By Olamilekan Quadri Development is never an accident. It is the outcome of deliberate choices, by leaders who set direction and by citizen...
By Olamilekan Quadri
Development is never an accident. It is the outcome of deliberate choices, by leaders who set direction and by citizens who insist on standards. Even the most visionary leaders cannot build alone; as the proverb reminds us, a single tree does not make a forest. In every thriving society, you will find an often-misunderstood group working alongside government, business, faith communities, and youth: critics. Criticism done well is not sabotage; it is quality control for public life.
The difference between criticism and cynicism is purpose. Criticism tests ideas against evidence and suggests better options. Cynicism assumes bad faith and seeks a win on social points rather than public outcomes. Societies need the first to correct course; they are corroded by the second.
History shows how constructive critique raises standards. Investigative reporting and policy routinely uncover gaps and save lives. For example, in health care, structured maternal-death reviews in Nigerian hospitals have identified preventable factors and informed improvements in care delivery, evidence that systematic, data-driven critique can reduce risk and refocus resources where they matter most – Badagry Mother & Child Care Maternity Unit as an example.
However, professional critics can hit an overreach trap, when the persona overshadows the purpose. A widely reported 2014 incident led to U.S. film critic Armond White being expelled from the New York Film Critics Circle after heckling at an awards ceremony, an instructive case of how theatrics can erode credibility and community trust. By contrast, longtime New York Times critic A. O. Scott publicly stepped away from film reviewing in 2023, moving to books and reflecting on how the critic–audience relationship had changed—an example of recalibrating one’s role when the ecosystem shifts. On the home front is Daniel Regha, who criticises everything and in recent times has seen a decline in his popularity.
Critics keep the collective compass true only when they stay aligned to facts, context, and outcomes. Leaders, for their part, demonstrate strength when they invite rigorous feedback and show what they changed because of it. A World Critics’ Day would not glorify naysaying; it would institutionalize better conversations—so that scrutiny produces solutions, not just noise.
For these reasons, critics deserve global recognition. They are an essential part of the social architecture, ensuring accountability, shaping higher standards, and providing a mirror through which societies can measure their progress. Just as we celebrate workers, teachers, journalists, and innovators, it is only fair to honor critics for their indispensable role in development and growth. A World Critics’ Day would be a symbolic yet powerful reminder that no society thrives without those who question, challenge, and push it toward better.
My name is Olamilekan Quadri is a Personal Assistant on Media, Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, Member, House of Representatives, Badagry Federal Constituency.
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