Beyond Photo Ops: Rethinking Political Engagement for Lasting Impact

When shall we learn to do things differently? Have you noticed that it is when the election is approaching that we see those contesting for political offices go to dilapidated primary schools, sit and eat with the pupils as a sign of siding with the poor? What happens after they win the elections?

I can bet that the food they will eat in the school would have been specially prepared, packaged, and served as if it was from the local kitchen pot.

My advice for those winning elections now is to stop photo parades with wheelbarrows, shoe shinning equipment that their children cannot use. Each Senator and National and State Assembly members can come together to adopt one school each in their local government areas. They should then push government to properly equip the schools and employ teachers for each of the streams. By so doing, our children will have good foundations, which virile societies do to be where they are.

Besides, House members from the same constituency can pull resources together to build vocational centres in each senatorial district where their constituents can learn trades, after which they are given starter packs. If well implemented, it will reduce peoples dependence on them.

Before casting votes for those contesting in Saturday’s election, ask what those seeking your votes have in stock for your community. Do not take the two thousand Naira and one basket of rice from vote canvassers to mortgage your future. Time has come to do it differently. Good luck.

Grace and peace!!!