By Douglas Anele

In different countries throughout the world, people are so preoccupied with the quest for primitive accumulation and acquisitiveness that they tend to forget those behavioural responses and social etiquette which make life so humane and fascinating.

Consider, for instance, the increasing tendency towards self-indulgent materialism and individualism. A little reflection will establish that most of the money and wealth people spend their energies accumulating are unnecessary, and that beyond the necessities of life such as food, shelter, clothing, education, good health, and simple recreation, virtually everything else can be dispensed with. I believe that the unceasing craving for more and bigger or expensive things is an outward manifestation, in those trapped within its gravitational pull, of existential emptiness and warped ideas concerning what human life here on earth is all about. In otherwords, idolatry of wealth and riches is a mental disorder, a psychological disequilibrium which disallows healthy relatedness between an individual, his or her fellow human beings, and the world. In our country, Nigeria, despite the exponential increase in population of Christians and Muslims and in the number of worship centres, there is a noticeable decrease in public spiritedness, truthfulness, kindness, and respect for others.

Most Nigerians erroneously believe that civilisation is a matter of driving big cars, living a highbrow area of the city, wearing the best clothes complemented by costly fashion accessories, and speaking Queen’s English. But some of us know better: we know that civilisation is basically the product of refined and enlightened mental disposition, an attitude of the mind characterised by humility, self-respect, healthy disdain for material possessions, truthfulness, and determination to treat others as oneself.

It also entails an expansive world outlook that incorporates respect for thenatural environment. Thus, it is a big mistake to defined civilisation based solely on the quantity of material things possessed by an individual.

At home, in schools, markets, churches and mosques, we treat one another as objects without the respect and dignity appropriate to human beings as such. Our political leaders habitually steal public funds because they are barbarians who have lost their moral centres of gravity, thinking that corrupt enrichment would save them from the existential emptiness at the core of their being.

The renowned German philosopher, Immanuel Kant, correctly observed that each human being belongs to “the kingdom of ends,” which means that no one should be treated as a means to an end. There are several behaviours and attitudes widespread among Nigerians, which make me believe that our people are still operating at the level Lucien Levy-Bruhl called pre-logical mentality. These include aggressive driving habits, disdain for environmental cleanliness and aesthetics, pseudo-religiosity, and nauseating misuse of public funds and property.

As I said a moment ago, a large percentage of Nigerian political leaders are uncivilised; they still function at the primitive level, given their monstrous proclivity to corruption. One of the attributes of a civilized human being is gratitude. These days, it appears that many parents have lost their sense of values; they no longer teach their children reasonable social etiquette such as respect for elders, decency in speech and conduct, as well as showing gratitude for favours received, among others. There is no doubt that appreciation of kindness and charity is an important attribute of a civilised person. It encourages people to do more good to others, and promotes the culture of solidarity and goodwill. Therefore, I will use this opportunity to express my appreciation and gratitude to those who, in various ways, helped me to cope with the vicissitudes and existential challenges of 2015. First of all, I remain eternally grateful to my parents, Mr. & Mrs. Ebere Anele, for the gift of life and for giving me good education, both formal and informal. Although both are dead, I will never forget all their efforts in making sure that my siblings and I were properly looked after. My gratitude also goes to my wife, Ijeoma, and to my lovely daughters, Nwanyioma and Nwadiuto, for enriching my life. Without question, the three foremost females in my sojourn here on earth, despite occasional turbulence now and then, occupy the innermost recesses of my being. Ij, I know I have not lived up to your expectations in some areas; but I am grateful that you have continued to tolerate my weaknesses.

I thank my two sisters, Ihuoma and Ngozi, for who they are and what they mean to me. Emeka, my younger brother, together with his spouse, Chinwendu, are my “eyes and ears” in the village – I am grateful to both of you. My profound appreciation goes to the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. R.A. Bello, and the two Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Prof. B. Alo (Academic & Research) and Prof. Duro Oni (Management Services) for their kindness to me last year. Thank you Prof. Atsenuwa (Chairperson, Admissions Committee) and Prof. Tunde Babawale (Dean, Student Affairs) for granting some of my requests despite the tremendous pressures of your assignments.

My colleagues in the Philosophy Department, especially Prof. Muyiwa Falaiye, Drs. Modestus Onyeaghalaji, Fatai Asodun, Tony Okeregbe, Peter Oni, Chris Osegenwune, Benjamin Okoro, and also Surajudeen Owosho, Philomena Egbe, Peter Osimiri, Dan Ekere, Debo Gbadebo – I hereby acknowledge your help on several occasions. I am also grateful to uncle Tony Amaku, Drs. David Aworawo and Chris Obisi, Profs. Adeyemi Daramola, P.K. Fogam, Chimdi Mmaduagwu, Princewill Alozie, Demola Adeleke, H.O.D. Longe, Joe Abugu, and Iwu Ikwubuzo. My friends, Robert Obioha, Chief Ralph Obiduba, Chief Emmanuel Ofodile, Chief Innocent Egwim, Lincoln Nwafor, Clem Aguiyi, Chief Charles Edosonwan (SAN), Peter Iheanacho, Hajiyah, Merciful Mercy, Jude Obaro, Abiodun, Mrs. Eden-Okoro, Mrs. Philomena Abugu, and Mrs. Pauline Anyaokwu – all of you were good to me, therefore your shadows will never grow less. Uncle Sam Amuka, the publisher of Vanguard newspapers is a humble and kind-hearted human being. I thank you, sir, for being an inspiration to many, including myself. Fred Udueme, AGM Brand, Vanguard, has been a good friend to me. I appreciate you, my brother. Jide Ajani, editor, Sunday Vanguard, and all those working with you, especially Abel, are gratefully acknowledged for your professional handling of my essays even when they arrive late. Prof. Ngozi Osarenren and her husband, Osas, Prof. & Mrs. Ezike, Dr. B.N. Nwabueze, Deji Medubi, Mrs. T. Solanke, Ifueko Bello-Fadaka, Dr. Nwadinigwe, Lugard, Matthew, Ojo, Odion and all the residents of C Block, Highrise, University of Lagos – thank you all for your help in various ways. Drs. Joseph Ekong, Rotimi Omosulu, and Dennis Otto; Mrs. Ojomo, Mike Enyinnaya, Stanley Nkemole, Babatee, Debo Adeleke, Samodi, Bede Egbufor, Simon Tashie, Joe Otogbolu, Charles Kalu, and Jones Usen. My Christmas vacation in the United States was highly rewarding because of the hospitality of Apostle Frank Uwakwe and his amiable spouse, Ngozi – I thank them sincerely.

I genuinely appreciate readers of my essays, particularly those who agree with my views on issues of vital concern to our country and to fellow Nigerians, and who do not see disagreement as an opportunity to abuse someone they know absolutely nothing about. Of course, I will continue to write as forthrightly as I could, believing that my readers and I are fallible human beings willing to engage in civilised debate without insulting one another. This year, if I express an opinion you are not comfortable with, remember, your insults cannot stop me from expressing my views on issues I care about. Therefore, do not waste your time chasing shadows.

Happy new year to everyone!