ETHNO - RELIGIOUS CHALLENGES IN 21ST CENTURY NIGERIA

PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Some Nations and sovereignties may have to pass through persistent, complex and terrible evolutionary challenges before attaining cohesion and development, while a few others may not. The complexities and dimensions manifested by the litany of Crises and disturbances within the Nigerian polity points to deep-seated lack of trust, suspicion and an eclipse of fraternal confidence amongst the diverse cultural and religious entities inhabiting the area. These discordant tunes have continued to exert its toll considerably on human and material resources, hence a deadly threat to the functionality and structural existence of the country. Ethno-religious divide remain the identified issue, fanned by indoctrinated stereotype and primordialism. Towards identifying the many psychosocial implications unleashed by this scenario, this study while adopting the Conflict Trap theory as a major tool, found it convenient to methodically advance the research in a multi-dimensional way. Containing and resolving 21st century ethno-religious challenges in Nigeria cannot be achieved remiss of the practice of proper federalism and re-structuring.