Salt House Community

10/02/2025

🟠📢Quote of the week

“Above all, we must avoid the pitfalls of tribalism. If we are divided among ourselves on tribal lines, we open our doors to foreign intervention and its potentially harmful consequences.” — Emp. Haile Selassie

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Beyond Borders Project is an educational initiative aimed at addressing tribal/ethnic hate and violence in Africa.
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26/11/2024

🟠The Bayelsa State Government’s decision to ban and -based traders’ associations in markets raises important questions about governance, , and the balance between unity and cultural representation. https://lnkd.in/eNeSyyJg

While the intention might be to prevent ethnic divisions or , outright bans on these associations can be problematic for several reasons.

Ethnic and tribal associations often serve as crucial support networks for their members, providing financial assistance, conflict resolution, and communal support. Their absence could leave marginalized groups without representation or access to resources.

Rather than fostering unity, banning such groups might exacerbate feelings of exclusion or alienation among ethnic minorities. These groups provide a sense of belonging and cultural connection, which is vital in diverse societies.

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A Better Approach
Instead of banning these associations, the government could regulate and engage with them to promote inclusivity and ensure they operate in ways that do not foster discrimination or division. For example:

• Guidelines on Operations
• Dialogue and Collaboration
• Education and Training

Tribal and ethnic associations can be valuable when their activities align with inclusive and equitable principles. Rather than viewing them as divisive, governments should work with these groups to harness their potential for community building and social cohesion.

📸 Pemium News

14/10/2024

Quote of the Week

“Above all, we must avoid the pitfalls of tribalism. If we are divided among ourselves on tribal lines, we open our doors to foreign intervention and its potentially harmful consequences.” — Emperor Haile Selassie

09/10/2024

🟠

This is a beatiful poem on

We gather in circles, our stories align,
Bound by the threads of an ancient design.
In the warmth of the fire, our hearts beat as one,
Tribal blood flows where the rivers run.

You are like me, and so I feel safe—
A world of connection in a familiar space.
But outside the circle, the shadows appear,
And what we don’t know is what we fear.

Hands that are different, faces strange,
We build our walls with an anxious range.
The unknown threatens the ties we keep,
Turning peace to war in a hasty leap.

Yet the stars above don’t choose their glow,
They shine on all, whether friend or foe.
If we could see with the sky’s clear eyes,
We’d know that we share the same sunrise.

For tribe is a bond, but so is the land—
A truth too wide to hold in one hand.
Let us expand the circle, break the chains,
So the world can feel more like home again.

— Anonymous

Say NO to tribalism! Call it OUT! Rebuke IT!

01/10/2024

Happy Independence Day Nigeria🇳🇬

30/09/2024

The issue of Igbo people being denied the right to rent apartments in Lagos, Nigeria, has been a matter of concern, highlighting ethnic discrimination in the housing market. Several reports and individual testimonies have surfaced, alleging that landlords, especially in certain areas of Lagos, refuse to rent properties to Igbos based on their ethnicity. These landlords often cite concerns about cultural differences, perceived untrustworthiness, or biases linked to historical tensions between the Yoruba (the dominant ethnic group in Lagos) and the Igbo communities.

This discriminatory practice violates Nigeria’s constitution, which guarantees freedom from discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or origin. Despite this legal framework, enforcement of anti-discrimination laws remains weak, and many prospective tenants experience difficulties proving such bias.

The situation has prompted advocacy from human rights groups and public officials, calling for stricter enforcement of laws and more awareness campaigns to combat prejudice. While some landlords argue that these decisions are based on personal preferences, the impact on Igbo tenants seeking accommodation continues to be a source of frustration and perpetuates ethnic divisions.

We hope this is amplified for change, and fast!

23/09/2024

Introducing Beyond Borders Project—a groundbreaking project by Salt House aimed at ending tribalism in Nigeria. With deep-rooted ethnic divisions and tensions affecting development, unity, and peace, we’re tackling the challenges head-on by offering inclusive training programs that promote mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation. Our mission is to build a Nigeria where differences are celebrated, not weaponized.

Join us in breaking down barriers and fostering a culture of unity beyond tribal lines. Let’s move Beyond Borders together!

28/08/2024

03/08/2024

PROTEST: HUMAN RIGHT VIOLATION OF AN UNIDENTIFIED NIGERIAN WITH DISABILITY BY NIGERIA POLICE FORCE IN BAUCHI STATE.

We are expressing our deep concern and condemnation regarding the recent incident involving the mistreatment of a protester who is a wheelchair user (Link https://lnkd.in/ea3XumTM). The footage and eyewitness reports of this incident are deeply troubling and highlight a serious breach of trust between law enforcement and the community it serves.

Every individual, regardless of their physical abilities, has the right to protest peacefully. The actions taken against this protester not only undermine their rights but also display a blatant disregard for the principles of justice and equality that our police force is meant to uphold.

It is imperative that our law enforcement officers conduct themselves with the highest standards of professionalism and respect for human dignity. The use of excessive force, especially against a vulnerable individual, is unacceptable and must be addressed with the utmost seriousness.

We thank the Nigeria Police Force for your attention to this critical matter.

28/07/2024

The discrimination of married, pregnant and maternal care female workers across the public and private sectors in Nigeria is no news.

At Salt House, we are glad the change began within the Nigeria Police Force following the dismissal of Corporal Olajide Omolola, a female police officer, based on Section 127 of the Police Act.

In 2021, Omalola Olujide, who was a police officer somewhere in Ekiti State Police Command, was dismissed simply because she became pregnant.

Police Regulation 126 and 127 have been found by the Court of Appeal headed by Lawyer and human rights activist Funmi Falana (SAN), to be targeted at women, which is inconsistent with the Nigeria Constitution.

Police Regulation 126 specifies that no woman police officer shall be allowed to get married within the first three years of entering into service, and Section 127 now states that if they do, they will be dismissed from police service.

According to Mrs Funmi Falana (SAN), Omolola Olujide would be re-absorbed into the police force.

Sadly, there are similar provisions in the Immigration Service as well as the Nigerian Drug and Law Enforcement Agency which must be addressed to prove an inclusive envirinment for female force workers.

22/07/2024

Quote of the Week

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognise, accept, and celebrate those differences.”

— Audre Lorde.

15/07/2024

SWIPE

Familiar with the saying, “Diversity is being invited to the party: Inclusion is being asked to dance”???

We’re concerned about the nature of the engagement of young people in climate action and environmental justice.

Are young people simply invited to the party? Or are we invited to “dance”?

Let’s find out from our phenomenal youth climate activists Hope Lekwa of SustyVibes and Chizoba Nzeakor , a Climate and Clean Energy Professional.

Join us on Friday, 4 pm (Nigeria Time) on Instagram Live

Inclusion begins and ends with you.