Today, the second day of the Co-Creation Workshop on the theme, “Voices in Motion: Co-Creation Lab for Inclusive Advocacy and Organizational Growth,” commenced on a thought-provoking note.
To set the tone for the day’s conversations, participants were invited to reflect on a simple yet powerful story — one that speaks deeply about representation, ownership, and the true meaning of Co-Creation.
Why Co-Creation Matters
Co-Creation is more than just collaboration; it is about working with people rather than for them. It ensures that every voice — especially those often unheard — is represented, valued, and reflected in the decisions that shape communities and organizations.
When people are actively involved in creating solutions, they develop a stronger sense of ownership, understanding, and shared responsibility. On the other hand, even the best-designed ideas or laws can fail when those most affected by them are excluded from the process.
To illustrate this, a story was shared that perfectly captures the essence of inclusion and participation.
The King, the Law, and the People
Once upon a time, there was a wise king who had ruled his kingdom for many years. As he grew older, he realized the importance of preparing for the day when new leaders would take over.
However, there was a major challenge — no existing laws or systems ensured peace and stability after the king’s reign. Determined to fix this, the king called his council together and said,
“We must make laws that will help our people live together in harmony, even after I am gone.”
The council worked tirelessly to draft fair and beautiful laws. When the work was done, the king proudly presented them to his people:
“My people, these laws will guide us to live together in peace and fairness, long after I have left the throne.”
The people rejoiced and welcomed the new laws. But soon after the king stepped down, chaos and destruction spread across the land.
Confused and heartbroken, the people asked, “Why is there chaos when we have such good laws?”
One wise elder replied, “It is because the laws were not properly implemented or followed. There was no coordination or strict enforcement.”
Another villager added, “Perhaps the laws failed because they were not made by the people themselves. The king and his council made them for us, but not with us.”
And so, the people learned an important lesson — for laws or systems to succeed, everyone must be included in their creation. True peace and progress come from shared ownership.
A Lesson from History: The 1999 Nigerian Constitution
This story mirrors a real event in Nigeria’s history.
In 1998, as Nigeria prepared to transition from military rule to democracy, a group of leaders drafted what would become the 1999 Constitution. The effort marked a major milestone in the nation’s democratic journey.
However, even after the dawn of democracy, the country continued to face challenges — corruption, injustice, and social unrest. Many Nigerians felt that the Constitution, though well-intentioned, lacked broad representation. Like the villagers in the story, they believed the laws were made for the people, but not necessarily by the people.
The lesson is clear: Good laws and structures alone are not enough. Inclusion, participation, and transparency are the real foundations of sustainable governance.
Reflections and Key Takeaways
The story prompted participants at the Co-Creation Workshop to reflect on crucial questions:
- Why did the king decide to make new laws before stepping down?
➤ He wanted to ensure peace and good governance after his reign.
- What happened after the king left the throne?
➤ Despite the new laws, chaos spread because they were not properly implemented or owned by the people. - Why did the laws fail?
➤ The people were not included in creating them, and there was no strong system of enforcement or accountability. - How does this relate to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution?
➤ Like the king’s laws, the Constitution was drafted by a few, leading to gaps in representation and challenges in governance. - What can we learn from this?
➤ True Co-Creation happens when people are not just beneficiaries but co-authors of the change they seek.
Closing
The story of The King, the Law, and the People serves as a timeless reminder: inclusion is not optional — it is essential.
Whether in governance, advocacy, or organizational growth, Co-Creation invites us to share power, listen deeply, and build together. Because when people participate in shaping their own future, progress becomes sustainable, meaningful, and truly representative of everyone’s voice.
