_Tribalism in Nigeria: A Multi-Faceted Menace_ By George O. Sylvester

Tribalism, a perennial curse, has entrenched itself in Nigeria’s fabric, yielding a complex harvest of discord, division, and underdevelopment. This hydra-headed monster transcends ethnic and religious lines, perpetuating a cycle of bad governance that respects no boundaries.

*The Seeds of Tribalism*

Nigeria’s colonial legacy and post-independence leadership have cultivated an environment conducive to tribalism. Artificial boundaries, imposed by colonial powers, forcibly united diverse ethnic groups, fostering an atmosphere of competition and mistrust.

*Multi-Dimensional Yield*

The consequences of tribalism are far-reaching:
1. *Ethnic Politics*: Voting patterns often follow ethnic lines, rather than policy or merit.
2. *Resource Distribution*: Access to resources and opportunities is frequently determined by tribal affiliation.
3. *Social Fragmentation*: Inter-ethnic relationships are strained, hindering national cohesion.
4. *Economic Stagnation*: Tribalism discourages investment, innovation, and progress.

*Bad Governance: A Unifying Factor*

The effects of poor leadership know no tribal or religious boundaries:
1. *Inequality*: Economic disparities plague all regions, regardless of ethnicity.
2. *Insecurity*: Crime and violence affect citizens across tribal lines.
3. *Infrastructure Decay*: Neglect of public infrastructure harms all communities.
4. *Corruption*: Embezzlement and graft benefit select individuals, not entire tribes.

*The Way Forward*

To eradicate tribalism’s stranglehold:
1. *Inclusive Governance*: Leaders must prioritize national interests over ethnic loyalty.
2. *Education and Enlightenment*: Promote cultural understanding, tolerance, and civic education.
3. *Economic Empowerment*: Foster equal access to opportunities and resources.
4. *National Unity*: Encourage inter-ethnic dialogue, cooperation, and shared identity.

Tribalism’s insidious roots must be uprooted. Nigerians must recognize their shared humanity and collective aspirations. By embracing inclusivity, accountability, and good governance, the nation can overcome this debilitating legacy.

*Recommendations*
1. Establish a National Unity Commission to promote inter-ethnic understanding.
2. Implement policies ensuring equal resource distribution and access.
3. Encourage civic education and critical thinking in schools.
4. Foster public-private partnerships for economic development.

*References*
1. Achebe, C. (1983). The Trouble with Nigeria.
2. Falola, T. (1999). The History of Nigeria.
3. Osaghae, E. E. (1998). Crippled Giant: Nigeria Since Independence.

Nigerian Travel Creator Alma Asinobi Falls Short of Guinness World Record Due to Visa Delays

Nigerian travel content creator Alma Asinobi may not be setting a new Guinness World Record for the fastest journey across all seven continents after visa-related delays prevented her from reaching Sydney, Australia, within the required time.

In an Instagram update on Sunday, Asinobi, who is still en route to Sydney, confirmed that her total journey time would be 71 hours and 35 minutes, falling short of the current record of 64 hours, set in February 2025 by American veteran Johnny Cruz Buckingham.

Reflecting on her attempt, she noted that had she been competing against the previous record of 73 hours, set by Indian travelers in 2022, she would have surpassed it. However, multiple setbacks meant that by the time she made her announcement, she had already spent 63 hours, 54 minutes, and 33 seconds traveling, making it impossible to surpass Buckingham’s 64-hour record.

Asinobi faced numerous obstacles throughout her attempt, particularly due to visa restrictions associated with her Nigerian passport. One of the major setbacks occurred when she was denied boarding on her flight to Perth, Australia, forcing her to rebook on a later flight to Sydney.

In her Instagram post, she reflected on the challenges she encountered, including unexpected disruptions such as the Heathrow Airport fire that further complicated her travel plans.

“So close, but so far away. I may not have won this one, but we can sure win the next one together,” she wrote. “My eyes may be swollen from all the tears I’ve cried, but I promise to find moments of laughter in between.”

Despite the setback, Asinobi emphasized that her journey was about more than just breaking a record. She expressed hope that her attempt would inspire others to take on challenges, regardless of the limitations they face.

“When I land, we will catch up on lives and pour our hearts out to each other. For now, let’s finish this! I really hope this attempt was worth something for a Nigerian out there,” she added.

Now shifting her focus to her homecoming event on March 30, Asinobi aims to set another record by gathering Nigerians to sign a national flag in solidarity.

“We still have one more record to break at the homecoming event on March 30, where we will make history by signing our Nigerian flag,” she wrote. “I can’t wait to see you all there. I totally and physically cannot do that one without you, so please show up for me.”

Throughout her journey, Asinobi has been vocal about the difficulties Nigerian passport holders face, including complex visa requirements, expensive travel arrangements, and last-minute flight cancellations. Her experience has sparked widespread discussions on passport inequality and the barriers restricting global mobility for citizens of certain countries.

While she may not be taking home the Guinness World Record, Asinobi’s attempt has garnered widespread support, with many rallying behind her efforts.

“You did win! A personal win, a win for Nigerians, a win for me as a fellow Black girl navigating the world without passport privilege,” one supporter commented on her post.

Despite the challenges, Asinobi remains determined to continue making history and inspiring others to push beyond their limitations.

Nigerian Woman in U.S. Faces 10 Years in Prison Over $40,980 Unemployment Fraud

A Nigerian woman residing in the United States, Funke Iyanda, is facing the possibility of a 10-year prison sentence after being indicted for fraudulently obtaining $40,980 in unemployment benefits.

According to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) on Thursday, Iyanda, 43, who has no legal immigration status in the U.S., allegedly filed false claims using another person’s identity to receive pandemic unemployment assistance between May 2020 and May 2021.

Fraudulent Claims and Federal Charges

The DoJ revealed that Iyanda submitted falsified applications to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor, securing benefits she was not legally entitled to. A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has indicted her on one count of theft of government property.

“A Nigerian national residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of theft of government property,” the statement read.

The indictment alleges that from May 27, 2020, to May 24, 2021, she applied for and received nearly $41,000 in unemployment benefits despite lacking legal status to qualify for such aid.

Potential Sentence and Legal Consequences

If convicted, Iyanda faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. However, the final sentence will depend on the severity of the offense and her prior criminal history, if any, as outlined in the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

“The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence would be based on the seriousness of the offense and the defendant’s prior criminal history,” the DoJ stated.

The authorities emphasized that an indictment is merely an allegation and that Iyanda remains innocent until proven guilty in court.

A Growing Trend of Financial Crimes

This case comes just weeks after another Nigerian-born U.S. resident, Professor Gordian Ndubizu, was sentenced to two years in prison for tax evasion. Ndubizu, along with his wife, was found guilty of concealing approximately $3.28 million in income from their pharmacy business, evading $1.25 million in taxes between 2014 and 2017.

As U.S. authorities continue to crack down on financial crimes, Iyanda’s case highlights the severe consequences of fraudulent activities, especially those involving government assistance programs.