Festivals: Catalyst for Peace in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is going through a myriad of conflict ranging from sectarian, youth restiveness; ethnic variance etc. these conflicts most often are violent and destructive of human and public structures, thus, a unifying activity in the form of festivals is needed. Festivals are special occasion which are generally marked by merry-making. Its observance brings about social and moral control as well as entertainment. It attracts visitors to a place and also affects the economy, conserve culture and rejuvenate traditions. Festivals provide a potent platform to guarantee peace if properly organized and can contribute in creating an enabling peaceful atmosphere for all to dwell in. This is because peace which is the absence of violence is key to development. Festivals whether religious or secular brings people together irrespective of their social standing as it provides an avenue for outlet to all and sundry while building social cohesion and reinforce ties within people. Although there have been advocacy by government and different interest group on approaches to achieve peace, festivals have not been identified as a bridge for peaceful co-existence. As a result, this work sets out to x-ray the ethnological and phenomenological review of selected festivals in Nigeria and its gain in fostering unity and peaceful co-existence among the people, with the aid of available documents on Nigerian festivals. Our submission therefore, is that if festive activities are organized regularly, it will go a long way in creating a platform for peaceful co-existence in the nation. Reason being that Nigeria as a nation is multi-cultural with divers tribes and tongues and multi-religious, hence, needs a platform for effective and meaningful intercultural communication and understanding.