8 Factors Affecting Nationalism In Nigeria

Factors Affecting Nationalism In Nigeria – National development, fortification, and stability depend heavily on nationalism. Nigeria was able to rise from colonial rule to become one of the largest nations in Africa thanks to the sense of unity that previous leaders fostered within the country.InformationGuideNigeria

However, nationalism has changed over the years in the following ways: Multiple historical instances of ethnic conflict have had a negative impact on Nigerian nationalism, and the government of Nigeria’s subjugation of some ethnic groups has led to a number of secessionist movements calling for independence from Nigeria. Additionally, some positive aspects of nationalism, such as economic stagnation, rising living expenses, injustice, and more, have paradoxically revived a sense of camaraderie among young people, so things may actually get better.

Definition of Nationalism.

An ideology or movement known as nationalism places a strong emphasis on loyalty, devotion, or allegiance to a nation or nation-state and maintains that these obligations take precedence over those of other people or groups. It has a tendency to advance a nation’s interests as a movement, particularly with the goal of establishing and preserving the nation’s sovereignty (self-governance) over its home territory. It asserts that each nation should be allowed to govern itself without interference from outsiders (self-determination), that a nation is the only legitimate basis for a polity, and that the nation should hold all political power. It also aims to foster national unity or solidarity by establishing and preserving a single national identity based on a variety of shared social traits like culture, ethnicity, geography, language, politics (or the government), religion, traditions, and belief in a single shared history. Therefore, nationalism aims to protect and promote a country’s traditional culture. Different definitions of a “nation” result in various forms of nationalism. Ethnic nationalism and civic nationalism are the two main types that diverge.

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Benefits/Advantages of Nationalism:

•Contributed to the nation’s freedom from foreign rule by instilling a sense of patriotism in the populace. If a nation is ruled by a foreign power, as India was before 1947, the people can band together to achieve freedom through nationalism. Many freedom movements were launched in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in many nations throughout Africa, Asia, and South America, including Greece, Italy, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Poland. The citizens of these nations liberated themselves from foreign rule under the inspiration of national sentiments.

It promotes social cohesion: Nationalism works to eliminate casteism and class prejudice from people’s minds and promotes social cohesion.200 Romantic Love Message
It fosters a spirit of bravery and self-sacrifice because every nation must make numerous sacrifices in order to achieve and maintain its freedom. Nationalism fosters a sense of bravery and selflessness.
It promotes economic success: Because nationalism unites people, they work together to advance the nation’s economy. In order to carry out policies that are in the national interest, they bear the cost of additional taxes.
Political unification and stability result from it: Nationalism is a powerful organizing principle. The leaders use this force to unite the populace politically and to quell disintegrating forces. It helps the country become stable.10 Economic Challenges In Nigeria
Nationalism enables the country to effectively handle the economic and political crisis: World history is unmistakable evidence that every nation experiences an economic or political crisis once or twice in its history. People will be united and have a selfless spirit if they have a sense of nationalism. The citizens of that nation will be able to bravely face the crisis with the aid of this spirit.8 Factors Affecting Nationalism In Nigeria
It supports culture and tradition: Cultural nationalism recognizes the value of the native beliefs, customs, and traditions of a nation. They become more proud of themselves and value their culture more than those of other countries as a result.

Importance of Nationalism.

Nationalism produces movement and competition, which is a source of dynamism. Every country aspires to rule over others through healthy competition. Nationalism is what gives life its charm and radiance; without it, it would be a valley of death. All kinds of creations and creativity inevitably depend on healthy competition, which is only possible when there is nationalism.105 Good Morning Love Messages
Encourages Peace: By focusing people’s attention on major issues, nationalism helps to reduce intergroup conflicts and disputes.15 Best Industries in Nigeria
The source of patriotism: Nationalism is a mentality in which the individual’s self is merged with the self or nation. The modern state establishes a national army rather than mercenary forces because it fosters a spirit of sacrifice for the good of the country. Nationalism is becoming more powerful, and this gives some countries the power to rule and even dominate other countries.

Nationalism in Nigeria Is Affected By Various Factors

The rise and fall of nationalism in Nigeria can be attributed to both positive and negative factors.

The following are some of the positive aspects:

When Western education first emerged:Factors Affecting Nationalism In Nigeria
Development of active political parties:
Social segregation and racial discrimination:NYSC Portal
Religious gatherings and beliefs: The sense of community fostered by mosques, churches, and beliefs in tolerance, peace, and unity help citizens develop a sense of nationalism.
The country’s history and the historical nationalism that sparked its independence are being forgotten: It has become increasingly common over time for generations to lack appreciation for, interest in, or understanding of history. This has lessened our zeal to carry on the patriot traditions of our ancestors.
A region’s reliance on a single significant source of income logically labels and classifies other regions as parasitic.
The political class in Nigeria manipulates the sentiments and sensibilities of Nigerians on a sectional, religious, and ethnic basis.JAMB Portal
Multiple failed governments and a crippled economy.

Conclusion.

Numerous historical, political, economic, and social factors have an impact on nationalism in Nigeria. The effects of colonialism and the struggle for independence, as well as ethnic and religious differences, are historical factors. Issues with governance, such as corruption and a lack of representation, are political factors. Inequality and poverty are economic factors. Education and cultural identity-related issues are social factors. Positive and negative nationalism sentiments have all risen in Nigeria as a result of these factors, which are still shaping the political climate there today.

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