Daniel Trader

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2025-03-18 18:28:26

The Impact of Nollywood Dramas on Today’s Society

There was a time when watching Nollywood dramas was an event in itself. Back then, we gathered in groups, rented movies in parts—Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, sometimes even up to Part 7! Despite the constant battle with NEPA’s unavailability of electricity, we found ways to stay up late into the night, captivated by the gripping stories unfolding on our screens.

These films brought entertainment, suspense, and unforgettable characters. But they also carried something deeper—subtle and sometimes dangerous messages that have, over the years, left a lasting impact on society, especially the youth of today.

From Entertainment to a Dangerous Mindset

In those days, some of the most popular Nollywood storylines revolved around money rituals. Many of us can still remember vividly—scenes of desperate young men visiting herbalists, sacrificing human lives, and then emerging as wealthy businessmen overnight. The actors who played these roles—many of whom are now famous—were so convincing that, for some viewers, fiction blurred into reality.

While Nollywood filmmakers may have intended these movies as cautionary tales, the repeated depiction of ritual killings as a shortcut to wealth seems to have had the opposite effect. Instead of serving as warnings, they planted dangerous ideas in the minds of many young people.

Today, we are living with the consequences.

A Generation That No Longer Believes in Hard Work

I recall a disturbing moment from my school days. I was in my hostel when a fellow student boldly declared, "There’s no legitimate way to make money!" He went on to say, "I go do rituals," as if it were just another career choice. This was a young man, full of potential, already convinced that success could only come through dark and illegal means.

His mindset wasn’t formed overnight. It was shaped by years of watching and hearing the same narrative—money rituals work, and the wealthy must have used them. How did we get here? When did we stop believing in education, skills, and entrepreneurship?

The Role of Nollywood and Social Media

If television had such a powerful influence on past generations, imagine what social media is doing to today's youth. Unlike back then, when we only had movies on VHS or CDs, now, social media bombards young people with content 24/7. And the glorification of quick money, fraudulent lifestyles, and rituals has only worsened.

Many young people no longer aspire to be doctors, engineers, or business owners. Instead, they want to be “big boys” overnight, no matter the cost. And who do they look up to? The influencers flaunting suspicious wealth, the artists singing about blood money, and even movies that still glorify the same themes from the past.

What Can Be Done?

The government must take a stand. Just as traditional media was once regulated, social media must now be monitored to prevent the spread of harmful content.

Nollywood must take responsibility: Filmmakers need to tell stories that promote hard work, innovation, and legitimate success rather than reinforcing the idea that money rituals are the fastest route to wealth.

Social media regulation: Not censorship, but content control to prevent the glorification of fraud and ritual killings.

Educating the youth: Schools and families must play their part in reshaping the narrative. We must teach young people that success comes from persistence, education, and genuine effort—not blood money.

Conclusion

Nollywood has entertained us for decades, but it has also shaped mindsets in ways we never imagined. Now, social media is amplifying those messages even further. If we do nothing, future generations will grow up in a society where hard work is a joke and crime is a normal part of life.

It’s time to change the narrative. It’s time to show that wealth built on sweat and integrity is the only wealth that truly lasts.

Daniel_trader

The Impact of Nollywood Dramas on Today’s Society There was a time when watching Nollywood dramas was an event in itself. Back then, we gathered in groups, rented movies in parts—Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, sometimes even up to Part 7! Despite the constant battle with NEPA’s unavailability of electricity, we found ways to stay up late into the night, captivated by the gripping stories unfolding on our screens. These films brought entertainment, suspense, and unforgettable characters. But they also carried something deeper—subtle and sometimes dangerous messages that have, over the years, left a lasting impact on society, especially the youth of today. From Entertainment to a Dangerous Mindset In those days, some of the most popular Nollywood storylines revolved around money rituals. Many of us can still remember vividly—scenes of desperate young men visiting herbalists, sacrificing human lives, and then emerging as wealthy businessmen overnight. The actors who played these roles—many of whom are now famous—were so convincing that, for some viewers, fiction blurred into reality. While Nollywood filmmakers may have intended these movies as cautionary tales, the repeated depiction of ritual killings as a shortcut to wealth seems to have had the opposite effect. Instead of serving as warnings, they planted dangerous ideas in the minds of many young people. Today, we are living with the consequences. A Generation That No Longer Believes in Hard Work I recall a disturbing moment from my school days. I was in my hostel when a fellow student boldly declared, "There’s no legitimate way to make money!" He went on to say, "I go do rituals," as if it were just another career choice. This was a young man, full of potential, already convinced that success could only come through dark and illegal means. His mindset wasn’t formed overnight. It was shaped by years of watching and hearing the same narrative—money rituals work, and the wealthy must have used them. How did we get here? When did we stop believing in education, skills, and entrepreneurship? The Role of Nollywood and Social Media If television had such a powerful influence on past generations, imagine what social media is doing to today's youth. Unlike back then, when we only had movies on VHS or CDs, now, social media bombards young people with content 24/7. And the glorification of quick money, fraudulent lifestyles, and rituals has only worsened. Many young people no longer aspire to be doctors, engineers, or business owners. Instead, they want to be “big boys” overnight, no matter the cost. And who do they look up to? The influencers flaunting suspicious wealth, the artists singing about blood money, and even movies that still glorify the same themes from the past. What Can Be Done? The government must take a stand. Just as traditional media was once regulated, social media must now be monitored to prevent the spread of harmful content. Nollywood must take responsibility: Filmmakers need to tell stories that promote hard work, innovation, and legitimate success rather than reinforcing the idea that money rituals are the fastest route to wealth. Social media regulation: Not censorship, but content control to prevent the glorification of fraud and ritual killings. Educating the youth: Schools and families must play their part in reshaping the narrative. We must teach young people that success comes from persistence, education, and genuine effort—not blood money. Conclusion Nollywood has entertained us for decades, but it has also shaped mindsets in ways we never imagined. Now, social media is amplifying those messages even further. If we do nothing, future generations will grow up in a society where hard work is a joke and crime is a normal part of life. It’s time to change the narrative. It’s time to show that wealth built on sweat and integrity is the only wealth that truly lasts. Daniel_trader

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