After a couple of my tweets went viral, I started getting DMs asking about easy entry points on getting engaged with politics and social change in Nigeria.

So here's a list of things you can start with NOW. I'll continue to update till perpetuity.

Here goes.
#Thread

Start here.

1) Watch "Journey of an African Colony: The Making of Nigeria" - My point is, know your history. How did Nigeria come about? A lot of present day issues are a camouflage of the consequences of colonialism. Read books too. Don't skip this step.

2) Read The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

There's no escaping it. How do you fight for social justice when you don't know the law? Do you know your rights? Is the law just and fair? Does it work for the most marginalised? Is it for every Nigerian or a few?

3) Watch "Knock Down the House". How did "unknown" women get themselves into the US Congress without Big Corp money? One of the things I love about this documentary is how the women went door to door, knocking and speaking to their constituents. Elections are won at the grassroot

4) Study "The Squad".
You don't have to like these women who have many firsts to their names, but you can respect their audacity in rejecting corporate funding and being radically true to their constituents as US Congresswomen. They are @AOC @RashidaTlaib @AyannaPressley @IlhanMN

5) Now, follow these handles -

@NGRSenate
@nassnigeria
@HouseNGR

And don't just scroll past their tweets. Watch, read & listen to what's happening in these decision making chambers of Nigeria. What bills are being considered? Who's opposing? When is the public hearing?

6) Follow these handles too

@BudgITng
@TrackaNG
@CivicHive
@UdemeNG

So many unfinished projects or infrastructure you see around you are budgeted for, these orgs track and monitor them. You can phone and email your reps to hold them accountable. This is your right.

7) Now, locate your local government council or local government development area.

Visit.
Who's your chairman?
Find out how to stay informed.
Attend council meetings.
Attend community town halls.

You want to hear what "Nigerians" really think? Listen to the grassroot.

8) Join a Party

I mean, research existing political parties. Research their history and founding members. Chances are you'll see what their values are without being told. Join if you want.

You know what they say, if you're not at the table, you're probably on the menu.

9) Prepare Your PVC

This needs no explanation. While we apply pressure on INEC starting PVC collection soonest amidst talks on e-voting, just prepare your PVC. Guard it with your heart. It is truly the symbol of your power.

10) Join a political/interest group

Especially for women, many groups and forums are educating and positioning women for 2023. In political terms, 2 years is such a short time to prepare to win an election. Follow these handles -

@ElectHER_NG
@womenpoliticsng

11) Form/join/morph into a lobby group

In the past week, what many people have termed "the need for leaders", I believe is the need for lobbyists. Why do US laws arguably tilt in favour of big pharma or animal agriculture? With the right people, influence and money...well...

12) Don't want Power Within? Go for Power Without.

You don't have to be an elected official to make social change but you could be their greatest nightmare. There's alot to activism than bold statements & a loud voice. You may stumble into it but activism is also learnt.

13) It is said that one of the best ways to achieve a desired goal is to follow the steps of someone who has gone before you. A few are - Stella Oduah, Oloye Akin Alabi, Shina Peller etc. You don't have to like them, just study what they did and see if there are learnings for you

14) Follow the news.

Social media generation must learn to follow the news, and more importantly, know how to wield the media. It is powerful. Social and digital is good, but do you know that radio is still the most utilised media of Nigerian masses? Lean into it.

15) If you've gotten this far, then you should know about fundamental human rights; a universal declaration which Nigeria is a states party to. You'll need to confront your cultural and religious biases. If not, you won't be different from the system you wish to change. Read

I'll just plug this here anyway, @shewriteswoman_ and @safeplaceng are my PLUG for life. Support us in giving mental health a voice in Nigeria by donating, amplifying our work and connecting us with much needed resources.

You're welcome

16) Vote Local.

The problem is that we think that once the president is someone we're inclined to, the system is magically fixed.

Be aware of your reps.
Know their stands on social issues. Know their past records. Ask them hard questions and vote. Then hold them accountable.

17) Follow tweets of people who are knowledgeable in certain areas.

@Nwankpa_A on Public Policy
@YarKafanchan on Governance
@ayosogunro on Human Rights

Just to mention a few.
I'm not asking you to make heroes of them, I'm asking you to read their tweets and learn from them.