I wrote this poem on January 2, 2017, after returning from Northern Nigeria. Previously, I had always viewed people from other tribes with suspicion because of the bitterness and rivalry among Nigeria’s tribes. However, after living in different parts of Nigeria, my perspective changed, and I began to see the humanity in everyone.

I was educated in the South, in the riverine area. I have traveled to the West for seminars held by my fellowship and later served in the National Youth Service Corps in Lafia, Northern Nigeria. During my time in different regions, I have seen humanity and looked beyond tribalism. I have learned not to judge people based on their tribes. I still hold to my mantra: whether a Northerner or Southerner, black or white, farmer or banker, leader or follower— we are the same and deserve equal opportunities to succeed in life.

This poem below reminds me of my friends and how they tried to make me feel at home during my stay away from my land. I have edited some of the lines, but the message remains the same.

Nigeria needs to overcome hate and tribalism. We can improve with strong leadership.

You have smiles on your face
Reminds me of my beloved siblings
I need not see you through your race
You are you; one, unique and winning

Igbo kwenu! Kedu, olee, how do you do?
Come in, have a sit, taste this dish
You come in peace, I surely know
So to you, good things I gladly wish

Have you seen or heard the names we bear?
We are the people of God; Oluwa, Tamuno, Abasi and Chukwu
We are unique; our food and the dress we wear
We say ‘oshe,’ which means the same as my ‘kwongo‘

Kei! Listen, my cattle moo behind the huts
Can you hear it? Do you like to taste this morning’s milk?
When the night comes, gather for some cream sauce
Don’t forget; come once, come all, salaam walekum

I can be Berom or Mumuye; I can be Efik or Igala
Don’t seek first my race before meeting me
I am Ijaw or Bini; I am Hausa, I am Ibibio and Idoma
So don’t judge me because I was born a tribe to be

I am Nigeria.

Note:

Kwenu, kedu, olee: Igbo greetings.

Oluwa, Tamuno, Abasi, Chukwu: Names of God in Yoruba, Ijawa, Ibibio and Igbo respectively.

Oshe, kwongo: Yoruba and Isuikwuato ways of saying thank you.

Kei: exclamation used by cattle rearers.

Salaam walekum: Arabic greeting meaning peace be unto you. The northerners who are predominantly Muslims use this.

Berom, Mumuye, Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Ijaw, Edo, Bini, Ibibio, Idoma, Efik, Igala, etc.: Nigerian Tribes. There are more than 250 of them.