25/11/2025
Art and entertainment might be the best tool that will unite this country.
I remember during the Ivorian civil war in Côte d’Ivoire. In 2007, Drogba and the national team insisted on playing a 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar in Bouaké, a city in the rebel-held north. It was the first time a match had been played there since the conflict began. Drogba scored the final goal in the 5–0 victory, and after the match, he went down on his knees in the middle of the field and publicly pleaded with the rebels to lay down their arms. They listened, and that moment led to a ceasefire and the eventual peace process that ended the five-year war between brothers. That is the power of sport.
When OG Abbah released his song “Wayyo Allah Na”, the song trended in almost every region of the country, regardless of tribe or religion. Everyone vibed to it, even those who didn’t understand the lyrics. People appreciated his talent and the huge musical potential in Northern Nigeria waiting to be explored. I have also seen creators like Sabinus and many other people from the South vibing to DJ AB’s “Basu So.” Meanwhile, Northern Nigeria has always vibed to many artistes from the South.
With the recently happenings in our music industry, I have come to understand that we truly love each other. It is corrupt politicians and religious merchants who impose hatred on us because the more we stay united, the faster their evil business ends. The more we are divided, the longer their manipulation continues.
Today, art and entertainment are bringing us closer to one another. They are helping us understand each other and respect each other more. Let us continue with open hearts. Together, we will stay united and defeat every enemy of our beloved country.
Both political and religious institutions have failed to unite this country. Don’t you think we should give art a chance, just as Côte d’Ivoire gave sports a chance?
