RECONNECTING THE COMMUNITY
Mr A lives in a flat below Mr B. He has lived below Mr B for the last 5 years. Mr A knows Mr B’s surname, but not his first name; he know what time Mr B gets back from work every day; and he knows when Mr B’s generator timetable. Mr A may know a few loose details about Mr B, but that about it. This unfortunately(?) is not an isolated scenario by any means.
Over the years (even in many of the housing estates designed with a communal theme) we Lagosians have slowly withdrawn into solitary existences due to a number of factors. Our withdrawals from community based beings into hermits do not stop at simple retreats. Once we retreat into our homes, several physical and psychological barriers are erected between us and the outside world: get beyond the estate security guard and you’re confronted by the house security guard, after him is the inquisitive maid, who resides in the main house, just beyond the meter high fences – behind the burglar proof bars.
The above are derivatives of a rapid transformation in our lifestyles: more hours spent out of the house – probably commuting to and from work; the information technology age (it is easier apparently to make friends online than to talk with your next door neighbour); a breakdown in national and state security; etc. We are all too busy simply trying to get by that we’ve forgotten one of the most important aspects of getting by – how to relate with one another.
IDEAS TO HELP US RESIDE HARMONIOUSLY AND PROGRESSIVELY WITH OUR COMMUNITY AND THEIR ADVANTAGES:
– Neighbourhood Groups:
The importance of community action cannot be overstated – one lone voice protesting a municipal disservice can be discarded as a solitary frustrated bark, but a communal roar of discontent cannot be ignored. Individuals may spark movements, but it is movements and movements alone which create changes.
Neighbourhood / estate groups are key – if you are not a member of yours, JOIN NOW! If your neighbourhood does not have a community / residents association, FORM ONE immediately. As earlier mentioned, your collective voices carry a lot of weight when tabling ideas and gripes to the authorities.
At these meetings, you could also meet individuals who will provide solutions to whatever problems you may be facing because they’ve tackled those problems in the past; you may come across individuals who could point you in the direction to achieve whatever goal you wish to achieve; you may come across strangers who become friends and subsequently contribute towards your personal well-being.
Be actively involved in the meetings of these groups and try to remain as apolitical as possible, but also don’t be naive. Certain members in these organisations may have ulterior motives, or may be agents of others with personal agendas. Also be very patient – we must not try and impose our ideas onto others just because we believe we are correct. Listening patiently encourages active dialogue, which maintains peace in a room full of strangers.
– Get to know your neighbourhood:
Take a walk around and find out about where you live. What is sold where? Where is the best place to get first aid equipment in the early hours of the morning? Where is your nearest hospital? Where is your nearest fire station? Where is your nearest police station?
For instance, identify where the nearest fire station is, familiarize yourself with the officials, and get the stations contact details. The Lagos State emergency line (767) works, however, it would be helpful if you had a direct line to the fire fighters stationed there. Are they supplied with a regular water tanker, or in the event of a fire, do you need to source water for the fire fighters to tackle the blaze? In this eventuality, do you have a number for a water tanker supplier who’ll deliver almost immediately upon request?
– The police ARE your friends:
Most relationships – if formed on a foundation of mutual respect, cordiality and generosity – will thrive. The police, regardless of public perception, are and will always continue to be our first port of call in the unfortunate event of any emergency. If any of our readers have thought of an alternative law and order force to the police, please send suggestions to submissions@ideas4lagos.com. This is not a write-up to highlight the short comings of the Nigerian Police, but a paragraph to emphasize the fact that like all relationships, our dealings with the police just have to be managed properly.
As opposed to criticizing the way they go about doing their jobs, why don’t we help them do their jobs better? Ease the conditions under which they operate, and endear yourself to your local law enforcement officer. Could there possibly be any harm in that? Be polite. They are human and Nigerian enduring certain hardships just as you are.
At some point in your life, your will require the services of a police offer. Your friendly officer may not be the one to attend to your personal needs – he is not your butler – but will your cause not be served better when one officer pleads with a colleague to assist you? I do not advocate the police should be regarded as personal assistants, or be employed as bodyguards who can come to our aid as and when necessary. But the simple fact is that it helps a great deal if a friendly face can guide and point you in the right direction during trying times.
The need to re-establish our communal roots has never been greater. We need to complain with a communal voice, for that is the only way we will be heard or taken seriously. In this very volatile city, we need to be very acquainted with our surroundings so we are thoroughly prepared in the unfortunate event of any sort of emergency. We also need to reach out to one another – Mr A needs to knock on Mr B’s door and find out his first name; we should be on a first name basis with the Police Officers tasked to patrol our neighbourhoods; a neighbour should never be a stranger. All the above will go a long way towards reconnecting ourselves with our community, a necessary task in a volatile city.