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Chikwado Eze as a Classic Case of Japa Gone Awry (II)

     BY CHRIS UCHENNA AGBEDO
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To change this trajectory, elders must recognize the weight of the responsibility they carry. Leadership, in any capacity, comes with a moral obligation to set an example. Elders must strive to live lives that reflect the virtues they wish to see in the next generation. Whether in private or public, they must demonstrate the principles of integrity, humility, and accountability. Elders must resist the temptation to misuse their positions of authority, engage in reckless behaviour, or abandon the moral high ground in pursuit of personal gain. Beyond individual conduct, elders in leadership positions must actively create environments that nurture positive values among the youth. This means investing in policies and programmes that promote education, entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership. It means being present in the lives of young people, offering mentorship and guidance, not just through words, but through actions. An elder who prioritizes the community’s welfare over personal ambition sends a far more powerful message than any speech or lecture.
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As we reflect on this tragedy, it is imperative for society to address the underlying causes of such desperation. The government must tackle the systemic issues that push individuals to the edge, from the deteriorating economy to the rising unemployment rate and the sense of hopelessness that permeates the country. Additionally, we must collectively work to re-educate and empower people to understand that success abroad, or anywhere for that matter, is not secured by rituals or fortifications, but by hard work, perseverance, and ethical practices. Furthermore, it is important for community leaders, religious figures, and social influencers to dissuade people from turning to harmful fetishisms and instead promote pathways that lead to legitimate success. The allure of quick fixes (ego mbute) or supernatural interventions is nothing more than a dangerous illusion, as Chikwado Eze’s tragic death so painfully demonstrates. In a society where the pursuit of Japa has become almost synonymous with hope for a better future, we must also recognize the risks associated with such desperation. The story of Chikwado Eze should serve as a warning, one that calls for greater awareness, education, and a recommitment to addressing the economic challenges that drive people to such dangerous extremes.
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The tragic and needless death of Chikwado Eze is a powerful wake-up call for the need to reexamine the values and ethics that shape the choices of our youth today. The arrest of both the native doctor and Chikwado’s father by the Enugu State Police Command is a necessary step towards justice, but it must be followed by deeper societal reflection. It is in this context that faith-based organizations and institutions such as the National Orientation Agency (NOA) must step in as beacons of hope and moral guidance. These bodies hold the key to reshaping the minds and attitudes of young Nigerians, steering them away from the dark path of superstition, materialism, and unethical practices. The core teachings of many faiths, whether Christian, Islamic, or traditional African religions, emphasize virtues such as integrity, humility, hard work, and the sanctity of life. These values must be actively promoted in communities to counter the prevailing culture of quick fixes and moral decay. The National Orientation Agency, for instance, has a mandate to instill values of patriotism, discipline, and ethics in the citizenry. However, much more needs to be done. The agency must intensify efforts to reach vulnerable youths across the country, especially those in rural areas where harmful traditional practices and beliefs still hold significant sway. Campaigns that promote ethical living, national pride, and respect for life must be prioritized, with a focus on the dangers of pursuing success through illegal or unethical means. Schools, community centres, and digital platforms must be leveraged to engage and educate young people about the value of legitimate, sustainable paths to success.
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Additionally, there must be a concerted effort to restore confidence in the power of legitimate hard work and resilience. The media and educators can play a role in showcasing the stories of those who have achieved success through ethical means, reinforcing the message that there are no shortcuts to sustainable success. These narratives must become part of a broader cultural shift that celebrates character and integrity as much as, if not more than material wealth. In the aftermath of Chikwado Eze’s death, his story should serve as a warning and a catalyst for action. No individual should feel so hopeless or desperate that they turn to life-threatening rituals for success. This tragedy represents a collective failure, of community, family, and society to provide young people with the tools, values, and opportunities they need to thrive. We must not allow the allure of quick riches or success abroad to rob our young people of their future. Instead, we should nurture a generation that understands that true success is not just about what you have, but how you obtain it. The future of any society rests with its youth, but the trajectory of that future is shaped by the elders who guide and mentor them. Nigeria stands at a crossroads, where many young people feel lost, frustrated, and disconnected from the values that once held communities together. Elders must take responsibility for this disconnection and work to bridge the gap. They must embrace their role as custodians of culture and morality, showing by example that a life of integrity is not only possible but necessary.
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In conclusion, our condolences go to the family, friends, and well-wishers of the deceased and we pray for God’s mercies for the soul of the departed. There is no gainsaying the fact that the tragic death of Chikwado Eze during an ill-fated ritual speaks to the deep-rooted challenges facing Nigerian society, particularly among the youth. This tragedy highlights not only the desperation many young people face in seeking success but also the troubling influence of some loose-livered elders who fail to model responsible behaviour. Eze’s desperate attempt to secure success through fortification and ritual burial underscores a deep-rooted problem. The growing trend of Japa, the inordinate pursuit of escape to foreign lands in search of a better life, further amplifies this desperation. For many driven by this mindset, the thought of leaving the country has become so pressing that they are willing to sacrifice not only their moral principles but even their lives. The foregoing underscores the urgency for value reorientation, particularly among Nigerian youths. Faith-based organizations, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and other related bodies have a pivotal role to play in this endeavour, now more than ever. These bodies must play a proactive role in instilling virtues such as integrity, honesty, and responsibility in the youths. The society, from a broader collective perspective needs to embrace value reorientation, where both young and old are held accountable to higher moral standards, providing the next generation with positive role models to follow.
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AGBEDO, Professor of Sociolinguistics, University of Nigeria Nsukka & Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Nsukka
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(Concluding part of the article which began yesterday, Thursday, October 24)

Editor
Jude Ossai (JP) a veteran journalist is a National Diploma holder in Mass Communication from Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State. He also studied at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Enugu and Imo State University, Owerri for his first and second degrees in Mass Communication, respectively. He writes extensively on politics, crime, corruption, climate change, healthcare, human rights, social justice, among others.
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Jude Ossai (JP) a veteran journalist is a National Diploma holder in Mass Communication from Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State. He also studied at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Enugu and Imo State University, Owerri for his first and second degrees in Mass Communication, respectively. He writes extensively on politics, crime, corruption, climate change, healthcare, human rights, social justice, among others.
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