By Seun Elere
The people of the North are humble, well-educated, and have a calm approach to life. Like any other region, they only ask for one thing: respect for their culture and religion. This request is not one of intolerance, but rather of a desire for mutual understanding and coexistence.
A few years ago, a colleague and I were on official duty in Kaduna State. Upon arrival at the motor, we took a tricycle (Keke Napep) from the motor park to the hotel. A few minutes after the Keke man dropped us off, I suddenly realized that I had left behind a brand-new NGN250,000 worth projector we had brought for our official assignment. In a panic, I rushed back to the main street, shaking with anxiety. I explained my predicament to a few locals who were nearby. With smiles on their faces, they assured me, “Don’t worry, the Keke man will bring it back – unless you didn’t leave it inside the Keke.” I laughed to myself, thinking: Which Nigerian man would return a brand-new projector? Yet, reluctantly, I went back to the hotel.
To my astonishment, just about 15 minutes later, the security guard at the gate called me and told me to come pick up my projector. The Keke man had returned it, and he didn’t even wait for me to offer him a thank you. This moment stayed with me, a striking reminder of the integrity that is still very much alive in this part of the country.
A couple of years later, I found myself in Sokoto, arriving late and needing to leave early the next morning. I handed NGN20,000 to a Keke driver, asking him to pick up a few things for me and deliver them to my hotel the following morning. To my surprise, he was the first person to call me the next day. Not only did he bring the items as requested, but he also took the time to explain how he had negotiated a better deal for me on each of the items. The sincerity and effort he put into his work were unmatched.
Earlier this year, while in Kebbi State, I witnessed an act that further reinforced my admiration for the region. As I left a supermarket, I noticed a beggar in a struggle to reach a man who was unaware that his iPhone 15 had fallen from his pocket. The beggar, despite receiving no alms or even a word of greeting from the phone’s owner, made an impressive effort to return the phone to him. It was an extraordinary display of integrity, particularly in a world where honesty can often seem rare.
These are the stories that define the North—a region whose moral compass is often overlooked in mainstream discourse. The North is a place where integrity thrives, where people go out of their way to help strangers, and where kindness is not dependent on status or wealth. These experiences, while personal, reflect the spirit of the region.
Beyond its moral fabric, the North is also the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. Its agricultural dominance contributes immensely to the nation’s GDP, with the region playing a pivotal role in the country’s food production and trade. But the North is not just about agriculture. It’s also a central hub for economic and commercial activities, connecting various parts of the country.
Moreover, the North is home to many Nigerians from the South who have made the region their own. This melting pot of cultures and backgrounds only adds to the vibrancy of the North’s social and economic landscape.
The people of the North are humble, well-educated, and have a calm approach to life. Like any other region, they only ask for one thing: respect for their culture and religion. This request is not one of intolerance, but rather of a desire for mutual understanding and coexistence.
It is easy for stereotypes to overshadow the reality of life in the North. However, I urge you: take the time to travel to a state in the North. Experience the warmth, hospitality, and integrity for yourself. The supposed animosity towards the region is, in many ways, a myth—a narrative not based in fact.
The North of Nigeria is not just a place of culture and tradition; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of integrity. It is high time we set aside misconceptions and give the region the respect and recognition it truly deserves
Seun Elere, a proud Northerner is Public Affairs Analyst.
