1. Give. Thousands of people who go out everyday to give their time, energy and put their lives on the line in demanding for justice and reform do so with their own money. Because of the standstill around the country, they are not able to go to work and make a living, so it might become a lose-lose situation where the powers just wear them out patiently. If you live in Europe or America and you have the means, please donate money. Give to people you trust. Give to organizations that you are sure will make sure that the funds are judiciously used to cater for the (mostly food and transport) needs of those young people out in the sun every day. (PS: I will be sending some money to the Occupy Ibadan coordinators, friends, during the coming week. If you’re interested in supporting the protests with your money and it is too small to send alone via Western Union, let me know. I can take it via paypal or bank transfer and send it together with mine.)
2. Learn about the situation. The #Occupy Movement in Nigeria today is not about income inequality as it is about a demand for accountability and reform. The status quo is corrupt. Millions of dollars are siphoned every month in Nigeria to the pockets of political elites and other business cabals who collect subsidy money from the government and then turn around to sell petrol at market price to neighbouring countries, thus creating scarcity and making a profit. If you are a writer/blogger/tweeter, be aware of all the facts in the situation. Do not be used.
3. Join an #Occupy protest around you. There have been #Occupy Nigeria protests in Belgium, Washington DC, London, New York etc. Start one near you, or join them wherever it exists. The soul and future of Nigeria is at stake, and every support counts. Spread the word. Spread the message. Tell everyone you know about this and put pressure on the Nigerian government to reform on the side of the people and not on the side of the selfish people who look out only for their pockets. Post pictures and videos from this protests.
4. Write to your representatives. A group of activists” called the Naija Cyber Hacktivists are using twitter to put out phone numbers of elected officials, and other relevant information. Follow them, and barrage representatives with messages, pressuring them to take sides with the suffering populace.
5. Follow Occupy Nigeria on twitter.
1
Bola at http://YourWebsite
I’ll send mine to you tomorrow! Thanks for the briliant idea and for organising the money transfer. 🙂
Posted at January 14, 2012 on 12:06pm.
2
Jennifer A at http://lifelovewahala.blogspot.com/http://
Thanks for the information. Just wondering about the money transfer. Are there banks open to allow western union transfers right now? I was under the impression that banks were closed for the duration. Any info in this regard would be appreciated. Will do all I can to support this cause.
Posted at January 14, 2012 on 1:25pm.
3
Kola at http://www.ktravula.com
Banks are open this weekend, I believe. Maybe not on Sunday or Monday (in the US), but today. I’ll most likely send something on Tuesday myself.
Posted at January 14, 2012 on 2:42pm.
4
Bola at http://bolanja.wordpress.com/
So, tell us: How did it go?
Posted at January 19, 2012 on 9:15am.
5
culturesoup at http://culturesoup.wordpress.com
Very helpful post and one of the most relevant i’ve read for those living outside Nigeria. I’d love to post it on my blog (with all due acknowledgments, of course) if you permit.
Posted at January 20, 2012 on 4:08pm.
6
Kola at http://www.ktravula.com
Hi Culturesoup. Please feel free to share as widely as possible. You really didn’t need my permission :). With violence now starting in the North again, it’s imperative that more Nigerians abroad follow what is going on. Thank you.
Posted at January 20, 2012 on 6:10pm.
7
Naijamum in L. at http://naijamuminlondon.blogspot.com/
I saw this on Culturesoup’s blog and I LOVED it
This is what we all need – practical steps instead of empty rhetoric
Thanks for this
xxx
Posted at January 25, 2012 on 8:41pm.