By Dada Ahmed.
(C) Google/Pngtree.
Boxing Day, marked globally on December 26, traces its roots to medieval Europe, particularly Britain, where it was traditionally a day when churches opened their alms boxes to distribute gifts, food, and money to the poor.
The practice was closely linked to Christian values of charity, compassion, and service to humanity, reinforcing the idea that the joy of Christmas should extend beyond families to the less privileged in society.
Over time, Boxing Day evolved from a purely charitable observance into a public holiday in many Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria. It became associated with family visits, relaxation, sports, and communal bonding. Yet, beneath its modern recreational outlook lies a deeper moral essence, reminding people of the essence of shared humanity, social responsibility, and the need to bridge divides created by inequality, exclusion, and neglect.
Experience shows that Nigeria’s development journey has been persistently hindered by ethnic and cultural divisions that foster suspicion rather than solidarity. Long-standing narratives of “us versus them” have weakened national cohesion, making it difficult for citizens to see beyond primordial identities. These divisions often shape political choices, access to opportunities, and social trust, eroding the sense of collective destiny essential for nation-building.
Pronounced insecurity, ranging from banditry and terrorism to communal clashes and kidnappings, has further strained human relationships across regions. Fear has replaced trust, while communities increasingly retreat into defensive isolation. This climate discourages cooperation, stifles economic activity, and deepens psychological trauma, especially among youths who grow up seeing violence as a recurring norm.
Economic pressures, including unemployment, inflation, and widening inequality, have compounded social frustration. When basic needs are unmet, patience thins and intolerance grows. Many Nigerians feel excluded from the promise of national prosperity, leading to resentment, migration pressures, and declining faith in institutions. These conditions negatively shape interpersonal relationships, turning competition for survival into conflict rather than collaboration.
While peace-loving Nigerians seek lasting solutions to these socioeconomic challenges, many citizens see Boxing Day as a symbolic reset button. The optimism lies in the fact that December 26 offers Nigerians an opportunity to reset national consciousness. Beyond festivities, Boxing Day can be reclaimed as a day of reflection on shared challenges and common hopes. Its original spirit of giving provides a moral framework for rebuilding empathy, reminding citizens that sustainable development begins with concern for one another.
Boxing Day can also be used to manage emotions in a polarised society such as Nigeria. This is because effective nation-building, derivable from occasions such as Boxing Day, starts with emotional intelligence. Therefore, Nigerians must learn to manage anger, fear, and resentment, especially in public discourse. Boxing Day can inspire calm conversations across ethnic, religious, and political lines, encouraging listening rather than shouting.
Moreover, emotional restraint creates space for understanding and reduces the tendency to dehumanise others.
Positive relationships thrive on respect and fairness. Communities can use the post-Christmas period to organise inter-ethnic visits, dialogues, and shared celebrations that humanise “the other.” Simple acts, such as shared meals, joint community projects, and cultural exchanges, can gradually dismantle stereotypes and restore interpersonal bonds.
Unity must move beyond rhetoric into daily practice. Nigerians can leverage Boxing Day to renew commitment to national values by supporting inclusive policies, rejecting hate speech, and promoting merit over favouritism. Unity is most effective when citizens see it as a tool for solving problems, not merely a patriotic chant.
No doubt, grassroots initiatives are critical. As such, faith-based groups, traditional institutions, and civil society organisations can turn Boxing Day into an annual platform for community service, clean-up exercises, aid to vulnerable families, and peace outreaches. Such collective actions reinforce shared responsibility and demonstrate unity in action.
Young Nigerians, often the most affected by unemployment and insecurity, must be actively engaged. Boxing Day programmes that focus on mentorship, skills development, and civic education can redirect youthful energy towards productivity. The basic fact is that when youths feel valued and included, they become ambassadors of peace rather than instruments of discord.
Since constructive dialogue has been acknowledged as an essential element for healing national wounds, December 26 can be institutionalised as a day for town hall meetings and interfaith discussions where grievances are aired respectfully. Such meetings will go a long way in helping to manage emotions, correct misinformation, and build consensus on local and national issues.
Peaceful coexistence directly influences economic growth. Trust encourages investment, trade, and innovation. By embracing the unifying spirit of Boxing Day, Nigerians can foster environments where businesses thrive, resources are shared fairly, and development initiatives enjoy community support.
Political, religious, and traditional leaders have a duty to model unity. Their Boxing Day messages and actions should emphasise reconciliation, inclusion, and service. When leaders demonstrate emotional maturity and respect for diversity, citizens are more likely to mirror those values.
In the final analysis, it must be stressed that the power of Boxing Day lies in its potential to transcend a single date.
If Nigerians internalise its core values,compassion, generosity, unity, and emotional balance
Boxing Day can inspire a year-long commitment to peace and meaningful development.
In doing so, the day becomes not just a public holiday, but a quiet catalyst for national renewal that can translate into lasting social, economic, and political development for Nigeria and its citizens.
Ahmed is a publisher and a former head of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kogi State.
