₦airaland Forum

Disclaimer
This piece is personal. You’re free to disagree, but I hope you read with an open heart. If your response is petty or vindictive rather than honest and constructive, I won’t stay silent. Be guided.

I remember the joy of growing up in Nigeria when names didn’t matter, when tribes didn’t divide us, and when children laughed without knowing where you “came from.” My friends were from Sokoto, Cross River, Borno, Delta, Lagos, Enugu. We played, ate, and fought like brothers, not strangers.

Back then, whenever anyone asked,
“Where are you from?” I’d smile and say, “I’m from Nigeria.” The confusion on their faces used to amuse me. Some expected me to say Lagos. Others guessed Maiduguri or Delta. None ever got it right. I liked it that way. I liked not being boxed in.

But that world? That innocence? It’s fading. And it hurts.

I’ve watched with a heavy heart how the very question of “Where are you from?” now builds walls between us. Walls built on prejudice. On suspicion. On politics. On lies.

In Nigeria, I’ve seen how people cling to the idea of “state of origin” as if it were carved into stone. But it’s not. Our ancestors didn’t drop from the sky. They moved. They wandered. They settled. They left one land for another, again and again, until they found a place to call home. From there another offspring moved and found another land they could call their home.

I remember visiting riverine communities as a USAID M&E officer. The elders told me how their people, fishermen used to spend days near rivers far from their villages. So, they built huts. Then homes. Then brought their wives. Their children were born there. Years passed. Generations passed. And now, those children say, “This is where we are from.” And honestly, they’re right.

So tell me, what is “origin,” really?

If Ile-Ife Was the Start, Where Did Oduduwa Come From? Some say all Yoruba people came from Ile-Ife. Others whisper stories about Oduduwa coming from Arabia. I’ve even heard claims that the Igbos trace their roots to Israel.

And if you believe the Bible, then our first father was Adam and our first address? The Garden of Eden.

So again, I ask: if everyone is from somewhere else, why do we use “where you’re from” to divide, exclude, and judge

I’ve travelled. I’ve lived outside Nigeria. And let me say this clearly: I’ve never seen a place where ancestral origin holds this much power over people’s lives.

In most places, what matters is where you are born, not where your great-grandfather migrated from. A child born in Texas is American. A child born in London is British. A child born in Lagos should be Nigerian-Lagosian even not labeled a “settler.”

And yet in Nigeria, that same child might be told, “You’re not from here.”

Why?

We’ve Institutionalized Division. Look at our school admissions. Some children are denied entry not because they’re not smart, but because their “state of origin” has higher cut-off marks. Others are told they don’t “belong” in civil service jobs. In their own country.

Our Constitution enshrines this. “Federal Character” was meant to give everyone a fair shot. But now? It’s being used to tell people they’re not welcome in places they’ve lived their whole lives.

Even our politics is soaked in tribal identity. Parties pick candidates by zones, not merit. People vote based on language, not leadership. And when violence breaks out? It’s often neighbors turning on neighbors, all in the name of “origin.”

If We Changed One Law, Everything Could Change

Imagine a Nigeria where your identity comes from where you're born or where you grow up. Imagine a Nigeria where…

A Hausa boy born in Lagos is simply Lagosian.

A Yoruba girl raised in Enugu is considered Igbo by identity.

A Tiv child born in Port Harcourt is treated as a Rivers native.

Do you know what that would do? That would unite us. That would heal us. That would build families that reflect the beautiful blend of who we are.

My fear for the Southwest. We used to be admired. Loved. Respected. The bride of the nation. But today, I see other regions slowly pulling back. The warmth is turning cold. The trust is wearing thin.

Worse still, our youth, the ones who should be wiser are becoming tools in political hands. Chanting division. Spreading hate. And I fear: the seeds of tribalism we’re planting now may one day grow into trees too tall to chop down.

A time may come when no region will trust us again. When we’ll cry out about marginalization and wonder how it all slipped away.

I am proud to be Black. But not just because I’m Yoruba.

I am proud to be African. But not just because I’m from Lagos.

I am proud to be Nigerian. Because that name, Nigeria, carries the weight of all our tribes, all our languages, all our dreams.

Let’s Break the Cycle.
What if we stopped asking “Where are you from?” and started asking “Where are you going?”

What if we raised our children not to carry the burden of tribal scars, but the hope of a united country?

What if we taught them that “home” is where you build your life, not just where your ancestors once lived?

That is the Nigeria I believe in. That is the Nigeria I still pray for.

Mod
Seun

I hope you find this worthy of the front page.

Some people can't keep on disrespecting others and think things would remain same. Ko possible

helinues:
Some people can't keep on disrespecting others and think things would remain same. Ko possible

If you've been paying attention to recent trends, you'll notice that the Hausa-Fulani, once the Southwest's political allies and “beautiful bride" are slowly shifting their allegiance. Our dear Igbo brothers from the South are also beginning to reassess their stance. At this rate, I wonder which region will still be there to stand by you when it truly matters. Don’t let the ambition of one man destroy the delicate harmony that once existed between the West and the rest of the country.

ibabz:
Mod
Seun

I hope you find this worthy of the front page.

Oga rest. You are not going to become indigene in SW. Your state lawmakers can enact laws that allow foreigners to become indigene lets start from there... you have been accused severally of land grabbing. Relax. You are not going to hijack Nigeria. Give it up. Eyes are wide open.

A good write up. Actually and average Hausa and Yoruba doesn't care about where you're from and reason the both region are well developed and their languages are more spoken than other languages.

The problem is a particular tribe that everyone don't longer want on their land. People of Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, India, Thailand, Vietnam to mention few also asked them to leave their land.

ObiORBiafra:
Oga rest. You are not going to become indigene in SW. Your state lawmakers can enact laws that allow foreigners to become indigene lets start from there... you have been accused severally of land grabbing. Relax. You are not going to hijack Nigeria. Give it up. Eyes are wide open.

I’m almost certain you didn’t read the article, your response reeks of ignorance shaped by shallow opinions. Maybe take a moment to actually read it, and then you might grasp the context behind the reference to “my forefathers” and what that says about my so-called place of origin.

ibabz:
Disclaimer
This piece is personal. You’re free to disagree, but I hope you read with an open heart. If your response is petty or vindictive rather than honest and constructive, I won’t stay silent. Be guided.

I remember the joy of growing up in Nigeria when names didn’t matter, when tribes didn’t divide us, and when children laughed without knowing where you “came from.” My friends were from Sokoto, Cross River, Borno, Delta, Lagos, Enugu. We played, ate, and fought like brothers, not strangers.

Back then, whenever anyone asked,
“Where are you from?” I’d smile and say, “I’m from Nigeria.” The confusion on their faces used to amuse me. Some expected me to say Lagos. Others guessed Maiduguri or Delta. None ever got it right. I liked it that way. I liked not being boxed in.

But that world? That innocence? It’s fading. And it hurts.

I’ve watched with a heavy heart how the very question of “Where are you from?” now builds walls between us. Walls built on prejudice. On suspicion. On politics. On lies.

In Nigeria, I’ve seen how people cling to the idea of “state of origin” as if it were carved into stone. But it’s not. Our ancestors didn’t drop from the sky. They moved. They wandered. They settled. They left one land for another, again and again, until they found a place to call home. From there another offspring moved and found another land they could call their home.

I remember visiting riverine communities as a USAID M&E officer. The elders told me how their people, fishermen used to spend days near rivers far from their villages. So, they built huts. Then homes. Then brought their wives. Their children were born there. Years passed. Generations passed. And now, those children say, “This is where we are from.” And honestly, they’re right.

So tell me, what is “origin,” really?

If Ile-Ife Was the Start, Where Did Oduduwa Come From? Some say all Yoruba people came from Ile-Ife. Others whisper stories about Oduduwa coming from Arabia. I’ve even heard claims that the Igbos trace their roots to Israel.

And if you believe the Bible, then our first father was Adam and our first address? The Garden of Eden.

So again, I ask: if everyone is from somewhere else, why do we use “where you’re from” to divide, exclude, and judge

I’ve travelled. I’ve lived outside Nigeria. And let me say this clearly: I’ve never seen a place where ancestral origin holds this much power over people’s lives.

In most places, what matters is where you are born, not where your great-grandfather migrated from. A child born in Texas is American. A child born in London is British. A child born in Lagos should be Nigerian-Lagosian even not labeled a “settler.”

And yet in Nigeria, that same child might be told, “You’re not from here.”

Why?

We’ve Institutionalized Division. Look at our school admissions. Some children are denied entry not because they’re not smart, but because their “state of origin” has higher cut-off marks. Others are told they don’t “belong” in civil service jobs. In their own country.

Our Constitution enshrines this. “Federal Character” was meant to give everyone a fair shot. But now? It’s being used to tell people they’re not welcome in places they’ve lived their whole lives.

Even our politics is soaked in tribal identity. Parties pick candidates by zones, not merit. People vote based on language, not leadership. And when violence breaks out? It’s often neighbors turning on neighbors, all in the name of “origin.”

If We Changed One Law, Everything Could Change

Imagine a Nigeria where your identity comes from where you're born or where you grow up. Imagine a Nigeria where…

A Hausa boy born in Lagos is simply Lagosian.

A Yoruba girl raised in Enugu is considered Igbo by identity.

A Tiv child born in Port Harcourt is treated as a Rivers native.

Do you know what that would do? That would unite us. That would heal us. That would build families that reflect the beautiful blend of who we are.

My fear for the Southwest. We used to be admired. Loved. Respected. The bride of the nation. But today, I see other regions slowly pulling back. The warmth is turning cold. The trust is wearing thin.

Worse still, our youth, the ones who should be wiser are becoming tools in political hands. Chanting division. Spreading hate. And I fear: the seeds of tribalism we’re planting now may one day grow into trees too tall to chop down.

A time may come when no region will trust us again. When we’ll cry out about marginalization and wonder how it all slipped away.

I am proud to be Black. But not just because I’m Yoruba.

I am proud to be African. But not just because I’m from Lagos.

I am proud to be Nigerian. Because that name, Nigeria, carries the weight of all our tribes, all our languages, all our dreams.

Let’s Break the Cycle.
What if we stopped asking “Where are you from?” and started asking “Where are you going?”

What if we raised our children not to carry the burden of tribal scars, but the hope of a united country?

What if we taught them that “home” is where you build your life, not just where your ancestors once lived?

That is the Nigeria I believe in. That is the Nigeria I still pray for.

Baalu to ti fo lo nsewo si.
Oko kii je ti baba t'omo ko ma ni aala.
So Yoruba should be nice enough to hand over the control of their homeland, to their oloju kokoro neighbors
Ara a pa bata, pa jewen jewen eti e.
Come out and say it openly, it's like you don't know how pissed the Yorubas are,, with this ko eran mo ero country.

Fortunately, you’re in the minority and since we practice democracy the majority rules and runs the country.

7lives:
Baalu to ti fo lo nsewo si.
Oko kii je ti baba t'omo ko ma ni aala.
So Yoruba should be nice enough to hand over the control of their homeland, to their oloju kokoro neighbors
Ara a pa bata, pa jewen jewen eti e.
Come out and say it openly, it's like you don't know how pissed the Yorubas are,, with this ko eran mo ero country.

Oro e ye mi daada. Sugbon ojo iwaju ni emi nwo. This would definitely affect our us later in life. Awon ara wa ni itosi wa didn’t get to this level of marginalization overnight.

You guys can't even pretend for long. Instantly you have shown your true colour. Hausa-Fulani are solidly behind Tinubu, those ones you are referring to are same people they tried to restle the power from him before and after election.

For your information, no time has the SW politician or businessmen ever seek the help from the SE to get or gain anything so stop over pricing yourself.

ibabz:
If you've been paying attention to recent trends, you'll notice that the Hausa-Fulani, once the Southwest's political allies and “beautiful bride" are slowly shifting their allegiance. Our dear Igbo brothers from the South are also beginning to reassess their stance. At this rate, I wonder which region will still be there to stand by you when it truly matters. Don’t let the ambition of one man destroy the delicate harmony that once existed between the West and the rest of the country.

They want to become the indigene of South West. No way. Go and claim the indigene of your state.

ibabz:
Disclaimer
This piece is personal. You’re free to disagree, but I hope you read with an open heart. If your response is petty or vindictive rather than honest and constructive, I won’t stay silent. Be guided.

I remember the joy of growing up in Nigeria when names didn’t matter, when tribes didn’t divide us, and when children laughed without knowing where you “came from.” My friends were from Sokoto, Cross River, Borno, Delta, Lagos, Enugu. We played, ate, and fought like brothers, not strangers.

Back then, whenever anyone asked,
“Where are you from?” I’d smile and say, “I’m from Nigeria.” The confusion on their faces used to amuse me. Some expected me to say Lagos. Others guessed Maiduguri or Delta. None ever got it right. I liked it that way. I liked not being boxed in.

But that world? That innocence? It’s fading. And it hurts.

I’ve watched with a heavy heart how the very question of “Where are you from?” now builds walls between us. Walls built on prejudice. On suspicion. On politics. On lies.

In Nigeria, I’ve seen how people cling to the idea of “state of origin” as if it were carved into stone. But it’s not. Our ancestors didn’t drop from the sky. They moved. They wandered. They settled. They left one land for another, again and again, until they found a place to call home. From there another offspring moved and found another land they could call their home.

I remember visiting riverine communities as a USAID M&E officer. The elders told me how their people, fishermen used to spend days near rivers far from their villages. So, they built huts. Then homes. Then brought their wives. Their children were born there. Years passed. Generations passed. And now, those children say, “This is where we are from.” And honestly, they’re right.

So tell me, what is “origin,” really?

If Ile-Ife Was the Start, Where Did Oduduwa Come From? Some say all Yoruba people came from Ile-Ife. Others whisper stories about Oduduwa coming from Arabia. I’ve even heard claims that the Igbos trace their roots to Israel.

And if you believe the Bible, then our first father was Adam and our first address? The Garden of Eden.

So again, I ask: if everyone is from somewhere else, why do we use “where you’re from” to divide, exclude, and judge

I’ve travelled. I’ve lived outside Nigeria. And let me say this clearly: I’ve never seen a place where ancestral origin holds this much power over people’s lives.

In most places, what matters is where you are born, not where your great-grandfather migrated from. A child born in Texas is American. A child born in London is British. A child born in Lagos should be Nigerian-Lagosian even not labeled a “settler.”

And yet in Nigeria, that same child might be told, “You’re not from here.”

Why?

We’ve Institutionalized Division. Look at our school admissions. Some children are denied entry not because they’re not smart, but because their “state of origin” has higher cut-off marks. Others are told they don’t “belong” in civil service jobs. In their own country.

Our Constitution enshrines this. “Federal Character” was meant to give everyone a fair shot. But now? It’s being used to tell people they’re not welcome in places they’ve lived their whole lives.

Even our politics is soaked in tribal identity. Parties pick candidates by zones, not merit. People vote based on language, not leadership. And when violence breaks out? It’s often neighbors turning on neighbors, all in the name of “origin.”

If We Changed One Law, Everything Could Change

Imagine a Nigeria where your identity comes from where you're born or where you grow up. Imagine a Nigeria where…

A Hausa boy born in Lagos is simply Lagosian.

A Yoruba girl raised in Enugu is considered Igbo by identity.

A Tiv child born in Port Harcourt is treated as a Rivers native.

Do you know what that would do? That would unite us. That would heal us. That would build families that reflect the beautiful blend of who we are.

My fear for the Southwest. We used to be admired. Loved. Respected. The bride of the nation. But today, I see other regions slowly pulling back. The warmth is turning cold. The trust is wearing thin.

Worse still, our youth, the ones who should be wiser are becoming tools in political hands. Chanting division. Spreading hate. And I fear: the seeds of tribalism we’re planting now may one day grow into trees too tall to chop down.

A time may come when no region will trust us again. When we’ll cry out about marginalization and wonder how it all slipped away.

I am proud to be Black. But not just because I’m Yoruba.

I am proud to be African. But not just because I’m from Lagos.

I am proud to be Nigerian. Because that name, Nigeria, carries the weight of all our tribes, all our languages, all our dreams.

Let’s Break the Cycle.
What if we stopped asking “Where are you from?” and started asking “Where are you going?”

What if we raised our children not to carry the burden of tribal scars, but the hope of a united country?

What if we taught them that “home” is where you build your life, not just where your ancestors once lived?

That is the Nigeria I believe in. That is the Nigeria I still pray for.

It use to be so, but not anymore.

the country has already being divided along ethnic, tribal and religious line.

Northerners, westerners and easterners don't share same political or cultural idealogy.

ibabz:
If you've been paying attention to recent trends, you'll notice that the Hausa-Fulani, once the Southwest's political allies and “beautiful bride" are slowly shifting their allegiance. Our dear Igbo brothers from the South are also beginning to reassess their stance. At this rate, I wonder which region will still be there to stand by you when it truly matters. Don’t let the ambition of one man destroy the delicate harmony that once existed between the West and the rest of the country.

Not all relationships would last for ever but just because you are not in good terms with others don't mean you should be disrespecting them.

You can see how South West have been handling some northerners having issue with this government without disrespecting them or their people

helinues:
Not all relationships would last for ever but just because you are not in good terms with others don't mean you should be disrespecting them.

You can see how South West have been handling some northerners having issue with this government without disrespecting them or their people

I may disagree but still respect your opinion. I hope one day, we can meet over a bottle of beer and laugh over or sentiments and st.upi ty as brothers.

ibabz:
If you've been paying attention to recent trends, you'll notice that the Hausa-Fulani, once the Southwest's political allies and “beautiful bride" are slowly shifting their allegiance. Our dear Igbo brothers from the South are also beginning to reassess their stance. At this rate, I wonder which region will still be there to stand by you when it truly matters. Don’t let the ambition of one man destroy the delicate harmony that once existed between the West and the rest of the country.

You wrote all that, only to shift to this t-r-ibal at-tack
You guys cant even pretend for long

Guy, I wasnt born in my home-state but i swear to God, i will never want to be a Lagos or Ibadan indigene(despite living more than half of my life there, love the place dearly and I'm Yoruba too). I love my hometown so much i wouldnt want to change anything about it

I wonder how you guys feel comfortable to even conceive this

Also, indigeneship and citizenship arent same. I dont know how London got into this convo

ibabz:
I’m almost certain you didn’t read the article, your response reeks of ignorance shaped by shallow opinions. Maybe take a moment to actually read it, and then you might grasp the context behind the reference to “my forefathers” and what that says about my so-called place of origin.

I dont care about the article. You are not grabbing anything. I went through your profile before submitting my opinion. If you ask any Yoruba man where he's from. He will tell you where is parents originated from. He'll mention his parents villages first, before mentioning their states but he can later add where he was born or totally neglect that part. I will never claim to be a Lagosian tho I was born and raised in Lagos. I will still tell you im from where my parents are from. Only you people are not afraid to throw your ancestry away for land grabbing. Like Zik, like Ojukwu, Kano, Ben Kalu, Ekpa and the rest of the ipob family.

By the way you are wrong if you think foreigners born on American or British soil dont fancy their origin. Even Donald Trump ancestry is known, Elon Musk can never become American president. Rihanna is from Trinidad and Tobago, Celine Dion from Canada and so on. Dont come here and start painting nunsense. State of origin will not be cancelled. Rather it will be added to the Nigerian passport.

ibabz:
Disclaimer
This piece is personal. You’re free to disagree, but I hope you read with an open heart. If your response is petty or vindictive rather than honest and constructive, I won’t stay silent. Be guided.

I remember the joy of growing up in Nigeria when names didn’t matter, when tribes didn’t divide us, and when children laughed without knowing where you “came from.” My friends were from Sokoto, Cross River, Borno, Delta, Lagos, Enugu. We played, ate, and fought like brothers, not strangers.

Back then, whenever anyone asked,
“Where are you from?” I’d smile and say, “I’m from Nigeria.” The confusion on their faces used to amuse me. Some expected me to say Lagos. Others guessed Maiduguri or Delta. None ever got it right. I liked it that way. I liked not being boxed in.

But that world? That innocence? It’s fading. And it hurts.

I’ve watched with a heavy heart how the very question of “Where are you from?” now builds walls between us. Walls built on prejudice. On suspicion. On politics. On lies.

In Nigeria, I’ve seen how people cling to the idea of “state of origin” as if it were carved into stone. But it’s not. Our ancestors didn’t drop from the sky. They moved. They wandered. They settled. They left one land for another, again and again, until they found a place to call home. From there another offspring moved and found another land they could call their home.

I remember visiting riverine communities as a USAID M&E officer. The elders told me how their people, fishermen used to spend days near rivers far from their villages. So, they built huts. Then homes. Then brought their wives. Their children were born there. Years passed. Generations passed. And now, those children say, “This is where we are from.” And honestly, they’re right.

So tell me, what is “origin,” really?

If Ile-Ife Was the Start, Where Did Oduduwa Come From? Some say all Yoruba people came from Ile-Ife. Others whisper stories about Oduduwa coming from Arabia. I’ve even heard claims that the Igbos trace their roots to Israel.

And if you believe the Bible, then our first father was Adam and our first address? The Garden of Eden.

So again, I ask: if everyone is from somewhere else, why do we use “where you’re from” to divide, exclude, and judge

I’ve travelled. I’ve lived outside Nigeria. And let me say this clearly: I’ve never seen a place where ancestral origin holds this much power over people’s lives.

In most places, what matters is where you are born, not where your great-grandfather migrated from. A child born in Texas is American. A child born in London is British. A child born in Lagos should be Nigerian-Lagosian even not labeled a “settler.”

And yet in Nigeria, that same child might be told, “You’re not from here.”

Why?

We’ve Institutionalized Division. Look at our school admissions. Some children are denied entry not because they’re not smart, but because their “state of origin” has higher cut-off marks. Others are told they don’t “belong” in civil service jobs. In their own country.

Our Constitution enshrines this. “Federal Character” was meant to give everyone a fair shot. But now? It’s being used to tell people they’re not welcome in places they’ve lived their whole lives.

Even our politics is soaked in tribal identity. Parties pick candidates by zones, not merit. People vote based on language, not leadership. And when violence breaks out? It’s often neighbors turning on neighbors, all in the name of “origin.”

If We Changed One Law, Everything Could Change

Imagine a Nigeria where your identity comes from where you're born or where you grow up. Imagine a Nigeria where…

A Hausa boy born in Lagos is simply Lagosian.

A Yoruba girl raised in Enugu is considered Igbo by identity.

A Tiv child born in Port Harcourt is treated as a Rivers native.

Do you know what that would do? That would unite us. That would heal us. That would build families that reflect the beautiful blend of who we are.

My fear for the Southwest. We used to be admired. Loved. Respected. The bride of the nation. But today, I see other regions slowly pulling back. The warmth is turning cold. The trust is wearing thin.

Worse still, our youth, the ones who should be wiser are becoming tools in political hands. Chanting division. Spreading hate. And I fear: the seeds of tribalism we’re planting now may one day grow into trees too tall to chop down.

A time may come when no region will trust us again. When we’ll cry out about marginalization and wonder how it all slipped away.

I am proud to be Black. But not just because I’m Yoruba.

I am proud to be African. But not just because I’m from Lagos.

I am proud to be Nigerian. Because that name, Nigeria, carries the weight of all our tribes, all our languages, all our dreams.

Let’s Break the Cycle.
What if we stopped asking “Where are you from?” and started asking “Where are you going?”

What if we raised our children not to carry the burden of tribal scars, but the hope of a united country?

What if we taught them that “home” is where you build your life, not just where your ancestors once lived?

That is the Nigeria I believe in. That is the Nigeria I still pray for.

You've said it all but we must first abolished umanna land in Igbo first,that culture of not selling that land breed division and segregation.

helinues:
Some people can't keep on disrespecting others and think things would remain same. Ko possible

Ur tribal hate will never allow u think straight.... u think u are doing igbos because of Tinubu that has how many years left on earth??... he will use tribalism to destroy ur tribe due to his selfish ambition and u yorubas will end up suffering for this for a very long time... igbos are the only ones that are so reasonable and wanting that they invest in other regions ...something that other regions dont do in igbo land... but u wanna use tribal bigotry to pay them back.... this was the same mistake the north did that destroyed them economically .... u people don't reason at all due to hate.... if all igbos leave lagos state and take their investments and business back to the east , u don't know how damaging it will be for lagos ...if yorubas were the ones making lagos great , why isn't same said about other SW states.... Americans can't chase away Jews from their country cos they know the implications, that's why they always back isreal ... a tribe contributes to ur economic value and people like u a foolishly beating the drum of tribal hate against them...imagine igbos leaving lagos , the markets will collapse... do u know the economic value Alaba , Trinity , Trade fair , Berger Autos, Balogun , Idumota , Ladipo Alaba suru brings to lagos state.... the property value of houses in lagos state.... or do u think the hausas or fulani or calabar or ijaws or Edo people invest half of what they igbos invest in?? Other tribes will rather take back their proceeds to their states ...while the igbo man reinvents in lagos .... I am glad u guys have exposed yourselves , its just a matter of time , u will know the economic value the igbos bring to lagos

cr7lomo:
Ur tribal hate will never allow u think straight.... u think u are doing igbos because of Tinubu that has how many years left on earth??... he will use tribalism to destroy ur tribe due to his selfish ambition and u yorubas will end up suffering for this for a very long time... igbos are the only ones that are so reasonable and wanting that they invest in other regions ...something that other regions dont do in igbo land... but u wanna use tribal bigotry to pay them back.... this was the same mistake the north did that destroyed them economically .... u people don't reason at all due to hate.... if all igbos leave lagos state and take their investments and business back to the east , u don't know how damaging it will be for lagos ...if yorubas were the ones making lagos great , why isn't same said about other SW states.... Americans can't chase away Jews from their country cos they know the implications, that's why they always back isreal ... a tribe contributes to ur economic value and people like u a foolishly beating the drum of tribal hate against them...imagine igbos leaving lagos , the markets will collapse... do u know the economic value Alaba , Trinity , Trade fair , Berger Autos, Balogun , Idumota , Ladipo Alaba suru brings to lagos state.... the property value of houses in lagos state.... or do u think the hausas or fulani or calabar or ijaws or Edo people invest half of what they igbos invest in?? Other tribes will rather take back their proceeds to their states ...while the igbo man reinvents in lagos .... I am glad u guys have exposed yourselves , its just a matter of time , u will know the economic value the igbos bring to lagos

Okay so you wrote a book epistle about my comments. Could you point out to where I mentioned Igbo's in my comments?

EvilMerodack:
You wrote all that, only to shift to this t-r-ibal at-tack
You guys cant even pretend for long

Guy, I wasnt born in my home-state but i swear to God, i will never want to be a Lagos or Ibadan indigene(despite living more than half of my life there, love the place dearly and I'm Yoruba too). I love my hometown so much i wouldnt want to change anything about it

I wonder how you guys feel comfortable to even conceive this

Also, indigeneship and citizenship arent same. I dont know how London got into this convo

My parent are from Lagos and I was born in Lagos. In other word, I’m a full blown lagosian. But that is not the discussion for today. Let’s go back to your comment which I respect but still disagree. Can you give us the brief history of your village? What can you tell us about the history and origin?

helinues:
Okay so you wrote a book epistle about my comments. Could you point out to where I mentioned Igbo's in my comments?

Will you to be Igbo your next life?

EvilMerodack:
You wrote all that, only to shift to this t-r-ibal at-tack
You guys cant even pretend for long

Guy, I wasnt born in my home-state but i swear to God, i will never want to be a Lagos or Ibadan indigene(despite living more than half of my life there, love the place dearly and I'm Yoruba too). I love my hometown so much i wouldnt want to change anything about it

I wonder how you guys feel comfortable to even conceive this

Also, indigeneship and citizenship arent same. I dont know how London got into this convo

Pls can you show me where the tribal a.tt ack came from because it seems I’m beginning to lack comprehension. You accused me of tribal sentiment without mentioning the area.

ObiORBiafra:
I dont care about the article. You are not grabbing anything. I went through your profile before submitting my opinion. If you ask any Yoruba man where he's from. He will tell you where is parents originated from. He'll mention his parents villages first, before mentioning their states but he can later add where he was born or totally neglect that part. I will never claim to be a Lagosian tho I was born and raised in Lagos. I will still tell you im from where my parents are from. Only you people are not afraid to throw your ancestry away for land grabbing. Like Zik, like Ojukwu, Kano, Ben Kalu, Ekpa and the rest of the ipob family.

.


It’s obvious you didn’t read a single line and that’s exactly why I won’t waste my time engaging you. I respond to people who read to understand, whether they agree or not. Not to those who rush to comment out of ignorance or ego. That kind of behavior is not only shallow, it’s dangerous. Proverbs says, 'He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of f.00l suffers harm.' I’ve learned to choose my company wisely."

helinues:
Some people can't keep on disrespecting others and think things would remain same. Ko possible

IPOBs started it. With their noise

ibabz:
Disclaimer
This piece is personal. You’re free to disagree, but I hope you read with an open heart. If your response is petty or vindictive rather than honest and constructive, I won’t stay silent. Be guided.

I remember the joy of growing up in Nigeria when names didn’t matter, when tribes didn’t divide us, and when children laughed without knowing where you “came from.” My friends were from Sokoto, Cross River, Borno, Delta, Lagos, Enugu. We played, ate, and fought like brothers, not strangers.

Back then, whenever anyone asked,
“Where are you from?” I’d smile and say, “I’m from Nigeria.” The confusion on their faces used to amuse me. Some expected me to say Lagos. Others guessed Maiduguri or Delta. None ever got it right. I liked it that way. I liked not being boxed in.

But that world? That innocence? It’s fading. And it hurts.

I’ve watched with a heavy heart how the very question of “Where are you from?” now builds walls between us. Walls built on prejudice. On suspicion. On politics. On lies.

In Nigeria, I’ve seen how people cling to the idea of “state of origin” as if it were carved into stone. But it’s not. Our ancestors didn’t drop from the sky. They moved. They wandered. They settled. They left one land for another, again and again, until they found a place to call home. From there another offspring moved and found another land they could call their home.

I remember visiting riverine communities as a USAID M&E officer. The elders told me how their people, fishermen used to spend days near rivers far from their villages. So, they built huts. Then homes. Then brought their wives. Their children were born there. Years passed. Generations passed. And now, those children say, “This is where we are from.” And honestly, they’re right.

So tell me, what is “origin,” really?

If Ile-Ife Was the Start, Where Did Oduduwa Come From? Some say all Yoruba people came from Ile-Ife. Others whisper stories about Oduduwa coming from Arabia. I’ve even heard claims that the Igbos trace their roots to Israel.

And if you believe the Bible, then our first father was Adam and our first address? The Garden of Eden.

So again, I ask: if everyone is from somewhere else, why do we use “where you’re from” to divide, exclude, and judge

I’ve travelled. I’ve lived outside Nigeria. And let me say this clearly: I’ve never seen a place where ancestral origin holds this much power over people’s lives.

In most places, what matters is where you are born, not where your great-grandfather migrated from. A child born in Texas is American. A child born in London is British. A child born in Lagos should be Nigerian-Lagosian even not labeled a “settler.”

And yet in Nigeria, that same child might be told, “You’re not from here.”

Why?

We’ve Institutionalized Division. Look at our school admissions. Some children are denied entry not because they’re not smart, but because their “state of origin” has higher cut-off marks. Others are told they don’t “belong” in civil service jobs. In their own country.

Our Constitution enshrines this. “Federal Character” was meant to give everyone a fair shot. But now? It’s being used to tell people they’re not welcome in places they’ve lived their whole lives.

Even our politics is soaked in tribal identity. Parties pick candidates by zones, not merit. People vote based on language, not leadership. And when violence breaks out? It’s often neighbors turning on neighbors, all in the name of “origin.”

If We Changed One Law, Everything Could Change

Imagine a Nigeria where your identity comes from where you're born or where you grow up. Imagine a Nigeria where…

A Hausa boy born in Lagos is simply Lagosian.

A Yoruba girl raised in Enugu is considered Igbo by identity.

A Tiv child born in Port Harcourt is treated as a Rivers native.

Do you know what that would do? That would unite us. That would heal us. That would build families that reflect the beautiful blend of who we are.

My fear for the Southwest. We used to be admired. Loved. Respected. The bride of the nation. But today, I see other regions slowly pulling back. The warmth is turning cold. The trust is wearing thin.

Worse still, our youth, the ones who should be wiser are becoming tools in political hands. Chanting division. Spreading hate. And I fear: the seeds of tribalism we’re planting now may one day grow into trees too tall to chop down.

A time may come when no region will trust us again. When we’ll cry out about marginalization and wonder how it all slipped away.

I am proud to be Black. But not just because I’m Yoruba.

I am proud to be African. But not just because I’m from Lagos.

I am proud to be Nigerian. Because that name, Nigeria, carries the weight of all our tribes, all our languages, all our dreams.

Let’s Break the Cycle.
What if we stopped asking “Where are you from?” and started asking “Where are you going?”

What if we raised our children not to carry the burden of tribal scars, but the hope of a united country?

What if we taught them that “home” is where you build your life, not just where your ancestors once lived?

That is the Nigeria I believe in. That is the Nigeria I still pray for.

South east people should stay in their region that's the reality,no tribes is ready to grant them indigeneship anywhere in Nigeria.

helinues:
Some people can't keep on disrespecting others and think things would remain same. Ko possible

How many Nigerian tribes are willing to reside in South East,talk less of begging for their indigeneship.

You claimed that you're the most successful tribe in Africa, and yet begging to be indigenous of other people's.

ibabz:
If you've been paying attention to recent trends, you'll notice that the Hausa-Fulani, once the Southwest's political allies and “beautiful bride" are slowly shifting their allegiance. Our dear Igbo brothers from the South are also beginning to reassess their stance. At this rate, I wonder which region will still be there to stand by you when it truly matters. Don’t let the ambition of one man destroy the delicate harmony that once existed between the West and the rest of the country.

South south and south west are together right from time, nobody needs your alliance to succeed

Na only this lie I come burst. Everywhere in the world, they always ask or at least want to know where you are originally from. That is why we know where Obama and Kamara Harris are original from.

Even Disreali, the former prime minister of Britain is still always referred to by his Jewish heritage or is it the recent former Indian descent prime minister.

In some cases they may respond with "My parents were originally from ...", by then the information requested has been passed.

Except you are ashamed of where you come from, I see no reason why anyone wants to steal other people's identity. Poeple all over the world are proud of where they are from, the Jews and the Americans for example will always proudly identify who they are, so if you are ashamed of where you are from, it is not the fault of those who are not and want to properly identify you.

ibabz:
Disclaimer
...

I’ve travelled. I’ve lived outside Nigeria. And let me say this clearly: I’ve never seen a place where ancestral origin holds this much power over people’s lives.

In most places, what matters is where you are born, not where your great-grandfather migrated from. A child born in Texas is American. A child born in London is British. A child born in Lagos should be Nigerian-Lagosian even not labeled a “settler.”

....