By

Ezema Ernest Onyeka

Crime is any act or omission that violates a law which results in a punishment. The punishments which can range from the payment of a fine to incarceration in jail. The level of the offense or crime will usually be set in proportion to the severity of the crime.

Over the years, peer pressure and environmental factors has subjected the mindset of an average Nigerian youth to the psychological reasoning which reads to them that they cannot do without crime. These factor and pressure which includes the fast making money by individuals in the society “Cyber Crime” is one of the brain behind the reasoning. The society has compelled some young people in Nigeria to do what they feel is the fastest way to be rich and earn a good living, thereby encouraging the greatest problem we face in this country (Crime and Corruption). Peers influence also encourages these problems either by their actions or inactions, in our music industries today; we preach the negative message to our young people thereby enhancing the horizon and path in promoting this menace in our society.

However, I write to encourage you that we as young people can still do without crime. Think about “Blue Prints” the innovative ways of making things different. Think about those things you can do for your community, think about the positive change you can create in your immediate environment. Do what you can with what you have and where you are; Do you know that you can market you self positively? The world is waiting to buy your product. You can be a legend, activist or change maker of your time. The whole world can know about your initiative and great potentials if you can harness them and put them in the positive channel.

Arise and be that change you want to see in your community, walk the talking, don’t be the leaders of tomorrow but rather be the leader of now and ambassador of tomorrow. Change you mindset and believe that you can be upright; you can buy that house, drive nice cars and build your family positively in Nigeria without engaging in any illegal acts. Look not to those your peers who overnight became rich but rather plan your life to become a person the society will ever remember and think of. Together we can change our society, Nigeria and the world but it begins with you.