My experiences with giving and taking tips: free volition or entitlement

Ilorin is one of the most beautiful and peaceful cities in Nigeria, one you can confidently and comfortably navigate without a worry of exorbitant extortion. One of the few times I took a certain route in town, I encountered a police officer who stops every car and, amazingly surprisingly, cheerfully greets the driver and other commuters. I noticed this comely attitude of his even while plying the other side of the road. His attitude not only gives me a sense of safety but also convinces me that there are exceptional officers of the Nigerian police. Perhaps he is the epitome of the 'officer (individual) making the office (position)' and not the other way around. He is such an individual I love to intentionally encounter while being on Nigerian roads. Unlike the many police officers who ask for tips even when you have no reason to, the officer in question was one I willingly gave without him asking. And though it was a token, he was very appreciative, and I loved his facial expression of gratitude.

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Yet again, I had a similar encounter with a lady road traffic officer who discharged her duty with all charm and smiles. I know there have been videos of officers who spiced directing traffic by dancing, but for the index lady officer, it was her cheerfulness that made me give her a token and not because she asked for it.

Sometimes in August, an elderly man walked into my office purposely to carry out an assignment, but when he was told he could table his concerns as a complaint, he was directed to me, and after carefully listening to his ordeal, I gave him a note to give somebody in the hospital, which caused him the inconvenience since April. He had waited for about four months to get his glass spectacle but was only given excuses upon excuses. About two hours later, I missed several calls on my phone, and when I called back, it was the same elderly man. While trying to return his call, I saw him walking through my office door, wearing his glasses and looking different and happy. There he sat me down and disclosed how easy it had been for him to get the glasses he had pursued. I apologized and sympathized for all the troubles he encountered before then, and just before he left the office, he squeezed a token into my hand, which I refused vehemently, but he was more persistent and pleaded I give him that honor, which I eventually obliged.

But, like many other Nigerians, we have encountered people who requested for tips as though it were their birthright. An officer once asked me to give him a tip, and when I offered him a token, I felt I should give him so as to let peace reign since he was adamant. He was displeased, saying that was too small, and told me if I wouldn't give him something tangible, I should drive off, which I did with all pleasure, knowing fully well I didn't owe him any obligation.

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Tipping can be of a free will volition or such as a form of exploitation from the individual requesting. Unfortunately, people who ask for tips feel a sense of entitlement despite carrying out their supposed duties and would rather create an inconvenience and embarrassment for the individual instead.

Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.

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