THE DIASPORA IN THE ERA OF DAUNTING CHALLENGES- THE DILEMMA OF AWANU SPEAKING PEOPLE BY HRH DR SABO AJIDOKU EMMANUEL

 THE DIASPORA IN THE ERA OF DAUNTING CHALLENGES- THE DILEMMA OF AWANU SPEAKING PEOPLE

BY               

HRH DR SABO AJIDOKU EMMANUEL 

 

One striking similarity with the word Diaspora when compared with the words like exodus and immigration is that the trio are all describing-movement. This movement is of the people of a particular race or tribe to a foreign land. A distant land or country other than their own. This mass or gradual movement can be political or social. This is when people sometimes are dissatisfied about certain services, injustices and finding no other better alternative, have to migrate to or look for greener pastures elsewhere to survive. More often than not, there is always mentioning of nations in the Diaspora. For instance, the movement of the Jewish people away from their own country to live and work in other countries. The United States of America today, is a host country to so many nationals such as Africans particularly Nigerians that are there working for better livings. From Europe to Asia there are traces of citizens from some other countries that are resident in those continents and other places globally. 

          There could be as many as possible reasons as to why people have to leave their own native areas for other places. But principally, some of these reasons can be politico-socio in nature. Wars, upheavals or unrests, hunger and starvation, diseases etc are some of the commonest excuses for movements. These phenomena have forced or compelled the United Nations to set up agencies to assist in humanitarian issues. Of equal importance is also economic factor. This is an aspect of labour mobility. People have to move in search of jobs or shift to some countries where they can strive and thrive or flourish economically. And that is why today, in their great number, the Awanu people flood countries like Cameroon, Niger, Chad, Suddan, Congo, Central Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Benin and even beyond.

          Contributing immensely to their stay in the Diaspora is the nature of their occupation. Occupational mobility in search of better fishing waters, lakes and dams have shifted their base from their home country Nigeria to such areas, economically. While in those foreign nations, they are confronted with the harsh laws of their host countries. Some of the conditions which torment them are: Documents for   Entry Permit, the Resident Permit, Restrictions in areas of fishing expedition, irregular taxes and taxations, molestation, suspicion or undue allegations etc. All these the Awanu people have to contend with as long as they continue to stay in such areas. As they are frustrated, they look vulnerable and appear daunting or intimidating. It is sad, it is serious. Let the people have a rethink, they should not dawdle, they should rise and move back home.

          That is the choice and there are no other ways about it. The people have to return home, back to Nigeria to adapt the survival culture. Necessity (they say) is the mother of invention. Let Awanu people look inward. Fishing is not the only occupation. If they try other occupations, they can still survive and even live better. They are a lot of opportunities to gain in agriculture, trading, transport enterprises, engaging in some skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled jobs that may sometimes involve hand-eye coordination and not necessarily be engulfed in academics, or bureaucracy and administration. A trial will convince one. The start of any venture is always hard, but with perseverance, endurance, problems, obstacles and barriers shall vanish and give way to some solutions and progress or development.

          It is my passionate appeal, based on my love, conviction and concern for the Awanu people. It is my prayer that the Awanu future, their tomorrow shall blossom. All these inconveniences and uncomfortabilities shall be no more. As Awanu people return to cluster, there is always power in the game of numbers, as all the lost territories shall be regained. There will be proper rulership and leadership, abundant blessings shall follow, harmonious and peaceful co-existence shall flourish and be sustained.

Awando ni kase we ndo, bazji i duu, ayapye. O yi teka zooh ka yo. Momala i ye shina kwazoh bazyi i kya dii hwa zyeeh.