In many African societies, family has traditionally been the cornerstone of life—a vital unit built on love, mutual support, and communal living. Our ancestors believed that strength lay in unity, and that sharing burdens and blessings alike created a resilient and harmonious community. However, in recent times, there has been a notable shift.

Siblings and family members are now often more concerned with material wealth than with fostering genuine bonds of love and support. They now kill each other or give up on one another for possessions, or can even kill their sibling or relatives for their own money or their properties to inherit them.

A Case Study of Mr. Peter Mokwuah Ifunaany’s father from Enugwu Ukwu in Anambra State illustrates this trend. His siblings were collecting his $5,000 monthly upkeep for themselves and maltreating him like an outcast, without food., he has siblings and relatives in Enugu Ukwu, yet it takes his “heroine.” daughter from the United States of America to come save him from the hands of his blood in Nigeria, this is the case of so many people today in our society, who cant tell their stories. . .You can read the full story https://beadysword.com.ng/blog/2025/06/12/ifunaya-the-brave-daughter-shocking-tale-of-a-nigerian-american-returnee-held-hostage-by-siblings-in-anambra-for-his-up-keep-money/

Our siblings should be our safe havens, but that is no longer the case. Relatives are no longer bonded by blood alone, but by who cares and looks out for us., It is heartbreaking how we got here.

The Erosion of Old Values

Historically, African cultures emphasised Ubuntu—the philosophy of humanity, which underscores interconnectedness and caring for one another. Onye ihana nwanee ya, living together, supporting each other and elders, and nurturing the younger generations, were integral to life. Love was expressed through actions, communal celebrations, and shared responsibilities.

Today, many young people seem to prioritise individual success—chasing wealth and personal achievement—sometimes at the expense of family ties. or siblings’ lives.  This “me-first” mentality threatens the fabric of our societies and diminishes the true meaning of communal living. Siblings, who once stood united in adversity and joy, now drift apart, chasing money over shared history and love.

Causes of the Shift

Several factors contribute to this change:

• Urbanisation and modernisation encourage individualism.
• Economic pressures compel individuals to focus on personal financial gain.
• Erosion of traditional values due to globalisation and Western influence.
• Lack of inheritance or generational wealth transfer that once kept families united.

How Can We Retrace Our Steps?

Reclaiming our cultural roots and nurturing family love requires intentional effort. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Revive Traditional Values Through Education

Incorporate lessons about African heritage, communal living, and family responsibilities into our education systems. Teaching children the importance of family unity from a young age helps preserve these values.

2. Prioritise Family in Daily Life

Make concerted efforts to spend quality time with family members. visit family members, share meals and possessions no matter how little, celebrate cultural festivals together, and support one another emotionally and financially. Small acts of kindness reinforce bonds.

3. Promote Intergenerational Living

Encourage families to live in proximity or under the same roof, where possible. This facilitates daily interactions, mentorship, and the passing down of traditions and stories.

4. Foster Communal Support Systems

Community-based initiatives can strengthen ties. Cooperatives, communal farms, or savings groups encourage collective effort and mutual aid.

5. Redefine Success Beyond Material Wealth

Shift the focus from material gains to relationship building. Success should encompass love, well-being, and community harmony.

Africa’s rich cultural tapestry offers valuable lessons in the power of community and shared purpose. While modernisation presents challenges, it also offers opportunities to blend tradition with contemporary life. By consciously choosing to uphold our cultural values, we can foster environments where love, respect, and mutual support thrive again.

Reclaiming family love and communal living isn’t about rejecting progress but about rebalancing our priorities. It is about remembering that true wealth lies in the bonds we nurture, the love we share, and the legacy we leave for future generations. Let us look back with pride and move forward with a renewed commitment to the true spirit of our African culture.