‘New Nigeria’: A socioreligious dimension of prophetic envisioning

Ishaya Anthony

doi:10.4102/hts.v74i2.4861

Abstract

Globally, the quest to create societies free of corruption and violence that foster appreciation for human dignity and quality of life is highly envisioned and desired. Similarly, the current political, economic, religious and social tension in Nigeria calls for deep and courageous reflections about the country’s future in the League of Nations. These social realities have created a quest for a new society of justice, love, freedom and faithful stewardship in governance. Thus, this article portrays a song by Solomon Lange, titled ‘New Nigeria’, as prophetic within the tradition of prophetic envisioning. Also, it interprets the intersections between the prophetic dimension of this song and the sociocultural realities in Nigeria. Specifically, it argues that amidst Nigerians’ aspirations and struggles to build a new and corruption-free society, this song can contribute to raising national awareness that stimulates alternative consciousness, which invites the citizenry to courageously and tirelessly hope and work towards its actualisation.

Highlights

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, in a speech to commemorate his first year in office, stated that: ‘from day one, we purposely set out to correct our condition, to change Nigeria’.1 Based on this presidential comment, Nigerians hope that this ‘change’ will aim at fostering social cohesion and focus on creating a peaceful and corruption-free society of justice, human dignity and national development
The prophetic oracles of Isaiah and Zechariah, which formed the basis for this song, ‘New Nigeria’, can serve as a tool for national sensitisation and awareness to promote a culture of peaceful coexistence in the country – a culture that speaks of the promise of peaceful coexistence as the cardinal virtue and value of all religions
The prophet Samuel, for example, showed the nation Israel its sins, voiced its repentant prayer and led it to victory against its foes at Mizpah (1 Sam 7) (Stibitz 1898:20). In line with this prophetic proclamation, Solomon Lange sang in the name of God from the Bible to the concrete reality of corruption and violence faced by Nigerians

Summary

Introduction

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, in a speech to commemorate his first year in office, stated that: ‘from day one, we purposely set out to correct our condition, to change Nigeria’.1 Based on this presidential comment, Nigerians hope that this ‘change’ will aim at fostering social cohesion and focus on creating a peaceful and corruption-free society of justice, human dignity and national development. It speaks against corruption and violence as the major social crises in the country, and envisions a peaceful atmosphere of rejoicing and celebration.

Results

Conclusion