Heroes don’t need capes – what’s important is an act of service.
Amid Nigeria’s worsening economic struggles, rising inflation, and the escalating cost of living, leadership rooted in selflessness and sacrifice has become more critical than ever. In a compelling reflection, renowned leadership coach and nation-builder Fela Durotoye shared his personal journey of unpaid public service, urging Nigerians to rethink their approach to governance and civic responsibility.
Durotoye, who served as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Values and Social Justice (SSA-NVSJ) from October 2023 to March 2024, revealed his six-month stint in public service was entirely self-funded. He declined a government salary and bore all personal and operational costs, including accommodation, transportation, and utilities. “I considered this my contribution to my beloved nation,” he stated, painting the need for sacrificial leadership during challenging times.
This decision as he spills in this opinion piece, was rooted in his unwavering commitment to nation-building, which has defined his career for over two decades. Durotoye highlighted how he and his team of unpaid volunteers crafted a national plan for civic engagement to inspire millions of Nigerians to embrace leadership values and work collectively toward a better future. Their work, which aimed to engage 50 million Nigerians by 2025, was done without government funding, donor contributions, or external support.
In recounting his experience, Durotoye also spotlighted the often-overlooked sacrifices of others serving selflessly in and out of government. He spoke of professionals who left thriving careers, took pay cuts, or relocated from the diaspora to contribute to Nigeria’s progress. Among them were individuals like Jimi Tewe, who traveled at his own expense to attend meetings, and George Omoraro of Rage Media, whose company produced high-quality project materials at no cost to the government.
“These are the unsung heroes of Nigeria,” Durotoye declared.
He noted that their efforts stand in stark contrast to the widespread perception of public officials as self-serving and corrupt. While he acknowledged the existence of “villains” in government, he cautioned against the tendency to paint all public servants with the same brush. “Not everyone in government is a thief,” he emphasized, urging Nigerians to recognize and support those genuinely committed to making a difference.
Durotoye also criticized the negative rhetoric on social media, which often discourages capable individuals from stepping forward to serve. “Trolling and public attacks only undermine the heroes we need while having no impact on the villains,” he said. He stressed the importance of creating an environment where credible individuals feel encouraged to volunteer their expertise and resources for national development.
The civic engagement plan developed during Durotoye’s tenure includes ambitious goals such as mobilizing one million public officers for values-based leadership training and creating employment opportunities for five million Nigerians through nation-building projects. These efforts, he explained, aim to foster a culture of service excellence and inspire citizens to take ownership of Nigeria’s development.
Durotoye’s vision extends beyond public service, urging citizens to contribute in other capacities such as civil society, private enterprise, and community initiatives. He outlined critical areas where heroes are needed, including healthcare, education, security, and environmental sustainability. “Nigeria needs heroes in every sector to address the challenges that threaten our nation’s future,” he said.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by selfless public servants, Durotoye noted the personal costs borne by volunteers like his team members, who worked across time zones and sacrificed family time. Despite these sacrifices, he argued, the dedication of these individuals offers hope for a brighter future. “These heroes inspire us to believe that we can build the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.
“Nigeria’s greatness depends on the willingness of its people to rise and make sacrifices. Together, we can build the nation we all dream of.”
Durotoye concluded with a passionate call to action, encouraging Nigerians to step up as heroes in their respective fields. “The labor of our heroes, past and present, shall never be in vain. Be the hero Nigeria needs today,” he implored.
His message is a powerful reminder that the path to national transformation lies in the hands of ordinary citizens willing to make extraordinary sacrifices.
