Post by Inozemhe Jacob Azemobor (@GovernorDonjay)

WHY DO WE STRUGGLE TO HELP OUR OWN? A PERSONAL OBSERVATION WORTH THINKING ABOUT
This is the NNPC E&P Limited corporate office located on Ogba Road, near Ogba Zoo in Benin City, Edo State.

I pass through this area almost every day, and one thing has consistently caught my attention. A large number of workers leaving the premises appear to be from Northern Nigeria. You often hear people communicating in Hausa, but it is rare to hear Benin, Esan, Etsako, or other indigenous Edo languages.

If you visit the area on a Friday, you'll notice many workers returning from Jumu'ah prayers. Again, you mostly hear languages spoken by people from Northern Nigeria. It naturally makes someone wonder: are Edo people also well represented here?

This is not an attempt to promote tribal sentiment or division. I know there are Edo people working here. My concern is simply to understand why the difference appears so noticeable in large numbers. In many parts of Northern Nigeria, you are more likely to find local people strongly represented in both public and private institutions.

Over time, I have also noticed that many of our own people are quick to discourage others by saying, "You need another degree," "You are not qualified," "You don't have this certificate," or "You don't have enough experience." While qualifications are important, many capable people are never given an opportunity. Without influence or financial connections, getting a good job can become extremely difficult.

One quality I genuinely admire about many Northerners is their willingness to recommend and connect their people whenever opportunities arise. Whether in government or private organisations, they often introduce people from their communities, villages, or families to available opportunities.

Take a look at institutions such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) etc

Now ask yourself: How many people from your state, local government, or community do you personally know working in these institutions?

I once witnessed a Member of the House of Representatives walking freely without heavy security. Someone proudly pointed at him and said, "Na our House of Rep be that o!" I was genuinely surprised. It reminded me of how difficult it can be in some parts of Southern Nigeria for an ordinary citizen to even get an audience with an elected representative unless they have influence or powerful connections.

It is also important to remember that Northern Nigeria is home to many ethnic groups and languages, not just Hausa. There are groups such as Gbagyi, Nupe, Egon, Alago, Koro, Fulani, Mandara, Kanuri, and many others. Yet, when many of them meet and can communicate in Hausa, they often support one another without first asking which state or ethnic group the other person comes from.

This is not a criticism of the South. There are many outstanding, humble, generous, and compassionate leaders, politicians, philanthropists, and professionals from Southern Nigeria who have helped countless people. They deserve recognition and appreciation.

My message is simple: we can all do better.

Let love, unity, and compassion come before tribal or religious differences. Whenever we are in a position to help someone secure a genuine opportunity, let us do so.

A helping hand can change someone's life.

Happy new month of August
I am Governor Donjay
I write to encourage and motivate you

#Nigeria #Leadership #EqualOpportunity #Lekeelekee #Trending #NationBuilding #whatistrendingwithojyokpe

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