Yes, the average Nigerian has one or two complaints about the country. We’ve witnessed political and social upheaval time and time again, so the claims are usually not exaggerated. Worse, the majority of citizens now feel small and hopeless. They believe Nigeria is completely corrupt. There are too many issues to deal with and nothing can be done to alleviate the struggles over them. They doubt their ability to bring about change and bring positive change to the country.
The truth is that the idea of transforming Nigeria is achievable, albeit difficult. Rather than just complaining, small efforts by us citizens can actually resonate on a personal level and make waves. You don’t have to be a world leader or a billionaire to make a difference. You can easily get started:
1) BE FRIENDLY, GIVE
A casual act of kindness can go a long way in alleviating poverty, a major problem in today’s nation. Thanks to the expectations of our material-driven society, we can be selfish with regards to time, money, and resources. If we are to move forward, we must try to see the big picture and be generous with our resources. We must eliminate the possibility of them becoming a safety hazard in the future. Mentoring someone will help build a business that will ultimately benefit the nation’s economy. Donations to NGOs and hospitals can help contain certain epidemics and diseases, and provide care to people who cannot afford to work for health reasons.
2) EXPLORE ON TOPICS THAT MATTER
Ignorance is a major obstacle for many Nigerians. Ignorance is a gentle killer. Don’t be a citizen who sits down and swallows all the information thrown at the hook, line and plumb line. Never raise your voice and be the one to move with the crowd. See things for yourself and make decisions based on your perception. Take the time to educate yourself on relevant issues, especially those that affect you as a Nigerian citizen. You can participate in other initiatives that familiarize yourself with your country’s constitution. Know the laws that apply to you: Tenancy Law, Labor Law, etc. That way, you can really know how to stand up for yourself and others, rather than blindly joining a cause when you don’t know its origins or impact.
3) KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN
As cliche as it may sound, this is an important step in improving our country. It’s easy to throw a gala package out the window on your commute. you might believe it.
JOIN US, VOLUNTEER
How involved are you in your community? Local communities are the foundation of a country, and the actions you take to help build these communities will ultimately affect all of Nigeria. Attend a community meeting, start a neighborhood lookout, send a check whether you write, volunteer your skills and knowledge, or raise a flag for a local cause. Getting involved in your local community will help make Nigeria a better place, one step at a time. Even if you have a full-time job or have kids, there are still ways to get involved and volunteer. You can write letters, start petitions, do more direct activities, or do whatever you can with the time you have.
