Igbo Values Under Threat: Fr. Amakaeze Urges Return to Traditional Virtues
By Regina Igwebuike
Rev. Fr. Kenneth Amakaeze, Chaplain of the Catholic Corps members in Anambra State and Manager of Rosary College Nise in Awka South LGA, has expressed concern over the growing restiveness among youths, advocating for the principle of communalism as a solution to address this issue.
He noted that the Igbos have derailed from their values, that the principle of communalism no longer hold, explaining that a child was owned by all 'nwa oha' and unless they go back to their values, they will not get it right.
Fr. Amakeze, who gave the submission during his homily on June 22 at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, Amawbia, his former parish, addressed the alarming rate of exam malpractice in the country.
He emphasized that parents and guardians should not encourage their children or wards to engage in this act, as exams are designed to assess students' academic achievements, providing illustrations of the potential consequences of exam malpractice on individuals' lives and society, citing examples such as healthcare professionals who may compromise patient care due to their lack of genuine knowledge and skills.
"We are all enablers of shortcuts, a pandemic that has eaten deep into the fabrics of our educational system, causing more harm than good to society. Short cut shortens life. Education is very important and not a scam as perceived by most youths nowadays."
Fr. Amakaeze enjoined parents to help their younger ones, noting that they were degenerating on daily basis, even as he urged them not to pressurize them over money as it has pushed most of them to ill-gotten wealth.
The cleric thanked parents who still inculcate the values and instil discipline in their children for not sparing the rod and spoiling the child, emphasising that every child ought to be disciplined with love for a better society.
Fr. Amakeze while expressing worry that the Igbos have derailed from who they were, opting for the lesser ones, urged them to go back to the drawing board, explaining that the Igbos were known for agriculture, science/technology and not entertainment only.
"The Igbos have sacrificed their worth on the altar of slothfulness, laziness and of the phone. The phone has taken the capacity and capabilities of most youths and locked them up in the cell, 'cell phone'. Make good use of your phone, it is a good asset that can transform your life positively."
He urged youths to be contented with what they have even as he advised them to seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, cautioning those who spill human blood for whatever reason to desist, emphasizing that such act has irreversible, indelible and catastrophic consequences.
Speaking about the Solemnity of the Body of Christ, he said, "Receiving the Body of Christ during Mass means taking Jesus home with us. He highlighted Jesus' choice of bread and wine over material wealth, noting the symbolism in using everyday staples like bread, which is common to the poor, and wine, which is more accessible to the rich, making it a universally accessible symbol for all.
"As a Christian, as a Catholic communicat, you are a mobile tabernacle carrying Christ inside you. So how do you relate with the people. Are you a light unto them or are you among those that promote disorder."
Fr. Amakaeze explained that world peace is possible beginning with the next person you meet after church. Religion, christianity start when you stopped praying, that is practical christianity.
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