By Babafemi Ojudu
Since this morning, I have been outraged by an audio clip making the rounds. It contains the voice of a woman calling on Igbos to poison the food and water of Yorubas and Edos. This is the height of irresponsibility. While the younger generations of these two ethnic groups have often clashed on social media, this escalation into direct incitement to violence is deeply concerning.
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, it is disheartening to witness the persistence of ethnic rivalries, especially within our own communities. The friction between Yoruba and Igbo people, often manifesting in petty insults and divisive rhetoric, is a painful reminder of how easily we can lose sight of our shared humanity. Before we identify as Yoruba or Igbo, we must remember that we are all human beings, bound by a common destiny. This constant back-and-forth of ethnic baiting serves no constructive purpose and, instead, drags us all into a pit of pettiness and division. It’s time to leave this behind and focus on what truly matters: building a better future together.
The beauty of multi-ethnic societies lies in their rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. When we embrace our diversity, we unlock a wealth of perspectives, ideas, and innovations that can propel our society forward. Nigeria, as a nation of over 250 ethnic groups, is a living testament to this potential. Our diversity is our strength, and when we come together, there is no limit to what we can achieve. Each ethnic group brings something unique to the table, contributing to the vibrant mosaic that makes our country so special.
However, the dangers of ethnic baiting and division are stark and real. History is replete with examples of the catastrophic consequences of allowing ethnic tensions to fester. The Holocaust, where millions of Jews were systematically exterminated in Nazi Germany, is a haunting reminder of what can happen when hate and bigotry go unchecked. Similarly, the Rwandan Genocide, which saw the massacre of hundreds of thousands of Tutsis by their Hutu neighbors, was fueled by years of ethnic propaganda and division.
These tragedies are not distant tales; the killings of Igbos in the North in 1966, which led to the civil war that claimed almost two million lives, serve as a clear reminder and warning of the darkness that can descend upon any society that allows ethnic animosity to take root.
The consequences of such division are not limited to loss of life alone. Ethnic conflicts can tear apart the social fabric of a nation, leading to economic decline, political instability, and the erosion of trust within communities. Nigeria, with its vast potential, cannot afford to be hamstrung by such internal divisions. The progress we seek as a nation can only be achieved if we move forward together, united in our diversity.
The question we must ask ourselves is: What kind of future do we want to build? Do we want to be remembered as a generation that allowed ethnic rivalries to hold us back, or as one that rose above them to create a more inclusive and prosperous society? The choice is ours.
It is imperative that we reject the rhetoric of division and embrace a narrative of unity. This means challenging and condemning ethnic slurs and stereotypes whenever they arise. It means promoting dialogue and understanding among our different ethnic groups. It means celebrating our differences as a source of strength, not as a cause for discord. Most importantly, it means recognizing that our shared humanity is far more important than the labels that seek to divide us.
The time has come for us to rise above these petty ethnic rivalries. Let us focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. By doing so, we can build a future where our diversity is celebrated, our unity is strengthened, and our nation reaches its true potential. The journey to that future begins with each of us, here and now.