Cross That Bridge

In 2019, I was aggressive about developing myself. I attended at least one personal development event/class every month. If I had the time and the money, I went for it.

The most interesting thing was that 90% of the events were in Kaduna South and I was the only one from Kaduna North. In many cases, I was the only Muslim. It got me worried. Not because of my safety but why more people from KD North were not attending such events.

To fully understand my worry, you need to understand the dynamic between Kaduna North and Kaduna South.

There is a divide between the two and I'm not talking about the small bridge that actually separates them. A majority of the southerners are Christians while the Muslims reside in the north. We pretend like we're cool but in fact, everyone watches each other closely.

We act like we are one but the smallest thing divides us. The northerners are scared of spending too much time than necessary in the south. And vice versa.

You go to work/school, you come back home. That's it. And both sides also look down on the other.

This thinking goes beyond just Kaduna. It is the same way many people think in Nigeria - my people are better than you people. I am safer at home. But you are also poorer staying at home. It's one of the reasons why many of us are unable to work together to build our nation.

During my NYSC in Cross River, I was fortunate enough to visit several LGAs. I met many people who had never travelled passed Uyo & Rivers. In 1 community, I was the 1st the Fulani they ever met. I've had to explain to many that Hausa & Fulani are actually different tribes.

One lady said she thought Fulanis are only herdsmen. She was impressed I could speak English and operate a computer. The only information most people have about other people is what the see/hear on the news and from other people's account.

People from Cross River are some of the nicest people I ever met. They treated me kindly and did everything they could to make me feel at home. They were grateful that I took a chance and stayed to serve in their state. And I loved every minute of my stay. S?s???!

Same with the folks in Kaduna South. I have met many brilliant professionals that know their stuff who are only popular in the south. If they won't come to us, why can't we go to them? Why can't we go the extra mile for our personal development?

There's also the subtle notion among northerners that they're better than southerners, not just in Kaduna but in Nigeria. And probably vice versa. Apart from Lagos, there're other states worth visiting doing amazing work in your industry. Challenge yourself. Cross that bridge.

That kind of thinking is what keeps us poor.

It was Douglas Kruger that once said, "leaving the ranks of the poor may mean leaving the ranks of the poor." In essence, we need to stop thinking like the poor who simply accept that they can never be as good as the rich.

Seek knowledge wherever possible. That thing you are looking for is with others. Whatever it is. Nobody can make it alone. Whatever side you are and see an educational event that is on the other side, cross that bridge when you get there.

Learn as much as you can.