Cleric Advocates Concerted Efforts to Tackling Moral Decadence Among Youths
By David Okpala and Stella Okpala
Parish Priest, Holy Family Catholic Church, Umueze Village, Akpo, Rev Fr Philip Okoye has advocated concerted effort to checking moral decadence among youths for better society.
"Children upbringing is everybody's business hence this Igbo dictum; (Nwa bu nwa ora), which means one's child is everybody's child."
He said this while interacting with information officers, at the Church rectory in Aguata LGA on May 14.
The cleric emphasized that the Church is doing its utmost to provide moral guidance through daily homilies during Mass. Additionally, the Church dedicates an entire week each year to addressing issues related to the laity, known as Laity Week.
"These programs aimed to educate parents on effective child-rearing practices and to shape and mentor young people for the betterment of society.
"While the Church's efforts are commendable, the reality remains that the role of parents in their children's education is irreplaceable and of paramount importance, and no substitute can adequately fill this role," he noted.
The Cleric further explained that the family is the foundation of the Church and society. If we fail to get it right at home, the rest will suffer. On Fathers' Sunday, we urged fathers to take responsibility. Until they do, idolatry among youths will persist. Fathers' absence create a void that can't be filled by others.
"Today, many fathers are found in beer parlors and indulging in drugs, ruining their lives and blaming Christianity. They'll even restore idols, claiming it's their culture. But culture is just a people's way of life - their food, dress, language, and behaviors. Let's get our priorities straight and build strong families.
"Let us work together educating our youths till we wipe off these ignorance that is frustrating their lives."
Fr Okoye urged parents to devote quality time to their children, identifying and correcting misdeeds before they escalate.
He also encouraged extended family (Umunna) and daughters' groups (Umuada) to collaborate in child-rearing, as a well-raised child benefits society, while a neglected one can bring harm, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in shaping the next generation.
*David and Stella are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
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