The contemporary Nigerian Summum Bonum and its effect on the economy

Abstract

The value a man adopts determines to a great extent the actions of that man. It determines whether the actions would be negative or positive. The values a society projects also determines the movement of that society. It determines whether that society would move forward or backward, This research examined the highest value of the Nigerian society, with the intent of finding out where it has led the country. This highest value (summum bonum) is identified, through explorative research, to be wealth. Every Nigerian seemingly craze after money, worshipping it and according the status of existence to those who acquire it. Those who do not have it are nonexistent, irrelevant and are accorded little or no respect. This elevation of wealth to this great status has made Nigerians to craze after wealth using whatever means available. This excessive craze for wealth was identified in this research as the reason Nigeria has remained a consumer state. It advises Nigeria to open up the means of wealth acquisition, so that a fair and free competition for wealth would be possible. This is necessary, so that illegitimate means which leads to consumerism will be shunned.

Key Words: Sommum Bonum, Wealth, Contemporary Nigerian, Economy