By Kennedy Kanma
As a person, I have always been fascinated by the fact that service for the common good is not only timeless, it is also profoundly timely. So, every day, from our different corners of the world, irrespective of our professions and status, we are reminded to rise above narrow interests. And by so doing, we contribute significantly to a vision of society where all can thrive. But the truth is that, whether through civic action, professional service, charitable work or even everyday act of kindness, each of us has the power to change society and be a force for good. And in choosing to serve, regardless of who we are, we reaffirm our shared humanity, and that is the only way we can build a world that reflects that brotherhood of mankind.
My thoughts in the opening paragraph are fitting for a conclusion on this all-important subject matter. But I resisted the temptation and chose not to save the best for the last because of the high regard I place on service for the common good.
As a lawyer, and from what I know about our broken country, fractured by incompetence, division and also weakened by injustice and exclusion, our challenges cannot be solved by a few individuals or even a single political party. As a people, we require global thinking and cooperation to fix Nigeria. Therefore, service for the common good from my point of view, encompasses not only caring for one’s immediate community, it also recognizes our interconnectedness and a shared future. Even as we continue to hold government at all levels responsible for all the problems of today, I hasten to add that the responsibility to serve the common good does not lie solely with governments or big institutions. Every individual, man or woman, young or old, big or small, has a role to play. These roles may be in promoting the good ideals of a political party, voting on election day, helping a neighbour in need, supporting local business, encouraging and defending a good politician who has the interest of the people at heart, mentoring youths, volunteering, participating actively during elections, advocating for policies that benefit the wider society and taking part in local governance whenever the opportunity comes.
If I may ask: what exactly is the common good? “The common good refers to the well-being of all members of a community. It encompasses access to essential resources—like education, healthcare, safety, and healthy environment—and the opportunity for every individual to live a fulfilling life. Unlike private good, which benefits individuals or small groups, the common good benefits everyone and is enriched by collective contribution.”
Therefore, service for the common good is a precursor, and the backbone of a cohesive society no matter the positions we hold or the privileges we enjoy. It is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity in engendering justice, equity, inclusion and sustainable development. Now, it is evident that we cannot talk about the common good without calling out the government. As we all know, government stands at the centre of the people’s lives and also plays a crucial role in shaping their well-being.
For all practical purposes, I cannot talk about service for the common good without mentioning patriotism, participation, courage, resilience, consciousness and hope. At a personal level, I know that all these qualities and more were powerfully displayed during the last general elections when young men and women under the banner of the Obedient Movement reshaped our country’s political narrative in truly unprecedent ways. But the patriotic and courageous activities of young people during the last general election did not surprise me in the slightest. For years, I have seen their frustration grow alongside their determination, and that election moment was simply the eruption of a long-building resolve to change Nigeria’s inept leadership and also reclaim their country’s future.
To my personal credit, I have always insisted on the fact that these young folks are our hope and our future. Recently, one of them told me during an encounter that what my generation accepted, there’s will no longer tolerate. And I agree with him completely.
Can we truly afford the sheer foolhardiness of pretending that all is well with our dear country? How can we continue to pretend in the face of this unrelenting hardship, growing poverty, absence of opportunities and the continued indifference of those who should be losing sleep over the pathetic state we find ourselves today? At this time in our history as a country, we cannot afford to remain silent or indifferent to the challenges that threaten our collective future.
As I used to say, this country belongs to all of us. Therefore, we must do everything possible to advance the common good if we do not want history and posterity to judge us harshly. You will agree with me that this moment serves as a wake-up call that demands rebirth, unity, meaningful engagement, and a clear stance on the pressing issues that define our future. For far too long in Nigeria, we have been steering the ship of state without a compass or a clear sense of purpose.
So, as 2027 general elections beckons, greater duties await all of us. Once again, this is a call to duty for our young people, an urgent reminder that the future depends on their courage, resilience, vision and action.
Kanma, a lawyer and entrepreneur, writes from Abuja.