**The Vanishing Values of Good Upbringing in the North** Lately, a disturbing trend has been on the rise in Northern Nigeria, leaving many to wonder what went wrong with the good upbringing of children in the region. The gruesome murder of Fatima Abubakar and her six children by her own relation in Kano is a stark reminder of the alarming rate of moral decadence among youths in the North. The issue of unemployment is a major factor driving many youths into drug-related crimes. Many graduates with high-flying certificates are unable to secure employment due to poverty and lack of opportunities. This has led to a culture of idleness and desperation, which is exploited by drug cartels. The proliferation of hard drugs has become a significant concern in Northern Nigeria, with many young girls and boys falling prey to its destructive effects. Weakened parental care and broken homes are also contributing factors to the moral decay in the North. In some cases, parents are more interested in accumulating wealth than providing adequate care for their children. The documentary by Trust TV last year highlighted the alarming rate of drug abuse in Kano, with many young girls and boys involved. It is imperative for the Kano state government to take concrete steps to address this issue. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also has a crucial role to play in sensitizing the youths on the dangers of drug abuse. By educating them on the effects of hard drugs, they can make informed decisions and avoid the path of crime. The issue of good upbringing in the North is not a new one. Many parents have abandoned the values of their forefathers, who placed a high premium on moral education. In the past, children were raised with strong moral values, which were passed down from one generation to the next. Today, however, many parents are more concerned with providing material wealth for their children than with instilling in them good values. It is time for parents in the North to revisit the values of their forefathers and adopt a proactive approach to the upbringing of their children. By doing so, they can prevent the kind of tragedy that befell Fatima Abubakar and her children. As the saying goes, "a child who is not properly raised is like a bird that has been left to fly without wings." It is up to us to ensure that our children have the wings to fly high and become responsible citizens.