Tribalism Is Destroying Nigeria

Nigeria has many problems, but one problem we should not ignore is tribalism. People are treated differently because of the tribe or state they come from. This is hurting our unity as a country.

Before we blame the government for everything, we should also look at ourselves. The Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba are the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria. We may speak different languages and have different cultures, but we are all Nigerians.

Why should someone say, “This person is not my brother because he comes from another tribe”? Why should we treat people badly because they come from another state? We are all part of the same country.

The problem also happens among people from the same ethnic group. Some people try to show that they are better than others because of the state or area they come from.

Instead of coming together, we keep creating divisions among ourselves.

Yes, some leaders have failed Nigerians, and the government must do its part. But the people also have a role to play. We cannot ask for a better Nigeria while we continue to hate, reject and look down on one another.

A Nigerian from Kano is just as Nigerian as someone from Lagos. An Igbo person should not be treated as a stranger because of where they come from. The same respect should be given to the Yoruba, Hausa and every other ethnic group in Nigeria.

As the 2027 elections approach, we must learn to look beyond tribe when choosing our leaders. We should support people who can lead well and work for the good of the country, not just people from our own tribe.

How can we build a better Nigeria when we continue to divide ourselves?

The change we want must begin with us. We must learn to love one another, respect our differences and stop treating people as enemies because of their tribe.

Nigeria belongs to all of us. We may come from different places, but we share one country and one future.

One Nigeria, one people, one love.

This opinion article is brought to you by Next Africa Daily.