Unity In Nigeria Research Articles

Restructuring Industrial Sector and Economic Growth in Nigeria

This study investigated the effects of restructuring industrial sector on economic growth in Nigeria. The study sets to examine the effect of the manufacturing on economic growth in Nigeria, examine the impact of crude petroleum and natural gas on economic growth in Nigeria and investigate the effect of solid mineral mining on economic growth in Nigeria. The study adopted both primary and secondary source of data. The study employed Error Correction Model (ECM) and Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model for hypothesis testing. The findings of the study showed that Manufacturing (LnMAN) had a significant positive effect on economic growth in Nigeria. Crude petroleum and natural gas (LnCPN) had positive and significant impact on economic growth in Nigeria. Solid mineral mining (LnSMM) had an insignificant positive impact on economic growth in Nigeria. Therefore, the study concluded that restructuring industrial sector, if properly and adequately implemented, would certainly propel and facilitate economic growth, development and unity in Nigeria with positive multiplier effect on West African states and Africa as a whole. Hence, recommended that there is need for the government to develop stimulants for the manufacturing sector and manufacturers in form of tax incentives and credit facilities. A good road network to mining sites and a sufficient power supply will go a long way to boost the productivity of the sector. Government should encourage the production of more agricultural products that could be used as raw materials by manufacturing industries to achieve balanced growth between the agricultural and the manufacturing industries of the Nigerian economy.

Ecumenical Footprints in Nigeria: Pathways and Detours in Search of Christian Unity

The unity of the Persons of the Trinity is the source and highest exemplar of Christian unity which all ecumenical initiatives seek. During his earthly ministry, our Lord Jesus Christ prayed for the unity of Christians (John 17:21). This prayer of Jesus furnishes us with the fundamental inspiration for the ecumenical movement in all its dimensions of expression. Right from the beginning, the Christian church has experienced rifts in both the West and the East. The modern ecumenical movement is an attempt to restore Christian unity against the background of 16th century divisions attendant upon the Protestant Reformation. It is also conducted in hindsight of the Protestant Reformation that the 19th and 20th century missionary activities of Christian churches from Europe in Nigeria took place. Several historical factors have shaped the successes and failures of significant missionary endeavors. This article highlights a few of those historical factors in a bid to identify the roots of discord and footprints of ecumenism at the beginning of the establishment of Christian churches in Nigeria. The goal intended to be realized through this historical excursus is to engender a livelier ecumenical hope for Christian unity in Nigeria while maintaining the already-achieved progress made so far, as well as countering further divisions.

MEDIATING ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN PEACE BUILDING AND UNITY IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The study examined the mediating role of the Church in peace building and Unity in Nigeria towards enhancing national development. The imperativeness of this is predicated on the fact that no society will record any meaningful development in a chaotic environment. Conflict all over the world has become an issue of concern to many, most especially when considering the myriads of problems that are associated with it. It is on the basis of this that this study was designed. A conceptual approach was adopted for the study, where the key concepts were reviewed. A critical analysis was carried out on the nexus between peace and national unity, church and peace building, peace and national development. Theories and approaches of peace building were also appraised. From the study, it has been revealed that the church has been involved in peace negotiations, arbitration panels, consultations, peace committees and intervention with relief materials in conflict zones. It has also been established that peace is a panacea for national unity, integration and development. It has been concluded that peace building needs collaborative efforts that must involve the leaders of the church and other stakeholders to mediate between the conflicting groups towards sustainable peace in Nigeria.

Ethnocentrism in multicultural society: intrigues, challenges and way forward in the Nigerian society

This paper examines the challenges of ethnocentrism in a multicultural Nigerian society with the view to proffering solutions to the exacerbated issues orchestrated by the ethnocentric disposition. The paper adopted qualitative approach where seminar papers, articles, documents; interviews were all examined in relation to the issues of ethnocentrism and multiculturalism in Nigeria. The paper, therefore affirms that ethnocentrism poses a serious concern to national development and unity in Nigeria, hence, recommends the adoption of salad bowl model which promotes social relationship in the society. The study further recommends that prominent cultural traits of individual cultures in Nigeria should be adopted and adapted into the school curriculum in the school system.

An Assessment of Boko Haram Crisis and the Socio-Political Development of Borno State, Nigeria

Purpose: This research work attempt to examine the Boko Haram crisis in Borno State and how it undermines socio-political development, with Maiduguri being our case study. The work has five chapters, each chapter structured in analysing the Boko Haram crisis in Nigeria and how it affects the socio-political development of Borno State.
 Methodology: the research developed twelve questions, these questions were administered in form of questionnaires to 400 people who were selected as a sample of the population primary and secondary data were used as a source of data while tables and percentages were used in organizing and presenting the data collected.
 Findings: The data analysis revealed that Boko Haram crisis has created so many backwardness, hatred, national disintegration and lack of unity in Nigeria.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The researcher therefore recommended that for Boko Haram crisis to be prevented, the government should take adequate measures to shut down any training terrorist camps operated by the Boko Haram sect. Then, the nation will start experiencing peace, oneness, security, national unity, development and progress for the betterment of all Nigerians.

Party Politics, The Zoning Policy Paradox, And Consolidation of National Unity: An Assessment of the Two Major Political Parties in Nigeria

The word “Zoning” has dominated the present political struggle in Nigeria. To a reasonable degree, zoning has been omnipresent in the genesis of Nigeria’s politics right from the first Republic and influences the formation of government (both military and civilian), and has been a subject of debate amongst scholars. It is right to reaffirm that the intention of those who brought the idea of the zoning policy into Nigeria’s political space was to ensure fairness in the rotation of key political offices across the country, but the politics and contentions associated with the actual practice of it is something to worry about. This is due to the fact that Nigerian politics over the years have been played on the basis of ethnicity as zoning seems to be an arrangement made to favour a particular set of people, who by reason of numbers acclaimed to be the majority, as against those who are regarded as the minority. In fact, zoning has practically turned out to represent the interest of few elites, who want to perpetually remain in power, and it is also defined by them, against what the masses may consider zoning to be in the sense of justice and fairness. With the 2023 general elections in sight, the issue of zoning is once again central and, as usual, contentious. This paper is an attempt to interrogate the extent to which the zoning of political offices during electoral contests, appointments, and the distribution of amenities will help in sustaining national unity in Nigeria and help in harmonizing and actualizing party interest(s). Scholars have written extensively on the zoning arrangements in Nigeria, some have even gone as far as tracing its origin to the second republic, but one thing which has remained a gab in their efforts is their inability to capture appropriately how zoning can help keep the country together by not just stating or making mention of zoning, but applying it in spirit and in principle. In gathering data for the study, the paper made use of the secondary method of data collection, while the generated data was analyzed using content analysis. Using John Rawl’s Theory of Justice, the paper finds and exposes the marginalization in the undue application of the zoning policy in Nigeria. This is because political actors have always placed their personal and party interests above fairness and justice. In other to ensure political justice, and consolidate National unity in the country, the paper recommends that the interest of the diverse religion, languages, and tribes that make up the country should be considered always so as to overcome the feeling of marginalization and domination of one region over the other which is about to tear the country into pieces.

The Role of Adult and Non-formal Education in Curbing Challenges of Democracy, Insecurity for National Unity in Nigeria

The Role of Adult and Non-formal Education in Curbing Challenges of Democracy, Insecurity for National Unity in Nigeria

Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Agitation for Autonomy: The Implications for Nigeria’s Unity and the Survival of the Igbo Nation

This article is set to discuss the continual agitation of IPOB for autonomy from the Nigerian state. The study uses data from a secondary source with content analysis as a methodology. Among other things, the paper examines reasons predisposing the agitation and implications of such an agitation on the unity of Nigeria and the survival of the Igbo nation. The study engages theories of secession to illustrate IPOB’s agitation and presents strategies which could be used to actualize IPOB’s ambition. In its concluding remarks, the study argued in favour of IPOB’s position for self-government through a strong adherence to wisdom wisdom and strategies discussed, as against the open confrontation strategy, due to the posture of the Nigerian government which is not favourable towards the agitation.
 
 Received: 28 June 2022 / Accepted: 18 October 2022 / Published: 5 November 2022

Activities of Borno Traditional Political and Religious Leaders in the Nigerian Civil War, 1967–1970

This article examines the activities of Borno traditional political and religious leaders in the Nigerian Civil War, with specific reference to the role of the Shehu of Borno and other chiefs, Muslim and Christian leaders. Traditional political leaders are the custodians of culture and traditions in Borno. They galvanised support for the war by mobilising society to contribute to the war effort. This article adopts a qualitative method, using oral sources from interviews conducted with surviving members of the traditional political and religious institutions. Traditional political leaders also commissioned religious leaders to pray for a successful end to the civil war, the unity of Nigeria and to preach the legality of enlisting into the military profession.

Government Policies and Its Constitutional Implications for National Unity in Nigeria

The research work focuses on government policies and its constitutional implications for national unity in Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The population consists of one thousand politicians in Anambra State. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample three hundred (300) respondents. The questionnaire was the major instrument for data collection and it was validated by two experts in public administration and political science. The mean statistics was used to analyzed the data collected. The findings of the study showed that government discriminatory policies on appointment into government positions, discriminatory policies on state of origin for employment and admission into tertiary institutions among others are policies that impede the achievement of national unity in Nigeria. The paper also discovered that the negative implications of government policies are ethnic bitterness and rancour, formation of ethnic militia, disharmonious co-existence and increased in poverty. The paper concluded that most of the government policies at the state and federal level are detrimental to the welfare and rights of the Nigerian citizens. The implications are rivalry, distrust, opposition, disharmonious co-existence which has Nigerian and made the constitution a mockery and a lame duck. Relevant recommendations were made.

British colonial policies and the challenge of national unity in Nigeria, 1914-2014

The symbolic importance of the 1914 amalgamation in Nigeria’s history is not in doubt. It was the year that the British colonial administration brought the culturally diverse peoples of Nigeria together under one central administration. However, 100 years after the amalgamation, Nigeria has been unable to build a nation or run the semblance of a modern state despite abundant natural and human resources. Harmonious co-existence between and among the country’s constituent parts has proved most elusive. Relying on primary and secondary sources, this paper critically examines the nexus between the 1914 amalgamation and the British colonial policies that followed, on the one hand, and the challenge of national unity and harmonious inter-ethnic relations in Nigeria’s centennial on the other. It argues that the challenge of national unity in post-colonial Nigeria had its root in the nature and structure of the country’s foundation laid by the British in 1914. It posits that the way that Nigeria was structured by the British, the colonial policies under which the country was administered, and the nature of the transfer of power from Britain to Nigeria, bore the destructive cancer of imbalances that the British deliberately inculcated into the Nigeria project. These resulted in fault lines and fissures that have made it difficult for the constituent parts of post-colonial Nigeria to cohere. The paper submits that Nigeria’s lopsided colonial structural foundation, which is still being maintained, has remained a severe challenge to national cohesion and harmonious inter-ethnic coexistence in post-colonial Nigeria.

Leadership, separatist/secessionist agitations and prospect for national unity in Nigeria

Insecurity is one of, if not the most visible and widely discussed issue in contemporary Nigeria. Throughout the country, acts of insecurity occur on a regular basis. Nigerians are deeply concerned about this troubling trend. This study investigates the core reasons of insecurity in Nigeria and their consequences for the country. The study also examines the role of leadership and the sprouting of insurgency and separatist groups such as (Boko Haram, Niger Delta Avengers, MASSOB, IPOB, the Fulani herders conflict among others) and how it has affected the unity of the nation overtime. The study argues that leadership failure and structural dysfunction are the major triggers that led to the emergence of these separatist's groups. The study, offers/suggests measures toaddress these insecurities in the country. This study adopted descriptive and analytical method of historical research.

Ken Saro-Wiwa’s Concept of Erectism: A Paradigm for Sustainable National Development and Unity in Nigeria

Nigeria has had a civil war and repeated frequent ethnic and communal wars in virtually all parts of the country ever since it became an independent republic in 1963. It has also witnessed many religious clashes and insurgency. These and other related factors have combined to make the country very unstable, both politically and economically, and disunited. Many scholars regard the multi-ethnic character of the State as its major undoing. On the other hand, political leaders at the national level see the country's amazing ethno-cultural diversity as a social condition for national growth. The politicians have, however, failed to provide the necessary ingredients that would promote national development and unity. This work seeks to examine the appropriateness of Ken Saro-Wiwa's concept of ‘erectism' as a paradigm for sustainable national development and unity in Nigeria. Adopting a constructivist approach in the pursuit of that objective, this work critically analyses the systemic anomalies of the Nigerian state vis-í -vis its multi-ethnic structure and concludes that Saro-Wiwa's theory of erectism is a workable formula for promoting national development. The concept entails ethnic autonomy, ethnic ownership and control of resources as well as ethnic control and management of environment.

Analysis of Quota System of Admission (QSA) and the Challenge of Sustainable National Unity in Nigeria

This paper analyzed quota system of admission in relation to building of sustainable national unity in Nigeria. The introduction of quota system of admission in Nigeria’s educational sector came due to the desire to ensure that those areas of Nigeria believed to be educationally disadvantaged are aided to achieve through education, similar socio-economic development as their counterparts and thus pacify violent agitations emanating from these areas of the country perceived to be instigating disunity in the country. However, when critically analyzed it was discovered that quota system of admission is riddled with inherent pitfalls that amount to serious threat to successful building of sustainable national unity. Such pitfalls inherent in quota system of admission include: violation of applicants’ equal rights to education as provided for in the 1999 constitution as well as operating a discriminatory admission process that works to favour some school applicants from particular states more than others. Given the above, the researchers argued that application of quota system to school admissions in Nigeria is antithetical to any attempt aimed at building a sustainable national unity in Nigeria. Accordingly, it was recommended that implementation of quota system of admission in Nigeria’s education system be discontinued immediately, budgetary allocation to the educational sector be increased in line with UNESCO’s 26% benchmark to enable building of enough schools to accommodate the ever-increasing number of qualified school applicants. Keywords : Quota System of Admission, National Unity, Sustainable National Unity. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-30-03 Publication date: October 31 st 2020

NIGERIA AND THE CHALLENGES OF NATIONAL UNITY

The task of unifying the various ethnic, religious, political and socio-economic groupings in Nigeria has remained a daunting national challenge more than hundred years after amalgamation in 1914. This is particularly puzzling considering that all government regimes since independence in 1960 have made national unity their important agenda. Concomitant programmes, policies and mantras including institutionalization of the federal character principle, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), unity schools, national symbols, National Orientation Agency (NOA), and mantras such as “the unity of the nation is not negotiable”, among others, have been adopted to facilitate national unity in Nigeria. Yet the gap between the various groupings seems wider as the nation is still plagued with ethnic rivalry, religious intolerance, political exclusion, quest for self-determination, power sharing and violent agitations, to mention a few. This paper explored the challenges of national unity in Nigeria after one hundred years of existence. Employing the Choice theory, documentary data sources and qualitative data analysis, the paper contends that the challenges to national unity in Nigeria appear to persist because of the manipulations of political, ethnic and religious elites due to pecuniary gains and enduring rivalry over the control of state power. The result showed that unity remains a scarce commodity in Nigeria because of the manner elites conceived and implement policies to reinforce primordial loyalties. As a result, government policies and projects are narrowly conceived and implemented to favour selected groups and communities. This heightens disagreements and controversies among the diverse peoples and communities, threatening the nation’s existence and development.

Women Education and National Unity in Nigeria

Nigeria is a perfect example of a plural society, characterized by divergent sociocultural groups. Unfortunately, divergent groups also imply divergent interests. As a result, conflicts have featured prominently in the country, as each group struggles to project its own interests. This makes national unity a pressing need, to guarantee that against popular views, Nigeria will not disintegrate, even in the face of the diversities characterizing it. To achieve unity in Nigeria, several strategies have been adopted, but women education has hardly been given a consideration as a mean to achieving this all important need in the country. Therefore, taking cognizance of women’s peculiar roles in society, this paper analyses the need to harness their capacities in such roles via education, to facilitate the achievement unity within the entity called Nigeria.

The Nigerian Civil War: There Was No Justification

The war which was fought in Nigeria from August 1967 to January 1970 has generally been described as the most horrific experience in the African continent and has never been equated to any other war in the history of black African continent before or since then. The war later began to define several activities in Nigeria ranging from economy, social, to political life. Yet, the Actors in the war have never regretted for once, except as they carried their heads high to the boasting that they fought to get Nigeria united. Many questions have been asked by Nigerians within and abroad as to how honest this unity is, in view of the increase in corruption, ethnic agitations, terrorism, and several vices. Attempts have been made to study analytically, the civil war with the aid of mostly secondary sources and internet materials. The result of the analysis here brings us to the disappointing conclusion that the war itself was not necessary in view of the fact that several alternative ways for peaceful unity of Nigeria could have been adopted. The study concludes with the note that Nigeria needs to unite together and work on the various aspirations of her different ethnic groups as to be the great nation it was meant to be.

Fake News in Nigeria: Causes, Effects and Management

This study examined the impact of Fake News in Nigeria: Causes, Effects and its Management in Nigeria and the world at large. Fake news in a layman understanding is said to be information fabricated without a source or element of originality. Most time, it creates tension, killings and pandemonium which are not good for the peace and unity of Nigeria and the world at large. The source of information for this study came from secondary source. From the study, we observed that the major causes of fake news are; quest for relevance, hostile government and civil actors, poor regularization / of the internet and money making. The effect of it has been so bad most especially now Nigeria is facing different intra crises like Fulani-Herdsmen and Farmers, Militancy, and so on which goes a long way to create tension, killings and pandemonium just like stated above. As a result of the above, we recommend the following: There is need to always confirm the source of information (social media accounts often try to appear as if they are from legitimate news sites), check different sources to confirm the authentication of the information you are reading. There is need to always penalize those blogs or media outlets that post fake news no matter the circumstance. By so doing, it will serve as deterrent to others using it as a way to gain relevance or for whatever reason. Keywords: Fake News, Causes, Effects, Management, Nigeria DOI: 10.7176/IKM/9-2-10

Fake News in Nigeria: Causes, Effects and Management

This study examined the impact of Fake News in Nigeria: Causes, Effects and its Management in Nigeria and the world at large. Fake news in a layman understanding is said to be information fabricated without a source or element of originality. Most time, it creates tension, killings and pandemonium which are not good for the peace and unity of Nigeria and the world at large. The source of information for this study came from secondary source. From the study, we observed that the major causes of fake news are; quest for relevance, hostile government and civil actors, poor regularization / of the internet and money making. The effect of it has been so bad most especially now Nigeria is facing different intra crises like Fulani-Herdsmen and Farmers, Militancy, and so on which goes a long way to create tension, killings and pandemonium just like stated above. As a result of the above, we recommend the following: There is need to always confirm the source of information (social media accounts often try to appear as if they are from legitimate news sites), check different sources to confirm the authentication of the information you are reading. There is need to always penalize those blogs or media outlets that post fake news no matter the circumstance. By so doing, it will serve as deterrent to others using it as a way to gain relevance or for whatever reason. Keywords: Fake News, Causes, Effects, Management, Nigeria DOI: 10.7176/IKM/9-2-10

Ecumenical Tensions among Nigerian Christians

AbstractThis article focuses on recent disturbing trends opposed to Christian unity in Nigeria that have both remote and immediate causes. Although the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) was formed to promote unity among the various Christian denominations in the country, it has not been able to achieve its goal. After describing this present situation and the historical factors that caused it, this paper looks to the resources of the Second Vatican Council which CAN should adopt to ease the tension in the country and promote greater dialogue. The article looks at the Roman Catholic‐Lutheran Declaration that was signed in 1999, and officially resolved the disagreements that led to the split led by Martin Luther in 1517. Finally this paper looks at the style of Pope Francis as a living example of effective ecumenism and interfaith dialogue.