In contemporary discourse surrounding the socio-economic challenges faced by Northern Nigeria, it is easy to cast blame on external factors—government policies, southern domination, or foreign influences.
However, this blame shifting often obscures the underlying issues that require our immediate attention. The time has come for us to self-examine our own societal behaviors and values, beginning with our educational priorities, gender roles, and community accountability.
Contrary to the notion that public education should be cherished as a privilege, many young Northerners exhibit disinterest in attending free public schools. This trend raises critical questions about the value we place on education. Why do many youth prefer idleness over the opportunity to learn and better their circumstances? The pervasive attitude that education is unnecessary fosters a dangerous cycle of ignorance and poverty, positioning an entire generation at risk of perpetual socio-economic decline.
The blame lies not in the lack of schools, but in the lack of desire to learn. Community leaders and parents must instill the significance of education as a foundational stone for progress and prosperity. Moreover, the societal belief that education is for the privileged stifles ambition and talent among the youth. Addressing these attitudes, and making education a communal value rather than an individual ambition, is a fundamental step toward breaking free from this vicious cycle.
Another critical issue facing the North is the entrenched belief in rigid gender roles that hinder progress. Many men prefer their wives to remain homebound, effectively stifling the talents and skills of educated women who could enrich families financially. This not only deprives families of a significant income but also leaves women vulnerable in the face of unforeseen tragedies, such as the death of their spouses, which often leaves them helpless in a hostile society.
By perpetuating these dynamics, the North exacerbates systemic problems that ultimately undermine the entire community’s well-being. When families refuse to embrace equal partnership, they collectively disengage from economic productivity, driving the region further into poverty. Encouraging cooperative economic practices where both men and women contribute can engender a healthier, more resilient society.
The reluctance among young people to serve as apprentices in skilled trades or retail outlets signals a larger issue: a deficiency in patience and work ethic. Many aspiring youth harbor unrealistic notions of immediate success without recognizing the value of hard work, perseverance, and apprenticeship. It is essential to cultivate a culture that respects the virtue of diligence and the development of skills over time.
Moreover, the absence of mentors who can guide and encourage the next generation poses a significant hindrance. Investing in mentorship programs that connect young people with experienced professionals can rekindle the appreciation for craftsmanship and service-oriented careers, benefiting both the individual and the community.
In rural areas, the trend of entrusting children to religious teachers who depend on them for sustenance undeniably raises ethical concerns. This dynamic, where children might beg or steal for survival, betrays the very tenets of care and responsibility that are essential for nurturing future generations. Parents must re-evaluate their roles and responsibilities and ensure that their children are not exploited but rather educated and protected.
This neglect also points to the larger issue of community accountability. For years, kinship ties have shielded individuals from consequences for their actions. The unwillingness to hold each other accountable—rooted in tribal and religious allegiances—has perpetuated a culture of impunity detrimental to societal growth. Communities need to foster an environment where every member is held accountable, irrespective of their background or status.
Finally, it is crucial to acknowledge that the bandits and terrorists wreaking havoc in our communities do not hail from far-off places, but rather from within our own regional confines. These perpetrators share our faith, our customs, and, in many cases, even our families. The neat divisions created along religious lines have breached the initial fabric of our society, intensifying conflicts that were once nonexistent. The very act of demonizing one another along ethnic and sectarian boundaries has only exacerbated societal fragmentation.
Rebuilding a sense of unity and fostering genuine reconciliation among communities is no small task, but it is imperative. We must strive to see one another as neighbors, to overcome the prejudices that have been ingrained in us for decades, and to remember that we are indeed part of the same society.
In sum, the North faces a myriad of self-inflicted challenges that require introspection and action. By reframing our approach to education, gender roles, work ethics, accountability, and community cohesion, we can pave the way toward a more prosperous and harmonious future. Blaming external forces may offer temporary solace, but it is only by confronting our own shortcomings that we can truly begin to enact change for the betterment of all.
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
Mobile: +2349053535322
AATSG Media.
