Protecting Our Common Heritage: Whose Responsibility?
"When the collective integrity of a community is being threatened, it is not in the place of the youths to rise in defense. The elders, who are the custodians and protectors of our common heritage, ought to rise to protect their children and generations yet unborn. When a child takes up the responsibility of defending his heritage, it says a great deal about the kind of elders that exist in that generation."
For more than two decades, Plateau State has endured recurring cycles of insecurity, dating back to 2001. Beyond the tragic loss of lives and livelihoods, another battle has quietly unfolded—the battle for the dignity, identity, and heritage of the indigenous peoples of Plateau.
Increasingly, individuals who found hospitality and opportunities on the Plateau have appeared on national television, radio stations, and other media platforms making sweeping, disrespectful, and, at times, criminally implicating statements about the people of the state. Such narratives, when left unanswered, gradually shape public opinion and distort history.
What is even more disturbing is not merely the accusations themselves, but the silence of those entrusted with defending the collective image of our people. Where are the elders? Where are the traditional institutions, respected statesmen, community leaders, professionals, and opinion moulders whose voices carry authority and wisdom? Moments such as these demand leadership, not silence.
The emergence of young people on social media as the loudest defenders of Plateau's heritage should concern every elder. While their passion is understandable and their commitment commendable, social media outrage cannot replace strategic leadership. Emotional reactions often deepen divisions, create unnecessary hostility, and sometimes undermine the very cause they seek to defend.
Our youths must remember that righteous anger alone does not win the battle for truth. Wisdom, coordination, credible engagement, and institutional leadership remain the most effective tools for protecting a people's heritage.
This is therefore a respectful appeal to the youths of Plateau: channel your concerns through your traditional institutions and community leadership. Visit your village heads, district heads, chiefs, and community elders. Demand that they speak. Demand that they defend the honour of our people. Hold them accountable for the responsibility history has placed upon them. Let them know that silence is no longer an acceptable option.
This is equally a wake-up call to every elder across Plateau State. Leadership is not only exercised during celebrations, title-taking ceremonies, or political negotiations. Leadership is most visible when the identity, dignity, and future of a people are under attack. History will not remember those who watched in silence while the reputation of their people was diminished.
Finally, this responsibility is not exclusive to any single ethnic nationality on the Plateau. Every indigenous ethnic group shares a common destiny. An attack on the heritage of one community weakens the collective heritage of all. Remaining silent simply because another community is the immediate target is a dangerous mistake. Today it may be one people; tomorrow it could be another. Our diversity is our strength, but our unity is our greatest defence.
Protecting our common heritage is not about promoting hatred or division. It is about preserving truth, defending dignity, and ensuring that future generations inherit a legacy they can proudly identify with.
The youths have demonstrated that they are willing to defend the land. It is now time for the elders to demonstrate that they are worthy custodians of it.
Comments