I know a people, a kindred
They live in hamlets
In a mosaic of nuclear settlement
From the bank of the river Benue
Down to the falls of the Niger
This is their birth place
The land is theirs and a heritage
At the bottom of ethnicity they thrive
They speak the language,
They identify with the root.
They smile, paddling canoes through the thickest waters
Fishing the sea with the earnest plea
That they'll find a friend in the deepest sea.
They drag their nets with ceasing breath
Hoping for a catch that could sink a boat
At the end of the day when night falls
En route home the spun tales of bravery.
At the cliff of great view
Where eyes explore the terrains of neighboring territories
They seek business and pleasure beyond these borders
From the heights they witness each others plight
With arms of love stretched out
Cries are heard and sympathy sails.
I know a place where
They wake up at morn to fetch water
Even before the cock crows
Where mothers are the only parents that take care of the child
And fathers are the breadwinners.