I sit in a history class, my teacher teaches colonialism, imperialism and terrorism. Terrorist with names and skin color like mine, not so black, yet still black. It brings me back to the state of my country; The divide, across religion, ethnicity and class. My Igbo friend still laments about Biafra, My Christian friend talks about terrorist attacks. He says it as though he’s being targeted simply for not being Muslim. He says “Boko Haram” with so much disgust as though their actions describes all Muslims.   I wish I could tell him,  that I too am a victim, that Muslims too are victims. In my hometown 30 people were  burnt alive just like Deborah another Muslim was KILLED for blasphemy, a victim of jungle justice. I wonder if it’s still terrorism if they attack people with names, faces and religion like theirs.   In my country we carry trauma like our birthright. Each religion finding blame, Each tribe pointing fingers at another. Intense divide, stereotypes and tribal wars. Hausas are Aboki, uneducated and almajiri’s, Yorubas are extreme and loud, Igbos are cheats who love money. Arguing which is greater, Hausa, Yoruba or Igbo.   While doing so we forget that Nigeria is more than that It’s home to more than 500 languages and 300 ethnic groups. And we’re all connected, it’s all the same Stereotyping. NIgerians is alot like trying to fit an ocean in a tea cup or containing a wildfire in a single match or even trying to bottle up the brilliance of a rainbow.   To be  Nigerian is to embrace a beautiful mosaic of diversity where each piece contributes to the richness of our identity A constant reminder of the heritage that runs through our veins-ONE NIGERIA- is more than a chant and greater than a dream. It’s a generation trying to bridge the gaps between words and emotions, Attempting to capture the vastness of love in a single label – NIGERIAN- Breaking down barriers like a flowing stream, fostering diversity and promoting unity Tribes and religions intertwined, weaving a fabric that’s one of a  kind.   Each step we take, each action we choose, holding the power to shape the future. And contribute to the healing and growth of our nation Years from now, when stories are shared of past struggles and how we repaired.  The tales of ethnic fights and intolerance will seem like distant echoes, lost in the expanse, Generations to come will find it hard to believe, that such divisions and conflicts were once conceived, For we will have built bridges, strong and true. In this future we envision, when generations hear of our past they’ll find it hard to believe, because it’s no longer a reality. As we gaze ahead to the future, history casts its gaze upon us, and the present rests in our hands.