Nigerians must shift from blaming leadership to taking personal responsibility to address the country’s challenges, author and public speaker, Tunde Ogunje, said on Friday.
Ogunje, who convened a civic gathering in Abuja, warned that focusing solely on political and institutional failures ignores deeper societal issues rooted in everyday behaviour.
“We cannot continue to complain or deflect responsibility. If we do not see ourselves as part of the problem, we cannot become part of the solution,” he said.
The discussion highlighted tribalism, religious division, and social inequality as major barriers to unity and development.
Ogunje noted, “There is nothing inherently wrong with identity. The problem begins when identity becomes a tool for exclusion or superiority.”
Participants were encouraged to adopt values of fairness, respect, and accountability in their daily interactions.
Other speakers reinforced the message of shared responsibility.
The Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial inclusion (Office of the Vice President), Nurudeen Zauro, urged citizens to make themselves available for efforts that will improve the country.
“Please make yourself available to improve the country; opportunities meet preparation,” Zauro urged.
A former board member of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, Femi Adetunji, emphasised unity across divides.
“We should see ourselves as brothers despite our tribes and religions. Being friends with one another is very important,” he said.
Another participant, Mfon Nteke stressed the importance of introspection when criticising leadership.
“We should also think about ourselves when criticising our leaders,” Nteke said.
Other contributors echoed similar sentiments. A compliance officer and auditor, Sadiatu Sale, highlighted the role of individual conduct in national development.
Gabriel Adoga stressed that meaningful nation-building would remain difficult unless “Nigerians move beyond divisions rooted in identity.”
The gathering ended with a collective call for continued dialogue and action, as attendees agreed that building a better Nigeria must begin with everyday choices made by its citizens.
Nigeria has faced long-standing social and economic challenges, prompting citizens and civil society groups to seek ways to promote personal responsibility and civic engagement. In recent years, public dialogues and community initiatives have focused on encouraging citizens to contribute positively to national development.
0 Comments