The success of the new Nigeria lies with the people. In the old Nigeria, the system was built on the unwritten principle ‘government for all and all man for himself.’ This mindset made Nigerians so unconcerned about the plight or issues of their neighbours. A community by definition is actually a group of people with a cooperative spirit but this was not witnessed in the old Nigeria. People were suspicious of everyone, living in as much isolation as possible. There was only forced association when there was an urgent issue that affected all. This has got to change for this nation to move forward. In the new way of doing things, communities will have to unite to make the vision of the new Nigeria a reality.
People make up the community and the communities make up the state and the states make up the nation.
We must therefore build the nation from the base to the top. Like the Alma-mater scheme, members of communities should come together to identify projects they can work on to improve the general well-being of all. This may not be easy at first but you must stay the course. There are overwhelming benefits that come with being united. Some of the immediate benefits may include;
-A drastic drop in crime rate because everybody knows everybody; it is much harder to harm your own,
-An improved sanitary condition (preventive healthcare); people will no longer see the community as the property of the government but as theirs,
-An increased feeling of love and care; people see friends not suspects,
-A greater sense of freedom and peace; members relate as individuals breaking all stereotypes,
-A feeling of self-worth and relevance; as the high walls of class and status crumble.
We suggest some projects that your community can engage in. However, each community has the sole responsibility of assessing their needs and deciding on what world-class solutions can be adopted. Below are just a few suggestions;
Building a community centre (a home away from home) that houses a mini educational resource centre, a well equipped vocational training centre and basic recreational facilities that can accommodate all ages (making conscious plans to accommodate the special needs of the physically challenged). The plans for the centre should be presented to the members of the community for contributions and acceptance before the first brick is laid. The centre should have all the basic amenities that some members may not have at home but can access them in a home away from home. The aim of this is to give the entire community a meeting point. Safety and good sanitation should be promoted at that centre. As much as possible voluntary labour should be encouraged.
Taking ownership of any of these; a police station or a health centre or an orphanage home or an old people’s home or a prison or any other may also be encouraged.
--Despite the overwhelming challenges that faced the Nigerian police force in the old Nigeria, several testimonies however abounded as to the efficiency of the men in black rising up to serve and protect the lives of the citizens. Therefore, the community may decide to take responsibility for catering for the welfare of police officers within their community. It may begin by choosing to provide a world-class facelift of the police station. Also, provision of basic office equipment (computers, printers, copiers, scanners, walkie-talkies, tables, chairs, paper, etc). Provision of new police uniforms for each officer. Provision of alternative source of electrical power and a dedicated telephone hotline for the community. A caterer may be contracted to provide at least one good meal a day for each officer. The community could actually get to a point of wealth where it can provide patrol vehicles with adequate communication gadgets for our policemen. Let us motivate our police officers. Slowly but surely all the vices associated with the police force under the old system will be alien to your community.
--Liaising with the head of the health centre within the community to get a comprehensive list of the needs of that centre. Be it the provision of basic medical supplies, adequate beddings and toiletries, laundry facilities, giving foodstuff for patient’s meals, clean water, alternative sources of power and so on. Members of the community may be encouraged to offer voluntary services at the centre, if need be. Also, you could get to a point at which the community could actually move from providing basic needs to handling higher needs like the provision of ambulances, medical equipment, sponsoring of staff training and provision of extra buildings. Let us make our health centres havens for all so we no longer have to seek basic medical services overseas. The same set up could apply to the orphanages and old people’s homes with little modifications.
--In the case of the prison, the authorities should be informed of the plans of the community ahead of time so all arrangements could be put in place because of the sensitive environment. Prisons are meant to be correctional facilities but were not so in the old Nigeria; they were not conducive for proper reformation. Something we may all need to know is that not everyone in there actually committed a crime and many have even exceeded their sentences. We as a community can decide to offer monthly medical checkups for each inmate. Provide balanced meals at least once a day, clothes, beddings and toiletries for the inmates. Monitoring is key here, making sure that these supplies get to the intended beneficiaries. We could actually grow to the extent where we provide a mini library and skill acquisition centre within the prison. All these will be done while working on seeking justice for those who were unlawfully incarcerated.
These are just a few suggestions, we entreat you to look out for a need today as a community and reach out to meet that need.
When the community is one, then the community can influence its politics. It can elect credible people that will run with the vision of the new Nigeria into the right positions (wards, councils and chairmanship) and demand accountability of them.
It is high time we took full ownership of our communities.
According to section 24 of the 1999 constitution, it is the responsibility of every citizen to;
24.... (c) respect the dignity of other citizens and the rights and legitimate interests of others and live in unity and harmony and in the spirit of common brotherhood; (d) make positive and useful contribution to the advancement, progress and well-being of the community where he resides; (e) render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order
(culled from the book: 'Thinking A New Thought')
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