ISARA REMO, OGUN STATE, Chief Fodegbuwa of Isara Remo has attributed the growing trend of disrespect among Nigerian youths to the influence of money and material possessions, saying that many young people no longer value respect for elders once they attain financial comfort.

Speaking in an interview with Edunright Media SIWES students on Tuesday, the community leader lamented that the desire for quick wealth has made several youths arrogant and disconnected from moral values.

“When the youth have money they don’t work for, it causes disrespect,” Chief Fodegbuwa said. “Some of them use expensive phones their parents cannot even afford, and that alone makes them look down on elders. They think material things make them superior.”

The Chief further expressed concern over the declining moral upbringing in many homes, stressing that some parents have failed to instill discipline and respect in their children.

“Some youths are well trained from home but refuse to follow their parents’ teachings, while others were never trained at all because their parents didn’t bother,” he added.

Similarly, Mrs. Dorcas Fajobi, a shop owner beside Winners Bakery in Isara Remo, also shared her view, noting that youths who stay close to God tend to be more respectful.

“Youths of nowadays find it difficult to go to church. If they attend church regularly and listen to the word of God, they will know that it is good to respect elders,” she said, citing Ephesians 4:1-3 to support her point.

On her part, Mrs. Olaoye expressed love and concern for the younger generation, advising them to use their youthful age wisely.

“I love the youth a lot because I was once a youth,” she said. “It is good to use your youthful age wisely because one day, these so-called youths of nowadays will also become elders.”

She narrated how a young lady rudely dismissed her advice over indecent dressing.

“I advised one lady about the cloth she was putting on, and she replied rudely, saying ‘Madam, mind your business and leave me alone,’” she recalled sadly.

Another resident, Mr. Samson, emphasized the need for proper upbringing of male children before they gain admission into higher institutions.

“Boys should be well trained before they enter higher institutions,” he said. “If they show bad behaviour and refuse correction, their parents should hand them over to the appropriate forces like the Army or Police to discipline them.”

He also expressed concern about the conduct of some young females. “If the ladies start having sexual relationships early, they lose focus and respect for anyone, including their parents,” he warned.

Mr. Samson concluded by calling on divine intervention to guide the youth back to the right path; that “The only solution is for God to take perfect control of the youths of nowadays so that they won’t regret their actions in the nearest future,” he said.

Chief Fodegbuwa and other community members unanimously advised young people to embrace humility, discipline, and respect for elders, stressing that the youths of today will eventually take the place of the elders tomorrow.