This article was originally published as: LEADERSHIP AND THE CHALLENGES OF NATIONHOOD IN NIGERIA
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Abstract
This paper seeks to examine the challenges of nation building in Nigeria. Some literatures on the subject were reviewed while data analyses are from secondary sources. The elite theory was used to explain the issues therein. The paper reveals that since the amalgamation of Northern and southern protectorate in 1914 into a single entity by Lord Lugard, the country has been struggling on how to effectively build the nation with series of problems spanning from bad governance, socio-economic inequality, federal character dilemma, ethno-religious crises and corruptions. These obstacles have over the years threatened our national integration principle which is based on building a strong and prosperous nation irrespective of differences. The paper found out that the following are the leadership challenges and nationhood: Bad governance, socio[1]economic inequalities, Ethno-religious Conflicts, Federal Character Dilemma, Corruption, and Leadership crisis. The paper however, recommends that there is urgent need for Nigerians irrespective of status, to reflect back on the visions, values and aspirations of Nigerian’s founding fathers, particularly on the areas of good governance, formulation and implementation of people-oriented policies and programmes through good leadership and the government should urgently establish leadership training centers at the 774 local government areas across the country. These leadership training institutes should serve as platforms for those wishing to occupy elective positions at local, state and national levels in Nigeria. These institutes, could be established through appropriate legislation and should be made mandatory for all envisaged public officials to pass through them.
Authors
- Suleiman Umar Adeiza (Federal University Lokoja)
- Ocheni Mercy Mabe (Kogi State University, Anyigba)
Keywords
Leadership, Challenges, Nationhood
References
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