“In a single night, I could spend as much as N7 million in the club simply because the money was available. Some of my associates, who are also youths, could spend between N15 million and N20 million in one night during club outings. Social media became somewhat of a prison, forcing me to keep up the image of success even when my wealth began to dwindle, just to avoid the humiliation of looking broke. At one point, I had to sell two of my Mercedes-Benz cars to maintain relevance both in my environment and on social media.
‘’Eventually, debt collectors seized my third vehicle, a Lexus Jeep, at a club. Today, the luxury cars, jewellery and high-rolling lifestyle have vanished. I now work under the hot Lagos sun, mixing sand and cement to mould blocks for a living.’’
This account by 22-year-old Akinjobi, a former internet fraudster who once lived a life of apparent luxury but now survives through manual labour as a block moulder in Lagos State, underscores the fleeting nature of wealth gotten through the pursuit of vain glory.
In utter disbelief and amazement, discernible and responsible adults with a sense of decency and moral compass are becoming increasingly alarmed and heartbroken over the shameful and damning things many Nigerian youths indulge in these days in their desperate pursuit of vain glory.
The upsurge in the quest to get rich quickly and live a life of affluence among Nigerian youths is not only alarming but also worrisome.
They indulge in all manner of untoward acts, including killings of fellow humans for money rituals, in their quest to make quick money. This development is gradually becoming a national embarrassment. The social media space is replete with incidents, including video clips of these atrocious activities carried out by Nigerian youths.
‘’Vain’’ glory describes a form of pride or boastfulness that arises from a desire for recognition or admiration without genuine merit or accomplishment. It encompasses the idea of seeking glory for its own sake, often driven by vanity, arrogance or a superficial need for affirmation. The pursuit of vain glory is hollow and does not lead to lasting fulfilment.
Vain glory is in direct contrast with true glory, which is usually linked to genuine accomplishment, character or virtue. Vain glory is frequently associated with behaviour that seeks praise or honour without the substance or qualities that make such recognition truly deserved.
The pursuit of vain glory among Nigerian youths can be seen as a complex issue linked to various social, economic and cultural factors, including social media influence, materialism, parental and societal pressure, disregard for education, peer pressure and the get-rich-quick syndrome.
Many Nigerian youths craft their online personas on social media to showcase highlights of their lives, leading to an obsession with the number of ‘likes, comments and followers’ their photos or postings attract, as a measure of success.
The desire to go viral can push individual youths to engage in often reckless or inappropriate behaviour just to gain attention.
Materialism and status symbols are key aspects of the pursuit of vain glory among youths.
There is a strong emphasis on owning luxury items, flashy cars and designer clothing as indicators of success, often overshadowing genuine achievements.
Due to their lack of patience, they mostly focus on immediate rewards rather than long-term goals, leading to engagement in risky ventures solely for financial gain.
Societal and parental expectations have combined to put many Nigerian youths under excessive pressure. Several youths feel pressure from family and peers to achieve visible success, often equating wealth and recognition with self-worth. Some youths are obsessed with celebrities and social media influencers who embody superficial success, leading them to pursue similar lifestyles.
Increasing disregard for education and knowledge by many Nigerian youths who view education as a ‘scam’ also propels them to pursue vain glory. The allure of immediate fame can overshadow the importance of education and skill development, leading to a generation that undervalues knowledge. The preference for shortcuts to success among the youth population has equally made many of them resort to unethical means, such as cyber scams, deceptive practices, armed robbery, ritual killings and other criminal activities – all in the pursuit of rapid recognition and wealth.
The need to belong is a common phenomenon which propels some youths to go in pursuit of vain glory. A strong desire to fit in and be accepted by peers can drive youths to engage in competitive behaviours characteristic of vain pursuits. Youths who choose to prioritise genuine aspirations may be ridiculed or marginalised by their peers, reinforcing the chase for vain glory.
The pursuit of vain glory among youths is not without consequences. Constant comparison and pressure from peers, family and society associated with the need for validation can contribute to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.
It can also lead to strained personal relationships, as individuals become more focused on appearance than connections.
Addressing this malady will require a multifaceted approach, including promoting genuine success, redefining societal values, emphasising education and fostering environments that celebrate genuine achievements.
Beyond these, Nigerian youths must understand the pitfalls associated with pursuing fame and success outside the plans and purposes of God. In their eagerness to launch out, many youths sometimes forget the importance of aligning their dreams with God’s timing and purpose.
God’s journey to some youths seems too slow. By fostering environments where genuine achievements and personal developments are celebrated over superficial recognition, Nigerian youths can be guided towards more meaningful pursuits in life.
