Reconnecting the Community


Ideas to Help Us Reside Harmoniously and Progressively with Our Community and Their Advantages
Neighbourhood Groups:
The police ARE your friends:
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 organizations 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?