Nigeria Content Online

Some of the richest
Americans got together last month. The gathering was not a shindig to
celebrate their stupendous wealth nor was it a meeting to share tips on
stocks and investment. It was to announce a drive called the ‘Giving
Pledge’.

Initiated by
Microsoft guru, Bill Gates and Investment Legend, Warren Buffet, the
group in a statement released to the press said the aim of the pledge,
“ is to convince billionaires across the country to give up most of
their money – 50 percent or more – to charity.’’ The statement went
further to say, ‘‘ it is about asking wealthy families to have
important conversations about their wealth and how it will be used.’’
Already 40 American billionaires have committed to the ‘Giving Pledge’.
They include CNN founder Ted Turner, New York Mayor, Michael Bloomberg,
Hollywood Director, George Lucas, Oracle Founder, Larry Ellison and of
course Gates and Buffet. These moneybags will continue to speak to many
other billionaires as they hope to convince more to make the commitment.

Not surprisingly,
in America, the pledge has elicited mixed reactions. Some have
commended it and see it as indication that the American dream and what
one commentator described as ‘American exceptionalism’ are alive and
well and say the billionaires do America proud. Among conservatives,
the pledge has been described as a bleeding heart liberalist action
that is sure to not only encourage dependence but promote giving to
none productive sectors of the society. One commentator was even
uncharitable enough to suggest that these people are looking for
‘redemption’. Others were of the opinion that these billionaires would
better serve humanity if they kept investing their money in their
businesses and continue to provide jobs and help the economy grow.

If only we had the opportunity for these sorts of discussions in this country.

Here, our
moneybags, many of whom can hardly be described as ‘self made’ unlike
their American counterparts, would rather their money be safely locked
away in vaults in foreign banks. Never mind that much of their wealth
has been possible because they have received licenses, concessions and
all sorts of advantages from government, they are not much interested
in ploughing back into society.

Even getting them
to pay taxes is a neigh impossible feat. Ask Ifueko Omoigui Okauru,
head of the Federal Revenue Inland Service, the battles she faces
trying to get our wealthiest to pay what is a statutory obligation.

They don’t care
that taxes should be used to provide basic infrastructure. They build
mansions worth billions of dollars in glorified slums. Every so often,
they are able to take off on their jets to enjoy their other homes
situated in societies that actually function. This deludes them into
believing their lives are alright.

It is as if they
don’t realise that until and unless their societies are functional,
their worth does not amount to much in the eyes of the world.

It is a truism in
our personal life, that until we learn to like and respect ourselves,
it is unlikely that others will like and respect us.

It is a truism our
billionaires will do well to understand. Until and unless they can love
their country enough to work towards making it functional, they will
continue to be billionaires from a place no one likes and respects.
Whether they recognise it or not, it affects their standing everywhere
they go.

Some of our rich
people will argue this assessment is unfair. They will point to a
classroom block here and there that they built, the few millions given
to an orphanage or to sponsor a hospital ward. However, this is not
giving on a scale likely to transform society.

The irony of the
pledge by the American billionaires is that they have not limited their
giving to only their society. Many causes across the world will benefit
from their generosity. Indeed, already someone like Gates is having a
huge impact on lives through his foundation which is helping to tackle
life threatening diseases like AIDS and Malaria not just here in
Nigeria but all over the world.

So a few questions
to the Adenugas, Dangotes, Otedolas, Babalakins, Odogwus, Dantatas,
Ojukwus, Ibrus and all the rich in this country. How will history
remember you? Will you be remembered for your jets and mansions and
your ability to live blissfully in the midst of want and squalor or
will it be for making fundamental contributions that transformed your
society?