By Ndoma Agbor
Nigeria is a land of immense potential — rich in culture, abundant in natural resources, and full of vibrant, intelligent and audacious people. Yet, despite these blessings, our nation continues to wrestle with deep-seated issues that hinder our growth. From corruption to insecurity, from infrastructural decay to leadership failures, from tribalism to nepotism, from mismanagement to embezzlement, the weight of our challenges is heavy. But at the root of it all lies a simple truth: Nigeria is not necessarily lacking in resources or ideas — we are in dire need of good people. One may ask, “Who is a good person? A good person is someone who consistently acts with kindness, honesty, fairness and compassion towards others. They strive to do what is right in the face of humanity, even when it’s difficult. They care about the well-being of people, environment and even animals. They take responsibility for their actions, accept criticism in good faith, learn from their mistakes and treats others with respect, dignity and empathy regardless of differences.
Good people are the foundation of great nations. They are the ones who refuse to cut corners, who lead with integrity, and who fight for justice not only when it benefits them but because it is the right thing to do. Good people build strong institutions. They don’t just occupy positions of power — they serve. They don’t see leadership as an opportunity for self-enrichment, but as a platform for positive change.
Unfortunately, too often in Nigeria, the wrong individuals are elevated to positions of authority, while the right ones are sidelined, disillusioned, or forced to leave the country. We’ve glamorized greed, worship looters and turned a blind eye to impunity. In doing so, we’ve created a system where honest people are either discouraged or punished for standing up for what is right.
This must change.
Nigeria needs good people in every sphere — in politics, business, education, healthcare, security, and civil society. We need those who are not just qualified, but who carry a deep moral compass, who think beyond tribal and religious lines, and who prioritize the common good over personal gain.
But here’s the catch: good people don’t just appear. They are raised, mentored, supported, and empowered. It is our collective responsibility to nurture this new kind of leadership — to elevate character over charisma, values over volume, action over ambition and sacrifice over self.
Let us begin by holding ourselves accountable in our own corners — in our families, our workplaces, and our communities. Let’s encourage those around us who show integrity. Let’s vote not just with our thumbs, but with our conscience. Let’s create systems that reward excellence and transparency rather than mediocrity and corruption.
And for those good people who are already doing the hard work — standing tall in integrity amidst chaos — we see you. Nigeria needs you. Keep going.
This is a call to action. A plea. A hope. An admonition.
Nigeria is a nation in need of good people.
If you are one, don’t give up.
If you know one, support them.
If you are raising one, keep going.
Because with enough good people, we can rewrite the story of Nigeria — not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.
Ndoma Agbor, Executive Director, CSAD and Regenerative Sustainability Specialist, and can be reached via csad.agric10@gmail.com