Nigeria is a country blessed with an abundance of resources, cultures, and people. As the most populous black nation, it has often been viewed as a potential African leader, a beacon for development, culture, and economic power. But the journey toward a Nigerian dream—a vision of shared prosperity, equity, and national pride—has been tumultuous. The idea of the Nigerian dream, if one exists, has been marred by the deep-seated complexities of ethnicity, political division, and historical events that have shaped who we are today.
A Brief History of Division
Nigeria’s history is intricately tied to its colonial past. What we now call Nigeria was once a collection of distinct kingdoms, empires, and ethnic groups, each with its traditions and leadership structures. In 1914, the British colonial government amalgamated the northern and southern protectorates, not out of a vision for unity, but for administrative convenience. This artificial merging of hundreds of ethnic groups, languages, and religions into one country created fault lines that have continued to widen over time.
Post-independence Nigeria was built on the hope that the ethnic diversity that defined the country would be a source of strength. However, ethnic politics quickly became a dominant force, as political elites mobilized along tribal lines to gain power and resources. The Biafran Civil War, fueled by ethnic tensions, remains a stark reminder of how far those divisions can go, with its impact still resonating in the country’s political and social fabric today.
How Ethnicity Has Destroyed Us
Ethnicity has been a stumbling block to the realization of the Nigerian dream. Instead of seeing ourselves as Nigerians first, we have become more comfortable identifying as Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Fulani, or any other ethnic group. This identity crisis has led to the promotion of sectional interests above national unity. In politics, this has manifested in a system where representation is often demanded based on tribe rather than competence.
The result? A fractured national identity. Ethnic politics has bred mistrust, fueled conflict, and diminished our sense of common purpose. We struggle to move forward as one nation, even though history shows that nations that embrace their diversity tend to thrive. We have arrived at a place where the idea of being Nigerian is sometimes secondary to our ethnic affiliations.
The Canoe of Ethnicity
Until we step out of the canoe of ethnicity, we will never fully walk the waters of diversity. Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity—our various ethnic groups bring different perspectives, talents, and rich cultural heritage. However, if we continue to be held back by ethnic divisions, we can never harness the potential that lies within that diversity. We must begin to see our differences not as weaknesses, but as opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth.
Partisan Politics and Blindness to Unity
Partisan politics, like ethnicity, has played a blinding role in preventing Nigerians from realizing our collective strength. Party loyalty has often overshadowed the national interest, with political actors exploiting ethnic sentiments to secure votes and retain power. This narrow vision has further fragmented us, leading to a political landscape where the idea of nation-building takes a backseat to the pursuit of personal or sectional gain.
This blindness has crippled governance, stifled development, and bred disillusionment. Our politics must evolve beyond ethnic and partisan interests if we are to fulfil our potential as the giant of Africa.
The Weight of Nigeria`s Failure
As the most populous black nation, Nigeria carries the weight of expectations, not just for itself but for the African continent and the global black diaspora. If Nigeria fails, it reverberates beyond its borders. The consequences of our failure—whether in governance, economy, or social cohesion—will be felt by millions of Africans who look to Nigeria as a model. The stakes are high, and we cannot afford to fail. If we cannot address our internal fractures and unlock the Nigerian dream, we risk not just our own future, but that of the entire continent.
The Beauty of What Unites Us
Despite the divisions that plague us, there is beauty in what binds us together as Nigerians. Anyone who has attended a Nigerian party or festival will attest to the shared joy, laughter, and celebration that transcends ethnicity. In a good party, there are no ethnic divisions—just Nigerians dancing, laughing, and enjoying life together.
Inter-tribal marriages are another testament to the unity that exists beneath the surface. Thousands of Nigerians have found love across ethnic lines, creating families that symbolize the hope of a truly united nation. In a foreign land, Nigerians often unite, standing together as one, regardless of tribe. Whether it’s at international events, academic conferences, or simply navigating life abroad, we love and support each other fiercely when outside our homeland.
These shared experiences—the festivals, the intermarriages, the unity abroad—serve as reminders that at our core, we are more alike than we are different. They reflect the heart of what the Nigerian dream could be: a country where diversity is celebrated, where unity is forged through our common humanity, and where we are bound by love for our nation and for each other.
For the Love of Country
The Nigerian dream is within our reach, but it requires us to step out of the divisive canoes of ethnicity and partisan politics. We must embrace our diversity, not as a source of division, but as the foundation of our strength. Only then can we walk the waters of true unity, development, and prosperity.
For the love of country,
Kunle Lawal
Executive Director
Electoral College Nigeria