Our leaders in Nigeria are encouraged to keep in mind this excellent reminder.
By Abayomi Odunowo.
In today’s society, the pursuit of wealth is often seen as a noble goal. People work hard to accumulate riches, believing that wealth will bring them happiness, security, and a comfortable lifestyle. However, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a Nigerian nationalist and statesman, warns us that the pursuit of wealth must be tempered with a sense of social responsibility and justice. In his view, wealth accumulated on a selfish basis, at the expense of the state and in defiance of social justice, can have disastrous consequences for society as a whole.
According to Chief Awolowo, wealth is not inherently bad. In fact, he recognizes that wealth is essential for a comfortable and fulfilling life. Without wealth, life would be penurious and drab, lacking in the basic necessities and comforts that make life worth living. In this sense, the pursuit of wealth is a natural and understandable impulse that drives people to work hard and strive for success. However, Chief Awolowo also emphasizes that the accumulation of wealth must be done with a sense of social responsibility and justice in mind.
Chief Awolowo’s warning about the dangers of accumulating wealth on a selfish basis is a timely reminder of the potential pitfalls of unchecked greed and exploitation. When individuals prioritize their own interests over the common good, they create a society that is disorganized and chaotic. In such a society, everyone is out for themselves, leading to a dog-eat-dog mentality where people are willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead, even if it means trampling on the rights and well-being of others.
This kind of selfish pursuit of wealth can have far-reaching consequences, not just for individuals, but for society as a whole. When people prioritize their own interests over the common good, it creates inequality and injustice, leading to social unrest and instability. In a society where wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few at the expense of the many, resentment and anger can fester, leading to conflicts and violence.
Moreover, a society where wealth is accumulated on a selfish basis is inherently unstable and unsustainable. When resources are hoarded by a privileged few, it leads to scarcity and deprivation for the rest of the population. This can create a cycle of poverty and inequality that is difficult to break, perpetuating a system of injustice and oppression that benefits only a select few at the top.
In contrast, Chief Awolowo argues that wealth should be accumulated in a way that is fair and just, ensuring that the benefits of prosperity are shared equitably among all members of society. When wealth is generated through honest and ethical means, it can be a force for good, helping to lift people out of poverty and create a more just and prosperous society for all.
In conclusion, Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s warning about the dangers of accumulating wealth on a selfish basis is a timely reminder of the importance of social responsibility and justice in the pursuit of prosperity. While wealth is not inherently bad, it must be accumulated in a way that is fair and just, ensuring that the benefits of prosperity are shared equitably among all members of society. Only by striving for a more just and equitable society can we create a future where everyone can thrive and prosper.
