Africans urged to use tribalism for development, progress

Africans have been urged to rethink tribalism not as a force for division, but as a catalyst for collective development and progress.

Speaking yesterday at a virtual lecture on Nigeria’s historical evolution and prospects, organised by The Think Thank For Sustainable Development (TTTSD), the Regional Director, Ford Foundation, West Africa, Dr ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, argued that for Africa to unlock its full developmental potential and assert global leadership, it must deconstruct the stigma surrounding tribal identities and reimagine them as a vehicle for unity and progress rather than division.

Aniagolu-Okoye, who spoke on the topic ‘Reinventing Tribalism to Work for Africa’s Development’ argued that many of Africa’s systemic challenges were ultimately traced back to tribalism.

She explained that the debate around the issue had produced two dominant ideologies, where some speak passionately in favour of preserving tribal allegiance as the bedrock of identity, while others believe that tribalism should be completely eradicated to build modern nation-states that transcend ethnic sentiments.

Aniagolu-Okoye therefore urged Africans to embrace what she described as “positive tribalism,” emphasising that tribal identity should not be rooted in hatred for others, but in love and responsibility toward one’s people. She cautioned against attempts to completely erase ethnic identities, noting that such efforts often backfire.

Earlier in his remarks, the Director -General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Eghosa Osagie, argued that ethnicity and tribal affiliations should be recognised as legitimate components of civil society within an African context.

He urged policymakers to reconsider conventional assumptions about tribalism, emphasising its potential role in strengthening community resilience and fostering development.