REFLECTIONS

Adamawa, Borno and Yobe are three States in north east Nigeria that was hit most by the Boko Haram Insurgency. This states have slogans that represent and portrays the atmosphere of the states as such, Adamawa is known as the Land of Beauty and Hospitality, Borno as the home of Peace and Yobe as the pride of the Sahel. Today, these states are but a shadow of itself with people constantly leaving in fear of the unknown and always looking over their shoulders. The inhabitants of the three states are pre- dominantly farmers as these regions is vastly blessed with abundance of fertile lands, fishing is also a major trade, with the popular Baga fish market attracting business men and women across the country. Business was booming as these States share boarders with Cameroon, Chad and Niger. The two major Religions are Christianity and Islam.

I remember when the North East was the safest place to live in, where the Igbo’s, Yoruba’s, Christians, Muslims, Traditionalists were all equals and the freedom of worship was highly upheld. Were each had access to quality and sound Education and Job Employment which is strictly based on merit because they are Nigerians and not due to their Ethnic or Religious backgrounds. Where teaching the young ones good morals was everybody’s business, here the society regards the child as its own and not just its immediate family hence the need to train him / her in the right way as they are the future of tomorrow. What ever happened to those core values? How did we turn on each other like chopsticks? Looking back from where we stand today, it is safe to say that we as individuals, families and the society at large have failed in this regard. For today the North East is but a valley of dry bones, a river flowing with the blood of the innocent crying out day and night saying…….. “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”. Nelson Mandela said “Greed and Power has turned Brother against Brother”. But all hope is not lost for we all have a civic responsibility as Nigerians by ensuring that peace is restored back to the North East and the Nation at large. Say no to #ViolentExtremism, let’s promote #ReligiousTolerance and peaceful co-existence, #DialogueAndReintegration, #GenderEqualityAndSocialInclusion. Martin Luther King Jr said “OUR LIVES BEGIN TO END THE DAY WE BECOME ABOUT THINGS THAT MATTER “.s Nigerians arise, obey the clarion call together we can win this war and make the North East a safe Haven once more. #NotAnotherNigerian

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