Taking care of our neighbours and other people is one of the obligations humans ought to cultivate, to make life worthwhile.
It is a universal principle and the essence of living a peaceful, rewarding and safe life.
In Africa, the practice of keeping up with our neighbours, including family members, is customary.
However, in recent times, sociologists observe that being one’s brother’s keeper is somewhat a hoax.
But why are we not showing much care and concern towards one another; are we still our brother’s keeper, and do we still hold the culture of helping one another sacredly?
The News Agency of Nigeria spoke with some people in Abuja to get their views on the issue.
Mr Emmanuel Okafor, a resident of Abuja, believes that people no longer show much care and concern.
“We no longer show much care, concern and love as our forebears’ used to show towards each other, seeing another man’s challenges as his, and we see all around him like family.
“Money is not actually everything, but showing love and care towards another is part of it, and by doing so, I think that we will also build the nation and encourage the needy,” he said.
Another Abuja resident, Mr Salami Ahmed, said one of the major problems was religious and tribal discrimination, which was horrible because it did not help humanity and its growth.
“Tribal and religious discrimination is one major issue that has caused a setback in the society, community and nation as a whole, which is so horrible.
“We should consider ourselves as one big family, one nation, and also see ourselves as serving the same God; by so doing, we are moving our community and nation forward, “ he said.
Mrs Aisha Rasheed, a trader, said people didn’t care who you were, what tribe you are, or religion you profess, now people love living a private life, which has really destroyed our culture of love and togetherness.
“People don’t even care to know the kind of profession or their neighbour does, but when there is love, I don’t think that would be a problem.
“Living a private life like ‘only me and my family’ not even considering people around you has destroyed the culture of love and togetherness,” she said.
Mr Adeshina Remi, a civil servant, believes that the mentality of residents of Abuja and other cities is that they were there for business and they had no time for other people.
“This is why we have all the security challenges because people are too self-centred.
“ Giving out cash is not worth it; some people in the community might need care, support and attention.
“What I can say is that we can still be our brother’s keepers by having genuine love towards one another, as it can be seen in the holy books, irrespective of religion or tribe, “ he said. (NAN)
