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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 just an indicator of where we come from or which group we belong to. It is an existential question that determines our worldview, our purpose, and the direction of our collective and individual lives. When an individual, society or nation is secure in its identity, its energy is directed towards a vision of progress, building a better future. But when identity is unclear, fragmented, or misunderstood, division, conflict, and stunted growth become inevitable.
Perhaps the most difficult crisis facing humanity today is the crisis of identity – specifically, our inability to realize our shared unity. Around the world, people define themselves not by what unites them, but by what makes them different. We create artificial boundaries, walls of separation, and categories of exclusivity, believing that our identities are only meaningful if separate. 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 basic essence of Nigerian identity is lost in a sea of differences – differences that obscure our deep, shared humanity.
The root of this identity crisis is not just a lack of understanding of others, but a profound ignorance of oneself. We fail to recognize that our differences are, at most, superficial. Our real struggle is that we have not yet understood who we are as human beings. In Nigeria, this is reflected in how many people identify with their ethnic groups – Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and countless others – before they identify as Nigerians, let alone as members of the human family. . 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 search for a new identity, one that transcends the boundaries of ethnicity, religion and history. As a multinational state, Nigeria should not derive its identity from narrow and exclusionary unifying characteristics. A common religion, a shared history or an ethnic character cannot serve as the foundation of a nation composed of more than 250 ethnic groups. Nigeria's identity must be rooted in one universal truth: humanity is life.
This truth speaks of the unity of all human beings. Almighty God created a kind of nation, and that is the human race. Humanity is not divided by artificial boundaries; This is one. This eternal truth must become the foundation of Nigeria's new identity – a new civilization that will unite not only Nigerians but the entire human race. 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; This is the only path to true peace and prosperity not only for Nigeria but for the entire world.
Nigeria’s diversity is not a manageable weakness; It is a strength that must be harnessed. This is proof that unity in diversity is possible. And by demonstrating this truth to the world, Nigeria can pave the way for the creation of 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 bigger – 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 caste, nationality or creed, is a citizen of the universe. We are universal beings, created with a shared purpose and a common destiny. This realization is important because it holds the key to dismantling the artificial boundaries that separate us – whether those boundaries are political boundaries, racial distinctions, or ideological divisions. Once humanity awakens to its shared existence, we will see the beginning of a new era – an era of universal peace and prosperity. In this cosmic citizenship, competition that promotes division will be replaced by cooperation that promotes 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 mankind. This is not just a philosophical statement but a divine call. Nigeria has the highest concentration of black people on the face of the earth. This is not an accident. Nigeria has been brought together for a sacred purpose: to lead the world in building a civilization that unites all people under the banner of shared humanity. This is Nigeria's destiny, and it is a responsibility we cannot take lightly.
As Nigerians, it is our duty to wake up 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 not only transform Nigeria but the world. We will show that it is possible to build a nation and a world united by shared values, timeless 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 reach its destiny. When we reflect on who we are as individuals, we must recognize that we are part of something much greater than the sum of our differences. We are part of the human family. And it is on this foundation that we must build a New Nigeria – a nation that will be a symbol of hope, unity and brotherhood to the world.
Let us, as Nigerians, take up this responsibility 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 of mankind. This is the ultimate purpose of Nigeria, and it is the divine calling that we must fulfil.
*Abdulrahman is the Founder and Chairman and Project Coordinator of the Initiative for Discovery of Nigeria Heritage and Endowment (IDNHE).
National Policy Dialogue (www.nationalpolicydialog.org)
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