No One Should Be Treated As A Stranger In Their Own Country

Nigeria is a country of many cultures, ethnic groups, languages and traditions. But our differences should never become a reason to discriminate against one another.

In different parts of the country, people are sometimes judged or treated differently simply because of where they come from, their local government, state or ethnic group. Someone may be told, “You are not from here,” and treated as though they do not belong. Others face disrespect, rejection and unfair treatment because they are Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba or from another ethnic group.

This should not be normal. When people are constantly treated as inferior or made to feel unwanted, it can affect their confidence and create deeper divisions in society. Nobody should be made to feel like a slave or less of a human being because of their identity or place of origin. Nigeria's diversity should be a source of strength, not discrimination. We must learn to respect one another, embrace our differences and understand that we can come from different backgrounds and still belong to one nation.

We must say no to discrimination. We must say no to ethnic hatred. We must say no to division.

Next Africa Daily believes that our differences should never take away our respect for one another.