AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

There is a strong belief (and a misconception indeed) that religion has a negative effect on
development. Against this background, this paper showed that African traditional religion can aid
national development in Nigeria. This it does through its traditional ethical principles based on the communal concern for the well-being of all, principles founded not on the ethics of individualism, human autonomy and selfishness, but on a common unity-centered. These traditional ethical principles, sanctions and eschatological beliefs regulated the behaviour, conduct, and actions of individuals in African society. Ethical principles, sanctions and eschatological concepts were the factors that kept individuals and government in check. The paper also examined how African traditional religion can play a vital role in the national development of contemporary Nigerian society through its ethical principles and practices. This paper submitted that the moral salvation of Nigerians lie in their immediate and conscious return to traditional socio-religious values and moral system which is the foundation for genuine conscience and national development.