By Dada Ahmed.
The major tribes in Kogi in a group photograph.
(C) Facebook.
Kogi State, often described as the microcosm of Nigeria, is a melting pot of ethnic and cultural identities in Nigeria. Situated at the confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue, north central Nigeria,the state boasts of a rich mosaic of traditions, languages, and customs that reflect the nation’s broader diversity. Yet, beyond its beauty and uniqueness, this diversity holds immense potential for fostering unity and driving the state’s social, political, and economic development.
Culture, in its simplest sense,as defined in various cultural and historicsl literature,is the total way of life of a people, including their beliefs, values, customs, language, music, and arts. When a society hosts multiple cultures, it is said to be culturally diverse.
Experience shows that cultural diversity, when embraced and properly managed, can become a catalyst for innovation, peace, mutual respect, and sustainable development.
Kogi state fits squarely into this school of thought.
The state is home to three major ethnic groups: the Igala, Egbira, and Okun (Yoruba). Others include the Bassa, Gwari, Nupe, and Koto Karfe. Each group comes with distinct languages, dressing, foods, dances, and worldviews. For example, the Igala people are led by the Attah Igala, the paramount ruler of the Igala Kingdom and celebrate the colourful Ocho According to Igala history,Ocho Festival serves to preserve and promote Igala culture and values.
The Egbira people are known for their beautiful masquerades and the Echane Festival, while the Okun people celebrate traditional Yoruba festivals like and the New Yam Festival among others. This rich cultural diversity is a treasure trove waiting to be explored and used to build a united and prosperous state.
However, for too long, diversity in Kogi has been viewed through a lens of division and rivalry. Political competition and historical grievances have sometimes widened ethnic fault lines. But times are changing and the need to discard this negative trend cannot be overemohasised.With visionary leadership, inclusive policies, and collaborative community efforts, being exhibited by the Governor of the state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and his dedicated team,the belief of many in Kogi is that, the state can turn its diversity into a powerful engine for progress.
The role of the government is central in this transformation. First, there is a need to mainstream cultural education in schools to promote inter-ethnic understanding from a young age. Secondly, the Kogi State Ministry of Culture and Tourism should actively support cultural festivals across all local governments, turning them into platforms for unity and tourism. Through this,people of different ethnic learning in the state can learn more of different cultural values that have the potential to unite them. Thirdly, policies that encourage equitable distribution of resources and political appointments across ethnic lines should be enhanced to further foster trust and inclusion.
The private sector also has a key role to play. Cultural tourism is a booming industry globally, and Kogi can tap into this market. Entrepreneurs can invest to spring up cultural centers, museums, craft villages, and traditional performance groups. Hotels and travel agencies can design packages around cultural events. Local fashion designers and food vendors can be motivated morally and financially so that they can promote ethnic identity while creating jobs and wealth.
The media,both traditional and digital,must become active promoters of cultural harmony. By highlighting success stories of inter-ethnic cooperation, showcasing different cultural practices, and organizing town hall discussions, the media can reshape narratives. Wealthy indigenes of the state can establish community radio stations and online platforms charged with the responsibility of spotlighting local heroes and cultural icons who embody the spirit of unity and service. This will motivate others to toe the line of unity that will boost the process of social cohesion, economic development and more political stability in the state.
Young people, who make up a majority of the state’s population, should be mobilized as agents of cultural diplomacy. Schools, NYSC camps, and youth organizations can initiate cultural exchange programmes that allow young men and women from different backgrounds to learn and appreciate one another. The argument has always been that when young people take pride in their roots and also respect others, a new generation of peacebuilders will emerge.
Religious leaders and traditional rulers, too, must be engaged. They command respect across communities and can serve as bridge-builders. By preaching peace, tolerance, and cooperation, they can help to calm tensions and promote inclusivity. Inter-faith and inter-ethnic dialogues under their auspices can address long-standing grievances and foster reconciliation.
At the grassroots level, town unions, market associations, and community-based organizations should be encouraged to promote cultural unity. Joint community projects that bring together people from different backgrounds can create bonds of friendship and shared responsibility.
Academia also has a responsibility. Researchers and cultural historians should document and preserve the rich traditions of the state’s many ethnic groups. Universities and colleges in the state can introduce courses on local history and cultural studies, creating awareness and appreciation for what makes Kogi unique.
Political actors and policymakers must learn to rise above ethnic sentiments and promote the politics of inclusion. Appointments, projects, and programmes should be based on merit and fairness. The perception of fairness,exemplified by the Ododo-led administration goes a long way in reducing ethnic tension and promoting loyalty to the state rather than to sub-ethnic identities.
Civil society organizations and NGOs should initiate peace-building workshops, inter-cultural events, and advocacy campaigns that celebrate diversity. They can also act as watchdogs, calling out divisive rhetoric and promoting values that unite rather than divide.
Ultimately, the people of Kogi must begin to see their differences as strengths rather than weaknesses. Unity does not mean uniformity. It means working together with respect and purpose, using our differences to enrich our common goals. Diversity, if harnessed, can be the foundation for a truly peaceful, prosperous, and progressive Kogi State.
Obviously,Kogi State has a golden opportunity to lead other states in Nigeria by effectively embracing its cultural diversity, to foster a model of development to check identity politics and other divisive tendencies threatening national development.
Ahmed, a recipient of the Golden Award of Honour titled ‘Pillar of Peace’ (POP) from Pillars of Peace International to,a subsidiary of the Global Group of Networks,is the publisher of The Reporters.
