By Ekene Okoye
In the serene waters off Lagos, during the Salah holiday, a scene unfolded that seemed to epitomize both luxury and unity amidst Nigeria's diverse landscape of ethnicities, religions, and economic divides.
On a yacht belonging to Aliko Dangote, Nigeria's wealthiest
man, sat a gathering of some of the country's most affluent figures: Femi
Otedola, Segun Awolowo, Donald Duke, Charles Ahize, Tunde Ayeni, Sam Nwajokwu, and
of course, Dangote himself.
What made this gathering remarkable was
not just their opulent surroundings or their shared enjoyment of Salah meat and
a cruise over Lagos waters. It was the diversity among them: Yoruba, Hausa,
Igbo, and an Efik man; Christians and Muslims alike. Despite these differences,
they were united by one undeniable commonality—they were all billionaires.
In a country often divided by ethnic
rivalries, religious tensions, and political affiliations, this tableau aboard
Dangote's yacht was a stark reminder of a different divide—the chasm between
the HAVES and the HAVE NOTS. While many in Nigeria struggle daily for basic
needs and opportunities, these individuals were comfortably discussing matters
of influence and control, deciding which of their allies would maneuver through
the corridors of power.
The contrast was not lost on those who
witness the perpetual strife and animosity among the populace, often fueled by
differences in religion, ethnicity, or political beliefs. The scene on
Dangote's yacht offered a poignant reflection: perhaps the real battle isn't
between those of differing faiths or backgrounds, but rather between those who
possess immense wealth and influence, and those who do not.
It's easy for people to get caught up in creating enemies based on superficial differences, especially amplified in the echo chambers of social media. Yet, the true adversaries of societal progress and unity may lie elsewhere—in the disparities of wealth and opportunity that perpetuate broader divides and inequalities.
As we navigate our own social
landscapes, it's crucial to remember this lesson. The enemy isn't necessarily
the person of a different religion, ethnicity, or political persuasion. It's
the systemic inequalities and the concentration of power and resources that
perpetuate these divisions.
While we strive for a more equitable
society where opportunity isn't determined by birthright or economic status,
scenes like the gathering on Dangote's yacht serve as a sobering reminder of
the challenges ahead. It's a call to action—to bridge the gap between the HAVES
and the HAVE NOTS, to advocate for fairness and justice, and to foster unity amidst
diversity.
In the end, true progress isn't
measured solely by economic growth or individual success, but by our ability as
a society to uplift the marginalized, empower the disadvantaged, and build a
future where prosperity is shared, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or
political affiliation. That is the real challenge, and the real opportunity,
that lies before us.
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