President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has made it clear that he does not need anyone’s sympathy. He sought the mandate to lead and is fully prepared to take responsibility for both failures and successes. That is the mark of a true leader, one who takes ownership rather than shifting blame.
However, no leader can succeed without the support of the people. In truth, followers often get the kind of leaders they deserve. Citizens must therefore not only hold their leaders accountable but also play their part in nation-building, because the burden of mismanagement is always borne by the followers, not the leaders.
A prosperous nation is the product of the positive contributions of the majority of its citizens. No single individual or a privileged few in power can lift a country out of poverty and lead it to greatness alone. It takes the collective energy, integrity, and optimism of the people. Conversely, when a nation struggles, it often reflects the negative attitudes and energies of its citizens.
It seems that many Nigerians are yet to fully embrace their role in national development. Too often, we curse our leaders and condemn the country, rarely seeing anything positive about Nigeria. Yet, no individual can truly prosper in a nation they do not love. Prosperity is not measured by wealth alone. A person may be rich and still live in sorrow, through family challenges, poor health, or lack of peace. We must learn to be positive about our country, to pray for her, and to support our leaders. Patriotism is not blind loyalty; it is the conscious decision to build, correct, and uplift.
Recently, I noticed that while the prices of food items in the market have dropped, restaurant and “buka” prices remain unchanged, and in some cases, have even increased. For instance, a wrap of moi moi that previously cost ₦700 now goes for ₦800, despite the fall in ingredient costs especially the beans and pepper. When I asked the seller why, her only response was, “things are expensive.” This same attitude is seen among transport operators. Many tricycle and taxi drivers who benefited from government support, such as free CNG conversions, have refused to reduce their fares. Such behaviour is inconsiderate and selfish. If we all act with empathy and make small sacrifices, we can collectively ease the burden on others.
This is why the National Orientation Agency (NOA) must rise to its responsibility. The agency should not limit itself to publicizing government projects; that is the duty of the Ministry of Information. The NOA’s primary role should be to reawaken the conscience of Nigerians. In fact, there is a strong case for establishing an autonomous department that reports directly to the Presidency, tasked specifically with promoting national values, civic responsibility, and ethical reorientation. Such a body should be empowered to design creative programs that address our social and moral challenges.
The true test of a nation’s values can often be seen on its roads and in everyday life, in how drivers behave in traffic, how we treat strangers, and how we respect laws even when no one is watching. Road rage, indiscipline, and disregard for order are signs of a decaying value system. To correct this, there must be a mechanism that speaks directly to the conscience of the people. The NOA must wake up from its slumber, embrace constructive criticism, and be open to new ideas. Leadership in orientation demands humility, innovation, and consistent engagement with the people.
For President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed, the National Orientation Agency must play a crucial role in reshaping the mindset of Nigerians. Many citizens are uninformed, disoriented, or simply discouraged. They need guidance, education, and moral awakening. The NOA must undergo a total overhaul, one that transforms it into a vibrant and proactive institution capable of inspiring positive change. Only then can Nigeria truly progress, with both leaders and followers working together in unity and purpose for the good of the nation.
By Bola Babarinde, South Africa .
