On the one hand, some were born with silver spoon and life seems to be a bed of roses for them. On the other hand, others were born amid penury and life seem short, brutish and fraught with numerous uncertainties. Absolutely, there is no iota of development across the globe that surpasses sincere investment to touch lives positively at rural communities. There are hundreds of thousands of Nigerians at the grassroots in dire need of social and economic upliftment.

On the one hand, some were born with silver spoon and life seems to be a bed of roses for them. On the other hand, others were born amid penury and life seem short, brutish and fraught with numerous uncertainties. Absolutely, there is no iota of development across the globe that surpasses sincere investment to touch lives positively at rural communities. There are hundreds of thousands of Nigerians at the grassroots in dire need of social and economic upliftment.

This piece is primarily written to be a source of comfort and solace to as many that are struggling amid odds and bleakness to live happier and better lives. It is coined to put a smile on the faces of the downtrodden and to ameliorate their plight. Above all it is a medium through which I could be a voice to the voiceless and hopeless in order to compel our leaders to live up to their responsibilities by being true and sincere to their calling to serve.

I was shocked and became deeply emotional when I visited a rural community in Danke village under Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau on the 2nd of November 2013. It was an immunization against meningitis for persons between the age of 1-29. Many children responded positively and came out in their numbers to be immunized. The scenario left me with the question whether the people are indeed feeling the impact of the Government at all levels. The people to be candid looked dejected, rejected, sick, hungry and seemingly hopeless. 80% of the children were without shoes and wore torn clothes. Therefore, what is the government doing to enhance the living condition of people at both urban and rural areas.

As a matter of fact, those people have representatives in the three tiers of Government. The have a councillor, House Of Assembly member, Local Government Chairman, House of Representative member, senator, Governor and a president all ideally hoped to serve their interest and change their lives for the better. That is not the case in Danke village and many other towns and villages across the length and breadth of Nigeria. Constitutionally, the welfare of the people is the prime purpose of any Government. What are we seeing instead? The reverse of the case.

It is promising and a thing of joy that many NGOs and Foundations have taken the bull by the horns and are traversing the nooks and crannies of our dear country to explore hope of despair and to further correct the anomalies in our society and to also take a step of faith where government has failed. I salute and commend NGOs such as Stefanos Foundation, TY Danjuma Foundation, APURIMAC, Search for Common Grounds, Dachung Bagoss Foundation, TB Joshua Foundation, Ford Foundation, ActionAid, USAID, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and hordes of others creating maximum impact.

As human beings, we must love and care for the less-privileged persons. Let love lead the way. Let’s collectively ensure they have access to quality education, better welfare, health care services, social justice and unfettered expansion of their fundamental human rights. We must not allow darkness continue to prevail over their lives. Let my people smile.

By Satmak Dapar Alexandar

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Let my people smile -by Satmak Dapar Alexander