Can Nigeria overcome its deep-rooted tribalism?
As a country that was formed through the amalgamation of different regions and ethnic groups by British colonizers, Nigeria has struggled with issues of tribalism and identity for decades.
The legacy of colonialism left deep divisions among its people, leading to competition for resources and power along ethnic lines. This has resulted in numerous conflicts and even civil war. But today’s young Nigerians, especially those belonging to Generation Z, are challenging these entrenched beliefs and advocating for a more united nation.
They reject the idea that one’s worth is determined by their ethnicity or tribe and instead embrace a sense of national pride. In her quest to explore this dynamic shift in mindset, Edith Kimani speaks to young people living in Lagos – Nigeria’s bustling economic capital known as “Africa’s Silicon Valley”.
Here she discovers a vibrant youth culture where diversity is celebrated rather than used as a tool for division.
One interviewee highlights how Gen Z-ers are using social media platforms like Twitter to break free from traditional labels imposed on them based on their ethnicity. They use hashtags such as #EndTribalism or #OneNigeria to promote unity and advocate against discrimination.
Others speak about how they have grown up with friends from various tribes, attending mixed schools where they learned
