Interview: Lessons from Mandela on Active Citizenship

A conversation with Osayuwamen Saleh on Ways TV x EiE Nigeria

Nelson Mandela remains one of the most enduring political and moral figures of the modern era. His life continues to shape conversations around leadership, justice, reconciliation, and civic responsibility long after the end of apartheid.

On July 14, 2025, I joined Osayuwamen Saleh on Ways TV under the EiE Nigeria platform for a conversation on Lessons from Mandela on Active Citizenship. The discussion examined Mandela's leadership philosophy and considered what lessons his legacy may hold for Nigeria and for citizens navigating contemporary political realities.

Our discussion moved through questions of leadership and integrity, education, accountability, tribalism, civic engagement, and the responsibilities citizens bear in shaping democratic institutions. We also explored whether meaningful change depends solely on leadership or whether citizens themselves have a role to play in sustaining reform.

The full interview can be watched below.

Transcript

Osayuwamen Saleh:

Nelson Mandela's legacy continues to offer valuable lessons for anyone who believes in active citizenship. His life showed that meaningful change becomes possible when people refuse to accept injustice and remain committed to causes greater than themselves.

As a young lawyer and member of the African National Congress, Mandela challenged oppressive systems and unjust laws. Even when that path led to imprisonment, he remained steadfast.

After spending twenty-seven years in prison, he emerged without bitterness, choosing reconciliation over retaliation and helping South Africa transition toward unity and healing.

To discuss the lessons we can draw from Mandela today, I am joined by legal writer and policy analyst Mide Alabi.

Thank you for joining us this evening.

Mide Alabi:

Thank you very much. I am delighted to be here.

I think this is an incredibly important conversation

.

Growing up, Mandela was one of those figures who felt larger than life.

I remember seeing him and being struck by his calm strength. Despite everything he endured, there was still a remarkable sense of resolve about him.

One of my strongest memories was in 2013 when he passed away. I remember watching the funeral ceremonies with my grandfather and seeing the scale of admiration and respect people had for him.

It became obvious that this was someone who meant a great deal, not just to South Africans, but to people around the world.

Mandela embodied selflessness. He devoted himself to an ideal that was larger than personal comfort or personal interest.

That is perhaps one of the most enduring aspects of his legacy. He fought for people rather than for himself.

I think leaders in Nigeria, and indeed all of us, still have much to learn from that example.

Osayuwamen Saleh:

One of the things that stands out about Mandela was his ability to emerge from prison without bitterness. That level of emotional restraint and forgiveness is extraordinary.

Mide Alabi:

Absolutely.

That kind of response requires tremendous strength because bitterness can easily consume people after suffering and injustice.

Mandela seemed to understand something important. Once anger and resentment take control of you, it becomes difficult to lead from a place of purpose.

He understood that healing a nation required something larger than personal grievances.

Osayuwamen Saleh:

Mandela also believed strongly in education. He famously said:

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

Many people would argue that across parts of Africa today, education has increasingly been neglected.

How do we begin to restore its importance?

Mide Alabi:

I think that is a very important question.

I still believe strongly in the Nigerian educational system despite its shortcomings. Like many institutions in the country, it reflects broader societal challenges, but I also believe meaningful improvement remains possible.

Some months ago, I wrote an article in Premium Times discussing the controversies surrounding examination outcomes and broader questions around educational standards.

My point was not simply to criticize institutions. It was also to highlight the role of citizens and independent stakeholders.

People spoke up. People demanded answers.

That matters because active citizenship requires us to refuse the role of passive observers. Education can become a powerful instrument of change only when citizens consistently hold institutions accountable and insist on better outcomes.

Osayuwamen Saleh:

Mandela also believed that democracy extends beyond voting. Citizenship requires participation, engagement, and responsibility.

Mide Alabi:

I completely agree.

Many people think citizenship begins and ends at the ballot box, but democratic responsibility extends much further.

Citizens must participate in public conversations, demand accountability, engage institutions and remain informed.

We often forget that political leaders do not emerge from thin air. They emerge from societies and systems that citizens themselves help shape.

That means our responsibility does not end after elections.

Osayuwamen Saleh:

Nigeria also struggles with questions of tribalism and division. Mandela worked to unite people across racial and political lines. How do we begin to encourage that kind of leadership and citizenship here?

Mide Alabi:

Nigeria is a deeply multicultural society, which means questions around ethnicity and identity will always exist.

The challenge is ensuring those identities do not become barriers to national progress.

Mandela's movement itself was diverse. People from different backgrounds came together around a common ideal. I think that lesson applies here as well.

When the collective goal becomes large enough, divisions begin to matter less.

The EndSARS movement reinforced this belief for me. People set aside tribal and religious differences and gathered around a shared purpose.

The question then becomes simple: What matters more? Protecting divisions or pursuing a better future together?

Final Reflection

Mide Alabi:

I think I will end with a quote from Martin Niemoller that has always stayed with me:

“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out, because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out, because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out, because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.”

The broader message behind that quote is that silence eventually reaches everyone.

The road toward meaningful change is rarely easy. We have seen setbacks, disappointments, and frustrations.

But Mandela spent twenty-seven years in prison and never abandoned the larger goal.

For young people especially, this is not the time for discouragement.

Whether you live in Nigeria or outside the country, continue paying attention. Continue contributing where you can.

We need to move from merely thinking about change to actively participating in it.

A better future requires action.