Opinion: Forget the government, we are the welfare system of Nigeria

by Asandia Hogan

We are going through a recession in Nigeria. This is the time to help someone out! Things are rough for a lot of people, even the ones one may think are rich or doing well. If you can help someone please do.

This is the time to help your gateman pay a child or all his children’s school fees. This is the time to give him some food items: rice, garri, yam, beans, plantain etc. This also goes for your maid, give her some transport money if she/he isn’t a live-in. Increase your domestic staff’s salary.

If you have unlimited data, share your WiFi with your neighbours.

Buy that colleague lunch. He or she is probably not dieting, they just can’t afford it. Give some colleagues a lift even if to a certain point.

Buy your friend petrol for their car and or generator. He’s not walking because he wants to exercise.

Give that Uncle or Auntie N10,000, they’re probably in dire circumstances hence they’re ringing off your phone.

Patronise farmers if you can. It’s cheaper to get your goods from them. Eat more greens – they’re cheaper. In fact become a vegan if you can, nna mehn tings dey rough. Who meat epp?

Don’t go to people’s houses expecting to be fed. It’s rude and times are hard. Be thankful if they feed you, it’s not easy for anyone.

Give out you and your kids old clothes and shoes to people who truly need them.

Pay an undergraduate’s school fees. Recommend a good graduate if you know of a job opening. That may be the only way he or she can feed their parents and siblings.

Pay someone’s NEPA bill. Let neighbours fetch water from you if you have a borehole.

Feed a homeless child or person. Offer them domestic work. You never know who you’re helping. That might be the next Einstein.

Pay someone’s hospital bill, it could be life or death. You could literally be saving a life.

I remember going to the market with N20,000 in June and came home angry, confused and despondent. I could barely afford a decent week’s shopping. It’s worse now. We all know how prices double this season. Some families may not have food on Christmas day, so feed a family. Invite them over. People won’t tell you what they’re going through so be sensitive and see through the facade.

If you live abroad and can spare some change for poorer family members please send it, it’s no joke. Folks can barely feed daily.

There are so many little things that can be done, please give your tips in the comments below. I write this with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes. Folks are hungry, angry and tired. Nigeria is in trouble. Forget the government, we are the welfare system in Nigeria.

None of these are compulsory please. It’s just a way to help each other out. Do what you can. If you’re already doing any of these and can afford to then well done, if you can do more please do. Keep being kind. We are a very religious lot, this is the time to practice what we preach and the essence of every religion – love! Forget donating all your money to some Church, be charitable and be that practical Christian. The law of giving never ever fails regardless of who you believe in or if you don’t even believe! Show love to someone!


Op–ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija
Asandia Hogan wears many hats: She is the Creative Director of the fashion label, Asandia Hogan; a Political activist, Restaurateur and History buff.

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