The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, has cautioned that the younger generation, specifically Gen Z, is increasingly drifting away from traditional Nigerian values.
Ndukuba expressed these concerns while speaking during a dinner held in his honour by the Obafemi Awolowo family in Ikenne, Ogun State. The gathering served as a platform for the Primate to address the perceived erosion of the moral and cultural foundations that have historically underpinned Nigerian society.
The Archbishop’s observations come at a time when the influence of globalised digital culture is frequently cited as a factor in the shifting social behaviours of Nigerian youths. As Gen Z—the cohort born between the late 1990s and early 2010s—gains more influence in the social and economic spheres, religious and traditional leaders have expressed growing anxiety regarding their alignment with national heritage.
Societal shifts and the generational gap
The setting of the announcement was notable, as the Obafemi Awolowo family is deeply associated with the principles of disciplined leadership and national service. The town of Ikenne, where the event took place, remains a significant location in the political and cultural history of Ogun State.
Ndukuba’s comments reflect a broader tension between rapid technological advancement and the preservation of indigenous ethics. While digital connectivity offers new opportunities for the youth, critics argue it also facilitates a departure from local customs of respect, community cohesion, and traditional social hierarchies.
Religious institutions in Nigeria, including the Anglican Communion, have frequently advocated for the integration of spiritual discipline with civic responsibility to address rising social challenges. For the Primate, the preservation of these values is central to the stability of the nation’s social fabric.
While the Primate did not outline a specific roadmap for cultural reintegration during the dinner, his remarks add to an ongoing national conversation regarding how Nigeria can navigate modernisation without losing its unique identity. The long-term impact of these cultural shifts on Nigeria’s social institutions remains a subject of intense debate among educators and sociologists.
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