EVI 2008 Scholarship Topic: Impact of Ethnic Divides on the Lives of Ebira People - By Halimat Omengwu Siyaka (EVI Scholarship Winner)

Written By: Halimat Omengwu Siyaka, Ebira, Nigeria

Posted By: Dr. Joseph Ozigis Akomodi, New York, USA.


I should be considered for the scholarship for the following reasons:
I graduated from a reputable school (Ebira Community Secondary School Ogaminana) which has no record of examination malpractises with credits in all my subjects in the year 2007. I am a science student and the secretary of Junior Engineering Technicians and Science club (JETS) when I was in school. I have the aim of contributing to development of science and technology in Ebira land, Nigeria and the world at large. I intend to study pharmacy in the university and become a practising pharmacist so as to help my people and country.I am currently a desktop publishing student in Micronet International Computer Institute In Shasha Lagos state since the knowledge of computer is very vital in all human endevours.

I'm sure that if I am considered for the scholarship, I will realise my dream of becoming a legend to my generation who almost lost the hope of developing their talents because dreams do not seams to come true in this part of the country.I will also prove to the world that Nigeria can contribute to the world of science and technolgy. I graduated from a school that lacks teachers and teaching facilities especially science equipments but was able to make best use of the available facilities to come out in flying colours.Being a religious girl, I was the secretary of Muslims Students Society while in school. While in school, I participated in different quiz competition where we emerge winners bringing glory to the science students and my school.With all this, I am very sure that I will make the best use of the opportunity if considered for the scholarship.
Here is the statement of my WAEC result
Mathematics: C5
English Language: C6
Chemistry:B3
Biology: C4
Physics: C6
Economics: C4
Agricultural Science: C4
Geography: C5
Islamic Religion Knowledge:C6
NAME: SIYAKA HALIMAT OMENGWU
DATE OF BIRTH: FEBRUARY 15 1990
GENDER: FEMALE


THE IMPACT OF ETHNIC DIVIDES ON THE LIVES OF EBIRA PEOPLE
An ethnic group is a group of people belonging to a nation, race or tribe that shares a cultural tradition and belief. Members have rights to share in the natural resources found in the area to which they belong. Ebira is one of the numerous ethnic groups in Nigeria, located in the north central zone of the country, formerly in Kwara state and now in Kogi state.

Ethnic divides arises because of differences in the group that tend to separate them from their peaceful coexistence: such differences can be presence of clans, political groups and religious groups. These groups tend to rule over one another, and later results in permanent divides within the ethnic group. Ebira people who were peace loving, hardworking and honest people, had as a result of all this divisions, thrown away all those good attributes and embraced hatred, deceit and heartlessness which we are now known for all over the federation. Therefore, there is no way one can discuss the impact of ethnic divide without firstly, looking at the causes.

Causes of ethnic divides in Ebira land
One of the main causes of ethnic division in the land is the existence of different religious groups which are: Islam, Christianity and traditional religions. Before the coming of Islam and Christianity, Ebira was composed of only the traditional groups with the same cultural values and beliefs. After the coming of Islam and Christianity, the people divided according to the religion each found pleasing. Problem aroused when the traditional groups keep putting up attitude that infringes on the rights of other religious groups.

In the past, there had been a prolonged fight between some of the Muslims (brothers) and the traditional groups. The traditional groups are accustomed to masquerading and any time these masquerades are out, there must be one problem or the other. Their immoral actions are always responsible for the problem that may lead to loss of lives and destruction of properties. Even between the masquerade clubs, they knew no peace with themselves. They are always at war with each other and threatening the lives of one another.

In essence, masquerades have brought more problems to the lives of Ebira people. These masquerades are supposed to be a form of entertainment when they display their talents but are instead unbearable and ugly sites especially when accompanied with violence. The Ekuechi festival in Ebira land is one of those events that could be both cultural and as well tourist attraction in Nigeria. It has failed to be one because of the evils and immoralities associated with it.

One of the most important causes of ethnic divides in Ebira land is the existence of various clans such as Ezi-Uka, Ezi-Oogu, Ezi-Omoye, Ezi-Udu, Ezi-Apasi to mention but few. These clans are even further divided into sub clans for example: in Ezi-Apasi clan, there are; Ezi-Apasi Ezi-Oroko, Ezi-Apasi Ezi-Idakoriko etc. The true purpose of these numerous clans is for the people of Ebira land to live in peace and harmony with each other but our people have turned against themselves using this clanship as yardstick.

Therefore, some of these clans have been at war with each other taking Ezi-Oogu and Ezi-Omoye clan for example. These two clans have since history been at war with each other. The problem between them started in the olden days, in the days of their great grand father who spend their time insulting themselves while masquerading. This historical fight passed from generation to generation extending to the youths of today who of course, now it things worse. All the killings, maiming and destruction of properties going on in some part of our land for the past few years, is a product of this historical fight. In addition, the problem between Ezi-Emani and Ezi-Oha in Ihima is also an example of those problems between clans. This particular fight is one that claimed many lives, properties and rendered many homeless. The question is, was these numerous clans there to turn us against ourselves?

Another major cause of ethnic divides in our land is politics, political parties and political posts. Ever since the advent of democracy in Nigeria coupled with the desire to occupy some political posts by our top Ebira men, the situation has been from worse to worst. The politicians quickly fit in themselves and helped in causing serious damages to our dare land.

Those that are supposed to be our leaders, showing good examples to the youths, have also been at war with themselves because of their selfish interests and greediness. These so called leaders do not really care about the welfare of the people but form strong groups against themselves dragging our good names to the mud.
More so, those politicians now use our dare youths as political thugs. Instead of bringing to us good dividends of democracy, what our leaders have brought to us are: shame, underdevelopment and deprivation. These politicians to carry out their evil acts use the thugs as weapons by supplying them with arms to kill our fellow Ebira people. Politics has brought much bad than good to the lives of Ebira people as a whole because of the corrupt practices of the politician. In conclusion, all these causes of division in Ebira land are complement to each other. They all worked hands in hand to bring Ebira to its present status.

Impact of ethnic divides
The impact of ethnic divides is the powerful effect that ethnic divides has on the lives of Ebira people. Ethnic divides has brought nothing to us except disasters ending lives and destroying properties. Impact of ethnic divides is discussed under these sub headings.

Loss of lives:
Many lives have been lost because of various problems going on in the land, most of which are people of high reputations. Even the innocent ones have suffered for what they knew nothing about. The lives of Ebira people are no longer safe; it is no longer valuable in the hands of those unscrupulous elements of our land. It has worsened to the extent that Ebira people in the Diasporas now fear to visit their fatherland because they do not want to end their lives for a just cause. Is it that our land does not want us anymore? Our land has been violated by people who do not even live permanently on it, they only come to supply the youths with instruments of destruction and take their leave to far away land to settle with their families forgetting that there is no place like home.

Destruction of properties:
Apart from the lives that have been lost, destruction of properties is the order of the day in our land today. Buildings, cars and other properties are not safe from destruction especially when it belongs to people in any group that are at war with each other. Our people who have the means of building house(s) no longer have the courage to build them on the land. Developments of certain areas have been limited because of this destruction of properties. No reasonable individual will like to have a property in an area where it would not be safe.

Underdevelopment:
Ebira as a whole lack the necessities of life such as drinkable water, good roads, standard medical centers, good schools and electricity supply to mention but few. This is due to improper governance and greediness on the part of our so called leaders. The fact that Ebira people have refused to stand as one being an ethnic group, has gone a long way to affect the proper maintenance of our land’s natural and human resources.
More so, Ebira people lack the stamina to stand as one and fight for those rights. Those who are supposed to be in the government house representing our people are rather there representing their pockets. We as Ebira people have leaders who collect money from government for contracts that are far from execution. They spend the money meant for the development of our land in destroying it by building criminals and supplying them with arms and ammunitions. Then Ebira people may never witness the true purpose of democracy.

Lack of employment opportunities:
Due to all this forms of underdevelopments, our youths that are talented in various fields waste away as they are unable to secure employments. This in turn increases the rate of criminal activities among the youths conforming to the adage; “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop”. No individual or groups will like to make an investment in an area that knew no peace over the years, for it will be a waste of capital, time and resources. Even the government establishments like Ajaokuta steel company and National iron ore mining project Itakpe which are products of the natural resources found in our land, does not make any impact on the live of our people since they are hardly employed in these companies.

In all, the vast number of youths in the land either travel to other states in search of employments or stay idle at home and may later join the hooligans. What a shame to Ebira as a whole, the leaders in particular who only invest their money and time in building criminals whereas having their own children in other states or countries. Even those who acquire various skills, sometimes lack the capital to stand on their own. Therefore, employment and lack of skill acquisition have gone a long way to wasting many talented minds.

Poor standard of education:
The standard of education in Ebira land has fallen to an unbearable level. This is because of mismanagement of school facilities, lack of teaching equipments and indiscipline on the part of students to mention but few. Ebira is in an educational era where students no longer read to pass exams. Some of the school authorities collaborate with their students to help them in exam malpractices. All these violence going on in the land now, made things worse as students are permanently stopped from going to school. In conclusion, the impact of ethnic divides is more on the lives of the youths who are the supposed leaders of tomorrow. If the youths are suffering from the divisions of our people, if they are at the receiving end of the evil practices of those who call themselves leaders, the question is what is the future of Ebira people particularly, the new generation?

The way forward
To sincerely tackle the problem in our land, all citizens, stakeholders and associates must have their hands on deck. The land can always regain its sanity by reversing all the damages done to it. Our people should come together as one, bury the hatchet and be our brother’s keeper once more. To enable the youths engage themselves productively, there should be provision of employments opportunities and skill acquisition programs. Building standard schools and providing modern teaching facilities will go a long way to sanitize the educational system in the land.

In conclusion, associations like Ebira Vonya International (EVI), Ebira People Association (EPA) etc should organize seminars to educate the youths and leaders on the consequences of being and building thugs. Also, women empowerment and skill acquisition programs should be a priority.

EVI 2008 Scholarship Topic: Impact of Ethnic Divides on the Lives of Ebira People - By Oricha Adeiza Silas(Winner of EVI Scholarship)

Written By: Oricha Adeiza Silas Ebira, Nigeria

Posted By: Dr. Joseph Ozigis Akomodi, New York, USA.


EMAIL ADDRESS: sirich4all@yahoo.com

WHY I SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

I am fatherless. I was ten (10) years old in primary school when I lost my dad. My mum as a petty trader then couldn’t send me to school because of lack of funds. I managed to finish my primary and secondary school through the help of my uncle who is now old.
I finished my secondary school in June 2006 and apply for a remedial course at the Federal University of Technology Minna. My plan was to become an electrician but after several efforts to get a sponsor was unsuccessful, one of my leaders in the church; a brother collected this form for me to be filled as an applicant. These are some of the reasons why I thought I should be considered as one of your scholarship candidate.
My names are Oricha Adeiza Silas. My birthday is 12th August 1984, Gender: male.


IMPACT OF ETHNIC DIVIDES ON THE LIVES OF EBIRA PEOPLE

INTRODUCTION:
In order to do justice to this topic we need to understand the meaning of ethnicity. Ethnic group are regarded as social formation distinguished by the communal characters of their boundaries, the relevant communal factors being common language, culture, artifacts ideal and values system, social identifications and modes of dressing. Each ethnic groups has its characteristics, its members identify themselves and are so identified by others as being distinct. From this definition, it shows that the Ebiras shared a lot of thing in common and as such have the same historical background that is undisputable.
The effect of division among the Ebira people as a race has the negative part in which it has affected the lives of the Ebira people. Ebira people are one of the major ethnic groups that constitute the present Kogi state of Nigeria. They are noted for good moral stand, shared values of hard work, hospitality, accommodating and maintaining good relationship with their neighbours. However, recent scenario in the land live much to be desired. As our entire social cultural and political fabrics has been on the downward trend. Quoting from Chinua Achebe’s proverb in his introduction to ‘Things Fall Apart’ that “ turning and turning in a widening gown, the center cannot hold, the falcon can no longer hear the falconer”. This adage actually portrayed what this essay is focused upon. To examine our history in the past and compared our lives as Ebiras as at that good old days with the present reality of our days and crisis situation we found ourselves. One of the early writers on society Ibn Khaldum stated that “to understand the present it is better to know our past and from it predict the future.

FACTORS THAT NECESSTATE DIVISION AMONG THE EBIRA PEOPLE
As a ma matter of fact, ethnicity should serve as unifying factor for the Ebira people, rather than basis for division. Going by the gains members can derive from ethnic group organization, such as social security, social interdependence, mutual labour services, psychological satisfaction, economic assistance and common pool of sentiments.
With all these benefits it behooves on us to identify some of the factors that are responsible for these. Some of these include clannish sentiments, sectional party politics and cultural disintegration etc. to detail.


CLANNISH SENTIMENT:
For instance some of our elders or political elites uses ethnic or clannish ties as basis for employment for Ebira people and even career advancement which often causes animosity and destruction between members of the elites at the state level and this is often detrimental to Ebira unity but rather breeds division. So clannish sentiment often becomes a mark where political leaders hide to perpetuate their ambitions against opposing parties in the land. The sue this to recruit agile young men to unleash terror on their opponents.

SECTIONAL PARTY POLITICS:
On the political side, the growth of ethnic awareness in the society and communal orientation of our politicians. This is often manifested on the sectional character of party politics with attendant volatile nature of disagreement and intolerance of opposition even within Ebira people which usually leads to thuggery, violence and destruction of lives and properties.

CULTURAL DISINTEGRATION:
Closely related to this is cultural disintegration, which often finds expression in bastardization of our traditional festivals by the youth. Our leaders have failed in their duties to preserve our much cherished custom and traditions inherited from our elders of old. This is often manifested in the rate of violence and conflict that are witnessed during these celebrations making the government to always clamp down these festivities by forbidding their observance through suspension. With this the pride and colourful occasion to Ebiras has become a source of concern to our leaders who are in a dilemma of either to suspend it or banned it outrightly or to reform it to meet modern demands. Even among the traditional leaders there are no agreement or consensus, when it comes to addressing matter that relate to a common agenda on our way forward, as division based on points highlighted always creep in.
The impact of all these factors is the division of Ebira people along clannish parties and social/cultural background.

CONSEQUENCES OF ETHNIC DIVIDES OR VIOLENCE TO EBIRA PEOPLE:
The ethnic divides has naturally always brought negative impacts to the lives of the entire Ebira people especially those based at home. The suspicion of each other is so much, just as clans exist so also does divisions along clannish sentiments.

Lack of well-defined goals or political agenda for our future politics, our leaders find it difficult to assemble together and fashion out common political plan or the followers.
The attendant volatile nature of disagreement along party line in seeking for political power, with resultant conflicts often resulting into violence, killing and destruction of properties as witnessed recently in the land of Ihima and Okene areas recently.
Some of the areas that have witnessed these ugly incidents include Okene town, Ihima, Ogaminana and Ovehira communities to mention but a few. The causes of these crises are traceable to violence from traditional festivals, politically motivated, clannish sentiment and lack of proper relationship between the political and traditional authorities in the land. Most of these crisis witnessed heavy casualties from destruction of lives and property, burning of houses and markets including commercial and private vehicles worth millions of naira. People in the affected areas always run to neigbouring towns for safety and most of them became refugees in their father’s land because they were rendered homeless.

SUMMMARY:
Ethnic groups are regarded as social formation distinguished by the communal characters of their boundaries. The relevance of communal factors are common language, culture, artifacts, ideals and value system, social identification and modes of dressing.
Ebira means character. They are noted for good moral standard, shared value of hard work, hospitality, accommodating and maintaining good relationship with their neighbours.
Ebira is located at Kogi Central in Kogi state of Nigeria in West Africa. There are three ethnic groups in Kogi state i.e. Ebira, Igala and Okun.
The occupation of Ebiras are farming, hunting, weaving and modeling. Their religious beliefs are Christianity, Islam and traditionalist.
The impact (effect) of ethnic divides on the lives of Ebira people has both positive and negative side. The impact is also felt politically, economically and socially. The government presence in terms of projects, unemployment, cultural display and clannish sentiment is also noted.
Lastly, what is the way forward? This is by making suggestions that can revolutionize this division or negative trends. We need to embrace the path of unity and oneness, value reorientation, cultural revival. Our politicians/traditional rulers must unite to pursue a common goal and respect each other.

CONCLUSION
As earlier noted, ethnic divides will further leads to increasing the marginalization of Ebira people by other ethnic groups on the road map to national development. Hence the popular adage that: ‘united we stand, divided we fall’. It is only unity that can strengthen our social fabrics then it will usher in peace and development and follow on the road map to the national development.

RECOMMENDATION
Finally, it is youth restlessness caused by unemployment, indiscriminate and illegal acquisition of weapons into the land for our youths which is freely used in political thuggery, robbery and violent activities.
Religious acrimony, animosity and distrust among politicians and traditional rulers will lead us to nowhere but retrogression until they all embraced the path of unity and oneness.
Value reorientation such as discipline, honesty, hard work and hospitality:- These are the value we need to re-orientate and once this is done, Ebira people will be notably for good as we were before. We need to turn to our basic values.
Cultural revival to foster unity: our people need to be sensitized on the positive impact of ethnic solidarity for development purpose. If this is not revived, there will be no peace in Ebiraland and the crisis, violence, clannish and conflicts that took place in the land will continue and many lives will be wasted in the land. For now, we are noted as warring community.

HOW TO BRIDGE THIS DIVIDE TOWARDS A UNITED EBIRA
Leaders of various political groups must pursue a common goal and respect each other’s opinion and be willing to work as a team.

EVI Scholarship Awards 2008

Congratulations to the following recipients of EVI scholarship awards:

1. Miss Halimat Omengwu Siyaka

2. Master Oricha Adeiza Silas

These two recipents will receive certificate of awards from EVI and the amount that was awarded to them. These awards must strictly be used for Educational purposes.

The amount of award for each recipient is $1000 United States Dollars which is approximately N110,000.00 Nigerian Naira.

On behalf of the members of Ebira Vonya International Organization, we congratulates you on your accomplishments. The sky is the limit for your academic pursuit.

Dr. Joseph Ozigis Akomodi, New York, USA.
National President
Ebira Vonya International

May 24, 2008 Meeting Minutes-EVI Monthly Meeting

Posted By: Dr. Joseph O. Akomodi, New York, USA.

Attendees: Mr. Abraham O. Okomanyi, Mr. Abdulyekeen Ozigis, Mr. Abdullahi Bello and Dr. Sunday Okomanyi Abraham.

Chairman’s Opening Remark
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending the meeting and asked that the meeting be started.

Winners of EVI Scholarship.
The participants of the meeting compared notes on the applicants based on the assessment of their academic performances and essays on “The Impact of Ethnic Divides on the Lives of Ebira People”. The decision reached was in favour of the only female candidate, Miss Halimat Omengwu Siyaka and one of the three male applicants, Mr. Oricha Adeiza Silas.

Dispatching Scholarship Funds to Winners.
Two home-based members have been identified as EVI ambassadors, who will ultimately deliver the funds to the recipients. The treasurer will first transfer the funds to an account in a bank in Nigeria in the name of one of the members. Once the money is collected from the bank, the two members will meet with the recipients to hand over the scholarship. A letter will be written by EVI to the recipients congratulating them on their success.

Advertisement Winners of Scholarship at Home
EVI is exploring means of advertising the winners of the scholarship at home. No medium has been chosen yet. This will be further discussed with home-based members to choose the most appropriate medium.

Celebrating Ebiravonya International’s 5th Anniversary
Next year, 2009, will mark the 5th year of existence of EVI. There is a strong favour to celebrate the event in Nigeria in order to use the opportunity to promote peace and unity among the ebira people. Several ideas have been suggested that will be covered during this event. These ideas will be discussed in more detail in due course. However, there is a strong need to start reinforcing our base at home. EVI will start making contacts at home, particularly, with people that despite the odds have continued to fight for the people of Anebira. One of such people that EVI has heard about is Mr. Ishiaka Arudi, who has unconditionally, selflessly and relentlessly fought for Anebira bringing about a positive change in the society. Mr. Arudi has single-handedly fought to ensure that Ajaokuta Steel Company is freed from the hands of the Indians, who have over the last couple of years been looting the properties. Mr. Arudi is a model for all of us. We would like to thank Mr. Arudi for his effort and we enjoin all our members to join in the crusade for the emancipation of our people from the burden of self enslavement.

Ogaminana Massacre – Approving Drafted Letter to the President
The letter is still being approved.

Invitation from Home to Participate in Ebira Day Event
This item is pending.

Meeting Adjourned
The Chairman thanked all the participants of the meeting and adjourned the meeting.