Many times when I am asked the question “where are you from?” I simply say I am Nigerian. The person goes on..eh… I know, where in Nigeria?.
Because I am not in the mood and probably don’t have that much time, I would simply tell them with a smile where in NIGERIA I am from.
But does it really matter?
Why do we often forget that we are first of all humans?
Why do we always intentionally create unnecessary barriers and segregation for ourselves?
Does the other person become less human or less Nigerian because he/she is not from the same parts of the country as you?
Yes we always find ways to celebrate our cultural and ethnic diversity as a group. But many times as individuals we find ways to tear one another apart because the same differences we appear to celebrate during festivities and through our sports are used against ourselves.
Someone is labeled cunning because he comes from a particular place in the country. Another is seen to be a glutton or greedy because of the last name he bears.
You hear phrases like ‘Yoruba demons’, ‘Urhobo Wayo’ and the likes.
But it shouldn’t be so.
It is okay to want to know about other people’s background, history and culture but it is not okay when this people are judged or stigmatized based on hear-says.
Isn’t this one of the reasons for our fundamental problems in this country?
Separating one person from the other because of tribe/language/ethnicity etc.
I sincerely believe that every individual should be seen for whom they truly are and what they stand for and not for where they are from or what color or race they are.
I do hope this little piece changes our mindset as we go on with our individual businesses.
Did you find this article interesting?
Do you know any other catchy tribal phrase?
Let’s hear your thoughts in the comment section and please remember to share.
Author – Lucille Augustine
Hmm..that is how one boy did not marry my friend again ooo. Because the mom said she’s not from their village
‘Aje okuta ma mu omi’ that is a phrase in yoruba for the igbos. They love their akpu.lol
So there was a time I was seriously looking for an apartment in New York, and I actually got to meet a landlord who is a Nigerian, Igbo to be precise. Here in NY, you can actually avoid the agent fee if you can get an apartment directly from the landlord; agent fee is usually the same amount as the rent itself.
To my surprise, this man asked me are you Ibo? I was like even in America? Una don carry this nonsense tribalism enter here. I couldn’t stand that Shit(excuse my french). I tell you tribalism is one major problem we have in that country called Nigeria. until we curb that out, I don’t see us moving forward as a nation.
@Michael its really unfortnate that even outside our shores, these things still happen to us. GOD help us
Obviously we are our own problem in this country. We complain of racism all the time and yet we cant even help our fellow Nigerians. @Michael no worry. Diaris God
Dem say Ijebu people stingy die..na true? But i like Ijebu garri sha
Dem say calabar people dey chop dog wella..Dog peppersoup don dey hungry me sef..hahaha
@Robert and @Bruno you people want to start another trend here abi.? This is an issue of great concern…haba!
Let us all close this Tribe gap together.The change begins with each and everyone of us.
This tribe thing Is really holding us back both as individuals and as a nation. Unless we see ourselves first as humans, trust me Nigeria will still be way backward.Some people don’t even want to study your person,they judge you based on your state or whatever misconceptions they have. Trust me it’s 😔