corruption

You Are Not Just Entitled — You Are Responsible

/ Sam Aderibigbe / 1 Comment

Building the Nigeria We Dream Of Starts With Us

“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country – John F. Kennedy, 1961

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” — Proverbs 14:34

The Illusion of Entitlement

In Nigeria today, a spirit of entitlement has taken root. It’s subtle but widespread—the belief that because we are citizens, we are owed good roads, constant light, safety, healthcare, and justice. And we are. But the truth is this: entitlement without engagement is a deception. Yes, we are entitled to better governance. But expecting national transformation without personal responsibility is like expecting harvest where no seeds were sown. We cannot continue to demand change while refusing to be the change.

You Can’t Microwave a Nation

We often talk about “the system” as if it’s some detached beast. But the system is people. It is you and me. The corruption in high places didn’t fall from the sky—it started with the little compromises in low places. We cheat the queue, pad our invoices, pay for shortcuts, then wonder why Nigeria is broken.

“The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.” — Plato

Entitlement makes us wait for miracles from above. But responsibility demands we get involved—in our businesses, offices, schools, and streets. The new Nigeria won’t be served to us on a silver platter. It will be built by deliberate Nigerians.

From Ranting to Rebuilding

It’s easier to rant than to rebuild. That’s why Twitter trends faster than transformer repairs. But what good is a tweet that doesn’t lead to action? What use is a protest that ends in apathy? We cannot keep tearing down without building up. Every curse on Nigeria that isn’t followed by a contribution to its healing is a missed opportunity. Every insult thrown at our leaders that isn’t matched with personal integrity is just noise.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21

David vs. Goliath: A Model of National Responsibility

Israel was stuck. Goliath mocked their destiny daily. And though soldiers stood armed and trained, none would move. Until David showed up—not in armor, but in purpose. His power wasn’t in position—it was in responsibility. He didn’t wait for a crown; he carried a cause.
“Is there not a cause?” — 1 Samuel 17:29
David didn’t fight in the name of Judah or for personal glory. He fought for Israel and the name of the Lord. That’s what Nigeria needs: men and women who show up—not because of title, tribe, or trend, but because the nation is worth it.

The Cookie Jar Syndrome: Why Selfishness Is Killing Our Future

Beyond courage, another disease is draining our destiny: selfishness.

The “Cookie Jar Syndrome” is a mindset where every opportunity, deal, or engagement is seen primarily through the lens of personal gain—often to the detriment of the common good. In this mentality, every negotiation, project, or contract becomes a personal cookie jar: What’s in it for me? Short-term profit overrides long-term purpose. Private interest eclipses public good. And because everyone is reaching for their own cookie, the jar eventually empties—leaving behind poverty, distrust, broken systems, and widespread cynicism.

“The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.” — Hubert H. Humphrey

If Nigeria must be rebuilt, we must kill the cookie jar mentality. Ask yourself in every deal: Am I serving myself alone, or the greater good? Measure success not just by what you gain, but by what you build.

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” — Proverbs 13:22

Real nation builders aren’t cookie grabbers—they’re cookie bakers. They think: How can I make more for everyone, not just hoard for myself?

Practical Nation Building: What You Can Do Today

Let’s stop asking “Who will fix Nigeria?” and start asking, “What can I fix?” Because true national change starts with personal responsibility. It’s not about grand speeches or high office. It’s about ordinary people doing the extraordinary with what they have—where they are.

1. Excel in Your Assignment: Be a Model of Diligence
Whether you’re a teacher, tailor, techpreneur, trader, banker, or barber—do your work with integrity and excellence. Every job in Nigeria matters. Every assignment is a platform for transformation. When you deliver with consistency, fairness, and skill, you elevate standards.
Imagine a Nigeria where public servants don’t demand bribes, where artisans don’t cut corners, where professionals keep time, and contracts are honored without excuses. That’s not wishful thinking—it starts with you. Let excellence be your protest. Let diligence be your demonstration. Don’t just complain about the rot—be the reform.

2. Engage, Don’t Just Outrage: Call Your Reps. Send Feedback. Show Up
It’s not enough to vent on social media. The real work is in engaging the system with clarity and purpose. Nigeria’s democracy may be flawed, but it is still a system that can be influenced. Know your local government chairman, your House of Reps member, your senator. Write letters, emails, and petitions. Tag them publicly and privately. Join public hearings or town halls when they’re called. If they’re not, demand one. Support citizens and organizations that are monitoring budgets and demanding transparency. Ranting is reactive. Engagement is proactive.

3. Partner for Local Impact: Start Something. Invite Others
You don’t need to wait for the presidency to fix your neighborhood. Start small. Co-fund a borehole with your neighbors. Clean up the market with your youth group. Organize a food bank, library, or free lesson for kids in your area. Start a WhatsApp group to monitor local council projects. Use your church or mosque platform for civic education. The power of collaboration is that it multiplies influence. Where one person can reach ten, ten people can transform a community. The most powerful movements in history started small—with people who cared enough to act.

4. Raise Citizens, Not Cynics: Train Your Children in Values
One of the greatest tragedies in Nigeria is the normalization of dysfunction. Many children grow up learning how to “hustle” the system instead of fix it. That cycle must break—with you. Teach them honesty, responsibility, and empathy. Tell them stories of Nigerian heroes—not just of war, but of reform. Expose them to books, debates, and platforms that stretch their civic minds. Let them see you live with conviction, not convenience. Children don’t become nation builders by accident. They’re formed by intentional parents, mentors, and communities.

5. Live Like a Light: Let People See in Your Life What They Wish the Country Was
Be the Nigeria you dream of. Let your words and actions reflect the integrity, love, order, and honor that we want to see in our leaders. Don’t take bribes—or offer them. Keep promises. Respect time. Respect people, even when you disagree. Be the same person in public and in private.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” — Matthew 5:14
Let your life be a protest sign. Let it be a roadmap. Let it be evidence that Nigeria can work—because in your corner, it already does.

Voices Worth Emulating: From History to Now

In every generation, there are men and women who rise above apathy to shape nations. Nigeria’s story—though fraught with struggle—has always had builders worth learning from.
Historic Statesmen & Builders:
– Chief Obafemi Awolowo – Premier of the Western Region, visionary in education and infrastructure. “The children of the poor you fail to train will never let your children have peace.”
– Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe – First President of Nigeria. “The realization of human interdependence and unity in diversity must be the base of our political ideology.”
– Sir Ahmadu Bello – Sardauna of Sokoto, moral and administrative leader. “The mistake of 1914 has come to stay.”
– Tafawa Balewa – First Prime Minister, known for humility and diplomacy. “We must stand united before the world.”

Final Word: A Nation Is Not Given. It Is Made.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” — Psalm 33:12

We cannot continue expecting without investing. A new Nigeria will not be delivered through bitterness, hashtags, or silence. It will come through deliberate men and women—builders, not complainers. Reformers, not spectators. People who refuse to fold their arms while Goliath mocks their destiny.
“Nigeria is not just ours to inherit. It is ours to build.”
So rise. In your field. In your family. In your faith.
Because you are not just entitled to a better Nigeria—You are responsible for making it happen.


The Traffic Trap: How Corrupt Officers Exploit Lagos Motorists

/ Sam Aderibigbe / Leave a comment

Traffic enforcement is a crucial element of road safety, and I have always been an advocate for stricter compliance with traffic laws. The blatant disregard for these laws, especially by commercial drivers and even some private motorists, is a major source of frustration. However, my frustration extends beyond just the violators—it includes the law enforcement officers who selectively enforce these laws, sometimes as enablers of the chaos and at other times as opportunistic extortionists.

A Case of Reckless Driving Turned Extortion Attempt

On a recent Tuesday, I was caught in traffic along Agidingbi Road, coming from Ojodu. As the traffic light turned green, I moved forward, only for a reckless bike rider with a passenger—both donning hard hats—to suddenly dart across the intersection. Forced to slam my brakes to avoid a fatal accident, I found myself momentarily frozen at the intersection. Within those brief seconds, the traffic light turned red.

What followed was nothing short of a coordinated ambush. Policemen leaped in front of my car, banging on my windows and claiming I had beaten the traffic light. A supposed senior officer in mufti approached, accusing me of an infraction. I explained that I had been forced to stop because of the reckless biker, yet he dismissed my explanation and let me go without further conversation.

Thinking the issue was resolved, I parked by Big Treat, expecting further engagement from the officers. None came. But the next day, I received an SMS notifying me of a traffic infraction and demanding a fine. That moment confirmed what many Lagosians have always suspected—this system is not about enforcement; it is about revenue generation and extortion.

Rogue Policemen – Enablers of Traffic Infractions

The Nigerian Police Force, particularly the State Traffic Division, is a relic of inefficiency and corruption. The Big Treat roundabout, for instance, is a textbook example of how not to manage traffic. Police officers—especially the women—either passively observe lawlessness or actively participate in it.

It is common knowledge that commercial vehicles (Korope and Marwa) routinely run red lights and drive against traffic with impunity, knowing full well that a small “settlement” will absolve them. Yet, private vehicle owners are singled out for selective enforcement, stopped abruptly, and harassed under the pretense of law enforcement.

Additionally, along Wempco Road, these police officers frequently set up impromptu checkpoints, causing unnecessary gridlock simply to check vehicle particulars—something that could be automated or checked remotely. Do they ever consider the impact of their actions on commuters trying to get to work, school, or business engagements? Do they care about the productivity lost to these inefficient, outdated enforcement tactics? Or are they more interested in issuing their unofficial “pay-as-you-go” passes?

 Recommendations for a Modernized Traffic Enforcement System

Lagos State touts itself as the “Center of Excellence,” yet its traffic enforcement is far from excellent. We need modern solutions:

1. AI-Powered Traffic Monitoring: Rather than relying on human officers prone to bias and corruption, Lagos State should invest in AI-driven traffic monitoring systems. These systems can automatically capture traffic infractions without selective enforcement, ensuring that every violator—whether private or commercial—is held accountable.

2. Smart Ticketing and Automated Fines: Instead of officers jumping in front of moving vehicles, smart cameras should capture license plates, and automated systems should issue fines. This eliminates room for bribery and makes enforcement consistent.

3. Vehicle Particulars Verification via Digital Platforms: Instead of obstructing traffic to check vehicle documents, a centralized digital verification system should be integrated with law enforcement databases. Officers can scan a vehicle’s license plate and verify all documents without forcing a stop.

4. Transparent Traffic Infraction Appeals: Many Lagosians have fallen victim to fraudulent fines. There should be an independent platform where drivers can contest infractions with video evidence from traffic cameras, rather than being at the mercy of corrupt officers.

5. Comprehensive Traffic Officer Training: Officers should be retrained in modern enforcement methods, including conflict de-escalation, ethical enforcement, and effective traffic management. The archaic and dangerous practice of jumping in front of moving cars should be outlawed immediately.

6. Proper Placement of Bus Stops: Bus stops should not be located at major traffic intersections, as they contribute to unnecessary congestion. A prime example is the Allen Bus Stop heading to Alausa, positioned just after the traffic light intersection. This location creates significant gridlock because commercial vehicles often fail to park properly. Additionally, the area serves as a convergence point for traffic from Allen, Awolowo Road, and Aromire, making it a bottleneck. The bus stop should be relocated to a position before the traffic light, where there is sufficient space to accommodate vehicles. Furthermore, strict enforcement should be in place to ensure commercial vehicles park correctly while loading and offloading passengers at all bus stops.

Traffic Light Positioning and Visibility

While Lagos State deserves commendation for maintaining traffic lights, their placement in some locations is problematic. The intersection at Wempco Road and Agidingbi is a prime example—its traffic light is positioned so high that at certain angles, it is completely out of a driver’s line of sight. This poor placement creates a loophole that unscrupulous officers exploit, accusing drivers of running a red light when, in fact, they simply couldn’t see it.

To address this:

– Dual Placement of Traffic Lights: Traffic signals should be positioned both overhead and at eye level so they are visible from all angles.

– Regular Assessment for Visibility Issues: The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) should routinely evaluate all intersections and adjust the height or placement of signals where necessary.

 The Case of Traffic Cameras: Are They Just for Show?

Lagos boasts an extensive CCTV network, yet traffic violations persist at an alarming rate. Are these cameras truly functional, or are they simply decorative? Some seem positioned to monitor airplane traffic rather than road traffic.

If properly deployed, traffic cameras should:

– Monitor All Vehicles, Not Just Private Cars: Commercial drivers, who are often the worst offenders, should be held equally accountable.

– Provide Objective Evidence: Instead of relying on subjective accounts from officers with handheld cameras (which can be turned off or manipulated), traffic camera footage should be publicly accessible for contesting fines.

– Ensure Fair Application of the Law: The system should work for all Lagosians, not just as a tool for revenue generation from unsuspecting motorists.

 Conclusion: A Call for Overhaul

I have paid my fine, but I remain adamant that it was unjust. The recklessness of another road user put me in a position where stopping was the safest choice. Yet, the police officers who witnessed the entire event ignored the real traffic violator and conveniently targeted me instead.

It is time for Lagos State to overhaul its traffic enforcement system. Selective enforcement breeds lawlessness because it sends a message that compliance is optional depending on one’s ability to pay a bribe. AI and automation must take center stage in managing road safety, and rogue officers who prioritize extortion over enforcement should be dismissed.

The traffic chaos in Lagos is not just a result of bad drivers but also of bad enforcement. If the government genuinely wants to fix the problem, it must start with those responsible for maintaining order. Until then, Lagos roads will remain a jungle where law-abiding citizens are prey to a corrupt and inefficient system nurtured by the chaos.

A Call for a New Nigeria

/ Sam Aderibigbe / Leave a comment

The State of the Nation

Nigeria, a nation brimming with potential, stands at a crossroads. Once a beacon of hope for Africa, it is now mired in a quagmire of its own making. The echoes of injustice, inequality, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law reverberate through its very fabric. A nation rich in diversity, it has tragically become a battleground of ethnic and religious divisions. The question that lingers is not whether a new Nigeria is Continue reading →

Everyone is corrupt…you just need a reason not to.

/ Sam Aderibigbe / Leave a comment

Introduction.

We are quick to point fingers at people or institutions as been corrupt…but rarely finger out ourselves as part of the cesspool. We are quick to denounce people for their atrocities who in position of power and influence, but seem to develop selective amnesia when it’s us, or a known associate does likewise…we turn the blind eye and claim…” it’s our turn”. Anything to get us to the top or our destination if we are not caught flat Continue reading →

WHEN IMPUNITY REIGNS SUPREME

/ Sam Aderibigbe / Leave a comment

The current discourse going on in the country will make your stomach curl. The scandals, the allegations, the arrogance and the sheer impunity with which our Federal Lawmakers rub in their omnipotence brings nothing but sheer raw anger, bitterness and helplessness to everyone by and large.

Interestingly, while we may think its just up there, that sheer impunity has spread to all cadres of the society without fear nor favor.

Continue reading →

GOODLUCK JONATHAN & BILLIONAIRE MO’ IBRAHIM LEADERSHIP PRIZE

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By Tunde Olayode

I am not surprised President Goodluck Jonathan did not win Mo’ Ibrahim Prize for Excellent African Leadership, (5 million US Dollar over ten years and 200,000 US Dollar annually for life) after been nominated (or was he tipped?) like President Olusegun Aremu Okikiolu  Obasanjo. Who was not awarded too, apparently because of his infamous alleged Continue reading →