Nigeria is more of an economically integrated unit than it is political; it is no surprise why the emphasis on politics has been nothing but divisive and corrosive. When a culturally and religiously diverse country like ours chooses to focus on politics, people naturally retreat to their cultural and religious identities to either seek relevance or gain attention.

These parochial sentiments ultimately lead to unhealthy rivalry and frictions amongst the various ethnic groups leading to mayhem and bloodshed.

So whether you call them ‘the Avengers’, ‘IPOB’, ‘OPC’ and more recently ‘herdsmen’, the colossal effect of an identity-driven political environment will continuously be recycled at the expense of the life and properties of innocent Nigerians.

This is why I believe that de-emphasizing politics and linking the 9 Geo-political zones will without a doubt lead to the peace and prosperity of all Nigerians. When the man in Marte, Borno State sees the man in Osun as a mutually benefiting trading partner, he will show genuine empathy in times of crisis.

There is a huge trade potential within Nigeria, capable of lifting 15 million people out of poverty in 10 years if only we are able to focus on building on our several comparative advantages and economically adding value to each other.

Nigerians will no longer kill themselves if they realize that their wealth and the future of their children will depend on the well being and productivity of their fellow countrymen.

Mr Adamu Garba made the following remarks, speaking at the Emerging Leaders conference recently held in Abuja.

(TRIBUNENG)