Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has expressed concern over what he described as declining values among Nigerian youths, citing social media trends and involvement in internet fraud as major issues.
Adeyanju made the remarks in a viral clip from The Honest Bunch Podcast, which circulated widely on Thursday. He criticised what he sees as a growing culture of instant gratification, where some young people prioritise online attention and quick wealth over discipline and self-development.
He alleged that many young women now share explicit content on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, while some young men engage in online fraud, popularly known as “yahoo,” to make fast money.
The activist said a recent visit to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission exposed him to the scale of the problem, noting that several teenagers and young adults were in custody for fraud-related offences.
Adeyanju also warned of possible social and health implications of such trends, linking what he described as permissive behaviour to wider societal risks.
Comparing the present with earlier times, he said values such as patience, effort, and gradual personal growth appeared to be diminishing among the younger generation.
However, he did not place the blame solely on today’s youths, arguing that systemic failures over the years contributed to the current situation. He called for practical solutions to address the issue in both the short and long term.
Drawing from his personal experience, Adeyanju stressed the importance of hard work and perseverance, recalling how he supported members of his team early in his career as part of a steady path to growth.
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