Culture is broadly looking at it the established norms, traditions and ways of any society, group, entity or people and this often includes defined values and what the society, group or entity places premium on. There exists an undeniable nexus between society, culture, and political leadership, such that the governance, values, and political direction of any nation are profoundly influenced by its cultural traditions and social norms. In mathematical terms, this relationship may be expressed as:
SC = kL
(Where S = Society, C = Culture, k = Constant, and L = Leadership)
This formula symbolizes the direct relationship between society, culture, and leadership. It affirms that culture forms the fabric of a nation’s identity, shaping the behaviors, aspirations, and moral compass of its people—and by extension, determining the quality of leadership that emerges.
The Nigerian Context
In Nigeria, culture plays a significant role in shaping the nation’s destiny. However, many prevailing cultural attitudes and social values have become obstacles to growth and good governance. Because the culture of a society determines its collective character, success, or failure, it follows logically that the citizenry shares responsibility for the unethical practices, corruption, and permissiveness that have come to define Nigeria’s public life.
Many Nigerians profess a desire for a nation governed by the rule of law, yet too often, both individuals and institutions are quick to subvert it for personal gain. Consider how frequently people appeal for leniency or forgiveness when caught violating the law—preferring sentiment and personal connection over justice and accountability. This cultural tendency undermines the rule of law and reflects a deficit in ethics and moral conviction.
Corruption manifests not only in public office but across all layers of society:
- Adulteration of consumables for profit;
- Manufacture and sale of fake or toxic drugs;
- Dishonest trading practices such as tampered measuring bowls;
- Construction shortcuts leading to building collapses;
- Diversion of public funds meant for infrastructure or welfare.
At its core, these practices stem from greed, moral decay, and the normalization of unethical conduct. Thus, the call for a “better Nigeria” often rings hollow—an act of rhetoric without genuine commitment to moral reform.
The “Oga Abeg” Syndrome: A Cultural Menace
Perhaps no phrase captures Nigeria’s culture of indulgence and impunity better than “Oga Abeg.” These two words have become a dangerous social instrument—used to excuse wrongdoing and evade accountability. Once uttered, society often expects forgiveness, reinforcing a cycle where unethical behavior carries little consequence.
This “Oga Abeg Syndrome” has had devastating implications. It promotes corruption, encourages lawlessness, and undermines collective discipline. Until Nigerians confront and reject this mindset, all efforts at national renewal and development will be cosmetic. True progress demands that forgiveness must be preceded by accountability, restitution, and atonement.
The Path to Cultural Transformation
For any change to be enduring and transformative, it must emerge from the grassroots—from individuals, families, schools, communities, and institutions. Culture change must be evolutionary yet intentional, grounded in ethics, integrity, and transparency. This process represents a transition from negative values to positive norms anchored on responsibility, honesty, and justice.
Because leadership is a mirror of the society from which it emerges, Nigeria’s leadership crisis is ultimately a cultural crisis. To reform governance, Nigerians must first reform their collective mindset. Change must begin at the individual level and cascade through schools, youth organizations, faith-based institutions, and civil society until it reaches a critical mass that transforms political leadership itself.
Institutional Responsibility and Collaboration
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), in collaboration with non-governmental organizations such as the Council for Culture Change & Ethical Transformation (CCCET) and other civic partners, can play a vital role in promoting ethical reorientation. Such partnerships should focus on:
- Reinforcing values of integrity, accountability, and personal responsibility;
- Designing national campaigns to discourage corruption and moral laxity;
- Encouraging restitution, civic responsibility, and ethical citizenship.
Through a sustained, collaborative effort, Nigeria can cultivate a new generation of leaders who prioritize the national interest above personal gain, setting the stage for sustainable progress and national development.
Conclusion
In the final analysis, society determines the quality of leadership it produces. Culture shapes values, values shape behavior, and behavior shapes leadership. To achieve the Nigeria we aspire to, we must first redefine who we are and what we stand for as a people.
A reformed culture—anchored in ethics, accountability, and integrity—will yield a new generation of visionary leaders capable of guiding Nigeria toward greatness.
Only then will our equation hold true:
Society × Culture = Leadership.
Nosa Ota Osaikhuiwu, is a change management professional with expertise in elimination of waste, fraud and abuse. He is an unapologetic advocate for culture change in Nigeria