Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal
Vol-01, Issue-03 (Oct-Dec 2023)
An International scholarly/ academic journal, peer-reviewed/ refereed journal, ISSN : 2960-0006
Religion as a Tools for Unity and Faith, Peace, and Progress in Nigeria
Olorunda, Sola Elijah
School of Secondary Education, Department of Social Studies, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo
Page Numbers: 244–260
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9011
Subject: Social Studies, Sociology of Religion, African Studies, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Public Governance
Received: Sep 09, 2023
Accepted: Sep 30, 2023
Published: Oct 05, 2023
Thematic Classification: Sociology of Religion, Religious Extremism & Intolerance, African Traditional Religion (ATR), Socio-Economic Development, National Unity, Public Governance & Policy
Abstract
This study focused on religion as a tool for unity and faith, peace, and progress in southwest Nigeria. This study is qualitative and adopted a phenomenology design, primary data collection instrument consisting of interviews and ethnographic observations. The population consisted of all the citizens in southwest Nigeria and a sample consisted of 20 participants selected from religious groups. The analysis was issued based and focused on the use of the theme provided by the research questions of the study. Observation, and interviews were used to find out multifarious views on religion as a social institution. The paper further discussed the types of religions, the needs for religious activities, its impacts on people’s lives, both positive and negative. It was recommended that the issues of rewards and punishment that are established in every society tradition, norms, value, custom and constitution of every nation should be upheld, and the government should check the activities of religious leaders; also review the act that established religion as a social institution to pave way for unity, peace, and progress in Nigeria.
Keywords: Religion, Faith, Peace, Progress, Unity.
Impact Statement
Religion as a tool for national development emphasizes how important religious tolerance is to the advancement of a country. Religion as a tool creates harmony, social cohesiveness, and togetherness amongst varied communities, all of which are essential for progress and prosperity. The study highlights how valuing religious diversity and encouraging tolerance for those of other religions improves social ties and fosters creativity, economic expansion, and cultural enrichment. All citizens’ potential is unlocked by this inclusive approach, creating a vibrant environment that promotes national progress. The study’s conclusions highlight the critical role that religion a tool for unity and faith, peace, and progress plays in forging a cohesive society and offer insightful information to those working in government, the community, and the general public who want to advance diversity and inclusivity for the benefit of their countries.
About The Author
I am Olorunda Sola Elijah, a lecturer at Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, Nigeria, Faculty of Social Science, Department of Social Studies. I am a trained educator and researcher who has worked with different educational Institutions. I have taught, researched, supervised, and brought the best out of the students on many occasions. I have attended conferences, workshops, and seminars for professionals. I have published my books and articles in both national and international journals including online. My research interest includes peace and conflict studies with a specialization in community resilience in vulnerable cities, and social problems in contemporary society, including internationalization of higher education with global social responsibility for society.
Cite This Article
APA Style (7th Ed.): Olorunda, S. E. (2023). Religion as a tools for unity and faith, peace, and progress in Nigeria. Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 1(3), 244–260. https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9011
Chicago Style (17th Ed.): Olorunda, Sola Elijah. “Religion as a Tools for Unity and Faith, Peace, and Progress in Nigeria.” Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal 1, no. 3 (2023): 244–260. https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9011
MLA Style (9th Ed.): Olorunda, Sola Elijah. “Religion as a Tools for Unity and Faith, Peace, and Progress in Nigeria.” Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, vol. 1, no. 3, 2023, pp. 244–260. International Council for Education Research and Training, https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9011
Statements & Declarations
Authors’ Contribution: Sola Elijah Olorunda independently conceptualized, designed, and executed this qualitative phenomenological study. The author developed the research framework, conducted ethnographic observations and field interviews across Southwest Nigeria (Oyo State), performed the issue-based qualitative thematic analysis, synthesized data across Christian, Islamic, and African Traditional Religion perspectives, and drafted, revised, and approved the final manuscript.
Peer Review: This article has undergone a formal peer-review process organized by the editorial board of ICERT to evaluate its methodological validity, empirical data collection, and academic contribution to social studies and the sociology of religion.
Competing Interests: The author declares no competing financial, institutional, or personal interests that could have influenced the research design, data collection, findings, or writing of this paper.
Funding: The author received no specific grant or financial support from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or non-profit sectors for the research, execution, or publication of this work.
Data Availability: Primary qualitative data collected through field interviews and ethnographic observations, along with secondary literature analyzed during the study, are referenced within the manuscript and available from the author upon reasonable request.
Ethical Approval: Participation in interviews and field observations was voluntary. Informed consent was obtained from all 20 participants, ensuring confidentiality and proper ethical standards for qualitative social research.
License: Religion as a tools for unity and faith, peace, and progress in Nigeria © 2023 by Sola Elijah Olorunda is published in Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal by the International Council for Education Research and Training (ICERT).
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