In a powerful address marking a significant religious milestone, a prominent Nigerian cleric has issued a stark warning about the nation’s moral trajectory, framing it as a crisis demanding immediate and deliberate intervention.
Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, Executive Director of the Lux Terra Leadership Foundation in Abuja, spoke at the 40th priestly ordination anniversary of Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo. His message, however, transcended celebration, serving as a urgent call to action for parents, educators, and community leaders.
The Diagnosis: A Shift from Spiritual Community to Chaotic Individualism
Fr. Ehusani contrasted the societal landscape of 40 years ago—when Bishop Badejo was ordained—with today’s reality. He described a profound shift from a more spiritually-oriented and peaceful community to an environment he characterized as “individualistic, materialistic, and chaotic.” This isn’t merely nostalgia; it’s an observation of how core values that once provided social cohesion—shared faith, communal responsibility, and intrinsic purpose—have been supplanted by a culture prioritizing personal gain, external status, and digital validation.
The Displacement of Traditional Influences
A central, and alarming, point in his analysis was the transfer of influence over the youth. He noted that the primary forces shaping the worldview, aspirations, and ethics of young Christians are no longer the church or the family unit. Instead, that formative power has been ceded to social media comedians, entertainers, and musicians. The critical issue, as Ehusani sees it, is that many of these new influencers operate without a framework of moral accountability or a mandate to nurture character. Their primary currencies are virality, popularity, and commercial success, which often conflict with values like patience, humility, service, and integrity.
A Prescription: Intentional Mentorship as a Counter-Culture
In response to this diagnosis, Fr. Ehusani’s call was not for a return to a mythical past, but for the proactive, “purposeful and deliberate” guidance of the younger generation. He emphasized that parenting and mentorship can no longer be passive or assumed. They must become intentional acts of investment.
This involves:
- Time Investment: Prioritizing presence over provision, engaging in meaningful conversation to understand the digital and social pressures children face.
- Values Clarification: Actively teaching and modeling an alternative set of values rooted in purpose and service, rather than consumption and fame.
- Purposeful Nurturing: Helping youth discover their unique gifts and how those can be used for the common good, echoing his reminder that “God has created us for Himself and our hearts will remain restless until we rest in Him.”
He urged the congregation to use the anniversary as a moment to “renew our commitment to defend the true faith,” implying an active, engaged faith that speaks to the realities of the modern world.
Celebrating a Model of Service
The occasion itself highlighted a living example of the values Fr. Ehusani advocated. Bishop Emmanuel Badejo was celebrated by peers, family, and parishioners as a “dedicated, focused, friendly, and people-oriented priest” whose leadership reflects “humility, courage, wisdom, and genuine love.”
Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin of Ibadan noted Badejo’s “pastoral sensitivity,” while family member Hon. Peter Badejo spoke of his “limitless compassion.” These tributes painted a picture of leadership defined by integrity and service—precisely the antidote to the individualism and chaos cited earlier.
A Shepherd’s Response: Gratitude and a Call for Societal Healing
In his response, Bishop Badejo gracefully accepted the honors while redirecting focus to broader societal wounds. He expressed a shepherd’s anguish, stating he was “deeply worried that many are out there mourning” amidst the celebrations. He explicitly called on the government to urgently address the endemic issues of “insecurity, killings, and banditry” plaguing the nation. His statement, “What is a priest without God and His people,” underscored that spiritual leadership is inextricably linked to the tangible suffering and well-being of the community. He framed the honors not as a reward, but as a challenge “to do more.”
Conclusion: The event transcended a personal milestone to become a forum for a critical national conversation. Fr. George Ehusani’s analysis moves beyond simple lament to identify specific cultural shifts—the rise of digital influencers over traditional guides and the ethos of individualism over community. His solution—purposeful, time-intensive mentorship—is presented as the essential, counter-cultural work required to anchor a new generation. Coupled with Bishop Badejo’s example of compassionate service and his call for concrete societal justice, the message becomes a holistic one: ethical renewal requires both intentional spiritual guidance within our homes and courageous moral leadership in the public square.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, born July 13, 1961, was ordained a priest on Jan. 4, 1986.
