A Naija Traveller’s Mind: “May the Boulders of Olúmo Rock Smash the Heads of Haters of Naija Peace & Tourism!”

In the heart and mind of the average Nigerian, (either home or abroad), lies a bleeding wound, a deep wound of shame and dishonour, emplaced by the recurrence of violence, bomb blasts and war in different parts of his beloved
country, Nigeria.

In the heart and mind of the average Naija traveller and explorer, lie a badly haemorrhaging wound, embedded by the repeated wars on the Jos Plateau, the
persistent bloodsheds by the Boko Haram, the unending bomb blasts in the F.C.T. and the persistent kidnapping of innocent people in the Niger Delta.

The recent bomb blast in Abuja last week is of special concern as it absolutely underscores the vulnerability and impotence of the country’s military
and security system, which are unquestionably important factors of a country’s tourism strength.

For how long shall this continue to occur within our beloved frontiers? For
how long shall we continue to hope for better and safer roads to travel while exploring our waterfalls, caves, sand dunes, beaches, archaeological sites
etc.? For how long, for how long?

We want to beat our chests and boast of the great and awesome wonders our country is blessed with and by that, pull the world down to our enclaves to
see and savour them; yet with the various news of violence on our tv-screens, our lips are zipped up in shame. Who on earth wants to leave his own peaceful domain and come climbing mountains in a country where he could only
get kidnapped or perhaps murdered by the fires of bomb blasts?

Statistics show how much Egypt and Libya (two of the greatest tourism giants in Africa) lost in tourist traffic and revenue during the recent political wars that pervaded the countries. No doubt it will take the nations quite
some time and substantial media investments to salvage their hitherto lost
tourist traffic.

We love Naija, we remain proud of our country no matter how tough the unpleasant situation becomes; nevertheless,

We stand against violence,

We speak against kidnapping,

We condemn bomb blasts and wars on our land.

This is our gospel: let there be peace in Naija! Let every one work together to rebuild her broken walls, let every one bend and work to build a better Naija- one that is beautiful and peaceful enough for the nations of the world to come and see the wonders of nature it is blessed with.

Bokko Haram, Bomb blast, Kidnapping, Niger Delta, Nigeria, Violence