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Friday, February 22, 2013

Cultural diversification in Nigeria: A blessing or a Curse?




Even in the record of Nigeria, one may come to terms with the editor that it was the traditional or racial differences which propelled polarize beliefs that made indirect rule at the same time as the colonial era to be profitable in the north and success-less in the south

Cultural difference is a phrase mainly used in narrating a society with folks of different cultural roots which manifest in their languages, mode of dressing, arts, as well as other traditional practices which are either similar or in another way different from each group. Such traditional practices are highly valued and held with great adoration among common people of an ethnic congregate.
 In Nigeria for instance, when it comes to fashion or clothing a core northerner is identified with a starchy ironed fez as a cap. In the western part of Nigeria which is dominated by Yoruba racial group, common people broadly sew their cap in a long style which is neatly folded when worn on the head. On the other hand, in the eastern side of the country the Ibo are know for their red cap which is traditional worn (but mostly) by title holders.

Other minority ethnic groups within the middle belt region like the Tiv,Idoma, Ngas , Nupe, etc, also have exclusive tribal attributes which help in recognizing their tribal roots when appeared in the public. For example, the Tiv people in Nigeria are widely known for their a'nger, an exclusive traditional dress (fabric), lineally sewn in black and white features, which is commonly worn by Tiv citizens to identify with their tribal origin. The picture created above is that of a native mosaic or association of cultures consensually residing in one society called Nigeria. however, to express how tribally different Nigeria is, there is need to have mental cross-section of Kaduna state which has, in addition the years, remained an unifying point for varying cultures.

Kaduna state is an example of a highly diversified sub-political entity in Nigeria with over fifteen tribes/cultural groups. Apart from the Hausas, which dominate the northern part of the state, there are a lot of minority tribes/ethnic groups settling in different parts of Kaduna state. For example, the southern part of the state has Kagoro, Moro'a, Jaba, Fantsuan, Kataf, Baju, Gbagi, Kagoma, Mada, Ninzam, Attakar, Fulani, Attukur, Koro etc. All these tribes/cultural groups mentioned above have cultural attributes which are similar in practice or remarkable different from each other. Kagoro racial group, for example, set aside January 1 of every year to celebrate her folks and culture. In every Kagoro Day (1st January), there are a lot of native display: Dance, costumes, arts, etc. The event draws citizens from various parts of the country generally sons and daughters of Kagoro as well as highly dignifying chiefs amid Nigeria.

On the other hand, the disparities within the racial groups have existed for a long time. . Also, it was the manifestation of such differences that made the masses of the southern part of Nigeria to demand for self-determination in 1958 when the northern representatives said they are not ready. After self-determination was finally achieved in 1960, many ethnic groups have shown secession tendencies. Some of these secession moves by some cultural groups lead to a full blown civil war while others were overtaken by dialogue for the achievement of peace and development in the areas concerned.

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