Come Saturday, 25 April 2026, as Onitsha hums with its usual vibrant energy—the traders hustling in the markets, students rushing to their last-minute revision spots, and families preparing for weekend plans—there’s an invisible but heavy question in the air: Do we really trust those in government?
For many of us, public trust in government has become a fragile commodity, heavily swayed by what we see—or don’t see. It might sometimes feel like no matter how many speeches our leaders make, how many promises are sung from podiums, the trust meter barely moves. Why is that? And more importantly, what can truly restore confidence in governance here in Onitsha and beyond?
The Problem with Speeches
Let’s be honest: politicians in Nigeria, including those governing our own Anambra State, often excel in the art of oratory. Speeches are crafted with flair—full of hope, grand plans, and sometimes rhetoric that sound like the climax of a blockbuster movie. For a brief moment, optimism spikes.
But then reality hits. The roads remain potholed, electricity supply is erratic, school facilities are dilapidated, and the hospitals sometimes lack basic supplies. When this disconnect between words and everyday experience widens, trust erodes fast.
- Example: In early 2026, the government announced a major "Onitsha Clean-Up Initiative," promising transformed streets by April. Yet, three months later, the main market roads were still littered, with drainage blocked and flooding when it rained. The speeches were many; the results, scarce.
Why Visible Results Matter More
Trust is a two-way street built on evidence. When citizens see tangible improvements—new street lights in their neighborhood, better traffic management, improved water supply—they begin to feel valued and heard. This is especially true in urban hubs like Onitsha, where everyday conveniences directly affect livelihoods.
Visible results signal accountability and a government’s willingness to deliver on promises. They also show respect for the people’s patience and support, which are not endless.
Consider an entrepreneur in Onitsha who has been bedeviled by erratic electricity throughout the year. A speech about power sector reforms sounds good, but when an upgraded transformer is installed in their area, reducing downtime significantly, that entrepreneur feels seen. Confidence in leadership grows.
The Role of Open Communication Paired with Actions
This is not to dismiss the importance of communication; in fact, transparent and regular updates about projects and challenges help bridge gaps between government and citizens. But updates must accompany progress — not replace it.
- Scenario: Take a community health centre upgrade project. If local government officials frequently visit, tell residents about what is being done, difficulties faced (say budget hiccups), and realistic timelines, citizens feel included. This way, when the new equipment finally arrives, the applause is loud and genuine.
What We Need to See More of
- Consistent small wins: Even minor improvements—fixing a broken streetlight, clearing market waste weekly—add up and show commitment.
- Accountability forums: Public town halls where citizens can query officials and get direct answers, with real commitment to act.
- Independent monitoring: Engaging community associations or trusted NGOs to track projects and share reports enhances trust.
- Respect for citizen input: Genuine involvement of local voices in decision-making ensures projects meet actual needs.
A Call to Citizens and Leaders
Government officials must realize that in places like Onitsha, trust is earned in the marketplace and on our streets, not only in grand auditoriums. Equally, as citizens, we have the power and right to demand transparency and results, not just empty words.
As we approach another election cycle or community meeting, reflect: Are we holding our leaders accountable for visible progress? And are we ready as a community to recognize and support genuine efforts?
Onitsha is full of resilient, resourceful people. Our leaders’ challenge is to match that spirit not just with speeches but with action.
What do you think?
- Have you ever been promised change by government but seen no real improvement? How did that affect your trust?
- What small government actions in your community made a big difference?
- How can ordinary citizens better track and demand accountability for government projects?