Like many other everyday people around the world, Nigerians can be really generous. Often people who do not have a lot are eager to give a little to help others especially when it has to do with sudden event that has impacted other people’s life negatively.
Before social media, in 1999 (or 1998) I remember one certain journalist who was involved in a terrible car accident that left him with spinal injury, with no medical health insurance, no tangible personal savings and the need for urgent medical intervention, the said man took to the public travelling from town to town in SW and appealed on radio (probably tv too but I only heard him on the radio). The news got around very fast mainly from word of mouth.
The day he came to Oduduwa Hall at OAU Ife, the hall was packed – people were super generous mostly those who had very little – He eventually got the needed surgery.
Now with social media, sometimes it is such a shame to see that people ask public for donations to help fund medical bills of their loved ones but they do not get nearly enough for the cause. This is usually the serious case type. For example people in need of organ transplant within or outside the country.
When asking the public for money, usually the appeal is geared towards everyday folks and not the super rich. Therefore, it is important to provide enough information for the public to help them with decision-making.
While ₦200 (<$1) may seem like chicken change but when enough of us give it to a good cause, then one person’s life gets needed improvement they needed that they otherwise may not get without help.
This is the process I have seen people using successfully in the west.
Other times, our people concentrate on calling the government for help to pay medical bills, most often government turned blind eye, this is predictable. I am not sure why people do this because the only reason anyone will get a call back is if you know someone to press the right bell, so why bother.
I’d rather put more pressure on the government to stop using national budget for their health tourism around the globe so everyone faces the same fate – that way they will know it’s crucial to invest money in health sector so everyone can benefit.
When I come across Efena public appeal on 10 Feb, I read and listened to the lady’s story – I just knew in my heart that she will get all the money she needed because the appeal was done right and I am glad to see that more and more people are donating to help her.
This is how pubic appeal is done – tell the story in its entirety, give enough information about how the fund will be spent, those around that are supporting and what you are currently doing to help yourself – people tend to help those who are eager to help themselves – those who will help, will even if it is little.
Omo Naija, make it easy for people to donate, I mean for good cause such as this.
Best wishes to Efena on her journey.
Great post. It really amazes me how Nigerians clamour around politicians from APC & PDP factions during elections who have no laid down health policy for the masses. If you check the last elections, there was no mention of health during the campaigns yet Nigerians, especially youths, kill themselves over people that don’t give a damn about them.
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Thank you.
About laid down health policy or any policy (social good) for that matter – neither of the parties can be trusted. Most of the ones in elected positions wouldn’t even know what to say because their family gp is either in the UK, US or Kuwait (anywhere that’s beyond the reach of common people).
Party name APC or PDP is the biggest scam ever for Nigerians – hence, I personally stay clear of political rats. I do have preference for APC just because of a few people that have sense and good hearts, also because in my local state of Osun – all of the PDP governors are nothing to write home about in almost everything.
Because party name means nothing, what I’d love to see is youths whose lives are mostly affected to understand it is okay to question all our leaders especially the ones in our party of choice – until then nothing will change.
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Nice post!! But did you just say $1 = 200 Naira? Okay, how old is this post really? Is it any time before or after GMB left to ‘Pray’ for some clues in Saudi Arabia? LOL
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Common Aboki, leave Baba Buhari alone 🙂
I said ‘₦200 (<$1).' '<' means 'less than'
Actually $ to naira exchange rate at home isn't the same across board, black market rate is around ₦340 to a $1 while bank insists on given people ₦190 – well, we have a long way to go on that.
Glad you liked the post.
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LOL….. FO. BABA is yet to earn ‘Being left alone’…. The situation is horrible, and that is stating the fact.
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Haha, agree with you. We can not leave any of the public leaders to their own devices as they make decisions that affect our lives. The more interested we are, the higher the likelihood they’ll be more mindful before acting.
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What an inspiring story, what a brave woman, what courage. I’m so glad that a lot of people came forward to help this woman. There are a lot of good people out there.
Leslie
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Me too, glad for her. Her strong will is inspiring.
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So many people wouldn’t be able to rise above it.
Leslie
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Some people fear rejection and don’t even bother to appeal. But truth is, not everyone will contribute to it. However, if you do it the right way, hopefully you will have enough to see you through. Thank you my President.
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Very true Queen. However I think for a life altering accident, baring it all is needed to get public help… the willingness to stay positive is enough to inspire many people.
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We need to keep being positive and desire life against all odds. I rather live another day, than waste it because of rejection.
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Great Post
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Thank you.
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welcome
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I think people give less because they are afraid of scams.
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That is true and is the main point here. However, when enough information is given including verifiable institution i.e hospital such as the case of the above lady, chances are some people will trust the story.
I didn’t mention scam as that is what we are mostly know for anyway but in reality most people are not one.
Thanks for stopping by and for comment 🙂
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