AS MUSLIMS in Nigeria and across the globe begin the sacred month of Ramadan, the season offers more than fasting from food and drink – it presents a powerful opportunity for reflection, moral renewal, and collective responsibility. Ramadan teaches patience, discipline, compassion, and above all, unity. These values are urgently needed in a country struggling under the weight of division.
Nigeria is a nation richly blessed with human and natural resources, yet its progress has been persistently hindered by ethnic suspicion, religious intolerance, regional rivalry, and sectional politics. These divisions have weakened national cohesion and diverted attention from shared challenges such as poverty, insecurity, unemployment, and underdevelopment. Ramadan, therefore, should serve as a moral reminder that no society can achieve meaningful development without unity.
As prayers rise during this holy month, they must be accompanied by a commitment to national unity. Nigerians must consciously reject narratives that promote hatred, tribalism, and religious bigotry. Instead, citizens should embrace dialogue, tolerance, and solidarity, recognising that the destiny of the nation is collective.
A closer look at Nigeria’s socio-economic and socio-political landscape reveals a striking contradiction. While ordinary citizens are often divided along ethnic, religious, and regional lines, the political elite remain largely united when it comes to protecting their interests. Similarly, the economic elite – the bourgeoisie – work together across ethnic and religious boundaries to preserve wealth, influence, and power. Their unity is strategic and purposeful.
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This reality raises a fundamental question: why do the masses – workers, farmers, traders, youths, and other ordinary citizens – remain fragmented? Why do common people, who share similar struggles and hardships, allow artificial divisions to keep them apart? These divisions do not benefit the masses; rather, they weaken their collective voice and bargaining power.
History has shown that no nation develops when its people are divided against themselves. Unity among ordinary citizens is not a luxury; it is a necessity. When the masses stand together, they can demand accountability, good governance, social justice, and equitable distribution of resources. Disunity, on the other hand, only strengthens those who benefit from the status quo.
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Ramadan teaches that believers are one community, bound by shared values and mutual responsibility. This lesson should transcend religious boundaries and inspire a broader national consciousness. Muslims, Christians, and adherents of other beliefs in Nigeria all desire peace, dignity, and a better future for their children. These shared aspirations should unite rather than divide us.
As prayers rise during this holy month, they must be accompanied by a commitment to national unity. Nigerians must consciously reject narratives that promote hatred, tribalism, and religious bigotry. Instead, citizens should embrace dialogue, tolerance, and solidarity, recognising that the destiny of the nation is collective.
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In conclusion, Ramadan is not only a time for personal piety but also a moment for national reflection. For Nigeria to move forward, its people must rise above ethnic, religious, and regional differences.
Unity among ordinary citizens is the foundation upon which justice, peace, and sustainable development can be built. Without unity, progress will remain a distant dream; with unity, a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria is possible.
Comrade Danlami popularly known as Baba Lawan writes from Haliru Umar Street, Dorayi Karamar Unguwar Yamma, Gwale LGA, Kano State, Nigeria. He can be reached via email: lawanmusa363@gmail.com
