Can a citizen truly say: I love my city because it protects me… My voice matters here… This place was planned with me in mind… This place feels like home… That is the true meaning of belonging
RECENT flooding has caused severe hardship across many communities. Climate change and unusually heavy rainfall may be contributing factors, but their effects have been worsened by blocked drains, neglected canals, destroyed wetlands, indiscriminate development and a poor maintenance culture.
Rain may be natural. Disaster is often man-made.
Belonging cannot flourish where citizens repeatedly lose property to preventable flooding or where developments capable of transforming neighbourhoods are approved without properly assessing their environmental and social consequences.
Communities should be consulted through genuine town hall meetings. Local governments must also be empowered and held accountable for routine maintenance because no state government can effectively manage every neighbourhood drain, road, market and public space from the centre.
Belonging is strengthened when neighbourhoods provide schools, clinics, markets, parks, recreation and transport close to residents.
Local sports also matter. Shooting Stars, Mighty Jets, Stationery Stores and other clubs once gave Nigerians powerful local identities. Today, many of us feel more attached to foreign clubs than to teams within our own communities.
Ultimately, belonging is a partnership.
Citizens must protect public property and keep their environment clean. Government must provide infrastructure worth protecting—and maintain what it builds.
Can a citizen truly say:
I love my city because it protects me.
My voice matters here.
This place was planned with me in mind.
This place feels like home.
That is the true meaning of belonging.
