In the Grandiose Parlor…

I can’t readily think of instances of collaborative actions between the Nigerian government and the citizens and organizations in the private and nonprofit sectors working together as partners to accelerate innovative, results-oriented, and sustainable solutions to our nation’s social problems. One thing that is not very common—and really needed—in Nigeria is this public-private collaboration.

So what does it take to “accelerate innovative, results-oriented, and sustainable solutions”, using a phrase I borrow from the public innovators’ website?

First and foremost, those in charge must see themselves as problem-solvers, not politicians, ethnic lords or bureaucrats. Many governors are politicians thick and through, and see problem-solving a secondary assignment and task to be delegated to assistants and commissioners.

A problem–solving mindset brings about a sense of self awareness. A problem-solver would foster an atmosphere of inquisitiveness and seeks opportunities to collaborate and innovate. Among the Nigerian teeming political class, one can name those problem-solvers—there are just a handful of them around.