describing the visit as a divine endorsement of Ekiti.

The monarch assured the church of his continued support and urged prayers for the state and the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to enable residents to prosper.