National integration is the consciousness of a shared identity among a nation’s citizens; in other words, it’s the realization that, despite our differences in caste, religion, and language, we are all part of the same country.

It is not merely a national sentiment; rather, it is a spirit that unites individuals of diverse dialects and religious convictions for a shared goal.

The main goal of national integration is to improve the living conditions of citizens. As a result, kids can grow as individuals in every way. Additionally, it helps to unite a multiracial and multilingual nation like India, whose citizens have different cultures and traditions. Additionally, it strengthens the bonds of brotherhood among individuals, groups, and society.

Additionally, contributing to a nation’s overall development and stability is national integration. It encourages the development of intercommunal peace and opposes casteism, regionalism, linguism, etc. The sense of nationalism and brotherhood is enhanced by national integration. In the event of a national emergency, it unites the populace.

Nigeria is a tremendously ethnically and religiously diverse country with many different languages and traditions. Nigeria is a varied country; hence, many policies have been implemented by successive administrations to solve the issues brought on by the various cultures while preserving the country’s stability and unity..

The population, government, and economy have benefited in some ways from these various policies and programs. It is impossible to overstate the significance of national integration in Nigeria. The significance of national integration in Nigeria will be covered in this essay.

Importance of National Integration in Nigeria

1. It aids tourism (both local and international)

Since the beginning, tourism has played a significant supporting role in national integration. Understanding such a big country through tourism can help everyone feel more united.

Understanding one another’s traits and issues lead to the development of similar emotions, ideas, and attitudes. Understanding the country’s culture, industrial and economic development, and new facets of development are all made easier through tourism.

Our sense of national identity gives us the impression of a successful and powerful nation, and it helps us live in harmony and love with one another.

2. Fostering Social Harmony

The promotion of social peace is one goal of national integration in Nigeria. Nigerians benefit from the many social policies and programs of government administrations, regardless of their state of origin, socioeconomic status, religion, political leanings, or other characteristics they may possess.

As a result, Nigerians can benefit from equal possibilities devoid of social exclusion, strengthening the social connection and sense of community among the people.

Examples of how social harmony is promoted in Nigeria include the National Youth Service (NYSC) program, the unitary school system of education, and the protection of fundamental human rights, among others, as neither privileges nor stereotypes serve as the foundation for citizens to benefit from these policies or programs.

3. The development of a common language

With over 520 languages spoken by the indigenous ethnic groups in Nigeria, using English as the primary language has many advantages. The English language acts as a real tool for effective communication between the various linguistic groups as well as the administration because none of the indigenous languages of the nation have attained broad domination.

Nigeria’s educational system uses English as its primary language of instruction, which improves functional literacy, which in turn promotes socioeconomic, political, and religious stability as well as more integration.

The English language also allows Nigeria and Nigerians to participate in world politics, sports, the arts, trade, and other activities because no indigenous language has advanced to an international level.

4. It strengthens Nigeria’s stability and unity

National integration helps to bring together people of many races, castes, creeds, and ideologies and unites the nation as a whole. It makes the nation stronger and more formidable on the global stage.

Unity is essential to ensure Nigeria’s continuing prosperity because the nation-state is so diverse. It is impossible to emphasize the value of unity. There are many negative effects left behind when a unified state dissolves, such as the 30 month civil war in Nigeria, which resulted in millions of fatalities, mass migration, destruction of infrastructure, and loss of physical and social capital.

In order to achieve this, a number of policies and programs have worked to encourage coexistence, lessen the likelihood of internal strife, and boost economic development and progress at the national level. For instance, the unitary educational system allows young Nigerians to study alongside pupils from other regions of the nation, which fosters a sense of nationalism from an early age.

Nigeria has been able to attain unity in diversity to a large extent because of national integration policies and programs, notwithstanding the occasional occurrence of internal disputes.

5. Encourages Loyalty to the Country

National integration encourages a citizen’s allegiance to the nation. It helps get people to work together and put the country’s growth ahead of their own small problems.

6. It facilitates economic growth

A house divided against itself cannot stand, according to a proverb. This is especially true for a culture with such diversity as Nigeria’s.

It will be unlikely to see reasonable economic progress if there are ongoing internal conflicts like militancy, riots, sabotage, and ethno-religious crises. For instance, the country experienced a drop in foreign exchange and an unfavorable economic climate for investment in the delta during the period of increased insurgency in the Niger Delta, when oil installations and expatriates were targeted by numerous militant groups.

On the other hand, when there is a degree of peace and stability in the nation, economic activity is seamless and foreign investors are more likely to make investments because they feel their money is safe.

7. It is advocates for an equitable distribution of resources

Socio-economic infrastructures must be distributed fairly across this varied nation’s numerous federating units to ensure fairness and equity. The Federal Character Commission aims to make sure that each administration’s economic and social infrastructure serves every region of the country. The availability of these social and economic infrastructures has a beneficial effect on economic development and growth. Equitable distribution of the nation’s infrastructure—including ports, bridges, hospitals, roads, and electricity—provides the fundamental support for growth and development.

8. Fair representation is promoted in appointive positions

The federal character concept, a national integration policy, aims to guarantee that the makeup of the government of the Federation reflects the diversity of the nation, which is made up of over 250 ethnic groups, 36 states, and 6 geopolitical zones.

In order to achieve this, appointment positions within the government would reflect the diversity of the country and prevent the domination of people from a single or small number of ethnic groups and states. As a result, a variety of people make up the government’s ministries, departments, and agencies.

Numerous initiatives aimed at establishing national integration have been launched since Nigeria gained independence. The Nigerian Constitution, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, the establishment of states, the Federal Character Principle, the unitary educational system, and the adoption of a federal system of government are a few of these.

Due to issues like bad administration, theft of tax money, wasteful use of public funds, corruption, and the high rates of poverty and unemployment, these efforts have mainly fallen short of achieving the objectives of national integration.

Some suggested approaches to achieving sustainable national integration in Nigeria include visionary leadership; the development of a national image; effective social studies instruction at the primary and junior secondary levels of education; and the allocation of national resources to crucial areas like job creation, poverty alleviation, social security programs, etc.

Conclusion

National integration is crucial for a nation since it has frequently happened throughout human history for a nation’s integrity to be in jeopardy. It has faced significant internal obstacles as well as being attacked from outside. Consequently, the formation of a nation depends greatly on national integration. It is preserving it in history through consistent development.

Having contentment implies being happy with who you are, where you are, and what you have. It demonstrates respect for present-day realities. It involves appreciating what you already have and your current situation. Having contentment does not imply that you have no desires; rather, it simply implies that you are happy with the way things are right now and have faith that things will work out for the best in the future.

Consumerism appears to have undermined the value of contentment in Nigeria. The majority of individuals in society believe that happiness can only be attained once certain goals and aspirations have been achieved. This is uncommon because most people still lack fulfillment even after crossing things off their bucket lists.

Happiness, however, is not based on the accumulation of material goods in a satisfied community. Instead, it comes from being appreciative of the moment. The importance of contentment in Nigerian society will be highlighted in this post.

Importance and significance of contentment in Nigerian society

1. Reduce evils and vices

In our society, one of the main reason why people engage in acts such as money ritual stems from the fact that they are contented with what they have and are not ready to put in the work to achieve that they desire.

The lack of patience and contentment among the youths has led a lot of people to acts such as romance scams where they try to talk a foreigner into sending them money.

There is also a spate of increase in violent acts like robbery, thuggery and corruption all of which stem from the fact that people are not contented with the fruits of their labor and what to take what belongs to someone else.

2. Peace of mind

Peace of mind in general is contentment. We are in a frame of mind that encourages self-improvement. This merely indicates that you are content with your present. It does not preclude you from having ambitions and desires. You can be thankful for your achievements and still wish for a brighter future.

Motivating yourself toward a brighter future will be challenging if you aren’t content with who you have become and all of your past accomplishments. When you are content, you might feel at ease with yourself and your environment. You approach everything with an optimistic outlook. Being content allows you to dream more peacefully rather than making you tired of dreaming.

3. Help to create a distinction between wants and needs

In an economic sense, desires are something you might want but are able to live without. Contrarily, your needs are essential and vital to your survival. If you’re not happy with your life, you may become fixated on accumulating material possessions that you don’t really need.

This can occasionally result in more debt, longer workweeks, larger loans, and a variety of other issues. However, if society’s members are comfortable with their lot in life, they will be able to live happy, healthy lives independent of material goods. Therefore, things with a direct use value would receive limited resources.

4. It inspires simplicity in the public

Members of a contented community are able to distinguish between their wants and necessities. As a result, society’s members are freed from the stress and strain that come with having more and more materialistic stuff. Thus, society promotes simplicity. As a result, society’s citizens will learn how to be content without relying on accumulating more stuff or success.

This is not to say that contentment is the absence of desire; rather, it is the satisfaction of one’s current circumstances while holding out hope for better things.

5. Strong human relationships are fostered

People are continually competing to be the best at everything because society lacks satisfaction. This makes people desire the best things in life, such as larger homes, luxurious cars, well-paying jobs, etc. Although this desire is not terrible, most people fulfill it at the expense of their interpersonal connections.

In order to accomplish this, people frequently work longer hours, which reduces their time with family and friends. Additionally, most people borrow more money to finance their aspirations for materialism. This causes debt levels to rise, which typically leads to stress, despair, bad moods, and other psychological issues that interfere with social interaction.

However, when society cultivates contentment, individuals will be able to distinguish between their needs and wants and devote limited resources to items of high utility. As a result, people will have more time to spend with their loved ones, and psychosocial issues related to consumerism will not arise.

People will be able to accept each other for who they are. A person’s possessions or lack thereof won’t have an impact on relationships, which will flourish spontaneously.

6. It helps to promote happiness

Allowing yourself to be content indicates that you are content with the present. It demonstrates your gratitude for whatever you’ve accomplished, no matter how little or how much. And by accepting that you can wait till you can do something within your means for those things you need or want, you may be pleased with the present.

So even if your wishes haven’t been satiated, you can still be happy. This improves your attitude to life and has a beneficial influence on your neighborhood. And if society is content, there will be a significant ripple effect, resulting in genuine happiness everywhere.

7. Contentment means people are less greedy

Being ambitious is not a problem. It is quite OK to want the best things in life. However, unrestrained greed can result from ambition. Greed is the strong desire to enrich oneself at the expense of others, to put it simply. It’s a negative quality. Some people use dishonest methods, such as internet fraud, theft, simony, hoarding of materials, misappropriation of public finances, and more, to accomplish their goals.

In a culture that values serenity, avarice is frowned upon. People are happy with the things they own and have. People are also aware of their goals and requirements. They are aware that material wealth or professional success are not prerequisites for genuine pleasure. They also respect the mental tranquility that satisfaction offers. These characteristics of a content society make it challenging for greed to flourish.

8. Helps to nurture a healthy lifestyle

You are free from problems that are harmful to your health when you are content. As was mentioned before in this essay, most people finance their lack of contentment by taking on more debt and putting in more labor.

Stress, depression, and other health issues have all been linked to higher debt levels. On the other hand, working long hours has negative consequences for a person’s loved ones as well. However, people will be able to live more healthy and happy lives in a society that is content.

The cultivation of contentment promotes happiness, encourages growth on the inside, and strengthens bonds between people.

Damages from Dissatisfaction

The main causes of discontentment include envy, comparison, restlessness, despair, and violence. Discontentment causes permanent scars on your soul and might occasionally cause irreversible harm to your life.

Lust for money, material pleasure, fame, prestige, and power is the root of discontentment. Rivalry, resentment, greed, covetousness, and jealousy are the outcomes. There is fierce competition everywhere, whether it is in the workplace, the family, or the classroom. Nobody is happy with their current situation. The importance of self-sufficiency has decreased.
Have we ever considered the benefits we receive from these things? Do these emotions or actions serve our interests? If the response is “no,” then why not practice being content?

Conclusion

Being conscious of our sufficiency and realizing that we have enough and are enough leads to contentment. You are liberated from the tug of desire and lust. You have faith in life to provide for your needs at the appropriate time. You feel content with the way things are. Being happy does not prevent you from achieving your goals or derail your mission. It is a position from which to look forward with a calm heart and gratitude for everything that has already happened and will yet happen.

Up to June 6, 2018, when it was proclaimed that June 12 would be the new Democracy Day, replacing May 29—which had traditionally been observed as Democracy Day—June 12 was a regular day. But what is really important is what that day stands for, not the day the event is commemorated.

June 12 marks what is still regarded as Nigeria’s most democratic and free election, and it stands for much more than May 29 did. Due to their participation in the End SARS protests, the “coconut head” generation will now be able to relate to the June 12 fights better. They will connect more with June 12 as a result of this involvement, as will the older generation. It is safe to say that June 12 and the wins it brought about were not the results of a peaceful agreement because they were achieved with “Sorrow, Tears, and Blood.”

However, it is important to remember that before the Federal Government led by President Buhari proclaimed June 12 as the new democracy day on June 6, 2018, it was previously observed as “Abiola Day” in some southwestern states of Nigeria.
Nigerians commemorate June 12 as Democracy Day. Every year on May 29, Democracy Day is formally observed.

President Muhammadu Buhari chose to move Democracy Day from January 25 to June 12 in 2018.

In the history of Nigeria, June 12 is of great significance. On this date, Nigeria held its first presidential elections since the military coup of 1983. The entire purpose of June 12 is to serve as a reminder to Nigerians of the traps of the past, the mistakes of the present, and the necessity of defending democratic norms. If we fail to see democracy as a form of government that satisfies the needs of the populace, the significance of June 12 will be lost.

What actually happened on June 12, 1993?

On June 12, 1993, Nigeria held its first presidential elections since the Second Republic was overthrown by a military coup in 1983. The military dictator, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, oversaw a transition to civilian control that led to the elections (IBB). Although the National Electoral Commission (NEC) has not officially announced the election results, the unofficial results showed that Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention lost to Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) (NRC).

Due to IBB’s annulment of the elections due to electoral irregularities, the election’s winner was never announced. An unpopular interim civilian government and protests over the annulment ultimately resulted in the continuation of military rule in the nation, with Sani Abacha becoming the military head of state through a bloodless coup later that year.

The election of June 12, 1993

Two political parties competed for control on June 12, 1993. One was the Social Democratic Party, which ran Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO) and Babagana Kingibe as its presidential candidates. Nigerians, who were already weary of military rule, turned out in large numbers to cast their presidential ballots on that day, inclement weather and all. They disregarded religion. They disregarded social standing and class. They shared a single objective. To choose their president, that was going to make their lives better.

Following the elections, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola was widely considered to have won after defeating Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC), and Nigerians awaited the results with impatience and eagerness. According to the unofficial results, which were not yet certified by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola was already declared the winner of the election.

Much to the chagrin of the populace, General Ibrahim Babangida, the military leader in office, annulled the election. He insisted there were irregularities in the election.

The Electoral Aftermath of June 12, 1993

Chaos followed the June 12, 1993, election’s annulment. Pro-democracy activists and other Nigerians who were protesting were killed extrajudicially as a result of the protests. Security personnel with guns murdered them. As a result, General Ibrahim Babangida, the military president, and Generals Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, along with ten other former generals who were members of the Association for Democracy and Good Governance, released a united statement calling for his ouster.
After the election was declared invalid in July 1993, there was intense unrest in the Southwest. The annulment was criticized by people from all around the world. Additionally, it caused the United States and the United Kingdom to stop providing help to Nigeria.

Many people had to move across the country as a result of these murders. Media outlets were shut down by the government, and journalists were even detained. Additionally, they issued a decree that barred any legal action pertaining to the election’s annulment. General Ibrahim Babangida gave power to an interim administration led by Chief Ernest Shonekan before being compelled to resign. But this particular arrangement by General Ibrahim Babangida, who transferred authority to Chief Ernest Shonekan, didn’t survive since General Shonekan was overthrown and replaced by the late General Sani Abacha.

In 1994, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola proclaimed himself the nation’s leader and commander in chief. He was later detained and imprisoned after being charged with treason. Workers in a number of industries, including banking, higher education, and the petroleum sector, staged demonstrations and went on strike in response to his imprisonment. Nine weeks passed during this strike. It had a significant detrimental impact on the economy.

In June 1998, General Sani Abacha passed away. In July of the same year, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola also passed away under suspicious circumstances. General Sani Abacha passed away, and General Abdulsalami Abubakar became the new leader.

Significance of June 12 in Nigerian History

1. The transfer of power from one civil administration to another

One of the advantages of the June 12 battle has been the ability to switch from one civilian government to the next since 1999 without the use of military force. Up until this year, when President Muhammadu Buhari signed a legislation declaring June 12 as Nigeria’s new Democracy Day, we had been commemorating this democracy on May 29 every year.

Nigeria’s democracy has not experienced any sort of military intervention since May 29, 1999. Nigeria has alternated between Democratic and civilian governments. This is undoubtedly one of the advantages of the conflict of June 12, 1993. There hasn’t been a single military disruption since 1999.

2. Admitting defeat after a loss

Another result of this democracy is that Goodluck Jonathan, the current president at the time, lost a general election in 2015 and declared defeat.

3. More freedom of speech than under military control

Nigerians have also enjoyed greater freedom of speech than was possible under the military, except for the odd violations by certain overzealous security personnel. If we as citizens don’t view democracy as a form of government that satisfies the needs of the people, the significance of June 12 won’t be realized. Regular elections, a return to civil liberties and journalistic freedom, as well as an end to wrongful detention and torture, were all brought about by the end of military rule.

4. Citizen Revolution

The election of June 12 symbolizes the revolution of Nigerian citizens in recent history. As evidenced by Chief MKO’s victory, Nigerians are more interested in having a true leader and what he stands for. Even though the election’s victor passed away, he left us with important democratic lessons.

Because Abiola insisted on his mandate, we today experience democracy. If he hadn’t gone through all the battles, Obasanjo would not have become President and we most likely would have been under military rule.

What June 12 means in today’s Nigeria

Prior to today, the southwestern states observed June 12 as Abiola Day to recall the difficulties of the 1993 election and how the area was disenfranchised. The date of Nigeria’s Democracy Day was changed to June 12 by President Muhammadu Buhari on June 6, 2018. This was because of  Chief Moshood Abiola’s passing away during the fight to bring back democracy in Nigeria,

Conclusion

If we fail to see democracy as a form of government that satisfies the needs of the populace, the significance of June 12 will be lost. Our election results must reflect the will of the people. Our leaders must respect the integrity of the voting process. Rigging shouldn’t be possible.

Our political decisions shouldn’t be unduly influenced by money. Voters ought to support candidates for office who prioritize the needs of the nation and regard leadership as a public duty. The President should start reforming our political and electoral processes. He needs to enact the Electoral Act Amendment Bill as the first step.

Numerous political parties are running for office in Nigeria. The existence of a political party is beneficial for the country. It gives them the option to make a more intelligent and sensible choice. Additionally, it encourages rival political parties to improve in order to triumph in elections and rule the country.

In Nigeria, political parties are essential. Party members gather with shared objectives to discuss politics. They support and advance democracy’s goals. The development of political leaders is another duty of political parties.

Political parties are crucial to the functioning of the entire governmental system; their significance cannot be overemphasized. One of the most reliable indicators of a successful transition to democracy is the existence of political parties in every given country. In actuality, it is hard to envision democracy without political parties. They serve as the impetus for all actions taken by the government.

Importance of political parties in Nigeria

1. Create balance

The political party with the highest number of members elected to office is seen as the most powerful. Being in the majority in the government enables the party to focus the government’s attention on issues that are crucial to the party’s agenda. The opposition party works hard to criticize and limit the majority party.

The party in power passes a lot of laws. The ruling party may need to come to an agreement with the minority before passing a measure, depending on how strong the minority party is. By doing this, the opposition party is ensuring the wellbeing of its supporters. A comparable equilibrium exists when the president and the majority of Congress are members of opposite political parties.

2. Political parties can very well influence public opinion

Political parties form, shape, and coordinate public opinion in every form of government. They also assist in raising political awareness among ordinary people, who would not otherwise have the leisure to read about and learn about national issues. Political parties employ public rallies, meetings, and news conferences to voice their thoughts on important issues in an effort to connect with the public.

The state of the nation’s economy, society, and politics are made known to the general public. The right to vote is made known to the entire population. This enables regular people to express their opinions on the benefits and drawbacks of various important issues. Public opinion on important issues is organized and formed as a result of this process. These events assist regular citizens who would not otherwise have much time to devote to politics in learning about various aspects of the fundamental issues involved in government.

Political parties assist in preserving political stability in a number of ways, including by uniting, streamlining, and stabilizing the nation’s political system. Political parties work to pacify the fracturing forces and promote cohesion by incorporating the unstable aspects of localism, regionalism, sectionalism, interests, and geographical conditions into their party doctrine.

“Interest aggregation” is essentially the responsibility of political parties. In addition, political parties play a significant role in maintaining stability in a democracy through their participation in the legislature. The majority party heads the government, and the opposition is made up of minor parties.

3. Political parties guarantee civil liberties

Political parties in Nigeria give people the freedom to vote and run for office. These so-called political rights enable citizens to take part in national political processes. Political parties grant voters the political right to choose the best candidates for office and the electoral right to run for office.

4. Political decisions in Nigeria are determined by political parties

The primary political decisions made in Nigeria are heavily influenced by the political parties. They choose the caliber of representatives or candidates that Nigerians will be asked to vote for and ultimately choose to fill positions of authority. Political decisions in Nigeria are decided by political parties, which choose the candidates who will represent them at the polls.

In other words, Nigerians would only cast their votes for candidates proposed by the political parties. This enormous burden falls on political parties.

5. Parties in politics present suitable representatives to the public

Nigerian political parties offer the people of Nigeria competent representatives. The representative would then be chosen by the people in turn. This typically occurs during election polling every four years. Typically, these candidates or representatives are political party members. During elections, voters cast ballots for the political party or representative of their choice.

6. Help to formulate public policies

Political parties play a role in shaping and influencing public and governmental policy in Nigeria. Citizens cast their votes for the political parties of their choice in every election. Government and public policy are consequently influenced by this.

The political policies carried out by the party should be in the best interests of the people who elected the party in a circumstance where the citizens choose a political party of their choice to represent them in the government. The goal of these policies should be to improve the nation’s status.

7. Political parties create an environment that is conducive to politics

Political parties in Nigeria create an environment that encourages individual initiative and free enterprise, which in turn promotes economic progress and national growth. They make sure that there is no violence involved in political activity. They made particular arrangements to guarantee a favorable political climate.

8. They help in choosing leaders

The main objective of any political party is to enlist individuals of character, letters, action, and leadership and to equip them for upcoming elections. Because it is these party members who spread the party’s philosophy, engage in contentious discussions, and organize gatherings and news conferences to win over the public,
These are the same individuals who support democracy by running for office and, if elected, forming governments. These public representatives should be aware of the expectations of the broader public and develop public policy accordingly. Parties may only grow in popularity and significance through their leaders.

9. Good government is ensured by political parties

The burden of providing the people with effective governance falls on political parties. They make sure that excellent people, whether at the state, local, or federal levels, are in charge of Nigeria’s inhabitants.

10. Political parties inform and educate the public

Political parties in Nigeria educate and teach the populace about their objectives and those of the ruling party. Parties make sure that the public is politically aware and that they are aware of the political party’s and the government’s beliefs. Bringing the party closer to the public is one of the primary goals of political parties in today’s democracies.

11. The Welfare of Citizens is Improved by Political Parties

Political parties facilitate access to employment prospects for those at the grassroots level. They improve societal well-being and ensure that everyone has access to the necessities of life.

They make sure that not only people in urban areas but also people in rural areas who would not typically have access to these amenities are provided with them, including good roads, reliable power supply, employment, stable running water, good schools, and good hospitals with adequate medical equipment and facilities. Political parties contribute to the improvement of the general welfare of the populace by offering competent leaders.

12. Political parties support the legislature

Any given nation’s parliament, let’s say Nigeria’s, is supported by political parties. They are in charge of gathering the citizens’ representatives. The representatives of the political parties in the congress are chosen by the electoral authorities. The party with the majority of votes wins the majority in Parliament, and the party with the minority of votes becomes the opposition. This opposing group always scrutinizes what the governing group does.

13. The link between the government and the people is provided by political parties

Political parties in Nigeria act as a conduit between the executive branch and the populace. They act as intermediaries.

14. Political parties advocate patriotism and unity as their primary tenets

Nigerian political parties advocate for the nation’s fundamental values of patriotism and unity. They promote unity and align everyone’s interests. While a nation’s population may be divided by regional, religious, or even national issues, they are tied together by political parties, which foster nationalism and solidarity.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political parties collaborate to make sure that the election’s procedures are carried out in a proper, free, and fair way. They follow the timeline INEC gives them to conduct their primaries.
In order to guarantee electoral integrity, political parties serve as election observers.

Despite the fact that some cultures value written records more than other cultures, oral tradition is important in all communities. These customs provide explanations for how things are and, frequently, how they ought to be. They also help people to educate the next generation and impart valuable lessons about the past and about life.

Oral traditions can be just as trustworthy as other non-oral methods of preserving and transmitting knowledge because many of them are highly organized and are told faithfully without alteration. Despite the fact that oral traditions might differ from teller to teller, variances are just as subject to disagreement as recorded narratives are. Thus, even if minor aspects of the story alter, the power of oral tradition can endure over the ages.

One of the earliest writings from Nigeria is the oral traditions. It involves a way of communicating amongst people in which information, artistic concepts, and cultural artifacts are acquired, preserved, and passed down orally from one generation to the next. In Nigeria, oral tradition has been crucial in maintaining and disseminating historical knowledge and has served a variety of purposes. The majority of the time, this historical knowledge is passed down orally and through songs, ballads, folktales, prose, chants, and melodies. The significance of oral tradition in Nigeria’s history will be examined in this article.

Those who transmit oral tradition in a family.

In Africa, everyone is involved in the tradition’s transmission, especially if it has an impact on the education of the youth. The immediate family participates in the information transfer process just as much as griots, who are true experts in their field, storytellers, singers, or African writers who have attempted to incorporate tradition into their works on occasion in the past.

The parents

In Africa, it is very common for the mother to raise the girl and the father to raise the son. In some cultures, the boy’s uterine uncle has a greater influence on his upbringing than his father. In comparison to his father, he is more open and eager to engage in conversation with him.

The young boy who goes to the farm with his father or uncle, the young girl who helps her mother, who goes to the well with her, receives not only technical instruction but also all possible information about the natural habitat or the social life, with the task they are working on or the contacts they make along the way serving as the pretext.

The grandparents

It is their duty to pass down the tradition to future generations in accordance with the knowledge gained through experience and also based on their availability. They are present everywhere as significant instructional agents in disciplines not directly related to the economy, particularly in oral education.

Their contribution to the social integration plan is not in any way minimal. Between the past and the present, they serve as a hyphen. The young child frequently lives with them after being weaned or when, at age 4, he starts to notice objects and ask questions.

Contrary to the relationship a child has with his parents, one observes that the one he has with his grandparents is marked by a sense of equality, complicity, implicit alliance, and a predisposition to joke.

In the oral transfer of knowledge, the grandmother is the most skilled. In fact, the grandmother is the “human library” in every society because of her enormous tolerance and wealth of life experience. She holds a position of choice in the preservation of traditional values. In traditional Africa, the grandmother was the only person openly permitted to discuss sex with the children. Those individuals took advantage of the opportunity to ask a variety of questions.

It is crucial to remember that in Africa, any elderly person, whether or not he is the insider’s grandparent, might interfere with the transmission of a custom. Older individuals are available resources who can use their expertise and memory to aid in the education of young people after they are relieved of their daily responsibilities.

Importance of oral tradition in Nigeria

1. Historical events were transmitted via oral tradition

Before the written word was invented, stories were used to pass down historical events from one generation to the next. People used narratives to preserve their historical past. Every society has a historical and cultural legacy that its members cherish. These are passed down orally through the storytelling tradition. This shared body of knowledge not only discusses daily occurrences but also passes down, from generation to generation, the history of individuals and cultures.

Storytelling was employed back then to educate people, preserve oral history, and spread cultural norms in Nigerian civilizations because there was no civil schooling available. Since most people in the period had no knowledge of writing, storytelling was employed as an oral form of dialogue. Making sure historical events are recorded and passed down from generation to generation has been made possible in large part through oral tradition.

2. Oral tradition is a medium of education

Storytelling, an oral tradition, was once used by parents to educate their children or as a means of community participation. Most nights, farmers who had spent the day working on the farms would unwind and begin telling their kids stories. These tales all had moral teachings in one form or another. Parents used this medium to impart respect, moral ideals, social conventions, and information about the people’s history and culture. Children are taught a variety of locations, names, and sites and their purposes, as well as a list of previous kings.

3. The identity of the people was preserved through oral tradition

People’s identities were retained through the channel of oral tradition. Storytelling was intended to help children comprehend specific knowledge about their culture and origins. Oral tradition was employed in both formal and informal contexts to pass down certain cultural norms, protecting the actual identity of the people and passing them down to subsequent generations.

4. The promotion of listening skills was done orally.

Oral tradition in the form of storytelling was employed in preliterate Nigerian civilizations to foster listening skills in young Nigerians. Oral inscriptions in the form of stories were passed down to young children by their parents, grandparents, and other senior family members. By honing their listening skills and learning about their heritage, young children were able to learn how to obey orders from their elders. The elders’ wisdom, expertise, and strength were demonstrated through storytelling for the older listeners. These specific collections of tales were occasionally merged into proverbs, which are succinct, excellent sayings that convey a conviction or piece of advice.

5. Oral tradition influenced the way of life in the community

After the day’s work, people used to congregate in the village square every evening in Nigerian communities at that time, especially in the rural areas. They would assemble to enjoy music, dances, and spectacular stories that took on different personas. This unique oral tradition takes the shape of a folktale and has a distinctive element that combines singing, acting, dancing, and music. This is crucial to Nigerians’ sense of community and shows how they live in a collective manner.

The history of the Nigerian people was preserved through these folktales, and people gained a lot of knowledge from them. Folktales served as a symbol of society’s values.

6. People’s history is made available to them by oral tradition

Oral traditions were easily comprehended by all people in pre-literate Nigeria. Because all that was necessary was to listen, it was convenient for both the educated and the illiterate. Oral tradition serves as a useful method of knowledge transmission since it is in a language that is universally understood.

7. The reconstruction of history is aided by oral tradition

Written sources provide evidence from oral traditions. Oral tradition serves as the basis for many historical sources. Multiple sources are necessary to tell a story. Oral tradition filled the gap by offering this proof.

8. Oral tradition is easily accessible

Oral tradition provides access to information about cultural ideas as well as other historical artifacts. There were narrators in practically every area. Anyone looking for information might easily get in touch with those who were actually involved to learn more firsthand. As long as the material is accessible, anyone looking for historical or genealogical data can easily obtain it.

9. Oral tradition is a cheap method of knowledge transmission

The best advantage of oral tradition is that it is the cheapest and, presumably, least expensive method of knowledge transmission.

The elderly were always prepared to offer free information. This lowers the cost of this source. It was not a perk for grandparents to read books to their grandchildren.

10. First-hand information is provided by oral tradition

The people who were present when the event occurred gave the information included in the oral tradition. The initial sources were typically a variety of people who shared stories orally through folktales and other oral traditions. In other words, all of the information was collected directly.

Oral tradition attempts to fill the gaps left by other historical sources. The knowledge gap that might have been left by other information sources is filled by oral tradition.

One of the most crucial social organizing factors is kinship. This is prevalent throughout society, whether you look at it from East to West or North to South. This social institution creates a connection and builds a bond between individuals and groups.
Marriage and reproduction are the most fundamental kinds of bonds.

The term “kinship” refers to a group of connections and links that are founded on blood ties (consanguineous marriage) or marriage (affinal).

In Nigeria, kinship plays a multiple role in the social structure. The value of kinship is evident at family gatherings and throughout marriage. Kinship styles are the behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs of members of society. It is impossible to undervalue or ignore the value of kinship in Nigeria.

Types of Kinship

Kinship is founded on two major factors.

1. Birth (Blood connections)

This kinship is based on blood relationships, including those between parents and children and between close siblings. It is thought to be the fundamental and common factor in all interactions.

2. Marriage

Marriage serves as the foundation for the last line of kinship. The fundamental kin relations are those that exist between a husband and wife.

The purposes of kinship

1. Kinship establishes rules for interpersonal interactions. Between a father and daughter, a brother and a sister, etc., it establishes the right, acceptable roles to play.
2.  Family line ties are determined by kinship.
3.  Kinship determines relationships that are prohibited by marriage.
4. Kinship enables us to ascertain the members’ rights and obligations in all sacraments and religious rituals, from birth to death.
5. The kinship system promotes family unity.
6.  Kinship relationships determine the legal status of the family and marriage, the mode of production, and the distribution of political power in rural and tribal civilizations.
7. Kinship regulates the behavior of various kin through its many applications.
8. Kinship aids in classifying kin of different categories, such as classificatory and descriptive, through the use of kinship terminology.
9. Kinship produces unique kin groups through the ways it is used.
10. The power dynamics between kins are governed by kinship laws.
11. Kinship controls social behavior.

Importance of kinship in Nigeria

1. Kinship defines relationships and assigns rules for personal interactions

There are rules for how individuals should interact in Nigeria. Such rules and proper duties are assigned by kinship for interpersonal interactions. It outlines the rational and believable function of the interaction between family members.

Father and son relationships; father and daughter ties; mother and son relationships; mother and daughter relationships; brother and sister relationships; and other family relationships are all influenced by kinship. The right manner for family members to interact with one another is brought about by kinship.

The system of production and political power, as well as the rights and obligations of the family and marriage, are all determined by kinship.
In Nigeria, kinship plays an important role in determining the duties and rights of the family. This frequently happens in rural and tribal areas.
Marriage rights and political power obligations are also defined by kinship. Additionally, it establishes the rights and obligations of the production system. These all take place within the family.

2. Kinship determines who is eligible to marry whom and where marriage is prohibited

In Nigeria, kinship is significant since it establishes who a person can marry and who they shouldn’t. Kinship also dictates where one should marry from and where one shouldn’t.
When a location issues a decree prohibiting marriage, such a marital union is viewed as improper. There would be no option but to comply. Kinship makes the decision on marriage.

3. Kinship helps in specific classifications

Kinship aids in the classification and naming of many forms of kin in Nigeria. Some terms inside the kinship system lead to this classification. These kinship terminologies allow for the identification, categorization, and description of various kin groups.
Kinship preserves unity in relationships.

4. Helps in Solidarity

The maintenance of ties’ sense of solidarity is another crucial aspect of kinship in Nigeria. The majority of the time, family members within the same family enjoy such strong bonds. The father, mother, kids, and any other family members present all take pleasure in this unity.

5. Kinship determines family line relationships

Relationships and familial lines are defined in Nigeria in this way. Depending on the family at issue, a relationship within that family may be close or distant. As a result, the Nigerian kinship system can function in a way that allows for the identification of family line links.

6. Kinship Controls Social Life

The role of kinship in Nigeria as a social life regulator is another benefit of kinship. Social life is regulated in practically all societies, Nigeria included. The ability to regulate social life is only made possible by kinship.

7. They create special groupings of kins

One of the many benefits of kinship in Nigeria is the formation of assemblages of kin through its practice. The grouping of kin can be formed by utilizing kinship in several ways. As a result, the use of kinship results in the formation of unique groupings of kin.

8. Helps to regulate behavior

Another significant function of kinship in Nigeria is to control the behavior of various relatives. In other words, kinship regulates how members of the same kin behave.

9. Kinship regulates land ownership, the concept of wealth, and the production system

One of the many benefits of kinship in Nigeria is that it affects who owns land, what wealth is, how it is produced, and how it is used. Other facets of kinship within the Nigerian family are influenced by kinship as well. Land ownership within the family is one of these kinship facets. It also affects how money is thought of and how different family members use it.

10. Regulates roles among kins

One of the primary functions of kinship in Nigeria is to regulate the role of ties between kins. There are some rules in kinship, and these norms have a way of affecting or influencing the function of connections within the family.
There will be a kinship rule that governs the role of the relationship with the family among many kins.

11. Kinship assists in establishing the rights and obligations of members of religious practices

In Nigeria, kinship influences how each member of a religious group is expected to behave in terms of rights, obligations, and religious activities. The rights of the people, as well as their duties and obligations, are determined by their kinship.
Who belongs to or partakes in religious rituals and sacraments is also determined by kinship. All of these start at the moment of birth and continue until the person dies.

12. In Nigeria, kinship gives its members a sense of protection

They usually control the traditions surrounding marriage and everything else. Kinship enables people to stick together during trying times. In any society, kinship serves to strengthen community cohesion if there is one thing it can be said to do.

When residents of a rural area commit a crime, their kinship influences how severely they will be punished. Community members become closer to one another through kinship. It works to foster a sense of community among its members. Family customs are established in part through kinship. It explains inheritance in a familial context.

Summary of the importance of kinship in Nigeria

1. It keeps relationships cohesive, harmonious, and cooperative.
2. Kinship establishes rules for interpersonal relations and communication.
3. Helps to clarify who you can marry.
4. Different kin’s behaviors are controlled by kinship.
5. Kinship serves as a social life’s watchdog.
6. Kinship specifies the roles and responsibilities of the family, marriage, and the systems of production and power in tribal or rural societies.
7. It aids in improving understanding of interpersonal relationships.
8. It fosters development and improves interpersonal relationships in society.