Peacebuilding: The Unifying Power of Inter-Tribal Marriages in Nigeria

In a country as diverse as Nigeria, inter-tribal marriages have emerged as a significant force for unity, peace, and understanding among its various ethnic groups.

As individuals from different cultural backgrounds come together, they create a blend of traditions and values that enrich their lives and communities. While there is not yet much research on intertribal marriage in Nigeria, in another part of the world that has experienced conflict, former Yugoslavia, research has shown that ethnic intermarriages can build bridges between different groups.

This feature explores the experiences of several couples who have embraced inter-tribal marriages, highlighting their insights on the impact of such unions on national cohesion.

Private school proprietor Abdulganeey Abdurrahman Giwa shares his own experience in an inter-tribal marriage, having been married for three years to a Hausa woman. He strongly advocates for young Nigerians to consider inter-tribal unions as a means to promote national unity. 

“If I have a friend who is interested, I will encourage him to go for inter-tribal marriage because I enjoy it so much,” he tells Peace News Network (PNN)  enthusiastically.

Giwa highlights the importance of communication in overcoming cultural differences. Before marrying, he and his wife agreed to find ways to blend their distinct backgrounds.

“We need to find a way of blending and managing our differences,” he recalls. His proactive approach demonstrates that successful inter-tribal marriages require effort and commitment from both partners.

Reflecting on the lessons learned through his marriage, Giwa emphasizes the personal growth that comes with embracing a partner from a different culture. “There are many things I don’t know about Hausa culture, but with her coming into my life, I begin to understand them one after the other,” he explains.

This exchange of knowledge and experiences enriches both partners and their families, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s heritage. Moreover, Giwa notes that inter-tribal marriages create bonds that extend beyond the couple, uniting families.

“Now that I am married to a Hausa woman and have a child with her, my in-laws see me as part of their family,” he shares. 

This sense of belonging reinforces the idea that inter-tribal marriages can create lasting connections that transcend cultural boundaries.

Margaret Kwa’ada Julius, the founder of The Eye Opener Youth and Women Foundation, shares her own journey in an inter-tribal marriage that spans over two decades. Married to a Yoruba man from Southern Nigeria, she has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of their union.

“I have three grown-up children from this marriage, and it wasn’t easy,” she admits. However, she emphasizes the importance of understanding and communication between partners from different backgrounds.

Julius notes the historical context of inter-tribal marriages in Nigeria, suggesting that they have long served as a means to forge bonds and maintain peace during times of conflict. 

“My grandmother was a Fulani woman married to a Kilba man,” she reveals. This legacy inspires her commitment to inter-tribal marriage, as she believes it can counteract negative stereotypes. 

“I’m not happy when I hear people saying negative things about Fulani people,” she adds, reflecting her desire to promote empathy and understanding.

In discussing the challenges of cultural differences, Julius advises those interested in inter-tribal marriages to maintain an open mind. “It’s crucial to have positive thoughts towards each other to manage misunderstandings that may arise,” she explains. 

Her perspective sheds light on the importance of mutual respect and adaptability in navigating the complexities of blended cultures.

Ibrahima Yakubu, a Hausa man married to a Yoruba woman, shared his thoughts. He has been blessed with children over the course of their 15-year marriage and describes his experience as “really nice and beautiful.” 

“You experience different cultures from yours,” he states, emphasizing the richness that comes from cultural exchange. 

Yakubu’s perspective highlights how inter-tribal marriages can serve as a community of Nigeria’s broader cultural landscape, promoting social cohesion between the northern and southern regions.

Yakubu also acknowledges the challenges that accompany such unions, particularly regarding food preferences and cultural practices.

“There are challenges attached to such marriages, but I am still learning to understand my wife’s cultural background,” he admits. 

As a peace advocate in northern Nigeria, Yakubu envisions a future where inter-tribal marriages contribute to a more united society. “We are hoping to see a united Nigeria despite our cultural and religious differences,” he expresses, reinforcing the belief that love and understanding can transcend divisions.

The General Manager of Liberty Radio Station Kaduna, Abdull’azeez Ahmed Kadir, a product of an inter-tribal marriage, reflects on his upbringing in a home where his parents spoke different languages. His father is from Niger State while his mother hails from Kogi State, a circumstance that shaped his worldview.

“I get welcomed in either of the two states, ethnic groups, and cultures,” he said.

This sense of belonging, fostered by his parents’ diverse backgrounds, has allowed Kadir to navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s multi-ethnic landscape with ease. Growing up multilingual, Kadir feels uniquely positioned to mediate any potential conflicts between the two cultures. 

“Should there be any conflict among the two, I cannot but be an arbiter and unbiased umpire in resolving it,” he says.

His experience highlights a crucial aspect of inter-tribal marriages: they can foster understanding and dialogue in a society often divided along ethnic lines.

“Inter-tribal marriage fosters national unity, peace, and harmony,” he asserts, urging leaders and elites to promote such unions as a way to bridge gaps between communities.

The stories shared by these couples illustrate a broader narrative about the role of inter-tribal marriages in Nigeria’s socio-cultural landscape.

 As the nation grapples with issues of ethnic tension and division, these marriages represent a hopeful path toward unity. The willingness of individuals to embrace diversity and forge connections across cultural lines can help to dismantle stereotypes and foster understanding.

As Kadir, Julius, Yakubu, and Giwa have shown, inter-tribal marriages are not merely personal choices; they are acts of cultural diplomacy that can contribute to the healing and reconciliation of a divided society.

Each union represents a commitment to building bridges rather than walls, and to fostering relationships that reflect the rich tapestry of Nigeria’s diverse heritage.

The experiences of these couples highlight the potential of inter-tribal marriages to serve as a powerful tool for national unity. As they navigate the complexities of blended cultures, they embody the belief that love can triumph over division. 

Therefore, by promoting understanding, respect, and communication, inter-tribal marriages can pave the way for a more harmonious Nigeria, where diverse backgrounds are celebrated as strengths rather than barriers. 

As the nation moves forward, it is essential for leaders and communities to recognize and support these unions, fostering a culture of inclusivity and acceptance that will benefit future generations.