OHAZURUME - Unizik Journal of Culture and Civilization

Wealth acquisition is an important aspect of the socio-economic and cultural life of the Igbo in Nigeria. In traditional Igbo society, riches or wealth making is linked with hard work and values. In other words, it is the product of human effort embellished with values. The creation of wealth depends solely on one’s hard work and skill. The zeal among the contemporary Igbo (Nigeria) youths to make wealth, by crook and easy way, not minding the moral implications is alarming. Oke ite, oke awelle, Ibobo and other money rituals had eaten deep among the youths. However, the parable of the lost coin suggests that the woman put in efforts and engaged all available means to ensure that she discovers her lost coin. The contemporary Nigeria (Igbo) youths should return to the value of hard work, entrepreneurial skill for their quest to riches. The researcher made use of primary and secondary sources of data collection as well as participatory observation. The findings show that virtue of hard work is fast disappearing among the youths. Quick riches (Ibute ike) had eaten deep into the society. The negative effects of this syndrome include untimely death, laziness, and increase in criminality, money ritual and human sacrifices. The virtue of hard work and patience should be revisited and proper orientation given to our youths

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