Ernest Ebie

Many women are often very cruel to their househelps, and I honestly do not understand why. What makes it even more disturbing is that some of these same people identify as devoted Christians, and their pastors often refer to them as some of the best members of the church. To me, that kind of behavior is pure hypocrisy and wickedness.

How can someone be entrusted with training another person’s child and yet treat that child like trash? A househelp is still a human being, someone’s son or daughter, deserving of dignity, kindness, and respect.

The Bible clearly teaches us to treat others with love and fairness. In Colossians 4:1, masters are instructed to provide what is right and fair to those under their authority, remembering that they also have a Master in heaven. Likewise, Ephesians 6:9 reminds those in positions of authority not to threaten or mistreat others, because God shows no favoritism.

Furthermore, in Matthew 7:12, Jesus teaches the golden rule: to treat others the same way we would want to be treated. If we truly claim to follow Christ, then compassion, justice, and kindness should be reflected in how we treat the most vulnerable people around us.

Christianity is not just about church attendance or public displays of faith; it is about living out the teachings of Christ through love, mercy, and fairness toward everyone.

Let’s be honest about a difficult reality many people avoid discussing. Yes, poverty in Nigeria is real. Reports over the years have shown that millions of Nigerians live below the poverty line, and this has placed enormous pressure on families. When survival becomes the daily focus, many parents are overwhelmed trying to provide basic needs like food, shelter, and education. Unfortunately, in many homes, the teaching of discipline, responsibility, and strong moral values begins to fade.

But poverty alone does not explain the growing social and moral decline we see today. One of the biggest problems is the weakening of parenting and value-based upbringing. Parenting is the first institution where children learn integrity, self-respect, patience, and the importance of hard work. When that foundation is weak, society begins to feel the consequences.

Many young people are now growing up in an environment shaped by survival mentality, social media pressure, and the desire for quick success. Instead of focusing on education, skills, and long-term growth, some chase fast validation, fast money, and social approval. Over time, this creates a generation that becomes mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually disconnected from strong moral direction.

Government failures and economic hardship definitely contribute to the problem, but the government cannot replace the role of parents in shaping character. The home is still where values are formed. When parents guide their children with discipline and purpose, those children are better equipped to face difficult economic realities without losing their sense of morality and dignity.

If Nigeria truly wants progress, the conversation should not only focus on politics and the economy. We must also talk about rebuilding strong families, responsible parenting, and value-driven communities.

A nation is not only built by its leaders; it is built by the values we pass on to the next generation.

People are going through a lot, truly, a lot. And when I say a lot, I mean burdens so heavy that words can’t carry them.

The painful truth is that you may never know what someone is dealing with. Many people are smiling in public but quietly falling apart in private. Some are fighting battles they don’t have the strength to explain. Others have been hurt so deeply that they’ve gone silent, not because they’re okay, but because they’re broken beyond words.

That’s why kindness matters. Patience matters. A gentle word, a listening ear, or even simple understanding can mean more than you realise. Not everyone who looks strong is strong. Not everyone who laughs is happy.

So be soft with people. Be compassionate. The person you overlook today might be carrying a weight you couldn’t survive for a week.

When governance fails, many people turn to prayer houses and spiritual leaders in search of relief, direction, and hope. Hardship, insecurity, and economic pressure push citizens to seek solutions wherever they believe help can be found.

Sincere ministers of faith are often burdened by this reality. They speak out against injustice, call for accountability, and encourage leaders to serve the people with integrity. They see the suffering around them and understand that faith should not be used to replace good governance, but to inspire it.

Unfortunately, there are also fraudulent ministers who thrive in times of chaos. For them, widespread hardship creates a fertile ground to exploit fear, desperation, and vulnerability for personal gain. Instead of pointing people toward truth and responsible leadership, they manipulate pain for profit.

A society works best when good governance and genuine faith exist side by side leaders doing what is right, and spiritual voices guiding people with honesty, not exploitation. When accountability returns to governance, fewer citizens will be forced to search for solutions in places where they may be misled.