Prof. Shilgba
The drumbeats echo once more in the valley,
Where the land weeps with the silence of torn roots.
Yesterday, they came in fine coats and canes,
Today, they ride in shadows, grazing fire on our fields.
The name has changed—from taxman to herdsman—
But the theft is the same: our dignity and our land.
Then, they taxed us for being born,
Measured our wealth in calabashes and cowries,
Carried away yams and children’s futures—
All in the name of Empire and Order.
Now, they trample the ridges we raised with sweat,
Feeding cattle where we once fed our children.
Then, they crowned chiefs without our voice,
Native Authorities, puppets in embroidered lies.
Now, they dress collaborators in beads and titles,
Mocking the kindred by ruling the hearth.
Our tradition is a republic of brothers—
No thrones, no kings, just the counsel of kin.
But oppressed then, we rose.
Without a scepter, without a prince,
Like locusts in the field—unled, yet united.
We tore the veil of fear with bare hands,
And in “Atem Tyo,” the earth felt our rage.
Now, where are the sons of those who rose?
Today, our politicians perch on golden stools,
But their mouths are full of cotton and coins.
They cannot speak for us,
For they do not feel us.
They see in mirrors what the oppressor shows them—
Not what Tiv blood remembers.
Let no one deceive us with empty ceremonies,
Or silence us with the rustle of naira notes.
This land bore us—not them.
Its rivers whisper truth to those who listen.
Let us not look up—there is nothing there.
Let us not look out—no savior is coming.
Let us look in. In is.
In our shared pain, our forgotten songs,
Our woven mats and unbroken line of pride.
There, our strength sleeps—waiting.
Let unity rise not from war cries alone,
But from waking hearts that remember.
Let purpose be rebranded—not borrowed.
Let honor return—not by decree,
But by the hands of men and women
Who know the soil’s name and the stars’ path.
Tivland, awake.
The fire may change shape,
But the flame is the same.
This is 1964 all over again—
But this time, let us finish the song.
© Shilgba
Leonard Karshima Shilgba, PhD (Yokohama)
Professor of Mathematics, Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN)
Dean Faculty of Science (ADUN)
Former Pioneering Acting Vice Chancellor/President (ADUN)
Former Pioneering Vice President for Academic Affairs (ADUN)
Former Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance (ADUN)
Chairman 9th Governing Board of National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB)
TEL: +234 (0) 9074346000
Websites: www.adu.edu.ng; www.leonardshilgba.com
