Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has warned that Nigeria is facing a dangerous moral and social decline, but maintained that the country will eventually overcome its current hardship through focused leadership, prayers, and collective commitment.
Jonathan at Anglican Synod
Jonathan spoke at the opening session of the Thirteenth Anglican Synod in Abuja, where he painted a grim picture of a society increasingly troubled by violence, insecurity, and the erosion of values, particularly among young people. Addressing church leaders, bishops, clergy, and delegates, the former president said the growing disregard for human life and morality reflects the urgent need for stronger intervention from religious institutions.
Role of the Church
According to him, the church remains one of the few institutions still holding the nation together at a time when many citizens are losing faith in public systems and leadership. “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,” Jonathan said.
He lamented the increasing normalisation of violence in society, recalling how campuses and communities were once safer during his younger years. “At these days, a young person will pick a gun, go into a classroom and kill another student, and everything goes normally,” he said, blaming worsening social values and negative influences amplified through social media and technology.
Impact of Technology
Jonathan noted that although digital platforms offer opportunities for learning and innovation, many young people are increasingly exposed to harmful and destructive content. “The decadence in society is so high that the church has to double its efforts through prayers and conduct for us to build a normal society for our children,” he added.
Hope for Nigeria
Despite the challenges, the former president expressed confidence that Nigeria’s situation was not beyond redemption, insisting that many countries currently regarded as developed nations also passed through painful historical phases before stabilising. Drawing from his experience in government, Jonathan said he once studied the rapid transformation of the Asian Tigers and discovered that national progress takes decades of disciplined and focused leadership.
“It took between 30 and 40 years for those countries to move from where we are now to near first-world status. Progress takes time, good leadership, and commitment,” he said. He maintained that Nigeria would eventually overcome its present difficulties if leaders, citizens, and religious institutions continue working together for national renewal. “God will not abandon Nigeria,” Jonathan declared.
