Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed deep concern over what he described as Nigeria’s worsening moral and social decline, even as he insisted that the country will ultimately overcome its present challenges through collective effort, responsible leadership, and sustained prayers.
Jonathan made the remarks at the opening session of the 13th Anglican Synod in Abuja, where he addressed religious leaders, clergy, and delegates on the state of the nation. He painted a troubling picture of rising violence, insecurity, and what he called the erosion of values, particularly among young people.
According to him, Nigeria is witnessing a gradual breakdown of social order that is reflected in increasing disregard for human life and the normalisation of violent behaviour. He warned that such trends require urgent attention not only from government authorities but also from religious and community institutions.
He stressed that the church remains one of the few stabilising forces in the country, especially at a time when public trust in institutions is weakening. Jonathan suggested that religious bodies still play a crucial role in sustaining hope and moral guidance amid growing national uncertainty.
“I always feel that if religious leaders had not been praying seriously for this country, probably it would have been worse than what we are seeing today,” he said, underscoring the importance of spiritual and moral support in national development.
The former president expressed particular worry about the influence of modern technology and social media, saying they have amplified exposure to harmful content among young people. He noted that while digital platforms offer opportunities for learning and innovation, they have also contributed to negative behavioural changes.
He recalled earlier periods in Nigeria when schools and communities were safer, contrasting them with current realities where violence in learning environments has become increasingly reported. Jonathan said such developments reflect a broader breakdown of discipline and social responsibility.
Despite his concerns, Jonathan maintained a cautiously optimistic outlook. He insisted that Nigeria’s situation is not beyond repair, pointing to historical examples of nations that experienced severe crises before achieving stability and development.
He referenced the transformation of the Asian Tigers—economies such as Singapore, South Korea, and others—explaining that their progress was not immediate but built over decades of consistent leadership, planning, and national discipline.
“It took between 30 and 40 years for those countries to move from where we are now to near first-world status,” he said, adding that Nigeria can also achieve similar progress if there is sustained commitment from leaders and citizens alike.
Jonathan emphasised that national development requires patience, vision, and cooperation among all sectors of society, including government, civil society, and religious institutions. He urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite current hardships, stressing that despair would only deepen the country’s challenges.
In a moment of reflection, he declared that Nigeria’s future remains secure if its people continue to work together in unity and faith. “God will not abandon Nigeria,” he said, a statement that drew attention from delegates at the synod.
His remarks come amid ongoing national debates about insecurity, youth development, and moral standards, with many Nigerians increasingly calling for reforms in governance, education, and social values.
Jonathan’s message ultimately combined warning and reassurance—highlighting deep concerns about the present while insisting that Nigeria still has the capacity to recover and rebuild into a more stable and prosperous nation.
Jonathan Urges Hope, Warns of Deepening Moral Decline in Nigeria
