National Unity: A tale of two influencers and note to NOA

Nigeria, a nation blessed with diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religions, stands at a critical juncture. As the country grapples with the challenges of insecurity and social tension, it has become imperative that we come together as one people, united in our pursuit of peace, progress, and prosperity.

In this quest for unity, the roles of individuals who shape public opinion and influence national discourse cannot be overstated. I present to you two notable Nigerians of interest: Mr. Reno Omokri and Mr. Adedeji Odulesi. These two individuals have made significant marks in the social media space, amassing large followings due to the nature of their content. While both individuals lay claim to patriotism and a love for the country, their approaches to promoting national unity and progress couldn’t be more divergent.

Mr. Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide, has built a massive following on social media, largely due to his content, which is mostly political. However, his approach often perpetuates discord and division among Nigerians, exacerbating ethnic, religious, and political fault lines. His comment sections are always littered with harsh exchanges, intemperate language, threats, and discord, creating an “us versus them” mentality that only serves to tear the country apart.

On the other hand, Mr. Adedeji Odulesi, a polyglot and language enthusiast, has used his platform to promote unity, understanding, peace, and progress. By celebrating our diversity and promoting linguistic and cultural exchange, he inspires Nigerians to come together and embrace our differences as strengths rather than weaknesses. Adedeji not only looks out for and showcases Nigerians that bond well with each other or speak many Nigerian languages; he makes it a point of duty to preach unity and to emphasize the things that bind us together.

He intentionally builds bridges of understanding and deliberately strives to collapse the wall of mutual suspicion between and among Nigerians from different backgrounds. In stark contrast to Reno’s, Adedeji’s comment section is a breath of fresh air, filled with warmth, laughter, and admiration. His followers engage in respectful and thoughtful discussions, reflecting a deep sense of understanding and concord that is truly inspiring. This approach has the power to heal our divisions and foster a sense of national unity and identity.

To be very honest, Reno Omokri’s activities on social media should be of immense concern to the National Orientation Agency (NOA). With a vast following of impressionable individuals, he has consistently demonstrated a reckless penchant for creating and disseminating inflammatory, ethnic-themed content. Every single post Reno makes on social media is an incitement and naked or coded bigotry aimed at setting up one ethnic group or cultural subset for vilification and demonization.

This divisive rhetoric is deliberately crafted to exploit Nigeria’s fault lines, sowing discord and fueling tensions among citizens from diverse ethnic, regional, and religious backgrounds. His inflammatory rhetoric and ethnic baiting, often veiled in pseudo-patriotism, has the potential to incite violence, erode national cohesion, and undermine the very fabric of Nigerian society.

As the National Orientation Agency strives (or purportedly strives) to promote national unity and social harmony among Nigeria’s diverse population, it’s crucial for it to identify ambassadors who embody these values. In the case of Reno and Adedeji, two contrasting individuals with significant social media followings, the choice is clear.

The NOA’s primary mandate is to ensure Nigerians are well-informed about government policies and programs while fostering a sense of patriotism, national unity, and civic responsibility. Adedeji’s efforts to promote unity, understanding, peace, and progress through his social media platforms align perfectly with the NOA’s objectives. His commitment to celebrating Nigeria’s diversity and promoting linguistic and cultural exchange makes him an ideal ambassador for the NOA’s message of unity.

In contrast, Reno’s ceaseless ethnic baiting, ‘us versus them’ mentality, and consistent fanning of the embers of primordial differences, which are clearly aimed to sow seeds of discord and fuel tension among different ethnic and religious groups, are in direct opposition to the NOA’s goals. The agency’s role in promoting national unity and social cohesion would be undermined by associating with or tolerating individuals who perpetuate harmful and divisive rhetoric.

Much like the build-up to the Rwandan crisis in 1994, Reno and his ilk are sowing seeds of hatred and prejudice in Nigeria, and I’m here to remind NOA and other government organs charged with the responsibility of fostering peace and unity in the country that when those seeds eventually germinate and grow, all of us will bountifully reap the fruits.

If NOA truly grasps the importance of robust national unity, especially in galvanizing needed support for our security forces to defeat our security challenges, it would take a firm stance against divisive individuals like Reno Omokri, regardless of their affiliation with the government. The National Orientation Agency’s mission to forge national unity, ignite patriotism, and instill social values must be more than just a statement. It’s time to turn this vision into a rallying cry and mobilize Nigerians to unite and eschew divisive tendencies.

Permit me to conclude by requesting NOA and other beacons of national unity – DSS, NTA, FRCN, VON, and so on – to boldly confront and debunk the toxic rhetoric and hate-fueled campaigns that threaten to tear our nation apart. They cannot continue to pretend that they are not seeing the danger that the likes of Reno portend. However, if they are indeed enamored by his shenanigans and proud of him, probably because his divisive rhetoric perfectly suits the government’s narratives or position, then so be it.

Omeje is the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Security Digest