“A nation cannot rise above the divisions its citizens refuse to confront.”
Nigeria is one of the most richly endowed nations in Africa, not only in natural resources but also in human capital, cultural diversity and youthful energy. Yet, despite these enormous blessings, our national progress continues to be hindered by one persistent enemy: tribalism.
Tribalism is more than simply identifying with one’s ethnic group. It becomes dangerous when ethnicity is elevated above competence, justice, fairness and patriotism. It is the silent force that denies deserving people opportunities, promotes mediocrity over excellence, and plants seeds of distrust among citizens who should be partners in building a stronger nation.
One of the greatest tragedies of tribalism is that many Nigerians have become afraid to openly condemn it. We have become so suspicious of one another that even discussing acts of ethnic discrimination is often interpreted as an attack on a particular tribe rather than a sincere call for justice. As a result, many choose silence over truth, and silence only allows injustice to grow.
This reality became evident during a discussion on my Lagos Baptist Academy Old Students Association platform. I shared the story of a young Nigerian footballer, now representing the Super Eagles after achieving success abroad, who recounted being sidelined during his time with Enugu Rangers because, according to his account, he was not an indigene of the region. Whether every detail of his experience can be independently verified or not, the issue deserved thoughtful discussion because it raised an important national question: Should any Nigerian ever be denied an opportunity because of tribe rather than talent?
My intention was simple, to encourage sincere conversation, condemn every form of discrimination wherever it occurs, and seek solutions that would strengthen national unity. Instead, the discussion took an unfortunate turn.
A respected member accused me of attempting to introduce tribal division into a platform that should remain united. Another participant, driven more by political loyalty than objective reasoning, resorted to insults and labelled me a tribalist despite my repeated explanation that my concern was fairness, not ethnicity. Ironically, had the same allegation involved my own ethnic group, I would still have shared it because injustice remains injustice regardless of who commits it or who suffers from it.
This reaction reflects a deeper national problem. Too often, Nigerians become defensive whenever issues of ethnic bias are raised. Rather than addressing the wrongdoing, we focus on protecting the image of our tribe. In doing so, we unconsciously allow the problem to persist.
The truth is simple. Tribalism is not the exclusive habit of any one ethnic group. Every region has individuals who practise it, and every region has citizens who reject it. The real battle is not between Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo or any of Nigeria’s many ethnic nationalities. The battle is between justice and prejudice, merit and favouritism, patriotism and selfishness.
Perhaps nowhere is this more important than in sports.
Sports remain one of the few institutions capable of uniting Nigerians beyond religion, politics and ethnicity. When the Super Eagles step onto the football pitch, millions of Nigerians cheer with one voice. In those moments, nobody asks who scored because he is Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Ijaw, Tiv or Efik. We celebrate simply because he is Nigerian.
That spirit should not exist only during international competitions. It should define our schools, workplaces, public institutions and sporting organisations. Selection should be based on talent, discipline and hard work, not ethnic identity. Every gifted Nigerian deserves an equal opportunity to succeed.
The same principle applies to government appointments, employment, admissions and leadership positions across both the public and private sectors. Whenever tribe becomes the deciding factor instead of competence, the nation loses. Mediocrity replaces excellence, and corruption finds fertile ground to flourish.
Nation building demands courage. It requires citizens who are willing to speak against injustice even when it implicates members of their own ethnic group. Genuine patriotism is not defending one’s tribe at all costs. It is defending what is right at all times.
We must therefore cultivate a culture of tolerance, one that welcomes difficult but necessary conversations without branding those who raise them as enemies. Discussing tribalism is not promoting tribalism. On the contrary, refusing to discuss it only strengthens its grip on our society.
Nigeria cannot attain its full potential if we continue to judge one another by language, surname or place of birth rather than by character, competence and integrity. The future we desire can only be built on justice, fairness and equal opportunity.
As citizens, we each have a responsibility. Parents must teach their children to respect every Nigerian. Religious leaders must preach unity above ethnic prejudice. Educational institutions must promote inclusiveness. Political leaders must lead by example. Sporting organisations must reward merit above sentiment.
The Nigeria of our dreams will not emerge through wishful thinking. It will emerge when we collectively reject tribalism, corruption and deceit, and replace them with fairness, accountability and national loyalty.
Our diversity should be our greatest strength, not our deepest division.
If sports, the one arena that consistently unites Nigerians, becomes infected by tribalism, then we risk losing one of our last remaining symbols of national cohesion. We cannot afford that.
The time has come to choose Nigeria above tribe, excellence above ethnicity, and unity above division.
Only then shall we truly begin the journey toward lasting peace, sustainable development and genuine nation building.
By Engr. Bola Babarinde, Lagos, Nigeria .
