RELIGION AND NIGERIA'S NATIONAL INTEGRATION: AN APPRAISAL

Résumé

There are certain factors that work against national integration, such as ignorance, cultural clashes, biased minds, the proliferation of religious organizations, lack of good governance, religious bigotry and lack of patriotic spirit. The state of experiencing the presence of the ultimate reality, the Almighty, Transcended God, and expressing the divine encounter to the people around is religion.Man and religion existed simultaneously. Human being establishes integrity in relationship with God which enhancesthe spirit of progression and development of his environment.Religion, whose etymology is "religare," which means "binding together," is a force of cultural integration. People from different religious ideologies and personalities gather to express their shared beliefs and practices in God. People who are forming a nation should work to promote national unity.This paper looks into how religion promotes or hinders national integration in Nigeria. It examines the connections between religion and national integration coupled with suggestions of potential solutions that will promote a solidly united nation with one voice. Qualitative and descriptive inquiry methods are used. Data were gathered through interviews and personal observations as primary sources. While secondary data sources form the foundation of the library which are thematically analysed. The study finds out that religion has become an obstacle to national integration due to false doctrines, indoctrination and bigots. The studyrecommends certain proposals on factors to promote national integration through religious tolerance, patriotism, knowledge of other religions, good governance and national reconciliation. There should be frequent roundtable discussions on conflict, peace, and resolution, intra and inter-religious dialogue and relationships conferences and workshops, leadership orientations, and shared value systems. Schools should place a strong emphasis on instilling patriotism in students at all levels, while avoiding ethnicities. All citizens should value these four common religious values of: humility, commitment, contemplation, and compassion.