True charity embodies the principles of humility, kindness, and selflessness, characterized by a genuine commitment to serving others without expectation of reward or recognition. It involves prioritizing the needs of others, dedicating oneself to making a meaningful impact, and working tirelessly to improve the lives of those around us.
In Nigeria, charity has evolved into a complex issue, where some individuals leverage it as a means to enhance their public image rather than genuinely assisting those in need. Truly altruistic individuals, driven by a selfless desire to serve, would not feel compelled to publicize their charitable deeds on social media to garner followers. Instead, they would humbly dedicate themselves to serving others, motivated by a genuine desire to create a positive impact.
This underscores the notion that philanthropy is most effective when it is devoid of personal gain. When companies like MTN, notorious for exploiting Nigerians through exorbitant prices and subpar services, tout their charitable endeavours, it amounts to little more than a form of regressive redistribution, where the very individuals they claim to assist are often the same ones they have profited from exploiting.
Performative Charity
The widespread adoption of social media has contributed to the emergence of a culture of performative charity, wherein certain individuals prioritize self-promotion over substantive assistance. Rather than utilizing their platforms to raise awareness about critical issues or inspire others to contribute, these individuals share images and videos of their charitable endeavours primarily to accumulate social media engagement metrics.
The stark contrast between their financial gains and the actual impact of their philanthropy is striking. While they accrue millions from their followers, the beneficiaries of their charity often receive only a fraction of that amount, mere thousands. Moreover, the benefits reaped by these influencers are not limited to financial gains; the transactional nature of their charity prompts a fundamental question about their true motivations – are they genuinely committed to helping others, or are they primarily focused on cultivating a lucrative brand?
It is noteworthy that the recent surge in social media activism and philanthropy coincides with the monetization of platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. As opportunities for substantial earnings through foreign monetized accounts became apparent to Nigerians, a marked increase in ‘altruistic’ individuals has been observed. This trend raises important questions regarding the motivations underlying this newfound altruism: is it genuinely driven by a desire to assist others, or is it merely a strategic attempt to capitalize on a lucrative opportunity?
Effective Charity
The phenomenon of performative charity is particularly concerning in Nigeria, where poverty, inequality, and social injustice are widespread and deeply entrenched. While genuine charity can be a potent instrument for addressing these issues, performative charity undermines its value and impact by prioritizing self-promotion over meaningful assistance.
Moreover, the efficacy of charitable giving extends beyond the amount donated; the underlying strategy is equally crucial. Simply distributing funds without empowering individuals to breakfree from the cycle of dependency can be counterproductive, potentially undermining the very purpose of the charity. Although some argue that any form of aid is better than none, excessive aid can foster dependency. It can also absolve governments of their responsibilities, exacerbate systemic issues, and leave the intended beneficiaries in a precarious state.
When aid is provided without a focus on teaching self-sufficiency, it can have the unintended consequence of eroding people’s dignity and motivation, rendering them reliant on external assistance rather than cultivating resilience and independence. In contrast, genuine charity seeks to break cycles of dependency by equipping individuals with the tools, skills, and knowledge necessary to thrive autonomously. By adopting this approach, charity not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the foundation for stronger, more sustainable communities over time.
Nigeria as an example
In Nigeria, a concerning narrative persists among some well-intentioned individuals, who advise the poor to rely on divine providence, suggesting that they should “just get married,” “just have children,” and “not worry, God will provide.” This advice, coupled with the perception of charitable organizations as a reliable safety net, can inadvertently incentivize the poor to have more children than they can adequately care for, thereby perpetuating cycles of poverty, which is the foundation of the Almajiri system.
Moreover, charity can create a misleading narrative of progress, diverting attention away from the systemic issues that require urgent attention. The controversy surrounding USAID, where millions of dollars intended for humanitarian aid were allegedly mismanaged or diverted by NGOs, underscores the imperative for accountability and transparency in charitable endeavours. In a society where authentic support is desperately needed, performative charity erodes trust in charitable efforts, undermines the work of genuinely committed individuals and organizations, and can foster a culture of skepticism and mistrust towards philanthropy.
Nigeria’s pressing social challenges necessitate thoughtful, sustainable solutions that address the root causes of these problems, rather than fleeting publicity stunts that offer only superficial relief.
Disclaimer: While this article critiques certain aspects of charity and philanthropy, there are many dedicated organizations and individuals working tirelessly to make a positive impact in Nigeria and beyond. If you’re inspired to support charitable causes, we encourage you to research and donate to reputable organizations such as the charity work of Anja Ringgren Lovén, Médecins Sans Frontières, or Gates Philanthropy Partners, among others that align with your values and goals.
By ESS Donli