Traditionally, Africans believe in good and evil, both at the physical level and at the spiritual level. Good and evil at the physical level, show what we in social relations cherish and oppose in principles. These principles and our way of practicing them make up our value system. Traditional morality is made up of the ways in which we judge social actions and behaviour as good or bad. This is part of our system of values. Our values are practical and as central to our traditional morality.
a. Human life
This is believed to be the greatest value. Therefore, a man ought not to kill or temper with the life of another. Furthermore, elaborate ceremonies are performed to celebrate the birth of a child or to mark the end of a long happy life. The value Africans place on life sometimes show in their names. For example "Ndukaaku" in Igbo means "Life is great than wealth".
b. The Human worth of an Individual
Not only is life of great worth, the condition of being human is also valued. Therefore, Africans treat human beings as superior to other forms of creation, and they respect human dignity. Such respect for human dignity makes it a taboo to treat a person in any manner considered disgraceful. Examples of treatment which can be considered disgraceful are: beating people with a broom or throwing dirt at them.
c. The Extended Family
The extended family is greatly valued because every member shares the same ancestry. We speak of our family history with pride and we guard the honour of our family jealousy.
d. Community Life.
Traditionally, Africans value community life at the level of the village or clan. Usually, villages and clans have a myth or story about how they were founded. Such stories show that they have a common origin. Hence, members of the same community regard themselves as one family. Each person is his brother's keeper.
e. "A Friendly World -order"
Traditionally, Africans believe that the world has been arranged by the creator to favour human survival. Although we have both good and evil forces in the world, they both work for human good. Evil is in the world to correct and make sure that man does good. Good is in the world as a reward for good living. Therefore, all forces work in favour of human welfare.
In Conclusion.
Africans value human life most. They also value the human person, the extended family, community existence, and a friendly universe.
Reference:
Akinpelu, J.A. "systems and traditions in African Education", Unpublished Monograph 1981.
