A Call for Redemption and Justice
Nigeria at a Crossroad: A Call for Redemption and Justice
Location: Nigeria is located in western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and between Benin and Cameroon.
Size: Nigeria is about the size of California, Nevada, and Utah combined, covering 356,668 square miles (923,7770 square kilometers).
Population: Nigeria is the most populated Black country in the world.
Capital: The capital of Nigeria is Abuja, which is located in the Federal Capital Territory.
Government: Nigeria is a federal republic made up of 36 states.
Official language: The official language of Nigeria is English.
Currency: The currency of Nigeria is the Naira.
Economy: Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa and is projected to be among the world's top ten economies by 2050.
Resources: Nigeria is rich in natural resources, including oil and gas, and has the largest natural gas reserves on the continent.
History: Nigeria's history dates back to 500 BC, when the Nok people inhabited the area. The British colonized Lagos in 1861 and the entire country became a British colony in 1914. Nigeria gained independence in 1960.
National motto: Nigeria's national motto is "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress".
In the intricate web of Nigeria’s geo-political landscape, one cannot ignore the relentless dynamics that have continuously pitted regions against one another. The Southern and Middle Belt regions, through history, have displayed resilience, cooperation, and an undying hope for a united nation. Yet, these values are often met with scorn and subversion from a Northern ruling elite seemingly entrenched in self-serving dominance.
Where bridges of friendship were meant to be built, the North raised barriers of discord, wielding religion as both shield and weapon. While Southern and Middle Belt communities labored to cultivate unity, the Northern ruling class often chose division, splintering national cohesion for regional gain. Where the nation’s collective resources were meant to serve all, they were diverted to feed a select few, leaving others in want and despair.
It is a painful irony that in our collective effort to build a better Nigeria, one region continues to hijack progress for narrow interests. When the South and Middle Belt brought forth innovation and industry, these efforts were stifled or sabotaged, leaving only ruins where hope once stood. Even amidst global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the insensitivity displayed through disregard for containment measures left vulnerable communities in greater peril.
Where dignity, hard work, and progress are celebrated in the South and Middle Belt, they are often met with disdain and outright hostility by Northern elites. When resources like oil should uplift the entire nation, pipelines are extended across borders, prioritizing external neighbors over internal partners. Where unarmed Southern and Middle Belt youths are brutally gunned down, Northern herdsmen wielding AK-47s roam freely without consequence.
This is not just a narrative of inequality; it is a tale of systemic oppression. The militarization of Southern and Middle Belt communities under the guise of security contrasts starkly with the permissiveness granted to those who spread terror in the North. As vulnerable communities strive for survival and self-determination, they are met with suppression, sabotage, and violence.
In education, where initiatives like schools for Almajiris were meant to uplift Northern youths, these efforts were derided, exposing a reluctance to embrace progress. Even in matters of national infrastructure and development, such as oil exploration and exploitation, the benefits are disproportionately skewed towards one region.
The persistent marginalization of the South and Middle Belt transcends politics; it is an affront to humanity. It is thuggery masquerading as governance, an imperial power exercising unchecked dominance over vulnerable sections of this nation. The time has come to unmask these injustices and to demand a Nigeria that respects all its people equally, regardless of their region or creed.
~Chief F.C. Ogbuke. 'Cubicle's Den'
4 Jan 2025 10:54
Nigeria at a Crossroad: A Call for Redemption and Justice
Nigeria, located in West Africa, is a nation known for its rich cultural diversity. It is home to a large number of ethnic groups, with the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo being the three largest, representing approximately 70 per cent of the population. Additionally, there are several other significant groups, each with over a million members, such as the Kanuri, Tiv, and Ibibio. The remaining 20 per cent of the population is comprised of over 300 smaller ethnic groups. Despite the differences, these groups share commonalities that create a sense of unity among Nigerians.
The Hausa-Fulani people are primarily found in northern Nigeria. They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their trading and agricultural practices. The Hausa-Fulani embrace Islam as their predominant religion and have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape.
The Yoruba people predominantly inhabit the southwestern parts of Nigeria. They have a diverse cultural heritage, with a rich history in art, music, and traditional religion. Yoruba society is known for its intricate social structures and is deeply rooted in its indigenous beliefs.
The Igbo, also known as Ibo, are concentrated in the southeastern states of Nigeria. They have a vibrant culture with a strong emphasis on education and entrepreneurship. The Igbo people have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic development, particularly in commerce and industry.
Apart from the major ethnic groups, Nigeria is home to several other significant groups. These include the Kanuri, Tiv, and Ibibio, among others. Each of these groups has its own distinct cultural practices, languages, and traditions.
Nigeria is linguistically diverse, with over 400 native languages spoken across the country. While English serves as the official language and is widely spoken, especially among the educated population, many native languages face the threat of extinction. Efforts are being made to preserve and promote indigenous languages to maintain Nigeria’s linguistic heritage.
Nigeria has the largest population in Africa, and its people have one of the highest population densities in the world. The country’s population is characterized by a relatively high birth rate and a significant youth demographic.
In 2002, Nigeria’s estimated population was 129,934,911, with an average density of 141 persons per square kilometer. The population size has been growing rapidly, and by 2025, it is projected to reach 204 million, almost double the current size.
The birth rate among Nigerians is approximately 43.26 per 1000 people, while the death rate is 12.01 per 1000 people. The life expectancy for the total population is 55.98 years, with 54.69 years for males and 57.3 years for females.
Nigeria has a high fertility rate, with an average of 6.31 children born per woman. The population growth rate stands at 3.16 percent annually, indicating a rapid pace of growth and little change from the 1970s.
Nearly half of Nigeria’s population is younger than 15 years, reflecting a significant youth demographic. This youthful population presents both opportunities and challenges for the country’s development.
Religion holds great importance for the Nigerian people. Christianity and Islam are the two dominant religions, each practiced by approximately 45 percent of the population. The remaining 10 percent encompasses various indigenous religions and a mix of other beliefs. Nigeria’s multi-ethnic culture has historically been home to various religions and deities, including ancestral worship practiced by many tribal groups.
Despite Nigeria’s ethnic and religious diversity, a unique sense of unity exists among its people. This unity is driven by shared experiences, cultural practices, and a collective identity as Nigerians. It transcends ethnic and religious boundaries and contributes to the country’s resilience and cultural richness.
Nigeria’s population has been growing rapidly, fueled by high birth rates and decreasing mortality rates. The projected population growth indicates that Nigeria will continue to face challenges in terms of infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development. However, it also presents opportunities for harnessing the potential of a young and dynamic population.
Population densities vary across Nigeria. The highest densities are found in the Igbo heartland in the southeast, despite challenging ecological conditions. The intensively farmed zones around major Hausa cities in the north, such as Kano, Sokoto, and Zaria, also have high population densities.
Other areas with significant populations include Yorubaland in the southwest, the Central Jos Plateau, and the Tiv homeland in Benue State. However, some regions, such as the dry Northeast and parts of the Middle-belt, have relatively low population densities.
Factors influencing population distribution include ecological conditions, historical legacies, and economic opportunities in different regions.
Nigeria’s population is characterized by ethnic diversity, linguistic richness, and religious plurality. Despite these diversities, Nigerians find unity in their shared experiences and cultural heritage. As Nigeria’s population continues to grow rapidly, the country faces both challenges and opportunities in managing its resources, infrastructure, and social development to create a prosperous future for all Nigerians.
In a nation that has faced its fair share of challenges and transitions, it is both ironic and disheartening to witness some bold, critical-minded individuals suddenly finding their voices now that the mantle of leadership has shifted hands. Where were these voices during the previous administration's eight years of unchecked power and systematic destruction? Why was there no public outcry when policies stagnated, corruption thrived, and opportunities were squandered under the guise of governance?
For eight long years, the former president's administration presided over a steady decline in national prosperity and unity. Yet, voices like those of the inglorious Northern elites were conspicuously silent, perhaps drowned in the comfort of power or the privileges of proximity to control. It is easy to critique when you are no longer in the driver’s seat, but the silence of the past speaks volumes about their selective activism and lack of genuine concern for the nation’s progress.
Now, two years into a new administration, with leaders trying to navigate the deep mess left behind, critics and their cohorts are quick to cry wolf, undermining every effort with premature judgments and unfounded criticisms. It is as though the pain of past leadership failures has been conveniently forgotten, replaced by a sudden zeal to hold others accountable. This is not activism; it is hypocrisy.
True leadership demands patience and the ability to acknowledge the complexities of governance. Rebuilding a nation ravaged by years of mismanagement cannot be accomplished overnight. Those who now promote jungle justice through biased criticism should pause and reflect on their complicity in the past failures they now decry.
The likes of such critical outlets must understand that constructive criticism is welcome, but it must be accompanied by honesty, fairness, and a willingness to take responsibility for the roles they played in shaping the present challenges. Anything less is not only unhelpful but a disservice to the collective effort needed to move the nation forward.
Before throwing stones, let us remember to examine our own glass houses. A nation can only thrive when all its citizens—especially those in positions of influence—commit to truth, accountability, and the greater good above personal or political gains.
Chief Ogbuke. Hallowed from my 'Cubicle's Den'.