*NIGERIA NEEDS HEROES NOW* by Fela Durotoye So much has been said recently about the cost of governance. And at a time of such economic difficulty, high inflation and an almost unbearable cost-of-living, with so many people crying out and many others fleeing the country, the cost of governance is no doubt a valid social conversation to be had at this time. But like many other issues in the public discourse, social commentary often has the tendency to over generalize; and broad assumptions may sometimes lead to errors of misconceptions, misstatements and misinformation. One of such errors is in a recent case study that went viral on social media regarding the current media team of the President, where my name was listed as one of the President’s media aides. Unfortunately, this statement needs to be updated to accurately reflect the current media team of the President. For clarity, I served briefly in the role of Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Values and Social Justice (SSA-NVSJ) for a tenure of six months, from October 2023 to March 2024. But I will also provide additional context, within the public discourse about the cost of governance. When I was invited to serve in this administration, I expressed, as a condition for accepting the call, my desire to NOT receive a salary from government as I considered this to be my service to my nation. Those who know me well will attest to the fact that this is very consistent with my track record of about 20 years of serving my nation through several nation building initiatives, projects and programs all at a huge personal cost to myself and my family. When I finally accepted the role in October 2023, it was on the condition that I would not receive any salary or allowances. During my six-month tenure, I did not accept any government funds for my service, expenses, or upkeep. I rented my apartment and took my personal car to Abuja. My utility cost, fuel cost and upkeep were all borne by me and I never requested for a reimbursement from government for any expenses I incurred. Everything I contributed—time, effort, and resources—was paid for by me and my family. Some may question why anyone would serve their nation for ‘free’. The answer is quite simple. Nigeria needs heroes (individuals willing to sacrifice for the greater good) especially at this time in our nation’s history. Like fictional superheroes that most of us became accustomed to as children, real-life heroes step up in challenging times to make a difference, often times, at great personal expense. My story of personal sacrifice is not unique. During my service, I met many unsung heroes in and out of government—dedicated individuals who serve without pay, sacrificing their time, careers, and resources to contribute to the nation. These are people with integrity, working tirelessly to move Nigeria forward, often in silence and without recognition. I have met many heroes who took a pay cut to serve in government at federal and state levels. I met professionals who took a leave of absence from their thriving careers, some who put their businesses on hold and many who relocated home from the diaspora with no other intent than to serve the nation they love so dearly. Many of these heroes have taken time away from their families and put their lives on hold to serve their nation, all for no financial reward or financial gain. They are not in government to steal. They are not in government to loot. They are not corrupt. Their hands are not stained. They are only there to serve. For sure, this is NOT something that I would expect every single person to understand, believe or even appreciate. If you, like some others will say, “It is a lie joor … abegi!!! … Nobody goes into government for anything other other than the money and power“, then I will not begrudge you. Truth is, not everyone loves their nation and I can never blame those who don’t carry the love for their nation in their heart. So, I will understand your plight and only hope that someday, you may get to meet one of the several real life heroes in the Nigerian government, serving selflessly at the federal, state and local government levels. Better still, I hope that after reading this, you may also consider becoming a hero and volunteer in government or in the private sector, civil society, academia or whatever capacity you may wish to serve our nation because Nigeria needs you to be a hero, especially at this time. I must acknowledge heroes like Jimi Tewe, Evelyn Paul, Simi Afilaka, Steve Harris, Ayanyinka Ayanlola, Tosin Babatunde, Seyi Oyemade, Semilore Adewale and others who formed the core of my team to support my mission to develop a NATIONAL PLAN for civic engagement. These are amazing human beings who volunteered their time and resources for six months WITHOUT PAY. My mandate as SSA-NVSJ was to create a plan to facilitate the largest-ever civic engagement program in our nation’s history through inspirational public messaging, transformational values-leadership training sessions and nation building conferences. For a period of six months, these ‘heroes’ worked tirelessly with me to create and refine a strategic plan to inspire and engage a critical mass of NATION BUILDERS. These are Nigerians, young and old, across our nation and in diaspora, who will accept responsibility to build the Nigeria we all want, the Nigeria we all love and the Nigeria we all will be so proud of. Our strategic plan clearly articulated a path to the following measurable outcomes by the 31st of December 2025: * Make 100 million Nigerians consciously aware of the drive to build ‘The Nigeria We Want’ through the largest civic engagement initiative in Nigeria’s history. * Inspire 50 million (which is 1-in-4) Nigerians to consciously commit to live a lifestyle of leadership and excellence as articulated in a personal creed that will be translated into different languages, so as to deeply connect with the hearts of young and older Nigerians nationwide and in diaspora, using print, television, radio, and online media platforms. * Sign up and onboard at least 500,000 compatriots to a Nation Builders Network, where they will be actively engaged in social impact projects that will accelerate our national development process. * Ensure that at least 5 million Nigerians nationwide are directly gainfully employed through these nation building projects across diverse sectors. * Show with irrefutable proof that the lives of at least 50 million Nigerians have been positively impacted by the projects being implemented by these nation builders that have been mobilized, mentored and managed by our Nation Builders Network. * Facilitate a SERVICE REVOLUTION training for ONE MILLION public officers and civil servants on ‘Values-Based Leadership for Personal Excellence and Professional Excellence’, resulting in an improved culture of SERVICE EXCELLENCE across the entirety of the public sector at the federal, state and local government levels. This training will be done nationwide AT NO COST TO THE GOVERNMENT, through private sector donors and the support of certified leadership trainers and project management experts. Please remember that when I was invited to create this plan, I accepted the role as a clarion call to serve my beloved nation. Since my appointment was for a voluntary service and not a paid position in government, I was therefore onboarded as a volunteer and exempted from the government’s Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Also, within the period of six months that I volunteered in government, neither myself nor my team received any funding from government, nor from any donor. We also did not receive any office space, official vehicles or office equipment. None of our expenses were paid for by government and we did not ask for reimbursements for any expenses incurred in our personal or official capacities. In essence, my entire period of six months in government did NOT cost the Federal Government of Nigeria One Naira or as is sometimes said, One Kobo. My team meritoriously served our nation without increasing the cost of governance or adding to our national budget. They dedicated themselves, their time and their resources to creating a national plan that would galvanize citizens to engage as nation builders and build the Nigeria we want; an excellent Nigeria of our dreams. In my opinion, these guys are some of our national heroes worthy of commendation. Some members of our NVSJ team including Jimi Tewe, Simi Afilaka and Steve Harris live on the US/Pacific time zone, which meant that for six months, they were literally awake from 2am their time (weekdays and weekends) working round the clock to attend strategy meetings in Nigeria, all without pay. Jimi Tewe took two trips to Nigeria for our team. Both trips were self-funded and he never asked for a ticket refund. Now these are just some of the heroes who served with me in government at huge personal cost, never asking for what they could get in return. George Omoraro and the team at RAGE MEDIA produced and printed hundreds of documents (of world class quality) at huge costs to his organization and at NO COST to the government. The Rage Media team sometimes had to plead with their print partners to work on Sundays just to print out documents required for approval at short notice. The Rage Media team never complained and George never asked for a payment or reimbursement for the production, operations and delivery costs; rather just always so grateful for the opportunity to serve. George Omoraro and the Rage Media team are the kind of heroes Nigeria needs at this time. Izehi Anuge, Bankole Williams, Peter Eze, Abayomi Awobokun, Pade Durotoye, Gbolade Adewole, Jide Adekola, Seyi Adisa, Lanre Olusola, Adekoyejo Oyewumi … all took time out of the busy schedule to share practical concepts for how to best engage a nation (of cynics, critics and contributors) and infuse values of personal leadership and excellence into our national consciousness. None of them asked for anything in return for their time and effort, but gave everything they could for the success of the mission. These are heroes volunteering to serve without any government position or title, yet serving in advisory capacity from the private sector at huge personal and reputational cost. Now, are there villains in government? Absolutely!!! We all know that some people are in government for what they will get, steal and take for themselves. Some people are there for the title and the power associated with the trappings of appointments and the paraphernalia of government. Nonetheless, my point is that we often fall for the erroneous belief that everyone in government is a villain, and therefore cast aspersions on anyone whose appointment has been announced in the public domain. Some people believe that every one of these ‘government appointees’ are just like the villains in government and anyone accepting to serve in government has gone to join ‘them’ to loot our public treasury and steal our Commonwealth. It is so easy for us to ‘rain’ insults on these appointees especially when the government in which they serve is not formed by the political party we supported during election campaigns. But we sometimes forget that governance (unlike politics) touches the lives of all citizens regardless of political affiliation, religious beliefs and tribal sentiments. If the government fails, we all suffer. The price of tomato, fuel pump price and foreign exchange rates are all the same for everyone, whether or not we support the government in power. Getting our best and brightest minds to volunteer at every level of government, at little or no cost to our nation, is critical to our national development regardless of which party we align with or which candidate we support. ‘Dragging’ appointees and trolling them on WhatsApp group chats and social media commentary will only serve to discourage our heroes, whilst having absolutely no impact on the villains going into the government to loot the treasury. This may be why many heroes needed in government today are outrightly rejecting or still hesitating to accept the clarion call to serve our nation. Some of them are not even willing to be seen anywhere around the decision makers in government for fear of social media retribution. I will say it again, loud and clear, not everyone in government is a thief. Some are just heroes doing great and tireless work without adding a single penny to the cost of governance and our national budget. Many of these heroes are ordinary citizens (like you and I) who are tired of complaining and choose to try to make a difference through their ‘little’ contribution. During my brief stint in government, I met several of such heroes whose unpaid efforts inspire hope that we can altogether build the Nigeria of our dreams. Will their efforts be enough to change decades of decadence in governance? Maybe not. But they will rather try than cry. And they will do what they can to serve our nation with integrity and excellence, against all odds. The truth is, Nigeria needs heroes, now more than ever. We need heroes in government at all levels. We need heroes in the public sector agencies and heroes in the private sector businesses. We need superheroes volunteering in NGOs and civil society organizations. These heroes must emerge at this critical juncture of our nation’s history. These heroes must commit their time, energy, expertise and resources towards the advancement of social development initiatives in the areas of: *H*: Hunger, Healthcare, HumanRights *E*: Education, Employment, Entertainment *R*: Roads, Rehabilitation and Religious Tolerance *O*: Orientation, Orphanages & Vulnerable Persons (Widows, Elderly, Special Needs and Internally Displaced Persons) *E*: Energy & Electricity, Environment *S*: Safety & Security, Shelter, Service Excellence, Sports, Sexual Exploitation and Social Justice. Nigeria needs heroes who will serve with purpose, adding value without necessarily adding to the cost of governance. We need excellent advisers and assistants to local government counselors and council chairmen, DGs of agencies, commissioners and governors, ministers and the President. Please also remember that not every legislator has gone into the legislative chambers to steal. Some legislators just need a team of credible and competent advisers and assistants to craft the right bills into law. Perhaps, even the ‘legislooters’ can change for the better with the right counsel and advise. If the right people don’t advise them, then the wrong advisers will most certainly have their say and have their way. Nature abhors vacuum. All said, if you can, please volunteer to serve in government, civil society or the private sector. Serve without the stain of corruption, serve with excellence and give your best for our nation. If you are unable to serve, do well to encourage and support those who are willing to risk their lives, families and reputation to serve our nation. And please resist the urge to undermine, discourage or disparage them. The labor of our heroes, past and present, shall never be in vain. Nigeria’s greatness depends on the willingness of its people to rise and make sacrifices. Be the HERO Nigeria needs today! God bless you and May God bless Nigeria 🇳🇬. FelaDUROTOYE

This was Kemi Adegoke in 2010 contesting for Parliament and now she is the head of the Conservative Party in UK. Congratulations to you 👍

Christians of all denominations in Nigeria are getting ready to occupy the political space in the next election cycle for Nigerian Reniassance! A new Nigeria where righteousness becomes our ethos and guiding principles is possible 🙏😇🇳🇬

The recent alignment of President Bola Tinubu's administration with the BRICS alliance has elicited a strong response from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on countries participating in initiatives that challenge the dominance of the U.S. dollar, specifically targeting the BRICS bloc's efforts to develop an alternative currency. PBS In response, the Nigerian government has asserted its sovereignty and right to form alliances that serve its national interests. A source within the presidency stated that Nigeria does not feel threatened by Trump's statements, emphasizing the nation's autonomy in deciding its international partnerships. PUNCH Experts within Nigeria have offered varied perspectives on the situation. Some view Trump's threats as inconsequential, advising the government to focus on the economic benefits of BRICS membership and disregard external pressures. Others caution that aligning with BRICS could strain Nigeria's existing relationships with Western nations, potentially leading to economic repercussions. ASK NIGERIA The BRICS alliance, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has been working towards creating a new currency to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar in global trade. This initiative is perceived by the Trump administration as a direct challenge to U.S. economic supremacy, prompting the tariff threats. PBS As the situation develops, Nigeria will need to carefully balance its engagement with BRICS against the potential for economic sanctions from the United States, striving to protect its national interests while navigating complex international dynamics.

Nation Building 101: (Select, Train and Commission) A vital step in God's process of nation building was the selection and training of leaders to provide good government. No government is better than the character of its leaders. (Exodus 18:20-21) [20] And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. [21] Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

Develop a Thriving Nation Lesson 2: The Rule of Law is King Note: In this editable word document we encourage you to directly insert and save your answers to all of the questions. 1. Read the following three sets of scriptures: Deuteronomy 10:17; Job 34:18-19 and 1 Peter 1:17 2 Chronicles 19:7; Acts 10:34-35 and Romans 2:11 Deuteronomy 17:18-20; Psalm 119:97-102 and Matthew 5:17-18 What do these passages reveal about God? About the nature of law and justice? What has Christ come to do? Set 1: Deuteronomy 10:17 (ESV unless noted otherwise) For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. Job 34:18-19 who says to a king, ‘Worthless one,’ and to nobles, ‘Wicked man,’ who shows no partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of his hands? 1 Peter 1:17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, Set 2: 2 Chronicles 19:7 Now then, let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality or taking bribes.” Acts 10:34-35 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. Romans 2:11 For God shows no partiality. Set 3: Deuteronomy 17:18-20 “And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel. Psalm 119:97-102 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. Matthew 5:17-18 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 2. Read Exodus 1:17; Daniel 6:13; Acts 4:19 and 5:27-29 Which law is higher, God’s moral law or human civil law? What is to happen when men and women are asked by civil authorities to violate God’s moral law? What are two laws in your society that violate God’s moral laws? Who do you know in your nation who has stood up against injustice and paid a price for doing so? Exodus 1:17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. Daniel 6:13 Then they answered and said before the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or the injunction you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.” Acts 4:19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, Acts 5:27-29 when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

Political theology examines the intersection of faith and politics, exploring how theological principles inform political engagement. In Nigeria, a nation with a significant Christian population, political theology is both unavoidable and indispensable for believers and the church. **The Unavoidable Nature of Political Theology in Nigeria** Nigeria's complex socio-political landscape, marked by ethnic diversity, economic disparities, and governance challenges, necessitates the church's involvement in political discourse. Christians, as citizens, are inherently part of the nation's political fabric. Their faith compels them to address issues such as corruption, injustice, and human rights abuses. Theological reflection on these matters is unavoidable, as the principles of justice, love, and stewardship are central to Christian doctrine. **The Indispensable Role of Political Theology for the Church** Political theology provides a framework for the church to engage constructively with societal issues. It equips Christians to advocate for policies that reflect biblical values, promote social justice, and contribute to nation-building. By developing a robust political theology, the Nigerian church can guide its members in ethical political participation, ensuring that their actions align with their faith. **Challenges and Considerations** Engaging in political theology requires careful navigation to avoid partisanship and maintain the church's prophetic voice. The church must advocate for righteousness and justice without becoming entangled in political power struggles. Additionally, it should promote unity and reconciliation in a nation often divided along ethnic and religious lines. **Conclusion** For Nigerian Christians, political theology is not merely an academic exercise but a practical necessity. It enables the church to fulfill its mission of being "salt and light" in society, influencing the nation towards justice, peace, and prosperity. By embracing political theology, the Nigerian church acknowledges its role in shaping the nation's future in accordance with divine principles.