February 16, 2025
Vunoklang, Hayin Gada, Off Mubi Road, jimeta - Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
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“No Gree For Anybody”: Societal Trend Sparks Caution and Controversy.

By

Gloria Abutu

 

 

‘No Gree For Anybody’ is a slogan used by Nigerian youths as a coping mechanism to help them get through the challenging times.

 

The Pidgin English expression has been going viral since the beginning of 2024.

 

The phrase which has gained popularity among the youth, is mostly used on Social media, and now has a logo, inscribed on clothes and other valuable items.

 

According to some residents of Yola, the phrase is used as a mantra to enforce firmness and resolve to pursue their dreams.

 

They noted that the phrase reinforces self-awareness and the need to resist intimidation, injustice and other negative tendencies.

 

According to a Civil servant who pleaded anonymity, “It has gotten to an extent where people begin to feel that they need to stand up for their own rights, that they need to insist on certain things that will make life work for them, rather than wait till when they are given or till when they are allowed access to some of those things.”

 

A blogger, Ojoma Yusuf however said, “I think instead of saying ‘no gree for anybody,’ you should say ‘no gree for yourself.’ There are some dreams we want to achieve in our life but then we keep procrastinating and forwarding things, instead of standing up to the challenge. By the time you no gree for yourself,you will achieve your dream and be at the top.”

 

For Chris Ezra, a business man, “No gree for anybody this year will make make one serious; no more living a careless life. It’s like saying what i used to entertain from people or customers before, I’ll not take it again this year and nobody will take advantage of me again,” he explained.

 

Even though it is seen as a normal slang for many, the Nigerian Police views it in a different light.

 

The Police Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi had cautioned against use of the phrase, saying that it is capable of triggering violence.

 

Similarly, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Adamawa state Command, SP Suleiman Nguroje said such slang can fuel crises and threaten peaceful coexistence in society.

 

According to Nguroje, the phrase connotes conflict and disagreement, and advised people to embrace peaceful resolution of matters at all times.

“No gree for anybody is a slogan that does not sound well, it is not a way of coming to terms.

As a body that promotes peace, anything that will stand in between the peace that we have been trying to maintain is not acceptable.

Anything disagreement or conflict is a threat and we kick against it,” he added.

 

Speaking on the implications of using the slogan from a religious standpoint, Reverend Gadiel Amana of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria said, “you know we are passing through a lot of challenges in the country already and life requires that to we tolerate one another.”

“Even if somebody matches on you as a child of God, you have to tell the person and if he understands, he will actually apologize and then there should be a ground for forgiveness,” he advised.

 

Chief Imam, Ganye Street Jumaat mosque, Jimeta, Sheikh Hassan Sa’ad Abokin Mallam admonished people against the use of negative speeches and disapproved of using the slang, saying it is not in the interest of peaceful and harmonious living.

 

“This saying is not Islamic. If you are not satisfied with somebody or an activity, that is not well known, don’t do it. You need people living around you because they can help you, and you can also help them,” he said.

 

Slogans serve as potent instruments for conveying messages and mobilizing support for various causes.

 

The misuse of slogans can lead to misunderstandings, misrepresentation of intentions, and potential harm by promoting misinformation or divisive messages.

 

It is therefore pertinent to be mindful while using phrases like, “No gree for anybody’’ or indeed any controversial language for the sake of peace and security of the nation.

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