Nigerdeltaent: In today’s fast-paced Nigerian society, the allure of material possessions has become an undeniable force influencing the aspirations and identities of many young people. This gen-z generation, is navigating a society transformed by consumer culture, social media, and an unprecedented economy.
From luxury brands to the latest tech gadgets, lifestyle choices are increasingly characterized by a quest for possessions that not only give pleasure but also serve as status symbols. This article aims to explore the societal factors contributing to the glorification of materialism among Nigerian youths and the implications that this phenomenon has on individual identities and communities.
THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
One of the most significant catalysts for the materialistic values held by most Nigerian Youths is the rise of social media platforms. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat bombard users with images of extravagant lifestyles.
Influencers and celebrities, often showcased in luxurious surroundings and adorned with the latest fashions, set a precedent for what is desirable.
Youths now brag of wearing a $100 jeans, carrying a $80 bag or watch, even when our currency is Naira. The other day, a female celebrity showcase a watch and said she bought it for $1000
Research has shown that repeated exposure to curated content can shape individual perceptions of wealth and success, as a result, it's no longer surprising to see young Nigerians find themselves measuring their self-worth against the unattainable lifestyles portrayed online, fostering a deeper craving for material goods which has successfully led many into illegitimate means of making money(wealth).
THE ROLE of ADVERTISING and BRAND CULTURE
The current advertising ecosystem reinforces materialistic ideals by portraying branded goods as the key to happiness.
Brands like Apple use top Nigerian celebrities to advertise their latest iPhone series to a young Nigerian population that barely earns over $200 monthly via decent work.
Advertisements often link products with positive emotions, social acceptance, and lifestyle aspirations. This strategy plays on the psychological tendency to associate one’s identity with their possessions. Youth engagement with brand culture shapes their self-identities, making the consumption of specific products not just about utility but about signaling social status and group affiliation. The phenomenon of “joining the latest trend” is driving an arms race of material accumulation.
PEER PRESSURE and IDENTITY FORMATION
Peer pressure is not a new concept; however, its manifestations have evolved with the technological landscape. In a Society where social validation often comes in the form of “likes” and comments, the pursuit of material goods can feel like a necessity for social acceptance.
A Nigerian youth may find him/her self caught in a cycle where the need to display wealth through possessions overshadows relationships and intrinsic values. As material goods come to define social circles, friendships may pivot on consumers’ abilities to showcase their latest acquisitions, leading to superficial connections rooted in material wealth rather than genuine interpersonal bonds.
THE CONSEQUENCES of MATERIALISM
While the allure of material wealth may be compelling, the glorification of materialism carries several drawbacks.
Extensive research has linked materialistic values with lower levels of overall happiness and life satisfaction.
When individuals place their self-worth in possessions, they risk chronic dissatisfaction, as such fulfillment is fleeting and often leads to a constant desire for more. Beyond individual consequences, rising materialism can foster division within communities, as disparities become more visible and envy ensues. Those with fewer resources may feel marginalized, while the wealthy are often viewed through a lens of both admiration and resentment.
FINDING A a BALANCE
In the face of these rising trend of materialism acquisition, it is crucial for Nigerian youths to engage in critical reflection regarding their values and aspirations. Promoting alternatives to materialism—such as experiences, relationships, and personal growth—can contribute to a more balanced sense of self-worth.
Communities, Religious leaders and Educators can play a pivotal role by teaching 'contentment' among youths and fostering environments where non-material achievements are celebrated.
The challenge lies in guiding this generation towards a path that values depth over superficiality, encouraging them to recognize that true fulfillment cannot be bought.
CONCLUSION The glorification of materialism among Nigerian youths is a multifaceted issue rooted in societal changes, economic realities, and the pervasive influence of social media. While the desire for material possessions is an inherent part of human nature, it is essential to cultivate a culture that prioritizes intrinsic values over consumerism.
By fostering critical awareness and promoting alternative measures of success, society can nurture a generation that finds satisfaction and identity beyond the confines of material wealth, ultimately leading to a more connected and empathetic world. Because at the end of it all, we will all die one day and get lowered 6ft underground.
So what is all these desperation to acquire latest this and that for when even the country that manufactures these luxuries, their citizens don't even give too much credence or importance to them. Nigeria and Africa at large then seems to become a dumping ground for it all. I ask, Is the quest for all these materialism worth it?
I remain Udo-Akagha Inyang aka Chief Priest writing from the streets of Afaha Ekid, Eket LGA in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. 02032025
emkz: After seeing the video exchange, it was clear that Mrs Natasha Uduaghan was at fault.
They re-allocated her seat based on defections from LP and PDP. Why couldn't she just obey the re-allocation?
The rules were read, and she was told she couldn't be recognized where she sat.
The part Akpabio messed up was instructing the sergeant at arms to throw her out. He had no right to do that. Then began the accusations that Akpabio had been trying to silence her and she'd be a voice of the Nigerian women. Nigerian women do not conduct themselves like classless people.
Both Akpabio and Natasha messed up.
A general advise to the women in the senate. We have heard cases of some of you slapping colleagues, threatening ministers and acting as if you are over-compensating as though you deserve to be there. You do not need all these. Focus on the job and conduct yourselves with maturity. How come we do not hear of such controversies in the lower chamber? The woman who fought during Patricia Etteh's time: what ever became of her?
We were here when a woman almost fraudulently got herself announced as the winner of an election. Your presence in politics should be a breath of fresh air as women of yore: Queen Amina of Zaria, Moremi, Margaret Ekpo, Dora Akunyili, and so many others who distinguished themselves.
As for Akpabio, it is time you start conducting yourself decently around women. As Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Joy Nunieh said in an interview with Arise News that she deposited a dirty slap on your cheek when you made passes at her. They also accused you of being around the girl who did a cookathon. Now Natasha is making silly comments that would make them beam a searchlight on you. Perhaps, have like three matured senators who you can lean on to guide you when matters like this come up. The best thing could have been to ignore Natasha. That way, she'd lose credibility to get sympathy.
Leobankx: US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday seeking to ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports, in his latest move targeting transgender people since returning to office.
DezMayorz: Top Three Performing LGA Chairman In Rivers State After 100 Days In Office
Dez Mayorz Report.
The Rivers State political crisis continues to divide the state into two political groups, not into PDP and APC rather into Wikematics (those loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike) and Simplified (those loyal to the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara).
The last LGA election in Rivers State is still questionable by those loyal to the FCT Minister, but it is the Gov. Fubara loyalists LGA chairmen that receive allocation and occupy LGA government houses.
After 100 days in office, Dez Mayorz News takes a holistic view of the performance of LGA chairmen and came up with the top three performing LGA chairmen in Rivers State, based on governance (bringing dividends of democracy to the people), uniting the people and bringing sustainable peace in the LGA.
Due to the non-stop political crisis in Rivers State, some of the LGA chairmen failed to differentiate between politicking and governance.
Some of them think governance is a raffle draw, anywhere it points, they go without any preparation, agenda, or blueprint.
Instead of focusing more on governance, some of them rather use public funds to buy and instigate nuclear family crisis and extended family crisis at the homes of their political opponents.
Some just focused on sharing money meant for the development of their LGA with their political godfathers.
In 100 days in office, after receiving billions of naira, many of them have not done a single economically viable or revenue-generating project.
But in all these, some experienced LGA chairmen have done well in their 100 days in office.
They have shown capacity with their people-oriented projects and shown they understand what governance is all about.
Their productive leadership is bringing the dividends of democracy to the people in various wards of their Local Government.
They put the resources of their LGA into profitable use with prudence that enhanced productivity in the Governance of the LGA.
Below are the top 3 performing LGA chairmen in Rivers State after 100 days in office.
The chairman who is on his second tenure continues his administration under Sir Siminalayi Fubara with more focus on Tourism attraction, security, youth empowerment, utility, transportation, and infrastructure.
Some of his projects include; - Building Of Lock Up Shops And Beautification Of Opobo Water Front. - Free Prepaid National Grid Light. All Expenses Paid Electricity. - Purchase Of A Well Equipped Gun Boat And Vehicle For Police To Enhance Water Way And Land Security In The LGA. - Building Of Lock Up Shops And Beautification Of Opobo Water Front.
Others are: * Massive Grant. * Setting up of a bursary committee that will in no distant time commence payment to beneficiaries. * Youths Summit. * Sustaining and recruiting more personnel into the internal local security network. * Maintenance of Generators in all the satellite communities of the LGA that are yet to be linked to the national electricity grid, and supply of diesel to provide them electricity. * Support to the customary court of Nigeria, Opobo/Nkoro bench. * Furnishing of youth corps lodge in Opobo town.
The chairman is considered to be over-playing his political card in his LGA, although so many people are not comfortable with his political approach but when it comes to governance, Hon. Chijioke Ihunwo is loved by his people including the traders, market women, students, and youth.
His administration focused more on economic developmental strives through the support he gives to the traders and investors in the LGA by reducing taxpayers' money and encouraging investors.
Some of his notable achievements under one hundred days in office are written below in capital letters.
- REDUCTION OF TAXES FOR TRADERS IN OBIO/AKPOR LGA.
- RE-BRANDED A LOCAL VIGILANCE GROUP CALLED OSPAC FOR EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT SECURITY DELIVERY IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
- CONSTITUTED A MARKET COMMITTEE TO ENSURE THAT MARKETS IN OBIO/AKPOR FUNCTION OPTIMALLY.
- HE GAVE CHRISTMAS BONUS TO CIVIL SERVANTS IN OBIO/AKPOR LGA
1. Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government chairman - Hon. Prince Isaac Umejuru (86 points).
Hon. Prince Isaac Umejuru is considered the best-performing LGA chairman in Rivers State currently by the elites and the people.
The ‘White Eagle’ chairman has continued in the way of peace bridging the gaps and winning more grounds for the state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara with his infrastructural developmental strives and human capacity development.
Below are some of the laudable projects Hon. Prince Isaac Umejuru is doing in his LGA to complement the efforts of the State Government:
- Healthcare Centre, Okpurukpuali: Commissioned by Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh - Assembly Hall in Obite: Named after the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu and commissioned by Rivers State Chairman of Action People’s Party, Hon. Sunny Wokekoro. - Community Secondary School, Mgbede: Commissioned by Prince Obi Ohia. - Ogbidi Ultra-Modern Market: Commissioned by Chief of Staff, Rivers State Government House, Dr. Edison Ogaranya Ehie. - Joint Task Force(JTF)Quarters, Omoku: Commissioned by Major Dyan Joshua on behalf of the Garrison Commander 6 and amphibious brigade General Sanni Ahmed.
- Onelga Legislative Council Complex: Commissioned by the Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, RT Hon.Victor Oko Jumbo.
The full list is listed below. – Reconstruction/Rebuilding of ONELGA Headquarters.
– Building of Ultra-Modern Market.
– Construction/Building of a Primary School.
– Bursary Payment of Over 2000 ONELGA students.
– Improved Security architecture including the donation of two functional vehicles to the Onelga Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) Onelga command.
– The Wire Mersh fencing of Omoku Main Market and Civic Centre.
– Extension of the Onelga waste dump site.
– Disilting of drainage systems within Omoku and Obirikom town.
– Clearing of UPE Model Primary School, Obosi, Omoku.
– Maintainance and grading of roads in Onelga. Within one month after Inauguration, The Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Committee on Road Maintenance(Zero Potholes) Graded the under-listed streets in Omoku; * Court Road by Umu-Ohali junction * Cemetery Road, Obor Road to Ebogoro. * Elder Mark through to Erema Street pipeline * Army Nakasa through late Senator Frances Ellah front to Abor road * Casting of Church road and Court road * 2nd Location off Kreigani Road * Kenchi Street off Kreigani Road * Goodluck Avenue off Rotechi Street * Orike Street, off Kreigani Road * Achikuro Street, near Kins college * Erema Street pipeline to Sambo Road, * Egbema Street * Dan street and Part of Egbeda road. * DM Jaja street * Sabbath Road, off Kreigani Road, * Emeka Onyije Street off DM Jaja Street, * Umesi Chibuzor St off DM jaja and * Ndudi street off kreigani road.
Dez Mayorz Report.
This list is incomplete without The Chairman of Port Harcourt LGA. The sugar Mayor, Ichemati is working
maureensylvia: It's absurd that Mercy Chinwo is bringing Pastor Jerry Eze and Pastor Nathaniel Bassey into this, making it seem like her boss has a personal vendetta against them and that this played a role in their dispute.
How does this connect to the core issue? It appears to be an attempt to gain public sympathy by dragging respected religious figures into a personal matter.
If Mercy Chinwo truly has a case, she should present solid proof instead of making emotional claims. Otherwise, it comes across as manipulative.
The best course of action for her is to reconcile with her boss rather than continue stirring up drama.
At the end of the day, business relationships should be handled professionally, not through baseless accusations.
Oh, and as for "You have bloggers, I have God"—spare me that sentimental bullshit.
GeeM: Recently, I got entangled with a lady that had terrible STI. I have always been a fan of raw sex because I don't feel anything with condom.
This lady in question is someone you could describe as a homely girl; wife material, so I never suspected in my wildest imagination that she would be carrying such terrible infection.
We met about 6months ago at a friend's wedding and exchanged pleasantries after which I collected her number. From then we started talking and our conversations went so well that one thing led to the other and we linked up and had it raw. Few days after the sex, I started experiencing this burning sensation in my private part and asif something was biting me at the tip of my penis. That was how my predicament began. I tried all the antibiotics I knew to no avail. This forced me to go to the hospital and see a doctor who prescribed another set of antibiotics yet it didn't work. I even took injections since tablets wasn't working yet no result.
Then my test results came out showing that I had antibiotics resistant strain of gonorrhea. This type of gonorrhea was resistant to the normal antibiotics used to treat it but luckily for me it was sensitive to a particular antibiotics but very expensive. One injection of the antibiotics cost 30,000 and I needed to take morning and night for atleast 3days. That's how I spent over 180k treating infection.
When I informed the babe about what I was passing through, she became very angry saying that I'm insulting her. That was how that relationship ended. After that incident, I became very cautious with the way I view women. Though I still enjoy my raw sex but I'm more careful how I go about it. Babes plenty but to find clean one no easy. Skin to skin dey sweet but na infection spoil am.
And you still have sex with Ladies without protection?
You are not ready to stop getting infected, HIV is calling you.😂
[quote author=Dougad post=133882065]I don't really know much of her songs except two or three with my favorite being Everytime you touch me, I become a hero.
Also her role in the introduction of Michael Jackson to the world. December 1969 -- Diana Ross presents The Jackson 5.
Yes, and The Jackson 5 sang that "I will be there" song.
My favorite songs by Diana Ross are: He lives in me Endless love Featuring Lionel Richie Someone that you love before Love is all that matters featuring Brandy
Rapmoney: Today, I was just entertaining myself with some throwback Nollywood movies when I saw this unforgettable gentleman in one of the movies. My mind drifted back to many years ago and I had this nostalgic feeling.
This is Pete Eneh, one of the finest Nollywood actor that I have ever come across. He played some of the most outstanding roles in Nollywood movies. He was always gentle and down-to-earth. He never hurt a fly in movies throughout his career in the industry, and I am sure he was actually acting his kind of person that was why he was always given such roles by movie producers and directors. A very soft-spoken gentleman.
Rest in peace to you sir! I really enjoyed your movies. God rest his soul. We miss you sir!
Pete Eneh died on 15th November, 2012 in Enugu after his leg was amputated following an infection.
A Gentle Actor, I saw him in Port Harcourt back when they came to shoot a movie in 2009. How time flies
GistMedia0: An emotional moment occurred during a recent Nigerian Police College passing-out parade when a newly graduated female officer burst into tears upon seeing her family, who came to celebrate her achievement.
Dressed in her smart uniform, the young officer’s eyes welled up with tears as she spotted her family cheering her on. With emotions running high, she marched towards them, saluting as she approached.
Overcome with gratitude, she embraced her mother and other family members, placing her police beret on each of their heads as a symbol of respect for their unwavering support and love throughout her journey.
Teacher70: I'm afraid the place of education in our present society is in grave Danger. I'm really taken aback by the goings-on in our education system. Here is why I said so: Last term, I had a student in a class, a JSS 2 student. This kid is notorious for not doing his home fun and class fun. I had spoken to him in class and also in Private, I made him to understand that it is wrong not to carry out his functions as a student, so he promised to change but he Never did. Now, the sch I teach is a private one, I'm a teacher of Mathematics. And whenever any student fails to update their notes or do their assignments and classwork, the teacher involved, gets the entire blame. I mean the whole blame. I kept getting the blames despite my hard work solely because of this same kid. At a point, I became so furious and had to raise my voice on the child. I didn't flog or punish him, same kid got home & told his parents that I was threatening him. The parents called my boss to report and my Boss called to tell me that I should be easy on the child and that the parents were childless for about 12years in the marriage until they had this same child so they pamper him a lot since he's the only Son. When I heard this, I shook my head and said ok. From that day, I decided not to bother myself again about the child. This term, we resumed on Monday, I gave resumption test and the child didn't write the Test even though he sat for it. While marking I found out he didn't submit at all. I got angry and told him that he MUST do it and submit the next day. When he got home, he said I threatened him and that he wouldn't want to continue schooling here again. Immediately the parents rang my Director, and told him to either sack me or change me to another arm of the class(jss2), else they withdraw their child. Considering my dedication, the director didn't give in to their demands, so they withdrew the child, and the director refunded the sch fees they had already paid. I'm not bragging, I have almost all the experiences required of an ideal teacher. I am not the Best but people know I am Good.i thank God for having the support of my boss. Parents are really killing Education, they are contributing to the fall in the standard of education. It's really very sad.
Since 1823, Sokoto Caliphate has had a near obsession to annex Oyo into its estate, using the proxy Emirate at Ilorin.
The first Alaafin to stand up to the Caliphate was Alaafin Amodo, great grand nephew of Alaafin Ajagbo, the Warrior king that Commissioned the first independent Royal army and established the post of Field Marshal [Aare Ona Kakanfo] with the first being Kokoro Gangan.
Amodo could not defeat the invading army. His Warlords were too rebellious to form a Coalition under his banner. He lost one of his leading Warriors in battle with Ilorin…. Onikoyi Adegun.
Another king that rose to the occasion was Alaafin Oluewu…. He rejected the insistence of Emir Shita, son of Shehu Alimi to accept him as an Overlord…. At his time, the Caliph of the Hausa Empire was Sultan Belo, son of Shehu Usman Dan Fodio. Sultan Belo provided Emir Shita thousands of Calvary Warriors to Swell the ranks of the Ilorin army against Oluewu
Oluewu teamed up with the Baribas and led a successful Campaign to repel Sokoto Caliphate at the 1830 battle of Otefan. He however lost a second War to drive the Emir and his followers out of Ilorin. This was due to treachery amongst his Warlords who feared that when he was done with Ilorin, he would return Oyo to its former glory and bring the Warlords who served as provincial Governors back under the Capital.
Alaafin Oluewu was the last Sovereign at Old Oyo. His Successor, Atiba moved the Capital to Ago Oja. It remains the Seat of Oyo kingdom till today. Alaafin Adeyemi III was a direct descendant of Alaafin Atiba.
Atiba Commissioned two powerful Warrior Cities to resettle the Warriors of Old Oyo. One at Ibadan under his new Bashorun Oluyole and the other at Ijaye under his new Kakanfo Kurunmi where most of the Old Ikoyi Warriors settled.
Bashorun Oluyole put together the army that finally repelled the invading army from the North at the Osogbo War of 1840.
Fast forward to today, Ilorin, with Support from the Sultan at Sokoto infiltrated the Oyomesi to influence the Successor of Adeyemi III. With help from the Chief Imam and MURIC, they put pressure on the Current Bashorun to compromise the process and Select a Prince with Fulani blood who has more loyalty to Usman Dan Fodio than Yoruba heritage on the throne….. what they could not do through War, they are desperate to do through peace in our time.
Governor Seyi Makinde rejected the process at the risk of his second term in office and insisted on a new selection process with total autonomy of the Oyomesi from Sokoto/Ilorin influence.
These are the kind gatekeepers we desire to lead us in Yorubaland…. He thinks in Yoruba and the preservation of his ancestral heritage is sacred to him.
Governor Makinde…. Peace be unto you. May you live long…. History will remember you as the true hero you are.
SimFubaraNews: Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has taken human capital development to the skies—literally! A new cohort of skilled engineers has emerged, fully trained in the operation and maintenance of the advanced AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter.
The visionary initiative, spearheaded by His Excellency, is a game-changer for the youth of Rivers State, equipping them with globally competitive skills in aviation engineering. The program doesn’t just stop at skilling; it opens up new frontiers, positioning Rivers State as a key player in Nigeria’s booming aerospace and transportation industries.
Coordinator of the project, Dr. Stanley Kotey Pepple, lauded the participants, saying, “I am immensely proud of the dedication and resilience demonstrated by these young engineers throughout their rigorous training. Their success underscores the Governor’s foresight in investing in human capital and technological innovation as key drivers of sustainable development.”
These newly trained engineers are now poised to soar, attracting investments and driving innovation in the aviation sector. Rivers State, under Governor Sim Fubara’s leadership, is cementing its status as a hub of progress, ingenuity and opportunity.
With this bold step, Governor Siminalayi Fubara proves once again that his administration is not just building for today but creating a prosperous and sustainable future for the people of Rivers State. The sky is no longer the limit—it’s just the beginning.
Namaster: 1. Make up artist. 2. Single mother. 3. Refused to give details of her trip 4. Destination was Nigeria. 5. It was December. 6. She's from a POOR family. 7. Her family only heard about it 7 days AFTER her death. 8. Cause of death was Malaria.
Politics › Re: 'Natasha Akpoti Once Told Me About Meeting Akpabio In Hotel’ - Kingibe by sageb: 3:22pm On Mar 02, 2025
except the usual __m l__s, _a_r_ _he___...etc.