Group launches 40-day sit-out, urges collective efforts for a better nation

Group launches 40-day sit-out, urges collective efforts for a better nation

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

In a bid to break the cycle of blame and usher in a new era of collective problem-solving, a group of Nigerians launched a 40-day sit-out at the Unity Fountain, Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday.

Convened by Naija Connect, led by Iretidola Ojekhoa, the event aimed to bring together citizens of all ages, tribes, and religions to discuss the nation’s problems and forge a united front.

Speaking at the event, Ojekhoa emphasized the need for Nigerians to move beyond complaining and blaming others for the country’s problems. 

In her words; “We have noted with concern the tension in and all around us. People are agitating for a greater Nigeria, a better Nigeria. Till date it seems what majority keep reiterating especially when they troop to the streets; is what they don’t want but hardly can they itemize what they want. And when we as a people eventually speak of what we want, it is with a discordant tune, we never agree on it.

“But today, we open a forum which we pray to operate long beyond these 40 days with your support. A forum which will be a platform for connecting Nigerians of all ages, of all tribes and ethnicities, and of all religions, not excluding those who have no religion. We open a forum which will enable Nigerians to speak with one accord and enable government on the other hand to reach out to Nigerians to the benefit of all.”

Ojekhoa also highlighted the importance of building a structure that ensures transparency and involves every ward in the country. 

“It is time to build a structure to ensure transparency; it will not be a political structure, but it must reach every ward. It will not be a religious forum but it must honour God. It is not a charity organization but it will operate with and in charity (which is love). 

“It is time to connect with people in every town, village and hamlet, technology has made that no more rocket science.

Nigeria needs you to be the Minister the people crave for though not appointed by Mr President. The nation needs you to be the Commissioner and local govt chairperson though not appointed by the state Governor nor elected by your state. 

“You may think you are small and a nobody; you may ask yourself what is my ‘little’ contribution going to change in all the problems that is on ground. Wait and see what happens to your little frame when Hope comes alive in it!

“The error that many fall into is to believe that if Nigeria must be great then it will come through a Superman President or a Superhero Governor. There’s no such anywhere! The only superheroes are the men and women before me today and the super boys and girls on the streets protesting for a better Nigeria,” she noted.

The event also featured an open mic session, where participants shared their personal experiences and called for collective efforts to make Nigeria a better place. 

Many lamented the current social and economic challenges facing the country and emphasized the need for selflessness and love for the nation to guide their actions.

According to Ojekhoa, the 40-day sit-out is a pre-independence event that will culminate in a grand celebration on October 1st to mark Nigeria’s Independence Day. “The future of this country is in our hands. We will bridge the gap in communication by making this platform alive and vibrant. You will be the eye of the people and the link the government has long needed.”

This is coming two weeks after a 10-day #EndBadGovernance protests that rocked the country over the economic hardship described by analysts as the worst in a generation.

The event is seen as a bold step towards rebranding Nigeria’s narrative from one of blame and division to one of unity and collective problem-solving.

As the sit-out enters its second day, citizens are eager to see what kind of impact it will have on the country’s future.