We’ve Become a Nation of Barbarians’, Says Author Basil Odilim

According to author Basil Odilim, Nigeria has degenerated into a nation of barbarians, where the pursuit of wealth and power has become the ultimate goal.

In his latest article, titled “A Nation of Barbarians in Identity Crisis”, Odilim laments that the country has lost its moral bearings, with money being worshipped like a god.

“We have become a nation of barbarians, worshipping money like a god, mocking those who still believe in dignity,” Odilim writes. “No one asks how you made it—only how much. Steal billions, and they call you ‘Boss.’ Speak the truth, and they ask if you’re mentally okay.”

Odilim also criticizes the Nigerian society for celebrating criminals and con men, while real heroes are mocked, silenced, or disappeared.

“This is Nigeria—a nation intoxicatedly operating in its own universe, where criminals are crowned, where con men trend, where pastors kneel before thieves, and scholars beg for scraps,” he says.

The author also expresses disappointment at the state of social media in Nigeria, where people flaunt their ill-gotten gains without any shame.

“Open your social media and scroll through sorrow. The cult of clowns in designer suits flaunt cars they can’t spell, wives draped in vanity, children trained to inherit shamelessness,” Odilim writes.

Odilim’s article has sparked a lot of debate on social media, with many Nigerians agreeing with his assessment of the country’s situation. When asked about his inspiration for writing the article, Odilim said he was motivated by the book “A Nation in Crisis” by Larry Bates, which he feels could have been written about Nigeria instead of America.

“Read A Nation in Crisis, the book by Larry Bates, and you’ll swear the authors missed the mark. It isn’t America,” he says.