Abuja, Nigeria —
Philanthropist and social advocate Belema Meshack Hart has called on Nigerians to renew their sense of unity, purpose, and responsibility, insisting that rebuilding the nation requires the active participation of citizens rather than dependence on political leaders alone.
Speaking on the popular programme Volume with FemiDLive, Hart said Nigeria’s progress hinges on “a collective awakening” that restores trust, accountability, and compassion among citizens. He described the country’s major challenges — insecurity, poverty, corruption, and youth unemployment — as “symptoms of a deeper moral and leadership crisis.”
“We cannot wait for miracles from politicians,” he said. “Change begins when citizens rediscover the power of community, empathy, and hard work. Nigeria will rise only when Nigerians decide to act differently.”
Citizenship Over Politics
Hart, Founder of The Engage, Empower Educate Initiative (EEEI Nigeria), Kalada Belema Meschack Hart believes on championing women growth in Africa. argued that national renewal must be citizen-driven, not party-driven. He emphasized that good governance starts at the community level, through transparency, civic engagement, and service to others.
“Our obsession with politics blinds us to citizenship,” he explained. “The real power lies in people who choose to build, teach, and volunteer.”
He added that his foundation’s work in education, health care, and women’s empowerment demonstrates how private initiatives can fill gaps left by government inefficiency. “Each Nigerian who decides to help one person has already started nation-building,” Hart noted.
Reforming the Social Mindset
The entrepreneur-turned-humanitarian also challenged what he called Nigeria’s “culture of entitlement.” According to him, the country’s development has stalled because too many citizens look to government for everything while neglecting personal integrity and productivity.
“Our biggest problem is not just bad leadership — it’s bad followership,” Hart said. “We celebrate wealth without asking for its source. We vote for people who bribe us. Until that mindset changes, progress will remain a dream.”
He encouraged parents, teachers, and faith leaders to model honesty and discipline, arguing that moral education is as vital as economic reform.
The Youth and the Future
Addressing Nigeria’s growing youth population, Hart said young people remain the nation’s greatest hope but must channel their creativity into innovation and entrepreneurship rather than despair.
“Youth energy should not end on social media,” he said. “We need that same energy in agriculture, technology, and community service.”
He urged government and the private sector to collaborate in providing vocational training and digital-skills programmes, warning that youth frustration could deepen insecurity if ignored.
A Call for Compassion and Service
Hart closed the conversation with a message of optimism, saying Nigeria can still recover its lost potential if citizens unite around shared values.
“Service is the highest form of leadership,” he said. “If we each commit to doing good — to our neighbors, to our communities — we will rebuild this nation from the ground up.”
He urged Nigerians not to succumb to cynicism, adding that the moral strength of a people determines the destiny of their nation.