"....persons, communities, regions, and even nations without identity become mere statistics in humanity's scheme of things." (Anonymous).

A people’s identity could be expressed in the form of a common outlook, and perceptions on life, including worldview, usually shaped by shared elements of culture, tradition, geography and historical experience.The aggregation of these factors into a distinct and discernible composite characteristic and way of life. It is this distinct characteristics and ways of life that set one community or group apart from the other, identity wise.

Until recently, it would seem, Southern Borno communities have not been conscious of such common identity or bond existing among them. If they did, it was taken for granted, and so hardly brought to bear in the pursuit and promotion of their common interests and destiny. The story however is changing, and encouragingly fast too, going by recent developments.

Thess include a series of consultative (person to person, group to group) meetings and interactions to discuss challenges affecting the region. There has also been a huge growth in the rate of the people coming together to celebrate one of their own for being role models. Or show empathy in times of grief and tragedy. The latest sense of empathy being the unity of purpose exhibited towards raising massive material support in aide of the victims of the catastrophic flood that devastated Maiduguri, the state capital. The sum of N200 million (and still counting) was collectively raised and donated! There couldn’t be a greater sence of unity of purpose. It also underscores the budding manifestation of a common identity of Southern Borno.

To restate the obvious, Southern Borno represents a significant part of current the Borno State in more ways than one. First, it is the food basket of the state. Second, the region is home to the middle and lower manpower base of the state, including artisan service providers. Despite this, the region has not been able to command a commensurate clout due to challenges of diversity. Building unity and strength out of it couldn’t be more daunting!

The diversity in Borno South covers tribes, cultures, religions, and geography. The landmass may just be about 40%, but it accounts for about 70% of the ethnic groups that constitute Borno, and none of them (within the enclave) is up to a million. Though Southern Borno is predominantly Muslim, the Christian faith commands a large following equally.

The Biu plateau to the South, and the Gwoza/Mandara Hills chains at the North East flank gave the land a jagged outlook with enormous flat plain in-between, making it suitable for arable farming and livestock. Culturally, diversity exists at two levels in southernBorno; those with hybrid disposition on account of proximity with the larger Kanuri ethnic group and the vast majority of groups that remain distinct or undiluted.

The diverse setting has since made the region highly vulnerable to divide and rule along the varying faultlines, particularly when it comes to political identity and strength. But thank God, sustained media campaigns and the relentless efforts of some eltes past and present, the zone is beginning to fine its mojo. People have been increasingly appreciative of the value of speaking with one voice. And in also seeing each other as “brothers” who developmentally not only in one boat but are facing the same storm.

The positive turn could be illustrated by the rising number and frequency of Southern Borno delegations to commiserate or celebrate with others in and outside the state. So, there has been a level of fraternity among ordinary folks of Southern Borno extraction.

Sports and cultural festivals have been recognised as a unifying factor universality. Southern Borno, appreciated this by initiating inter-local government soccer tournament. The first was held this year and has elicited a lot of interest especially among the youth. Now in tow, a pan-Borno South annual cultural festival and Summit is on the drawing board to take place tentatively by the end of the year. The Summit component shall actually be the second outing or so. The last one took place in 2018 at Maiduguri. Participants to both events (Summit and Festival) are billed to come from all the local governments in the South and even beyond. The cultural aspect is expected to leverage on the success and experiences renown by “micro” cultural festivals like the Marama Day and Menwara of Shani.

Another unifying factor has been the people’s shared vision to better their lot. After years of developmental challenges, they are now willing to do more to help themselves. No matter how little. The zone also needs a collective voice to engage politically with the larger Borno society to improve its chances of securing a power shift or even get a state created out of the South namely; the Savannah.
The Nigerian Constitution obliges a state-wide referendum, among other conditionalities, for creating new states. Unless otherwise, the concurrence of the other two zones is a necessity. The pursuit of this has had a positive effect on the unity of Southern Borno, too.

To sustain the current tempo and to also provide further traction to the unity-building process, it would be in order for those sitting on the fence to join the movement. On the part of those driving the movement using various initiatives/platforms, it is now time to play down partisanship. In a highly diverse environment like Southern Borno excessively partisan characters are time bombs. They are vicious and viral. What is needed now is team spirit, even when politics is , many individuals survival strategy. But the larger interest should always be paramount.

Unity in southern Borno too, should be a game-changer for the state. The state government shall find it easier and cost effective to address with an aggregated identity and interest than having to go round individuals, entities, or groups. Dealing with a united people facilitates good governance. On the part of the region, its unified voice is likely to be heard louder and clearer. Also demands for dividends of democracy are better articulated. When people pull in different directions or work at cross purposes, political jobbers and negative characters feed fat at the expense of the people. Unity locks such individuals out for good!

The clarion call here is for every well-meaning sons and daughters of Southern Borno to have their hands on the deck. They should raise issues. Pose questions. Agree. Disagree. And agree and then move forward. It’s normal in consensus building as it is among family members. The only bad or irrelevant voices are the ones not expressed.

With the southern Borno youth actively engaged in the crusade for the unity of religion, the time is ripe to have a “Southern Borno Council of Elders” similar to the Yoruba Elders, Northern Elders and the all inclusive Borno Elders. This shall be the icing on the cake of the “Southern Borno Identity” as a partner in the progress of the Borno Elders.

By intent, the Borno Elders is to speak for the entire Borno, but by perception, it’s a Northern and Central Borno affair, notwithstanding the symbolic sprinkling of persons of the southern extraction. Perception, as it were, is a powerful emotional guide that can not be easily wished away. Besides, the Southern Borno Elders Council could be considered as a third platform for opinion moulders on issues relating to zonal levels. This and similar platforms elsewhere have the potential to strengthen the voices of both states and the Northern Elders/Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in matters, development, and national stability.

The omnibus (pan- Borno South) body, called “The Conference of Southern Borno Development Associations (CSBDAs) should set the ball rolling. Southern Borno is up and ready. The manifest momentum in ushering a Southern Borno identity should not be slowed down.

Seeing individuals of different strips (ethnicity, profession, faith, status etc), from Gwoza, Damboa, Askira/Uba, Hawul, Biu, Ɓayo, Kwaya Kusar and Shani, coming together almost regularly to freely and passionately brainstorm on issues affecting Southern Borno is a welcome development to behold. It’s a dream come true for those who have been longing, advocating and working for such great day(s). It’s humbling. The momentum should therefore, not be allowed to ebb.

The time is ripe for all well-meaning sons and daughters to metaphorically join the Borno South “Unity, and Friendship” train of peace, development and stability.
A.G.Abubakar agbarewa@gmail.comA Southern Borno Identity Is Fast Crystallising, The Momentum Should Be Sustained

   "....persons, communities, regions, and even nations without identity become mere statistics in humanity's scheme of things." (Anonymous).

A people’s identity could be expressed in the form of a common outlook, and perceptions on life, including worldview, usually shaped by shared elements of culture, tradition, geography and historical experience.The aggregation of these factors into a distinct and discernible composite characteristic and way of life. It is this distinct characteristics and ways of life that set one community or group apart from the other, identity wise.

Until recently, it would seem, Southern Borno communities have not been conscious of such common identity or bond existing among them. If they did, it was taken for granted, and so hardly brought to bear in the pursuit and promotion of their common interests and destiny. The story however is changing, and encouragingly fast too, going by recent developments.

Thess include a series of consultative (person to person, group to group) meetings and interactions to discuss challenges affecting the region. There has also been a huge growth in the rate of the people coming together to celebrate one of their own for being role models. Or show empathy in times of grief and tragedy. The latest sense of empathy being the unity of purpose exhibited towards raising massive material support in aide of the victims of the catastrophic flood that devastated Maiduguri, the state capital. The sum of N200 million (and still counting) was collectively raised and donated! There couldn’t be a greater sence of unity of purpose. It also underscores the budding manifestation of a common identity of Southern Borno.

To restate the obvious, Southern Borno represents a significant part of current the Borno State in more ways than one. First, it is the food basket of the state. Second, the region is home to the middle and lower manpower base of the state, including artisan service providers. Despite this, the region has not been able to command a commensurate clout due to challenges of diversity. Building unity and strength out of it couldn’t be more daunting!

The diversity in Borno South covers tribes, cultures, religions, and geography. The landmass may just be about 40%, but it accounts for about 70% of the ethnic groups that constitute Borno, and none of them (within the enclave) is up to a million. Though Southern Borno is predominantly Muslim, the Christian faith commands a large following equally.

The Biu plateau to the South, and the Gwoza/Mandara Hills chains at the North East flank gave the land a jagged outlook with enormous flat plain in-between, making it suitable for arable farming and livestock. Culturally, diversity exists at two levels in southernBorno; those with hybrid disposition on account of proximity with the larger Kanuri ethnic group and the vast majority of groups that remain distinct or undiluted.

The diverse setting has since made the region highly vulnerable to divide and rule along the varying faultlines, particularly when it comes to political identity and strength. But thank God, sustained media campaigns and the relentless efforts of some eltes past and present, the zone is beginning to fine its mojo. People have been increasingly appreciative of the value of speaking with one voice. And in also seeing each other as “brothers” who developmentally not only in one boat but are facing the same storm.

The positive turn could be illustrated by the rising number and frequency of Southern Borno delegations to commiserate or celebrate with others in and outside the state. So, there has been a level of fraternity among ordinary folks of Southern Borno extraction.

Sports and cultural festivals have been recognised as a unifying factor universality. Southern Borno, appreciated this by initiating inter-local government soccer tournament. The first was held this year and has elicited a lot of interest especially among the youth. Now in tow, a pan-Borno South annual cultural festival and Summit is on the drawing board to take place tentatively by the end of the year. The Summit component shall actually be the second outing or so. The last one took place in 2018 at Maiduguri. Participants to both events (Summit and Festival) are billed to come from all the local governments in the South and even beyond. The cultural aspect is expected to leverage on the success and experiences renown by “micro” cultural festivals like the Marama Day and Menwara of Shani.

Another unifying factor has been the people’s shared vision to better their lot. After years of developmental challenges, they are now willing to do more to help themselves. No matter how little. The zone also needs a collective voice to engage politically with the larger Borno society to improve its chances of securing a power shift or even get a state created out of the South namely; the Savannah.
The Nigerian Constitution obliges a state-wide referendum, among other conditionalities, for creating new states. Unless otherwise, the concurrence of the other two zones is a necessity. The pursuit of this has had a positive effect on the unity of Southern Borno, too.

To sustain the current tempo and to also provide further traction to the unity-building process, it would be in order for those sitting on the fence to join the movement. On the part of those driving the movement using various initiatives/platforms, it is now time to play down partisanship. In a highly diverse environment like Southern Borno excessively partisan characters are time bombs. They are vicious and viral. What is needed now is team spirit, even when politics is , many individuals survival strategy. But the larger interest should always be paramount.

Unity in southern Borno too, should be a game-changer for the state. The state government shall find it easier and cost effective to address with an aggregated identity and interest than having to go round individuals, entities, or groups. Dealing with a united people facilitates good governance. On the part of the region, its unified voice is likely to be heard louder and clearer. Also demands for dividends of democracy are better articulated. When people pull in different directions or work at cross purposes, political jobbers and negative characters feed fat at the expense of the people. Unity locks such individuals out for good!

The clarion call here is for every well-meaning sons and daughters of Southern Borno to have their hands on the deck. They should raise issues. Pose questions. Agree. Disagree. And agree and then move forward. It’s normal in consensus building as it is among family members. The only bad or irrelevant voices are the ones not expressed.

With the southern Borno youth actively engaged in the crusade for the unity of religion, the time is ripe to have a “Southern Borno Council of Elders” similar to the Yoruba Elders, Northern Elders and the all inclusive Borno Elders. This shall be the icing on the cake of the “Southern Borno Identity” as a partner in the progress of the Borno Elders.

By intent, the Borno Elders is to speak for the entire Borno, but by perception, it’s a Northern and Central Borno affair, notwithstanding the symbolic sprinkling of persons of the southern extraction. Perception, as it were, is a powerful emotional guide that can not be easily wished away. Besides, the Southern Borno Elders Council could be considered as a third platform for opinion moulders on issues relating to zonal levels. This and similar platforms elsewhere have the potential to strengthen the voices of both states and the Northern Elders/Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in matters, development, and national stability.

The omnibus (pan- Borno South) body, called “The Conference of Southern Borno Development Associations (CSBDAs) should set the ball rolling. Southern Borno is up and ready. The manifest momentum in ushering a Southern Borno identity should not be slowed down.

Seeing individuals of different strips (ethnicity, profession, faith, status etc), from Gwoza, Damboa, Askira/Uba, Hawul, Biu, Ɓayo, Kwaya Kusar and Shani, coming together almost regularly to freely and passionately brainstorm on issues affecting Southern Borno is a welcome development to behold. It’s a dream come true for those who have been longing, advocating and working for such great day(s). It’s humbling. The momentum should therefore, not be allowed to ebb.

The time is ripe for all well-meaning sons and daughters to metaphorically join the Borno South “Unity, and Friendship” train of peace, development and stability.
A.G.Abubakar agbarewa@gmail.comA Southern Borno Identity Is Fast Crystallising, The Momentum Should Be Sustained

   "....persons, communities, regions, and even nations without identity become mere statistics in humanity's scheme of things." (Anonymous).

A people’s identity could be expressed in the form of a common outlook, and perceptions on life, including worldview, usually shaped by shared elements of culture, tradition, geography and historical experience.The aggregation of these factors into a distinct and discernible composite characteristic and way of life. It is this distinct characteristics and ways of life that set one community or group apart from the other, identity wise.

Until recently, it would seem, Southern Borno communities have not been conscious of such common identity or bond existing among them. If they did, it was taken for granted, and so hardly brought to bear in the pursuit and promotion of their common interests and destiny. The story however is changing, and encouragingly fast too, going by recent developments.

Thess include a series of consultative (person to person, group to group) meetings and interactions to discuss challenges affecting the region. There has also been a huge growth in the rate of the people coming together to celebrate one of their own for being role models. Or show empathy in times of grief and tragedy. The latest sense of empathy being the unity of purpose exhibited towards raising massive material support in aide of the victims of the catastrophic flood that devastated Maiduguri, the state capital. The sum of N200 million (and still counting) was collectively raised and donated! There couldn’t be a greater sence of unity of purpose. It also underscores the budding manifestation of a common identity of Southern Borno.

To restate the obvious, Southern Borno represents a significant part of current the Borno State in more ways than one. First, it is the food basket of the state. Second, the region is home to the middle and lower manpower base of the state, including artisan service providers. Despite this, the region has not been able to command a commensurate clout due to challenges of diversity. Building unity and strength out of it couldn’t be more daunting!

The diversity in Borno South covers tribes, cultures, religions, and geography. The landmass may just be about 40%, but it accounts for about 70% of the ethnic groups that constitute Borno, and none of them (within the enclave) is up to a million. Though Southern Borno is predominantly Muslim, the Christian faith commands a large following equally.

The Biu plateau to the South, and the Gwoza/Mandara Hills chains at the North East flank gave the land a jagged outlook with enormous flat plain in-between, making it suitable for arable farming and livestock. Culturally, diversity exists at two levels in southernBorno; those with hybrid disposition on account of proximity with the larger Kanuri ethnic group and the vast majority of groups that remain distinct or undiluted.

The diverse setting has since made the region highly vulnerable to divide and rule along the varying faultlines, particularly when it comes to political identity and strength. But thank God, sustained media campaigns and the relentless efforts of some eltes past and present, the zone is beginning to fine its mojo. People have been increasingly appreciative of the value of speaking with one voice. And in also seeing each other as “brothers” who developmentally not only in one boat but are facing the same storm.

The positive turn could be illustrated by the rising number and frequency of Southern Borno delegations to commiserate or celebrate with others in and outside the state. So, there has been a level of fraternity among ordinary folks of Southern Borno extraction.

Sports and cultural festivals have been recognised as a unifying factor universality. Southern Borno, appreciated this by initiating inter-local government soccer tournament. The first was held this year and has elicited a lot of interest especially among the youth. Now in tow, a pan-Borno South annual cultural festival and Summit is on the drawing board to take place tentatively by the end of the year. The Summit component shall actually be the second outing or so. The last one took place in 2018 at Maiduguri. Participants to both events (Summit and Festival) are billed to come from all the local governments in the South and even beyond. The cultural aspect is expected to leverage on the success and experiences renown by “micro” cultural festivals like the Marama Day and Menwara of Shani.

Another unifying factor has been the people’s shared vision to better their lot. After years of developmental challenges, they are now willing to do more to help themselves. No matter how little. The zone also needs a collective voice to engage politically with the larger Borno society to improve its chances of securing a power shift or even get a state created out of the South namely; the Savannah.
The Nigerian Constitution obliges a state-wide referendum, among other conditionalities, for creating new states. Unless otherwise, the concurrence of the other two zones is a necessity. The pursuit of this has had a positive effect on the unity of Southern Borno, too.

To sustain the current tempo and to also provide further traction to the unity-building process, it would be in order for those sitting on the fence to join the movement. On the part of those driving the movement using various initiatives/platforms, it is now time to play down partisanship. In a highly diverse environment like Southern Borno excessively partisan characters are time bombs. They are vicious and viral. What is needed now is team spirit, even when politics is , many individuals survival strategy. But the larger interest should always be paramount.

Unity in southern Borno too, should be a game-changer for the state. The state government shall find it easier and cost effective to address with an aggregated identity and interest than having to go round individuals, entities, or groups. Dealing with a united people facilitates good governance. On the part of the region, its unified voice is likely to be heard louder and clearer. Also demands for dividends of democracy are better articulated. When people pull in different directions or work at cross purposes, political jobbers and negative characters feed fat at the expense of the people. Unity locks such individuals out for good!

The clarion call here is for every well-meaning sons and daughters of Southern Borno to have their hands on the deck. They should raise issues. Pose questions. Agree. Disagree. And agree and then move forward. It’s normal in consensus building as it is among family members. The only bad or irrelevant voices are the ones not expressed.

With the southern Borno youth actively engaged in the crusade for the unity of religion, the time is ripe to have a “Southern Borno Council of Elders” similar to the Yoruba Elders, Northern Elders and the all inclusive Borno Elders. This shall be the icing on the cake of the “Southern Borno Identity” as a partner in the progress of the Borno Elders.

By intent, the Borno Elders is to speak for the entire Borno, but by perception, it’s a Northern and Central Borno affair, notwithstanding the symbolic sprinkling of persons of the southern extraction. Perception, as it were, is a powerful emotional guide that can not be easily wished away. Besides, the Southern Borno Elders Council could be considered as a third platform for opinion moulders on issues relating to zonal levels. This and similar platforms elsewhere have the potential to strengthen the voices of both states and the Northern Elders/Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in matters, development, and national stability.

The omnibus (pan- Borno South) body, called “The Conference of Southern Borno Development Associations (CSBDAs) should set the ball rolling. Southern Borno is up and ready. The manifest momentum in ushering a Southern Borno identity should not be slowed down.

Seeing individuals of different strips (ethnicity, profession, faith, status etc), from Gwoza, Damboa, Askira/Uba, Hawul, Biu, Ɓayo, Kwaya Kusar and Shani, coming together almost regularly to freely and passionately brainstorm on issues affecting Southern Borno is a welcome development to behold. It’s a dream come true for those who have been longing, advocating and working for such great day(s). It’s humbling. The momentum should therefore, not be allowed to ebb.

The time is ripe for all well-meaning sons and daughters to metaphorically join the Borno South “Unity, and Friendship” train of peace, development and stability.
A.G.Abubakar agbarewa@gmail.com