End Tribalism in Nigeria Today!
Guess what happened during my NYSC days in Kwara state!
I fell in love with the Yorubas in Ilorin (Majeasurawa-Ganmo area). They were very kind to corps members.
So, I adopted the name Kunle.
I made new friends, connected with the community, stayed in and created massive impact that got the attention of the media and state government through Heal the Niger Initiative (HeNI), a NGO we formed. Bunmi Jembola NNEOMA NWOSU , Teni, Voke, Mike... can I get an amen?
That was the Nigeria we knew when boys were growing into men!
But in recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a concerning surge in tribally-motivated posts on social media. This digital tribalism, characterized by hate speech and divisive rhetoric, has infiltrated online conversations, eroding the nation's social fabric. As the country boasts a vibrant professional class (4.2% of LinkedIn’s total membership – 9.7 million Nigerians), it is imperative that we leverage our influence to foster unity and understanding.
This, my friend, is a passionate appeal to you!
Philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah has aptly observed, "We are all citizens of the world, and we have a responsibility to each other." This sentiment echoes the need for Nigerians to transcend tribal affiliations and embrace a shared identity. Corporate Nigeria, with its vast reach and resources, can play a pivotal role in driving this cultural shift. Nigeria is one!
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Data from various online platforms reveal a disturbing trend of #tribal bias and #discrimination in public discourse. This toxic environment not only fuels social unrest but also hinders economic progress. By promoting inclusivity and tolerance, corporate Nigeria can create a more conducive environment for businesses and individuals to thrive.
If you keep quiet when you should speak up, you’re not any different from them!
One effective #strategy is to invest in educational initiatives that promote cultural understanding and empathy. Corporate-sponsored workshops and seminars can equip individuals with the tools to recognize and challenge tribal stereotypes. Additionally, partnerships with educational institutions can help integrate these values into the curriculum. But this seems too external and futuristic.
What can you do today in your sphere of influence?
You can utilize your platforms to amplify the voices of peacemakers and unity advocates. By showcasing positive #examples of intertribal cooperation and collaboration in your various #offices, you can inspire others to follow suit. Moreover, supporting community-based initiatives that bridge tribal divides can foster a sense of shared belonging and responsibility. In simple terms, #support the community where your business is located.
There’s a lot to say but I will conclude this post like this…
The escalating tribal tensions in Nigeria demand urgent attention. Corporate #Nigeria, as a powerful force in society, has a unique opportunity to contribute to a more harmonious and #united nation. By investing in #advocacy, promoting #inclusivity, and amplifying the voices of peacemakers, you can help create a digital landscape that is free from tribal bias and hate speech.
Just do your best, and leave the rest to theirs!
Financial Inclusion || Agent Banking || Digital Financial Services
2 个月Tereigh Banks Ozakpo You are spot on, albeit, the family, considered the basic unit of society, plays a significant role in cleansing the land of this menace. The seed of tribalism is sown and fertilized by those who nurtured and modelled us. we are told to relate with A and B because B is from a particular region labelled for X reasons. This advocacy must be taken to the doorstep of this basic unit of society. #AunitedNigeriaispossible, #AunitedNigeriabeginswithme #UnitedNigeriawillstand
Corporate Finance Specialist | Mergers & Acquisitions, Project Finance Proficiency
2 个月Tereigh Banks Ozakpo, I completely agree with your perspective. Tribalism indeed runs deep in Nigeria, and it often begins with subtle influences at home. The way we raise our children, the attitudes we project towards our neighbours, and even the silent messages we pass on can contribute to the larger issue of division. It is unfortunate that such a mindset has taken root, creating an "us vs. them" mentality that damages the unity we so desperately need. Charity truly begins at home, and mindset is essential if we are to foster a society that values empathy, respect, and inclusivity. It is not just about promoting these values in our workplaces or communities—it is about embedding them in our daily lives, in the way we interact with our family, friends, and colleagues. If we can teach love, kindness, and equality in the small spaces we inhabit, we can begin to chip away at the larger issue of tribalism that plagues our nation. I pray for the strength and wisdom to overcome this deep-seated challenge and for a future where every Nigerian can be seen and valued for their humanity, not their tribe. May God save Nigeria and lead us towards unity.
Real Estate Advisor || Sales Specialist
2 个月Well said boss!Tereigh Banks Ozakpo, this should not be tolerated in any way.
Dedicated to driving business growth and development
2 个月Well said Tereigh. Let's promote peaceful coexistence both in our private and public lives. It’s important for each of us to reject any ethno-religious rhetoric in our environments and avoid becoming emergency peacekeepers only when our preferred side is losing or winning in tribal or religious confrontations. Just as we value competence and excellence in the workplace, we should hold our political leaders to the same standards and not allow and enable them to divide us with premodial sentiments to hide their incompetence.
Lead UX Designer @SystemSpecs Technology | UX Researcher | Design Strategist
2 个月Well said Tereigh Banks. Discrimination should not be tolerated at any level. Thank you for sharing!