International Journal of Gender & Women's Studies

Religion, National Transformation and the Nigerian Society: Some Reflections
Rapheal, Ojo Joseph

Abstract
The need for national transformation has become a necessity in Nigeria since independence (1960). Necessary Programmes, Projects and Policies (3Ps) have been put in place to achieve this which seems has proven on many occasions futile and unproductive. Transformation here does not only focus on the economic aspect, but is all encompassing which cut across the political, religious, educational, and other aspects of the Nigerian nation. However, the outcome of these 3Ps have proven to a greater extent the otherwise due to lack of Continuity, Consistency and Commitment (3Cs) on the part of both the leaders and the led who are meant to be the vanguard of transformation the nation is looking for. On the basis of some of the nagging and teething problems facing the Nigerian societies which include insecurity, poverty, corruption, false spirituality, leadership challenges among others. This study therefore examines these issues critically and how through religion, true and workable national transformation can be achieved by way of character transformation through religious values, tenets and teachings. Also, raising of leaders and followers who are agents of transformation and by way of building patriotic Nigerians who will be committed to the Nigerian dreams, policies, programmes and projects are considered as necessary. This paper therefore concludes that transformation is possible if and only if the religious adherents, organizations and leaders in Nigeria can rise to the task of practicing what their religious values demand.

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