THE NAIJA PROJECT
The Idea
The Naija Project is an initiative of The Development Solutions Centre Ltd/Gte. It is organised and led by a group of Nigerians who are passionate about Nigeria and desire to see a Nigeria that they can be proud of. The Naija Project exists to ensure Nigeria lives up to expectations, first to its people, then its neighbours, and on the international stage. However, we recognise that the achievement of this objective is two-sided. It involves a government and leadership that must be responsible and selfless enough to steer the ship in the right direction. Yet, more importantly, the people must assume responsibility. The citizenry should be willing to select responsible individuals for power while holding them accountable. One is dependent on the other.
Nevertheless, this is an ideal scenario. This project facilitates selecting the ideal government official while mobilising people, educating them, and ensuring they know their rights and privileges. Furthermore, this project provides a platform by which the brightest minds do not remain as political pundits and analysts only but can put action to well-thought-out solutions.
The Naija Project believes the current challenges with leadership are due to an absence of responsible citizenry and the lack of gumption on the part of the available responsible citizens willing to walk through the muck. Pointing fingers at the Government alone cannot solve the nation’s problems. Only individuals who recognise the responsibility and submit themselves to the requisite training, preparation, and participation can participate in constructing the type of Government the Country needs. Furthermore, this project believes that Nigerians could best proffer effective solutions suited to the Nigerian context. This fact would require an acknowledgement on the part of the average Nigerian that they have a role to play and not the Government alone.
Vision, Mission, and Goals
Vision: It is simple; It is to live in a country we desire and can be proud of. A strong and united nation by all standards and in all ramifications.
Mission: We exist to keep hope aflame in Nigeria, selflessly identify the necessary solutions and do what it takes to implement these solutions while inspiring others to do the same as well as start a positive movement in Nigeria and, by extension, other African nations.
Goals: Our goals broken down into relatable points include:
- Create a platform of engagement for individuals willing to influence Nigeria positively.
- Present a united and consolidated front
- Voice, the hope Nigerians, have for a better future
- Be the voice of the people and amplify their concerns
- Inspire people to take responsibility and act using the appropriate and efficient channels
The Approach
This project has a tripartite approach based on three main pillars: Passion, Strategy, and Long-Term Thinking.
Passion: There is a direction our nation and society must go, and we will do all it takes within the ambit of morality, responsibility, and the law to get there. We shall stay the course to change negative mindsets extensively and radically advance our society in the direction of progress while never taking “no” for an answer or believing in “impossibilities.”
Strategy: It is not enough to want change; History has taught us that attempts to revolutionise areas and mindsets without workable plans are a disaster waiting to happen. We seek to make strategic and well-thought-out moves to ensure our goals and ideals are actualised.
This project will engage in advocacy, training, meetings, town hall events, research, and community outreaches. The group is also registered as a non-profit in Nigeria to legitimise our operations.
Long-Term Thinking: We are in for the long run and are not just a fad. We will implement strategies that have positive impacts on the polity in the long term while ensuring progress in the short term.
Our Values
The following values form the basis and the foundation of all we will be doing:
- Selflessness
- Courage and consistency
- Nigeria- and Afrocentric
- Respect
- Law-abiding
- Honesty
- Hope
- Gumption
- Love for Country and our people