Can a unified language solve Nigeria's problem of tribalism?

[Odohu]

It is no longer news that tribalism is a thorn in our flesh as a nation. It's divestating effect can be felt in virtually all sector of our economy... from choice of leadership, recruitment  process, public service to condoning evil done by our tribesmen; these are few of the ways tribalism have rendered us unprogressive.

When I was meditating on what could possibly be the solution to the menace of this monster, the first thing that came to my mind was A UNIFIED LANGUAGE. Language is one of the strongest unifier known to man. It dated back to the Biblical era during the building of the tower of Babel. God stopped that project by simply making them speak different languages so there was no unity and coordination... this will tell you how powerful language is.

 Various socio-cultural, socio-political, religious and peer groups have their style of communication that make them bond together. Even the military and paramilitary are not left behind, they revere their style of speaking as it create that feeling of brotherhood. Remember how good it feels when someone speaks your language... even among your guys them, there is this joy when you relate and vibe on code. That is how beautiful language can be.

So, if Nigeria explore this option of finding a unified language? Couldn't this be the solution to the ugly monster of tribalism? Well, even though it will not solve the problems overnight, I feel it will start the pathway to our unity as it will enable us have something in common as a people because our diversity is really not working to our advantage. We need more things that can unite us and a common language is surely one.  But how do we achieve this seeing that we have hundreds of languages and tribes?

Actually, ut might seem difficult, but it is possible because when there is a will, there is a way. First step will be to develop the language first and set up a commission for it. Thereafter, it can be integrated into our academic curriculum and made compulsory in all levels of education. Secondly, government programs and meetings can immediately be in that language and the religious bodies could also be engaged to champion this. Since it could be like a national emergency, all hands must be on deck. This is my thinking and opinion... what do you think?

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[Charles-Tim]

Nigeria has a unified language which is English. Tribalism and language are different. Without a unified language, there would be nothing called Nigeria.

Tribalism is not the cause of corruption, embezzlement and mismanagement that plunged Nigeria into an unstable economy, poor standard of living and living below poverty line.

[Odohu]

Nigeria has a unified language which is English. Tribalism and language are different. Without a unified language, there would be nothing called Nigeria.

English was foisted on us by Britain through colonisation and it will remain their identity over us so long as we use it. English is never our language and can never be our identity. The people of Mali are already looking for a way to abandon French that was also foisted on them by France through colonisation.

Tribalism is not the cause of corruption, embezzlement and mismanagement that plunged Nigeria into an unstable economy, poor standard of living and living below poverty line.

Tribalism is used to select bad leaders that looth and destroy the country and if you try to demand accountability from them... they still resort to tribalism. Tribalism is the reason it is hard for Nigerians to speak with one voice as any major event is viewed through the prism of tribalism. Good example is Endsars that was seen as a plot by the South to destroy Buhari's government.  Even though we might think tribalism is not the reason Nigeria is not doing too well, it is one of our core problems. Go to NNPC, DPR and various government agencies and see people recruited based on tribe irrespective of whether they are competent or not... this is how to steal and cover corruption.

[SmartGold01]

Responding from your title, which I want to say that the did has been done, despite unifying a specific language doesn't change people whom they are to be and changes from bad to good. As a matter of fact they would change from good to bad, because changing language doesn't reflect the heart of man which I know thinking are of different standard.

We should try to change from consumption to production and after that good management policies, our resources are wasting due to mismanagement and wrong allocation of funds. If all these aren't corrected I don't think there will be changed in Nigeria if we our selves do not effect change from our end, and where it went worse is electing someone whose brain is like a child to manage and lead a very large country like Nigeria.

In other hands, we can say that we need 3 president to solve the problem of Nigeria so that everyone might manage there resources I think there will be peace and would reduced the lack of unemployment rate in our country 9ja since each of them would want their region to look more better whereby causing and increasing a cross competition between the 3 Ethnic groups. Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba.

[Charles-Tim]

English was foisted on us by Britain through colonisation and it will remain their identity over us so long as we use it.

So what language that unified us in Nigeria?

Tribalism is used to select bad leaders that looth and destroy the country and if you try to demand accountability from them.

Do you think that tribe can determine which leader would be excellent presidents? Do not let us deceive ourselves.

[Makus]

So, if Nigeria explore this option of finding a unified language? Couldn't this be the solution to the ugly monster of tribalism?

This is my thinking and opinion... what do you think?

Bro apart from language there are other factors that affect tribalism, OK let's say the entire country now speaks a unified language (which is actually true English and pidgin) we'll still find out that tribal food, dressing style, moral etc will still be a barrier to eradicate tribalism, eg the way an Igbo man holds a meeting with kulaknot and tombo is deferent from the way an Hausa man does his own meeting, the way a calabar man take dog meat is different from the way an Ijaw man take fish.

Tribalism is used to select bad leaders that looth and destroy the country

Even if tribalism has lead to the election of bad leaders it still doesn't mean a generally accepted language can unify us, the real fact is that its in our blood line.

Op can you have the opportunity of becoming a hiring manager and then give the job opportunity to a stranger while your brother with same certificate but different qualification is out there searching for job ?

[Agbe]

 

Nigeria National Language

you know Nigeria has 250 languages and out of these languages, three called themselves majority because political reason but in reality they are not. Now let me make small mathematics from it.
250 - 3 = 247. And the political map is drawn with this three ethnic groups. Nigeria is the only country in the world which I know that has no SOUTH  in the political setting. Examples, we have North, West East but no South but Instead South South which isa mockery to the South geopolitical zone. The remaining 247 ethnic groups share the same characteristics and that is why they are called minority, but in mere looking they are not.

Now who will give up her language to accept the other is the NATIONAL QUESTION IN NIGERIA. In Nigeria the citizens have two Nationality, everyone in Nigeria first loyal to their ethnic groups before the NATION, and if any country does that , it will be very difficult to build a NATION STATE. and it is only a NATION STATE one language can be built and not in a country that has multiple languages. Nigeria in question is under seize by her colonial masters through the language barrier.

The Linguists

The Linguists in Nigeria, prefer to study foreign languages than the local languages. How many Nigerian linguists can speak fluently with 10-15 languages in Nigeria? None. And that is why the formation of National Language is very difficult. And the problem is from educational background. When I was in Secondary School, they wrote on the four walls "vernacular is prohibited". So this led to the universities and to build National Language became a problem in the country since the linguists could not figured out words to use.
After the independent, the linguists in the country were trying to create a National Language and they used the 3 major ethnic groups languages to form the National Language, which their plan was to fuse the remaining 247 languages to the other three languages and their planned failed. And the language was WAZOBIA. When this failed, they came up of using the Pidgin English which is the combination of the colonial masters language with the native language and that also failed.

One Language can Settle the Problem?

That is CAPITAL NO and only solution to Nigeria problem is GOOD GOVERNANCE with effective Federal Character. Then the differences can be maintained in some ways. And the leaders know what to do but the problem is the Fulanis not even the Hausa.

Tribalism

Tribalism is not real in real life but it is a political motivation to lure ethnic groups who are ignorant of the system.

[Sim_card]

Nigeria has a unified language which is English. Tribalism and language are different. Without a unified language, there would be nothing called Nigeria.

Tribalism is not the cause of corruption, embezzlement and mismanagement that plunged Nigeria into an unstable economy, poor standard of living and living below poverty line.

You are right,tribalism and nepotism also has a great role in corruption because when election is done the majority always wins the minority and that boils down to tribes. Also instead of offices to be given out to the merited ones,the jobs are being giving to friends and families, which makes it hard for corrupt people to be punished when they mismanage or embezzle the funds entrusted to them for development or to carter for the citizens. Let's take a look at how Nigeria presidency is been ruled. Today is Yoruba,tomorrow is Hausa and it repeats again. Now that Buhari left,Tinubu took over,the next person will be a Hausa man. And with this the president can do whatever he likes because he believes that it is his tribe turn to rule. Let's take the case study of Yar Adua,when he died,the northerners was hiding it because they stiil want power not until the law was quoted that the Vice president becomes the President automatically before the northerners piped low.

[Abu-Naim]

So, if Nigeria explore this option of finding a unified language? Couldn't this be the solution to the ugly monster of tribalism? Well, even though it will not solve the problems overnight, I feel it will start the pathway to our unity as it will enable us have something in common as a people because our diversity is really not working to our advantage. We need more things that can unite us and a common language is surely one.  But how do we achieve this seeing that we have hundreds of languages and tribes?

Firstly, if we both speak the same language there will be no development in our country because everyone will be the same and we will not think positive towards development.

Many developed countries have different languages and ethnicity, and it did not stop the countries from developing therefore I don't think tribalism alone is our problem and I don't also think having one language will be the solution to our country's problems.

The reason why tribalism is been done in most offices and public service commissions is because everyone will want his own people to be among people benefiting from the organization.

The final thing is that our leaders are completely corrupt and can't bring an end to the problem they already put us into in this country that is why some of them are making us to see that tribal religious different is the problem not them.

[Odohu]

Nigeria National Language

you know Nigeria has 250 languages and out of these languages, three called themselves majority because political reason but in reality they are not...

Now who will give up her language to accept the other is the NATIONAL QUESTION IN NIGERIA.

In finding a national language, it is not expected to adopt any of the languages because that will create problem considering how sensitive Nigeria is. They can coin an entirely new language

In Nigeria the citizens have two Nationality, everyone in Nigeria first loyal to their ethnic groups before the NATION, and if any country does that , it will be very difficult to build a NATION STATE. and it is only a NATION STATE one language can be built and not in a country that has multiple languages. Nigeria in question is under seize by her colonial masters through the language barrier.

Well, this is my suggestion and like I mentioned before, we need more things that can unite us if we still want this country abi una don tire already ? Even though some of you might want to deny it, we know how powerful language is. Assuming you are Igbo and you know how to speak Hausa, one day just dress like and Igboman and go to market to buy something from Hausa man then speak Hausa to him and see if he will not treat you better without minding that you are wearing Isi-agu.

There is no country without their own problem but check those countries with a national language that is like identity to them, most of them are more patriotic and stable than Nigeria here where everything is competition. From Tanzania to South Africa even Kenya... their tribalism is minimal compared to Nigeria. If we continue the way we are going, the hate will be so much that it may implode.... as it stands now, Nigeria is at the verge...
 

One Language can Settle the Problem?

That is CAPITAL NO and only solution to Nigeria problem is GOOD GOVERNANCE with effective Federal Character. Then the differences can be maintained in some ways. And the leaders know what to do but the problem is the Fulanis not even the Hausa.

Nothing can stop the problem overnight but we need to start the process and I am only suggesting that a common language can be a starting point. I can be wrong and if that be case, that means it is difficult knowing what will solve the problem. Those of you saying good governance are really dreaming. There can never be good governance under the current setting where the politicians have bought over the media houses and social media to spread hates. They deploy divide and rule and tribalism is a powerful tool at their disposal.

Tribalism is not real in real life but it is a political motivation to lure ethnic groups who are ignorant of the system.

Tribalism is everywhere in Nigeria and not only in politics. Even in the churches and mosques,  it is there. Most companies employ along tribal lines, there is no point denying it. Someone already said he would employ his brother if he is in position, that is the Nigeria we find ourselves in. Politicians only take advantage of tribalism that is already in existence.

[CryptSafe]

OP, your article seems to be the reality of Nigeria today. I have come to realise  that language difference is one of the major barrier coupled with bad leadership style we have in our system of government. This problem could be traced back to the military regime and that has become the culture of every elected leader in government. It is so bad that it is  no more hidden and it keeps repeating itself every democratically elected dispensation.

The issue of language unification is not possible here in Nigeria. There are lots of tribe and that alone shows how unique and special every tribe would want to cherish their culture and bring it on display. You can not tell the people to do away with their language just for unification purpose. That is not possible. Like one of the replies reads that the problem of Nigeria is in the leadership and not language unification.

Onset, it has become a norm whereby any leadership that comes to power only have the thought of running the government with his own people alone. They get all the juicy position and it has always been the mentality of Nigerians the "chop I chop" reasoning and that has eaten deep into the system.

Lastly, another thing that has been a problem is the pattern of system where the leadership runs the system with their cronies and Lackeys. They do not care about character figure because they are all in the same ship. All they care is their stomach infrastructure.

[gabbie2010]

It is no longer news that tribalism is a thorn in our flesh as a nation. It's divestating effect can be felt in virtually all sector of our economy... from choice of leadership, recruitment  process, public service to condoning evil done by our tribesmen; these are few of the ways tribalism have rendered us unprogressive.

With reference to the last general election you can see how tribalism had blindfolded many people particularly my south western brethrens who inspite of APC not fielding the right candidate but our entitlement mentality made them to choose the wrong person now everybody dey feel the hardship imposed by the poor bad economic policies wey dey ground now.

When I was meditating on what could possibly be the solution to the menace of this monster, the first thing that came to my mind was A UNIFIED LANGUAGE. Language is one of the strongest unifier known to man. It dated back to the Biblical era during the building of the tower of Babel. God stopped that project by simply making them speak different languages so there was no unity and coordination... this will tell you how powerful language is.

Forget about about adopting a unified language, at least we dey communicate with simple English most especially pigin English an average hausa man understand a bit of pigin however do that make any significant changes in the country? No but tribalism and nepotism had eaten deep into country a visit to national Sectariat in Abuja during Buhari regime you would discover that the major language spoken in various offices is Hausa language.

Various socio-cultural, socio-political, religious and peer groups have their style of communication that make them bond together. Even the military and paramilitary are not left behind, they revere their style of speaking as it create that feeling of brotherhood. Remember how good it feels when someone speaks your language... even among your guys them, there is this joy when you relate and vibe on code. That is how beautiful language can be.

So, if Nigeria explore this option of finding a unified language? Couldn't this be the solution to the ugly monster of tribalism? Well, even though it will not solve the problems overnight, I feel it will start the pathway to our unity as it will enable us have something in common as a people because our diversity is really not working to our advantage. We need more things that can unite us and a common language is surely one.  But how do we achieve this seeing that we have hundreds of languages and tribes?

Actually, ut might seem difficult, but it is possible because when there is a will, there is a way. First step will be to develop the language first and set up a commission for it. Thereafter, it can be integrated into our academic curriculum and made compulsory in all levels of education. Secondly, government programs and meetings can immediately be in that language and the religious bodies could also be engaged to champion this. Since it could be like a national emergency, all hands must be on deck. This is my thinking and opinion... what do you think?

In as much as we have different cultural, religious and social political differences the best bet or solution to the country is to restructure the country into six zones with each of the zones aligning to their cultural, religious and social values and decentralized the Federal government let each zones elect or appoint a leader that will govern them and a prime minister should be appointed to head the country and each of the zones should control their resources and remit some funds to the FG else the country wouldn't progress at all.

[Agbe]

Tribalism is everywhere in Nigeria and not only in politics. Even in the churches and mosques,  it is there. Most companies employ along tribal lines, there is no point denying it. Someone already said he would employ his brother if he is in position, that is the Nigeria we find ourselves in. Politicians only take advantage of tribalism that is already in existence.

  Smile!!! This is politics and must be handled in a political way. Let's see. Okay, first of all let me ask you some few questions. 1. If you own a business in your locality will you allow only your tribe people to buy your goods or a POS bot, will you sell money only to your tribe people? And that should be a CAPITAL NO, therefore, tribalism only happens in politics and not in economy. Even all those ones you mentioned above are under the category of politics. It is only in politics, these pronouns are used, "we, our, us". And these can be use in the church, school, pressure groups, political parties and the mindset of human and not the product, therefore tribalism is not real but it is political deception to win the minds of his tribe if they are majority in political setting.

Like as you said, the Hausa and the Fulani people that are in South South Geo-Political Zone are always moving in uniform, staying together in one place whenever they found theirselves. And that is a political mindset and not economic mindset. Economically, the groundnut, coconut, indomies, drugs they are selling is not only for themselves but for all. So there is no tribalism in economy but in politics, I am repeating this for you to have cleared understanding.

Tribalism and Population

Tribalism is everywhere, yes, but for those real scholar who have gotten knowledge, does not believe in tribalism, because it is political deception by the leaders. As I have said before, population is also another element in which politicians are using to deceive the masses to win election. In Nigeria nobody, I say nobody knows the actual population in Nigeria. No Government has done a thorough population census in Nigeria except the census of 1979 Second Republic is still used in Nigeria.

Money in Politics

Tribalism is very much effective because the politicians monetize it. And that is why they segment each tribe and give them money to vote for them. Politicians are not even interested to unit the people because they will fight against them. So they use divide and rule policy.

[Gozie51]

I don't believe that language is the problem of Nigeria. Nigeria only need one president that is selfless then all these other factors won't matter anymore because that self determined president will be at the fore front of any kind of uprising. The problem is to get that selfless leader the corrupt people won't allow that. Nigeria need to cleans up her institution and then have a referendum on what kind of system of government that is best. I think the system of government is the problem and not language. Nigeria is like US that has different ethnicity cumulating into states and they run a kind of presidential system where the centre is powerful but subject to the federating units but Nigeria runs a unitary system in the guise of presidential because the central determines whatever happens in the country. So power has to be diffused to the federating units.

[Mate2237]

I don't believe that language is the problem of Nigeria. Nigeria only need one president that is selfless then all these other factors won't matter anymore because that self determined president will be at the fore front of any kind of uprising. The problem is to get that selfless leader the corrupt people won't allow that. Nigeria need to cleans up her institution and then have a referendum on what kind of system of government that is best. I think the system of government is the problem and not language. Nigeria is like US that has different ethnicity cumulating into states and they run a kind of presidential system where the centre is powerful but subject to the federating units but Nigeria runs a unitary system in the guise of presidential because the central determines whatever happens in the country. So power has to be diffused to the federating units.

That is a good point too, but if the president is selfish what about his cabinet members and those who control the government, remember the state is own by someone else and not the president, the president is only managing the state for the owners, in my school days a borrowed course explain everything to me, so dis not a new thing for me anymore. Di president might wanted to develop di state but those who dey work with am go spoiled everything.and we can see good examples from the former president, president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. He spent money to develop the country but the people wey im give di works to do disappoint am. Look at the South-East road, im spend money but they could not finished di road. Normally, language is not a big deal in Nigeria unity. And what is really affecting the Country's unity is unemployment.

Unemployment is one of the major reason wey dey affect the unity of the country because people wey go to school and come back to di society with empty handed and no hope of getting a job some youths got angry and ask for secession. If Nigeria today create massive employment with bias, then most of the agitations will die off. Hungry man is always angry.

[sokani]

Op, na very nice topic you bring up for discussion so but anyhow you wan take see am, we don already get one unified language and that's pidgin but it's just dat we no rebrand am and sell am to di world. Nigerian na multi ethnic nation with plenty languages and dis language divide dey follow cause problem for our country. For example wen you go for a job interview, di HR go leave competence aside and pick someone from a particular tribe because him too dey speak same language. Wen we dey choose our leaders too tribe dey play a role, but tribalism no fit be di only problem or di root of our problem for dis country. Bad leadership, corruption, bribery... Na some of our problems, di list just too plenty.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

It is no longer news that tribalism is a thorn in our flesh as a nation. It's divestating effect can be felt in virtually all sector of our economy... from choice of leadership, recruitment  process, public service to condoning evil done by our tribesmen; these are few of the ways tribalism have rendered us unprogressive.

I think it's already late for this to solve the problem of tribalism, maybe if our founding fathers been get sense dem for find way unite us with one language that isn't borrowed and things for fit dey better because e no get person wey no know say how you speak or where you're from can get you flavors that your certificate can't get you. Jobs are been gotten because people are from certain tribe and when you look at our greatest exports which is entertainment we can see some certain tribe getting more privilege then others all because they're from the same region. Now imagine if we all had one language and identify as one instead of been divided whenever we get the opportunity. Ask a Nigerian where he's from and first thing that comes to his mind is his tribe instead of identifying as a Nigerian first and that's disturbing.

Actually, ut might seem difficult, but it is possible because when there is a will, there is a way. First step will be to develop the language first and set up a commission for it. Thereafter, it can be integrated into our academic curriculum and made compulsory in all levels of education. Secondly, government programs and meetings can immediately be in that language and the religious bodies could also be engaged to champion this. Since it could be like a national emergency, all hands must be on deck. This is my thinking and opinion... what do you think?

So which language do you think will become number one, who go gree allow him own mother tongue to be suppressed to give way for another man language. That's why I talk say e dun late already, now we have to settle for the things wey we dun dey use from day one wey be English and recently pidgin we dey gain momentum like scatter, I remember when it used to look like a taboo to speak Pidgin as everybody dey from oyinbo but now it's getting welcomed in all establishments. The solution to this tribalism wahala now na to make the country better. If things dey move as e supposed dey move and all man dey alright nobody go dey reason where you from or which language wey you dey speak. Make the government fix the economy of the country and most of our problems that we're facing now will disappear.

[Odohu]

Money in Politics

Tribalism is very much effective because the politicians monetize it. And that is why they segment each tribe and give them money to vote for them. Politicians are not even interested to unit the people because they will fight against them. So they use divide and rule policy.

Omo if you catch one politician ehhh, him go dey collect dey explain ... so tey him go explain tire. You totally put everything for politics...that one dey sha.

Op, na very nice topic you bring up for discussion so but anyhow you wan take see am, we don already get one unified language and that's pidgin but it's just dat we no rebrand am and sell am to di world.

You are very correct, pidgin is unique to us and resonates with almost everyone. Like you said, we gat rebrand am and give it more attention. If possible self, after some finishing touches, we can attempt to make if one of the official language. Thank you for remind me of this...you see why e good to bring some kind topic up....you don make me learn like this o.

I think it's already late for this to solve the problem of tribalism, maybe if our founding fathers been get sense dem for find way unite us with one language that isn't borrowed and things for fit dey better because e no get person wey no know say how you speak or where you're from can get you flavors that your certificate can't get you. Jobs are been gotten because people are from certain tribe and when you look at our greatest exports which is entertainment we can see some certain tribe getting more privilege then others all because they're from the same region.

After reading the comments of many people here, I realized the matter is deeper than I was thinking, so I agree with you that it is late to follow this part.

Now imagine if we all had one language and identify as one instead of been divided whenever we get the opportunity.

If I dey imagine how we for impact the entire world if to say we fit unite ehh, e dey make me cry. We have everything that is needed to be great... natural resources, good lands, access to see, talented youth and a perfect population... nothing we no get. The most annoying part is that politicians have continued to sustain this tribalism and usurp it to rig and manipulate the system. I just hope that things can change one day. For outside, Nigerians dey relate well... why e come be say for home them no dey everly agree!

[Salahmu]

It is no longer news that tribalism is a thorn in our flesh as a nation. It's divestating effect can be felt in virtually all sector of our economy... from choice of leadership, recruitment  process, public service to condoning evil done by our tribesmen; these are few of the ways tribalism have rendered us unprogressive.

When I was meditating on what could possibly be the solution to the menace of this monster, the first thing that came to my mind was A UNIFIED LANGUAGE. Language is one of the strongest unifier known to man. It dated back to the Biblical era during the building of the tower of Babel. God stopped that project by simply making them speak different languages so there was no unity and coordination... this will tell you how powerful language is.

 Various socio-cultural, socio-political, religious and peer groups have their style of communication that make them bond together. Even the military and paramilitary are not left behind, they revere their style of speaking as it create that feeling of brotherhood. Remember how good it feels when someone speaks your language... even among your guys them, there is this joy when you relate and vibe on code. That is how beautiful language can be.

So, if Nigeria explore this option of finding a unified language? Couldn't this be the solution to the ugly monster of tribalism? Well, even though it will not solve the problems overnight, I feel it will start the pathway to our unity as it will enable us have something in common as a people because our diversity is really not working to our advantage. We need more things that can unite us and a common language is surely one.  But how do we achieve this seeing that we have hundreds of languages and tribes?

Actually, ut might seem difficult, but it is possible because when there is a will, there is a way. First step will be to develop the language first and set up a commission for it. Thereafter, it can be integrated into our academic curriculum and made compulsory in all levels of education. Secondly, government programs and meetings can immediately be in that language and the religious bodies could also be engaged to champion this. Since it could be like a national emergency, all hands must be on deck. This is my thinking and opinion... what do you think?

With the current situation in Nigeria language is not actually the problem but though if Nigeria had gotten one unified language things would have been a bit different so indirectly language is one of the barrier we have in this country, people are so Tribalistic in this country, for example you went for an interview with other persons and it happens that the interviewer and some persons there speaks the same language the interviewer will prefer given his brother the job instead of an outsider even if it was not by merit.

So having one unified language would have helped Nigeria changed some narrative but can never eradicate the corruption and the bad government.

[Dictator69]

But if we try to teach the kids only same language or try to change the curriculum at big level for example in different tribes then they all will go against this idea. Just like many people who support Pride flag while some not so many schools try to promote it but when parents got aware of it, they went against it. I did not mean to go against any group either it's supporting pride flag or not. I am just using it as an example to make my words clearer.

I think instead of making a unified language to solve tribalism, the best way is to teach children at schools or at any social event that we all are equal, and we all have equal rights, and we should support each other, and we should not make decisions (biased) on the basis of tribalism. I have a slight idea as tribalism is not something old many countries have faced it and they have overcome it too, but many countries are facing old and new tribalism events.

I think it will be way better to teach them about equal rights and self-awareness and how they could grow if they back each other up.

PS: I do not belong to this board but dear Oduho I have read many valuable posts of you on thread, so during a visit to your profile I saw this thread and I could not stop myself to share my ideas but If you guys think I should not have interfere then I am more than sorry as this is a local discussion and I am not a local here so I hope I will be forgiven.

[Mate2237]

Op, na very nice topic you bring up for discussion so but anyhow you wan take see am, we don already get one unified language and that's pidgin but it's just dat we no rebrand am and sell am to di world. Nigerian na multi ethnic nation with plenty languages and dis language divide dey follow cause problem for our country. For example wen you go for a job interview, di HR go leave competence aside and pick someone from a particular tribe because him too dey speak same language. Wen we dey choose our leaders too tribe dey play a role, but tribalism no fit be di only problem or di root of our problem for dis country. Bad leadership, corruption, bribery... Na some of our problems, di list just too plenty.

Soka my man, Pidgin English is not a unified language in the country. If you check some phones that are newly reproduced in the outside world to Nigerians and when you check the Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo languages are there. And let me come to TVs, decoders. I have not seen GOTV has or written Pidgin English channels but three other languages, as others have said, language is not the problem in Nigeria unity. The unity of Nigeria is upon a good leadership.

Language is one the beauty of a culture. And multiple languages is diversity of culture and it create the beauty of a country usually in Africa continent. Though if we speak one language in the country then the country will develop faster but speaking one language in Nigeria is not and will never possible. We don't history to repeat itself again. A good government can incorporate all the language and address the matter. Let every part of the country should be treated equal. No ethnic group is superior to the other. Equality is the only solution to it. And not unify language.

[Gozie51]

Language is one the beauty of a culture. And multiple languages is diversity of culture and it create the beauty of a country usually in Africa continent. Though if we speak one language in the country then the country will develop faster but speaking one language in Nigeria is not and will never possible. We don't history to repeat itself again. A good government can incorporate all the language and address the matter. Let every part of the country should be treated equal. No ethnic group is superior to the other. Equality is the only solution to it. And not unify language.

My brother even if we speak one language e no go make development come as dat fast wey you think because no be language matter. The country need to arrange itself if them want stay together because some people still dey think say them born Dem to rule over other ethnic group and because of their influence with British wey say Dem colonize naija Dem allocate more states and of course local government, this one alone make more resources dey go deir place. Abi na language still say make dem dey marginalize the people wey dey east, imagine the people for east still dey operate with 5 states. The solution no be that language because it is not the barrier, na leadership be the wahala.

[sokani]

Soka my man, Pidgin English is not a unified language in the country. If you check some phones that are newly reproduced in the outside world to Nigerians and when you check the Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo languages are there. And let me come to TVs, decoders. I have not seen GOTV has or written Pidgin English channels but three other languages, as others have said, language is not the problem in Nigeria unity. The unity of Nigeria is upon a good leadership.

Language is one the beauty of a culture. And multiple languages is diversity of culture and it create the beauty of a country usually in Africa continent. Though if we speak one language in the country then the country will develop faster but speaking one language in Nigeria is not and will never possible. We don't history to repeat itself again. A good government can incorporate all the language and address the matter. Let every part of the country should be treated equal. No ethnic group is superior to the other. Equality is the only solution to it. And not unify language.

I believe you meant to write Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo. Why you dey see those channels for GOTV na becuz na dem be di major languages for nigeria... Now, I believe say your argument be say if pidgin be di unifying language, e suppose dey GOTV. Yes, e suppose dey there but like I yan for my initial post, Our govt no embrace am becuz e no dey for our curriculum, we no dey teach am for schools. See how we dey struggle to write in pidgin but we fit speak am very well, we just learn am from di environment as wey dey grow.

Why is pidgin the unifying language in Nigeria? Na becuz na language wey bi say dem dey speak am for everywhere for naija; north, south, east, west, na language wey bi say di old and young dey speak, di rich and poor dey speak, di educated and non educated dey speak.

Di point wey I still dey drive home be say weda our govt promote pidgin language or not, e no go make any difference in bringing us together becuz our problem too plenty.

[Asiska02]

So, if Nigeria explore this option of finding a unified language? Couldn't this be the solution to the ugly monster of tribalism? Well, even though it will not solve the problems overnight, I feel it will start the pathway to our unity as it will enable us have something in common as a people because our diversity is really not working to our advantage. We need more things that can unite us and a common language is surely one.  But how do we achieve this seeing that we have hundreds of languages and tribes?

Nigeria indeed has a big problem with tribalism which has caused many harm than good to the nation. But if you look at it in-depth, you’ll find out that it is not tribalism that is the main cause of Nigeria’s menace and I progressive government. It all lies on the persons heart and how they want the best for the nation as a season. We have seen cases where a tribesman given a position will loot from his people but an outsider will do better than him/her when given that same position. There are other developed countries doing better than Nigerians with many tribes, would you say their division in tribes affected their progress as a nation? No. Having a unified language won’t really change the system but having a good and patriotic heart for one progressive Nigeria will do.

[Nwada001]

With the title of your post and judging by a few comments from the thread, I will also agree with a few who clearly state that tribalism is not the major problem of this country, but the people in government itself are the biggest issue that we have right now, which is not only affecting our lives but has extended to that of our economy. And we ourselves are also, to some extent, the major problem here, as we argue and fight within ourselves over some kind of religious belief that the government doesn't have a hand in.

And let's also not forget the fact that another thing that is also contributing so poorly to the economic and rural development of the people is urban bias. This is something we see as common and channel our argument over political, ethnical, and other sectors as the reason why things are not working in the country, forgetting the fact that a government focusing on the development of a particular state territory for development is really not helping the development of its citizens but rather is giving a few the opportunity to be benefactors. Let me stop here, as this is really not the topic at hand.

[Mpamaegbu]

Nope, it won't and can't. Tribalism is deep rooted like racism.

[Forever101]

You have suggested well, as you have said, language will go well to bring transformations to our society as it will lead to one voice to fight corruption just as it is in other countries. But the problems as stated by others is the possibility of given up your language for others. Even if , one give up their language to learn one language, it will take 2 decades to bring this possibilities to reality and this reality can be brought to pass by military rule. Even at that, the history and culture of our people will be preserved and that will still go along way to define our difference. Even if we go adapt one language, na pidgin we go fit adapt which e no go dey possible for most educated people to accept

[Egii Nna]

Actually, ut might seem difficult, but it is possible because when there is a will, there is a way. First step will be to develop the language first and set up a commission for it. Thereafter, it can be integrated into our academic curriculum and made compulsory in all levels of education. Secondly, government programs and meetings can immediately be in that language and the religious bodies could also be engaged to champion this. Since it could be like a national emergency, all hands must be on deck. This is my thinking and opinion... what do you think?

There is a saying that says "you can bend a stick when it's fresh, but you can’t bend it when it's dry," but looking at the way you planned the process of implementing the new language that you think will be a unifier to our country, it looks very interesting, but mind you, this won’t be an easy task. In short, I can say it can’t happen because this is like a method of leaving our personal norms, culture, and tradition that will end up creating more crises and if not careful, it might lead to war because one thing I like in Nigeria is how people value their tradition, which is the main cause of tribalism. To my perspective, tribalism is in two types, positive and negative. Positive tribalism helps to improve ethnicity and add more values to the tradition, while negative tribalism is the one that most people are practicing, which comprises many negative acts like greediness, selfishness, self-interest, and corruption, which is the cause of our bad government.To me, I don’t think we need a unified language more than English because we have many languages that we are proud of.

Why is pidgin the unifying language in Nigeria? Na becuz na language wey bi say dem dey speak am for everywhere for naija; north, south, east, west, na language wey bi say di old and young dey speak, di rich and poor dey speak, di educated and non educated dey speak.

Di point wey I still dey drive home be say weda our govt promote pidgin language or not, e no go make any difference in bringing us together becuz our problem too plenty.

Fact mate pidgin is like a spiritual language that is in our blood let me add more pidgin don reach the stage that young children in school learn to speak it before they can be able to master the correct English because it simple to speak but had to write as my brother here day talk am so let be focused and do what we can to solve the problem facing Nigeria from the grassroots because the problem of Nigeria can’t be completely solved unless if it will be a miracle.

[Donneski]

Nigeria is a multi tribalistic nation with numerous ethnicities found in each of the tribes and that I think is one the beauties of the most populous black nation. The problems of tribalism in our dear nation is one of the dividing tools of our political leaders who uses it to incite hatred and war amongst us in other to keep us divided because they know that if we come together as one people we all will know that our primary problem as a nation is because of the kind of political leaders that's driven the affairs of this nation over the years.
So even if we all use one unified language, these leaders will still use other means to cause tribal enmity amongst us. So the earlier we all accept that we are a country of multiple tribes and treat every tribe with utmost respect and as important as others the better for us. We all must accept that we have one general problem as a people and that's the the kind of greedy and extremely selfish political leaders that are governing the affairs of this nation.

[Bebe22]

Op made his question really clear and I feel many of us went a little over board.
The question is if a unified language can solve tribalism in our country, not whether tribalism can solve our bad economy.
China, literally one of the most developed countries in the world has over 700 languages and a former president of theirs forced everyone in the country to learn a particular Chinese language which was Beijingese . It evolved over time and became the standard Chinese language over 92% of their population speak. That didn't mean that the remaining 899 other languages were lost or suppressed . Today we still very much hear of the Cantonese, the mandarin, the taiwanese and many others, cause even in their unification they protected and preserved their culture.
.....sorry for the drift.
Anyways, the point I'm trying to make is that togetherness plays a very major role in the growth and development of a group of people. One crucial part of togetherness is to be able to communicate in the same dialect. To be able to speak another man's language doesn't mean your losing your identity, it just means your strengthening bridges and  relationship.
Today in china there is very much still diversification and unity which makes them strong, but in our country it's only diversification I see, no unity in any form. After graduating from the University we go for NYSC, which was established for the sole purpose of unity in diversification but after everything we still end of casting votes for people during elections that we know very much are incapable of the duty and responsibility of leading us, mainly because why? were of the same tribe, that's not unification at all.
So, in my own opinion a unified language will very much solve the problem of TRIBALISM in Nigeria and help us to individually stop categorizing ourselves under  tribes and just see ourselves as one Nigeria. 

[Smartgoat]

I totally concur to what some of us is saying here that tribalism is the problem of this country. I have notce and check it very well and is true. do we also remember that, the killings that have been going on everywhere in this country is because of tribe. for those of us, who done look for work, work that suppose give to you, they will keep it because you are not from there tribe.

another problem we have in this country is our leaders. they don't want any tribe to come close, things ment for everybody, they will keep it for there own tribe person. one of my friend told me then, in university that, guy I have three good job waiting for me. that after this school, that he will go and choose one. and that's what happened. then I ask him how come, he told me, my father is a well known man in the country.

Our leaders and this tribe of a thing, is contributing to underdevelopment of Nigeria.

[Odohu]

Op made his question really clear and I feel many of us went a little over board.
The question is if a unified language can solve tribalism in our country, not whether tribalism can solve our bad economy.
China, literally one of the most developed countries in the world has over 700 languages and a former president of theirs forced everyone in the country to learn a particular Chinese language which was Beijingese . It evolved over time and became the standard Chinese language over 92% of their population speak. That didn't mean that the remaining 899 other languages were lost or suppressed . Today we still very much hear of the Cantonese, the mandarin, the taiwanese and many others, cause even in their unification they protected and preserved their culture.
.....sorry for the drift.
Anyways, the point I'm trying to make is that togetherness plays a very major role in the growth and development of a group of people. One crucial part of togetherness is to be able to communicate in the same dialect. To be able to speak another man's language doesn't mean your losing your identity, it just means your strengthening bridges and  relationship.
Today in china there is very much still diversification and unity which makes them strong, but in our country it's only diversification I see, no unity in any form. After graduating from the University we go for NYSC, which was established for the sole purpose of unity in diversification but after everything we still end of casting votes for people during elections that we know very much are incapable of the duty and responsibility of leading us, mainly because why? were of the same tribe, that's not unification at all.
So, in my own opinion a unified language will very much solve the problem of TRIBALISM in Nigeria and help us to individually stop categorizing ourselves under  tribes and just see ourselves as one Nigeria. 

Thank you so much for adding clarity to my post. Thank you for being  detailed and even siting an example of where my suggestion actually worked. A lot of people are just too emotional in this board. We all know that tribalism is a problem that make us rarely speak with one voice in this country; if tribalism is solved, almost thirty percent of our problems would have been solved. Many people commit all manner of crimes across the country simply because they know that taking them to the police will be a furtile effort because their tribesmen dominate the police and will release them the next day if you take them there. Check the arrogance of cattle headers and truck drivers, you will see how tribalism make them bold in doing the wrong things. The same goes for politics... like you said, we have diversity bit no unity so we need more things that unite us more than those that divide us.

[Smartvirus]

Nope, it won't and can't. Tribalism is deep rooted like racism.

It’s a sad thing about life. How we aren’t really better than the rest depending on circumstances. Circumstances shows you just want you can allow, take in, condole or how well you never knew yourself.

For those of us that happens to travel either locally within states, you find out that, it’s more easier to meet someone with you that speaks a common tongue and you can call them brother, be fair and nice to them. Same people you wouldn’t care much about if you met them within your ethnicity.
Same goes when you travel internationally, you see your country man and be good to them but, the case is different while in the country.

The earlier we realize that the true thing that matters is that we are humans and bleed the same, the closer we would be to healing. Humanity comes first!

[Lida93]

Nope, it won't and can't. Tribalism is deep rooted like racism.

It’s a sad thing about life. How we aren’t really better than the rest depending on circumstances. Circumstances shows you just want you can allow, take in, condole or how well you never knew yourself.

For those of us that happens to travel either locally within states, you find out that, it’s more easier to meet someone with you that speaks a common tongue and you can call them brother, be fair and nice to them. Same people you wouldn’t care much about if you met them within your ethnicity.
Same goes when you travel internationally, you see your country man and be good to them but, the case is different while in the country.

The earlier we realize that the true thing that matters is that we are humans and bleed the same, the closer we would be to healing. Humanity comes first!

Everything you have just elaborated now are just same jingles and public announcements we get from the media through the National Orientation Agency. But behind closed doors none of these things matters or is taking under action - politically they never reflect in our decisions to choosing those we want as leaders, our decisions are usually based on ethics lines and language.

The cancerous problem with the country is that the countrymen don't fight for national interest but rather for ethnic and religious interest above national. Whenever we start to place national interest above ethnic and religious interest we will unconsciously be killing those barriers that creates differences in among us, because at that time we will be speak with one voice, one interest, one goal and one object which is the National interest.

In that national interest there will be no Yoruba, no Hausa, no Ibo, no Ijaw, no middle belt, no TIV no nothing other than National interest. And that's just the only route forward for Naija.

[Victorybit1]

While the idea of a common language can foster unity, it alone cannot eradicate issues like bad leadership and underdevelopment in a country. The question is: what's the purpose of unity when those in power continue to neglect their responsibilities?

Even among politicians who speak the same language with their people, there are those who exploit their positions for personal gain. Take, for example, a situation where a contract is awarded to construct a regional road; instead of fulfilling their duty, they embezzle the funds. In such cases, having a common language doesn't address the root problem.

Our problem extend beyond language barriers; they are deeply rooted in inherent greed and corruption.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

The cancerous problem with the country is that the countrymen don't fight for national interest but rather for ethnic and religious interest above national. Whenever we start to place national interest above ethnic and religious interest we will unconsciously be killing those barriers that creates differences in among us, because at that time we will be speak with one voice, one interest, one goal and one object which is the National interest.

Better truth and this one na because we no dey united for the country, everybody just dey fight for wetin go benefit dem. See as people dey support Peter obi so, even though na him be the better candidate yet many people just dey only support am because him from the side wey go benefit dem. Christians dey support am because others (dat's those wey follow am contest) no be christians and even Peter obi know this one dats why his campaign were mostly targeted at attending church service, the guy been dey jump from one church to another during campaigns time and they beg pastors to help am convinced people of his aims for the country (voice note later leak of dis conversations dem). The biggest problem of Nigeria na say we no dey united. Unity alone dey eradicate many problems because we go dey the same frequency.

While the idea of a common language can foster unity, it alone cannot eradicate issues like bad leadership and underdevelopment in a country. The question is: what's the purpose of unity when those in power continue to neglect their responsibilities?

When we dey united we go follow put hand together commot the bad eggs wey dey worry our country and nobody go opposed. But now if you wan commot person, dis one go say na their person or na their turn so you no fit succeed to commot the person. E dey like northerns, see as dem support buhari in the midst of all the rubbish government wey him dey do but those people believe say dem born dem to rule this country so e better their person dey there then for dem to lose power. If to say we dey United, we no suppose dey share political power to carry everybody along like how ministers are been appointed not because of the CV of those people but as a reward or compensation package.

[Promocodeudo]

Tribalism is one of the major problems of Nigeria, and ethnic and religious sentiment is also one of the major contributing factors to Nigeria's underdevelopment, Nigeria has six geopolitical zones, namely north central, northeast, north west, south, southwest, southeast, in all the aforementioned, there are different languages, people speaking the same dialect does not guaranty peace, peace is a habitual act perpetrated by humans when your nature is not in line with unification it becomes difficult for you to exhibit such character, it will be a collective effort for us to come together as people with different ethnic background, nigeria problem has grown beyond ethnicity and unified language, it is now am individual stuff, and everyone effort is needed to salvage the countries situation.

[Pokapoka124]

You nor go fit stop people to speak their native tongue, na shame sef if person nor sabi him mama tongue. Pigin English na language wey everybody sabi for naija, you nor need go school to learn am. But that one nor go fit stop tribalism….tribalism nor be product of language barrier or differences na something wey don chop inside us. Tribalism nor go stop and make we comot mind for where e dey cos when e favor you, you go say na my brother run am for me but when another tribe give him brother you go dey vex put. Until we go tell ourselves the truth, corruption nor go fit stop for we country.

[Macoach]

We're there are too many languages there is bound to be confusion in the mist, too many cultures would lead to tribalism and this can cause disability yes but we already have a means to communicate with each other and even leave among ourselves in different communities under common law and language. The problem with Nigeria isn't tribalism many persons of different culture are in other developed countries like the US , citizens of many countries recide and work there without any Confict they even had a black president even with their racism.  Our country is just hooked on corruption for reasons more than our eyes can meet, the antiode is to totally change the people in the system

[Stepstowealth]

When I was meditating on what could possibly be the solution to the menace of this monster, the first thing that came to my mind was A UNIFIED LANGUAGE.

We have pidgin as our unifying language, but it has not solve anything because tribilism is still an institution wey the government people dey encourage. For tribilism wey follow dey cause problem for this our country to stop, them need to correct some kind things. for instance, that thing wey dem dey call indigene and non-indigene something, them suppose stop am sharp sharp! also dem suppose comot this this "place of origin" from document, e nor make sense. You suppose get equal opportunity for anywhere you find yourself for this our country, so far say you from naija.