Nigeria Needs Heroes Now

FELA DUROTOYE 

The cost of governance is a pressing issue amidst Nigeria’s economic challenges. However, public discourse often oversimplifies, leading to misconceptions. A recent viral case study mistakenly listed me as one of the President’s media aides. For clarity, I briefly served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Values and Social Justice for six months, from October 2023 to March 2024.

When I accepted this role, I made it clear I wouldn’t accept a salary, considering it my service to the nation. During my tenure, I bore all my personal and professional costs, including housing, transportation, and utilities, with no reimbursement from the government. This was consistent with my 20-year track record of nation-building initiatives at great personal expense.

Nigeria needs heroes—individuals willing to sacrifice for the greater good. My story is not unique; I encountered many unsung heroes in and out of government, serving selflessly without pay or recognition. These are people who set aside careers, businesses, and families to contribute to national progress, often at personal cost.

Some may doubt this, assuming everyone in government is corrupt. While villains exist, it’s wrong to paint all public servants with the same brush. Heroes in government work tirelessly, not for personal gain, but to build a better Nigeria. Unfortunately, the culture of criticism and cynicism discourages many talented individuals from stepping up to serve.

During my tenure, my team and I created a strategic plan for the largest civic engagement initiative in Nigeria’s history. Our mission was to inspire 100 million Nigerians to embrace leadership and excellence, onboard 500,000 nation builders, and create employment for 5 million people through social impact projects—without costing the government a kobo. My team, including Jimi Tewe, Simi Afilaka, and Steve Harris, worked tirelessly without pay, sacrificing time and resources to serve.

Heroes like George Omoraro of Rage Media, who produced materials at no cost to the government, exemplify the selflessness Nigeria needs. Similarly, private-sector volunteers like Lanre Olusola, Bankole Williams, and others contributed their expertise to our mission without expecting anything in return.

Yes, there are villains in government, but there are also heroes making quiet, impactful contributions. Criticizing and discouraging these heroes only hinders our national progress. Instead, we must support and encourage those willing to serve selflessly. Nigeria needs heroes across sectors—heroes committed to addressing hunger, education, energy, security, and more, without adding to governance costs.

If you can, volunteer in government or civil society. Serve with integrity and excellence, and if you cannot, support those who do. The labor of our heroes, past and present, must not be in vain. Nigeria’s future depends on its people’s willingness to rise and make sacrifices.

Be the hero Nigeria needs today.

God bless you, and God bless Nigeria!

Fela Durotoye