In today’s society, the mentality of “my son is rich” without asking “how did he make the money?” has become dangerously common. Many parents celebrate their children’s sudden wealth without questioning its source. As long as they can boast about their child’s newly acquired house, car, or extravagant lifestyle, they turn a blind eye to the means by which this wealth was obtained. This growing culture of indifference is one of the major contributors to the rising insecurity in our nation.
Traditionally, parents played a crucial role in shaping the values and morals of their children. They instilled discipline, hard work, and integrity, ensuring that their children understood the difference between right and wrong. However, in today’s world, many parents have abandoned this responsibility. Instead of guiding their children, they now prioritize material success over moral uprightness.
When a young man who was previously struggling suddenly starts living lavishly without any clear source of income, the natural reaction should be to ask questions. But unfortunately, many parents choose to ignore the obvious. Instead, they welcome the money with open arms, turning their homes into havens for ill-gotten wealth. This silence and acceptance send a dangerous message: that success matters more than integrity.
The consequences of this attitude are evident in the increasing rate of crime and insecurity in our society. Many young people, desperate to meet societal and family expectations, resort to fraud, cybercrime, drug dealing, ritual killings, and other criminal activities. They know that as long as they bring home wealth, no one—especially their parents—will question them.
This negligence by parents has fueled the rise of criminal gangs, internet fraudsters (commonly known as “Yahoo boys”), and ritualists who engage in heinous acts just to maintain their flashy lifestyles. The more parents glorify wealth without accountability, the more young people are encouraged to seek money by any means necessary.
To combat this growing menace, parents must return to their roles as moral guides. They must ask questions and demand accountability from their children. It is not enough for a child to bring home wealth; parents should be concerned about how that wealth was acquired. Instead of celebrating sudden riches, they should encourage hard work, honesty, and legitimate means of success.
Additionally, religious leaders, educators, and the government must join in the fight against this toxic mentality. Schools and religious institutions should emphasize ethical values, while law enforcement agencies should ensure that crime does not pay.
Conclusion
The future of our nation depends on the values we instill in the younger generation. If we continue to ignore the means by which our children acquire wealth, we are only breeding a generation of criminals. Parents must wake up to their responsibilities. The question should no longer be, “Is my son rich?” but rather, “How did he make his money?” Only when we prioritize integrity over materialism can we hope to build a safer and more secure society.
By: Godwin Offor
