Africans have been called upon to reconsider tribalism not as a source of division, but as a driving force for collective development and progress. This appeal was made during a virtual lecture on Nigeria's historical evolution and prospects, organized by The Think Tank For Sustainable Development (TTTSD).
Redefining Tribalism for Unity
Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, Regional Director of the Ford Foundation for West Africa, argued that for Africa to fully realize its developmental potential and establish global leadership, it must dismantle the negative stigma attached to tribal identities. Instead, she proposed reimagining these identities as instruments of unity and progress rather than conflict.
Speaking on the topic 'Reinventing Tribalism to Work for Africa’s Development,' Aniagolu-Okoye noted that many systemic challenges on the continent can be traced back to tribalism. She highlighted two prevailing perspectives in the ongoing debate: one that champions tribal allegiance as essential to identity, and another that calls for its complete eradication to build modern nation-states beyond ethnic sentiments.
Embracing Positive Tribalism
Aniagolu-Okoye urged Africans to adopt what she termed 'positive tribalism,' emphasizing that tribal identity should be grounded in love and responsibility toward one's community, not hatred for others. She warned against efforts to erase ethnic identities entirely, as such attempts often lead to unintended negative consequences.
In his opening remarks, Professor Eghosa Osagie, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), argued that ethnicity and tribal affiliations should be acknowledged as legitimate components of civil society within an African framework. He called on policymakers to challenge conventional assumptions about tribalism and recognize its potential to strengthen community resilience and foster development.
