THE ROLE OF CULTURE IN PROMOTING PEACE AND HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIP IN NIGERIA

ADETUNJI, Alamu M. & JOEL, Samuel Adeleke

Abstract

At present, Nigeria as a country is confronted with peace threatening issues like insurgency, armed banditry, kidnapping, political vendetta, ritual killings, and assassination. These traumatic and horrific experiences have brought disorderliness and restlessness to the populace, consequently culminated in a breach of peace in the country. Hence, this study is fundamentally set to examine the place of cultural values in promoting peace and harmonious relationship in Nigeria. It is a complementary effort to various researches that clearly unveiled how power of culture can make or mar society, community or a country at large. The study stressed and emphasised that culture constitutes a powerful mechanism of controlling and regulating individuals’ behaviour, attitude, action and relationship in the society. Also, it was discovered that culture has great influence on socio-economic development of a nation. Similarly, peaceful co-existence and harmonious cohabitants are entrenched in Nigerian cultural values. The study concluded that there is need for aggressive public enlightenment campaigns and awareness on cultural norms, ethos and values that promote peace and harmony among the people. As suggested in the study, musical jingles and theatrical skit are advised to be adopted for impactful and monumental sensitization. Government should facilitate peaceful and harmonious relationship in order to achieve progress and advancement in all ramifications.