Nigeria: The Crisis Of Identity

At the core of the human experi­ence is the question of identity: Who are we? This question has shaped the rise and fall of civili­zations, the creation of cultures, and the formation of societies. Identity is not merely a marker of where we come from or the group to which we belong. It is an exis­tential question that determines our worldview, our purpose, and the direction of our collective and individual lives. When an individ­ual, a society, or a nation is secure in its identity, its energy is chan­nelled toward a vision of progress, toward the building of a better fu­ture. But when identity is unclear, fractured, or misunderstood, divi­sion, conflict, and stunted develop­ment become inevitable.

Perhaps the most difficult cri­sis humanity faces today is the crisis of identity – specifically, the inability to realize our shared oneness. Across the globe, people define themselves not by what unites them but by what makes them different. We create artificial boundaries, build walls of sepa­ration, and construct categories of exclusivity, believing that our identities are only meaningful when distinct. Nigeria is a nation that exemplifies this challenge. With its immense diversity, Nige­ria has struggled with ethnic divi­sions, religious rivalries, and com­plex historical legacies. The very essence of the Nigerian identity has been lost in a sea of differenc­es – differences that obscure our deeper, shared humanity.

The root of this identity crisis is not simply a lack of understand­ing of others, but a profound igno­rance of self. We fail to recognize that our differences are, at best, superficial. Our real struggle is that we have not yet come to terms with who we are as human beings. In Nigeria, this is reflected in how many identify first by their ethnic groups – Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and countless others – before identify­ing as Nigerians, let alone as mem­bers of the human family. This failure to recognize our univer­sality as human beings keeps us fragmented and limits our capac­ity for unity and shared purpose.

But there is hope. The key to Ni­geria’s future – and indeed to the future of humanity – lies in the discovery of a new identity, one that transcends the limitations of ethnicity, religion, and history. As a multi-national state, Nigeria can­not and must not derive its identi­ty from narrow and exclusionary unifying qualities. A common re­ligion, a shared history, or an eth­nic character cannot serve as the foundation for a nation composed of over 250 ethnic groups. Nige­ria’s identity must be rooted in a universal truth: Humanity is Life.

This truth speaks to the one­ness of all human beings. God Almighty created one kind of nation, and that is mankind. Hu­manity is not divided by artificial boundaries; it is one. This eternal truth must become the foundation of Nigeria’s new identity – a new civilization that will unite not only Nigerians but all of humankind. In this new civilization, Nigerians will no longer define themselves by their differences but by their shared humanity. This is not just a lofty ideal; it is the only path to­ward true peace and prosperity, not only for Nigeria but for the entire world.

Nigeria’s diversity is not a weakness to be managed; it is a strength to be harnessed. It is the very proof that unity in diversity is possible. And in demonstrating this truth to the world, Nigeria can lead the way in building a new global order. The people of Nigeria, with their vast cultural and ethnic mosaic, are uniquely positioned to exemplify that de­spite our differences, we are bound by something greater – our shared existence as human beings.

This new identity also requires us to recognize the universality of the human person. Every human being, regardless of race, national­ity, or creed, is a citizen of the cos­mos. We are universal beings, cre­ated with a shared purpose and a common destiny. This realization is critical because it holds the key to dissolving the artificial bound­aries that separate us – whether those boundaries are political bor­ders, racial distinctions, or ideo­logical divides. Once humanity awakens to its shared existence, we will witness the dawn of a new era – an era of universal peace and prosperity. In this cosmic citizen­ship, the competition that drives division will be replaced by coop­eration that fosters unity.

Nigeria’s new identity, based on the truth that Humanity is Life, will be the foundation of a new civilization – a civilization that transcends borders, races, and religions to unite all humankind. This is not merely a philosophical statement but a divine calling. The greatest concentration of Black people on the surface of the Earth resides in Nigeria. This is no ac­cident. Nigeria has been brought together for a sacred purpose: to lead the world in the creation of a civilization that unites all people under the banner of shared hu­manity. This is Nigeria’s destiny, and it is a responsibility that we cannot take lightly.

As Nigerians, we have a duty to awaken to this truth. We must reject the narrow definitions of identity that have divided us for so long and embrace the universal truth that we are all connected by our shared existence. In doing so, we will transform not only Nigeria but the world. We will show that it is possible to build a nation and a world united by shared values, eternal principles, and a common purpose. This new civilization will not be driven by the pursuit of material wealth or power but by the pursuit of universal peace and prosperity for all.

This is the moment for Nigeria to rise to its destiny. As we reflect on who we are as a people, we must recognize that we are part of some­thing far greater than the sum of our differences. We are part of the human family. And it is upon this foundation that we must build the New Nigeria – a nation that will serve as a beacon of hope, unity, and brotherhood for the world.

Let us, as Nigerians, take up this mantle and lead the world into a new era of peace and pros­perity. Let us awaken to the truth that Humanity is Life. In this truth, we will find the strength to build a civilization that will unite all humankind. This is Nigeria’s ultimate purpose, and this is the divine calling that we must fulfil.

• Abdulrahaman is the Found­er and President of Initiative for Discovery of Nigeria Heritage and Endowment (IDNHE) and Project Coordinator, National Policy Di­alogue (www.nationalpolicydia­logue.org)