Nigeria’s Real War Is Against Cultural Decay, Not Bullets — Olu of Warri

By Diafa Doubra,

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has warned that Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not armed conflict but the rapid erosion of cultural values and social cohesion.

Speaking at a public forum, the monarch lamented the rise of broken homes, poor parenting, and weakening traditional institutions, which he described as the root causes of insecurity and social unrest in the country. He argued that no amount of military firepower can secure a nation if its cultural foundation is destroyed.

“The real war Nigeria must fight is against cultural decay — the breakdown of family values and community spirit,” he said, stressing that societal renewal is key to addressing the violence and instability plaguing the nation.

He urged government leaders, religious institutions, and traditional rulers to work together to rebuild trust, strengthen families, and uphold moral values, noting that culture remains the soul of national identity and unity.