This week we would share stories
written by TRW Consult's operatives (freelance and full-timers) on our
blog.
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One of the easiest ways to gain popularity as a public
analyst, social commentator or political observer in Nigeria today is to
consistently harp on the ineptitude of the government and the resultant
helplessness of the citizens. We blame the government for all our problems –
insecurity, unemployment, high crime rate, ethnic violence, poor
infrastructure, lack of basic amenities, dysfunctional educational system,
failing health system and a host of others.
The vast majority of Nigerians are so disappointed
with the government that they will readily utilise every platform to express
their frustration; and really, who would blame them? Evidently, the government
has consistently failed to fulfil the legitimate and most basic expectations of
the citizens, such as the ones highlighted above – and that is very
unfortunate.
The more unfortunate thing however, is that most of us
have unconsciously submitted our lives and destinies to the government we claim
not to believe in. We seem to have forgotten that the government will not run
our lives for us. We have allowed poor performance on the part of the
government to breed indifference in the way we live our lives and conduct our
personal affairs. How many times have we failed to do what is right and blamed
the consequences on the government?
We must realize that the most important things are not
the things that the government will do for us. Many of us cannot sustain simple
refined behaviour such as using the waste bin, staying on a queue, showing
everyday courtesy and obeying traffic rules. We have not learned to nurture
relationships and maintain disciplined lifestyles. A good number of us even
find it difficult to flush the toilet after each use. Apparently, we expect the
government to do that for us too. As outrageous as this may seem, those of us
who have been at the receiving end know that it is true.
How many times have you crossed a neatly kept lawn
instead of using the walkway? How many times have you thrown an empty can,
bottle or sachet out of your car window instead of using the waste bin? How
many times have you cheated in an examination or disobeyed traffic rules
because no one is watching? How about crossing the highway on foot
when the pedestrian bridge is available? Answering these questions and similar
ones will help us assess our individual levels of personal responsibility. You
see, personal responsibility is the most basic form of government and if we
don’t get it right at this level, we cannot get it right at any level. It is
true that the government has failed us, but should we continue to fail
ourselves too? And really, who is the government, if
not us?
It takes nothing to criticize, condemn and complain –
anyone can do that. What if you decide instead, to make a difference in your
own little way? You can fill up those gullies in your neighbourhood. You can
raise funds to rebuild that run-down facility. You can volunteer your services
to those disadvantaged students. You are not helpless; there is always
something you can do. Desmond Tutu said it well, “Do your little bit of good
where you are; it is those little bits of good that come together to overwhelm
the world.” Now, read that again and think about it. You see, there is no
better time than now to be a Nigerian; because in pitch darkness, even the
faintest glimmer of light makes a world of difference. Stop complaining about
the darkness and start shining your light.
God bless you. God bless Nigeria.
by Philip Amiola
Philip Amiola
is a teacher, writer and campaigner of empowerment. He’s passionate about
living out God’s script for his life and helping others do the same. He tweets
@Dermatoglyphics.
Note: These features reflect the writers' personal views and beliefs; they are not necessarily a specimen of The Ready Writers Consult's opinion.
Note: These features reflect the writers' personal views and beliefs; they are not necessarily a specimen of The Ready Writers Consult's opinion.
