FOSTERING NIGERIA SECURITY: THEATRE FOR DEVELOPMENT (TFD) AS TOOL

Abstract

Nigeria as a sovereign state is currently passing through security challenges such that no one is sure which part of the nation is safe. Issues of unwarranted killings, insurgency, raping, domestic violence, kidnapping, armed banditry, broad day light robbery, cultism, human trafficking drug addiction, thuggery and so on which make our environment unsafe are common sights in Nigeria today. These crimes are at an alarming rate to the extent that they pose sleepless nights to most communities, government and other relevant authorities in Nigeria. While the government is making concerted efforts in tackling the menace of militant and terrorist groups like the dreaded Boko Haram jihadist, Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), movement for the emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) among others, the incessant herders versus farmers clashes, coupled with inter ethnic conflicts, are threatening the fragile peace of the nation. It is against this backdrop that this paper explores Theatre for Development (TfD) as an avenue for fostering security in the Nigeria state. Theatre for development (TfD) is a genre of theatrical exegesis that stresses development communication for the purpose of enlightenment through participation and critical consciousness for transformation. Theatre for Development (TfD) employs advocacy, dialogue and folk media in preparation, action plan as well as mobilization for transformational education. These are done using research, analysis and dramatization. This paper shall interrogate the causes of security challenges such as unemployment, poverty, crime, drug abuse, to mention just a few. It will also examine the effects and how they can be addressed with the aid of Theatre for Development (TfD). The paper recommends among others that communication and dialogue remain the best forms of instrument for conflict resolution in a nation bedeviled with security challenges.