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VENO tv: OPINION BAD MENTALITY By Bishop Dr. Sanya Ojo
Date: 25-12-25

A bad mentality—also known as a negative mindset—is a habitual way of thinking that constantly expects the worst outcomes, resists change, finds fault in progress, and thrives on blame, pessimism, and self-criticism. It is an unconstructive outlook that hinders personal and national growth, fuels stress and anxiety, and ultimately leads to stagnation and decline.
Sadly, this bad mentality syndrome has remained one of the major challenges confronting Nigeria since its creation. It has permeated nearly every sector of our national life—the economy, entertainment industry, journalism, the legal system, governance, and corporate organisations, among others.
Recently, during discussions on tax reform, allegations of bad mentality resurfaced. Reports emerged that the version of the tax reform bill passed by the Senate was allegedly altered by vested interests linked to the Presidency. Within both the Senate and the House of Representatives, bad mentality has continued to rear its ugly head, slowing down meaningful reforms and deepening public distrust.
In the corporate and business sector, bad mentality is equally evident. Many organisations prioritize exploitation over fairness, profit over people, and selfish gain over national interest.
In journalism, the situation is equally disturbing. Some editors and media gatekeepers deliberately suppress or distort positive and developmental stories, while promoting negativity, sensationalism, and propaganda. This attitude, sadly tagged as “professional editing,” is nothing but bad mentality at work—undermining national morale and progress.
As a result, development has suffered, and the growth of the nation continues to be hampered.
In a recent interview, the Executive Chairman of Mile 12 International Market, Alhaji Shehu Usman, urged the Federal Government to beam its searchlight on activities affecting food prices, particularly rice and other essential commodities. He noted that although petrol prices have reduced, transportation costs have not followed suit. Likewise, hotel owners have failed to reduce their prices despite the drop in fuel costs.
He further cited an example where tomatoes sold for ?3,000 at the market, yet some traders attempted to transport and sell them on the Island for ?8,000—an act he blocked, describing it rightly as bad mentality. He also narrated the case of an individual who raised ?1 billion to stockpile tomatoes in anticipation of price hikes during the yuletide season, only to end up crying when tomato prices dropped drastically.
This is bad mentality in its rawest form—greed over conscience, manipulation over fairness.
In another troubling revelation, the EFCC traced properties allegedly linked to a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Malami, in Kebbi State alone, valued at approximately ?162.19 billion. Bad mentality indeed.
The legal system has not been spared. Instances abound where judgments are allegedly influenced by money, resulting in conflicting court rulings. A glaring example is the PDP crisis, where a Federal High Court stopped the Ibadan convention while another State Court ordered the convention to proceed. Such contradictions erode public confidence and expose deep-seated bad mentality within the justice system.
In governance, a newly sworn-in local government chairman in Ogun State was reportedly presented with a brand-new Toyota SUV by the state governor. This kind of misplaced priority reflects bad mentality and poor leadership values.
These ugly developments cannot bring growth to the nation.
As we coast toward 2026, this is the time for national introspection and mental re-orientation. We must change our bad mentality if we truly desire to enjoy heavenly abundance in the new year. Nigeria is richly blessed by God, but bad mentality continues to dwindle our fortune.
It is time to rethink. Time to reset. Time to change.
Compliments of the season, and may the coming year bring prosperity, wisdom, and renewal to our nation, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bishop Dr. Sanya Ojo
Publisher / Leader
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