Religious Pluralism and National Development in Nigeria
Dr (Mrs.) Akah Josephine Ngozi
School of General Studies, Humanities Unit
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Email: Josephine.akah@unn.edu.ng
ABSTRACT
Religious pluralism has always posed a problem to national development in Nigeria determining the level of religious crises and violence over the years. This study evaluates the trend and its implications on national development. Although the author condemned unilateral and arbitrary amalgamation of January 1st 1914, the belief that a real dialogue can solve and repeal the mistakes of the past since all religion preaches peace. Data for the study was collected mainly through secondary sources. It adopts historical and descriptive method of analysis for optimal results. The paper recommends among others that tolerance and accepting of individual religious differences is a key to peace and harmony. Religious leaders should emphasize the integrative aspects of religion. Religious education should be made compulsory at all levels of primary and secondary schools to expose the students to the ideals of other religions. Finally, politicians should not use religion as a language of power but rather emphasize its role of achieving social needs that affect the well-being of the people.
Keywords: Religion, Religious pluralism, development, national development.
