By: Mohammed, Suhaib

It's very vital to maintain peace and unity in the multi-ethnic and multi-religious country of Nigeria. With more than 250 ethnic tribes and various religious beliefs divided across geo-political lines - of Muslim North and Christian South, -- the nation's unity is being woefully threatened by ethnocentricism, sentiments and religious fanaticism. Recently, religious radicalism has exploded in the Northern part of the country causing more harm and hatred among the overall Nigerians. Following are some tips on how to maintain unity in Nigeria:

Sentiments Must Be Stopped
Sentiment is one of the major problems that are threatening the cause of unity and harmony in Nigeria. The war of words and tribal feuds are been squabbled by Nigerians all over the country. We must stop making sweeping generalization on other ethnic tribes, and begin to reserve our emotions toward other ethnic groupings if peace and unity must reign in Nigeria.

Love
This is the bedrock of peace and oneness in a multi-cultural nation like Nigeria. Nigerians of every race, gender, and religion should love and respect each other as one family. We should learn to love our fellow countrymen. If we're challenged by a problem, we should round ourselves on a negotiating table and not to dwell in finger-pointing and wicked sentiments. If we love and adore ourselves as Nigerians, peace and unity will forever thrive in our country.

Sense of Brotherhood
This is very important not only in maintaining unity in Nigeria, but in upholding peace and tranquility among Nigerians. Nigerians should regard all and sundry as one. Parents at home and teachers in school should orient the kids about the importance of equality. Let the Nigerian people know that they belong to one family. The notion of "we" vs. "them" must be stopped for Nigeria to stay stronger, safer and more united.

Lock Your Religion in Your Closet
Religion is a good thing, but its practice. should be private -- only between you and your God on whom you believe. Its practice should be within the confines of your church or mosque; your home and your family. We should learn to leave our religion at our homes and not try to carry it along and enforce it in our public square.

Keep the NYSC Program Running
The National Youth Service Corp is a good thing. It was established in 1973 after the Nigerian Civil War in 1967 in order to "reconstruct and reconcile" the nation. The scheme is aimed to foster "national unity" amongst Nigerian youths; therefore, let us NOT "wallow in the valley of despair" to its cause. To maintain peace and unity in Nigeria, therefore, we should utilize the scheme and keep it up and running.

Massive Enlightenment
To maintain peace and unity in Nigeria, massive enlightenment must ensued. The Federal Government must step-in to enlighten the general public, especially the ignorant and illiterate population about unity and peaceful co-existence among the citizenry, with the central theme of equality and oneness. This can be relayed through the channels of media so as to reach the massive population.

Nigeria was built on the foundations of tolerance and solidarity. As Nigerians, we should uphold the Nigerian dream of unity in diversity and stay strong, peaceful, and united despite the bitter challenges that are facing us today.

Suhaib Mohammed is a freelance writer who writes on different niche. You can browse through his blog: http://www.suhaib7. to read on similar topic or on a totally different one.

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