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Introduction

Welcome to this week's lessons. Last we I talked about causes and solutions to soical problems or issues. The major causes of social problems were highlighted and discussed and the solutions to soical problems.
This week's lessons is on National Unity and Integration.
Please read the lesson with undivided attention.

Meaning of National Unity and Integration

The terms "unity", "co-operation" and "integration" can be used pari-pasu. This means working together with common objectives and aspirations, i.e., with the aim of achieving a number of goals.

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National Unity

Nigeria for example became a single political unit in 1914 when the Northern and Southern protectorates of Nigeria were joined (amalgamated) by Sir Fredrick (Lord) Lugard

Nigeria is made up of very many ethnic groups, and among these ethnic groups, the system of governance was based on kingship.

The Hausa, Nupe, and Fulani had Emirs and Sarkis as their kings. The Yorubas and Edos had Obas, etc. Some, like the Igbos who did not have kings, were governed by their elders and the village assembly. There were wars fought with neighbouring communities, and these
wars helped them to form larger political unit. There were common economic systems and experiences.

Markets were set up, and ethnic groups from different parts of the country exchanged produce. Trade routes link the various groups wereestablished, Rivers Niger and Benue, and other smaller rivers were used as good trade links.

Trade across the Sahara desert known as Trans-Sahara Trade in the olden days affected different parts of the country, Many groups took part in the trade, and one of the main articles of trade were human beings (slave trade) The Arochukwu sold a lot of slaves to the Europeans.

Most ethnic groups in Nigeria inter marry, and this makes for unity. Also, these are common traits in religion. The Hausas, Nupes, Fulanis, and Kanuris are mainly Moslems, while the Igbos, Yorubas. Ibbc Efik, etc. practise Christianity. Still, many people practise our indigenous religion known as African Traditional Religion.
These are the three religions in Nigeria.

National Unity has now brought us logether as brothers and sisters. Despite the diversity, Nigerian try very much to work together and speak with one voice.

Integration

Integration is the process of bringing together people of different ideas and cultural backgrounds to have common interests and pursue common goals. Nigeria is a country with above 230 ethnic groups that have different cultural backgrounds. There is a need for integration in Nigeria, as this will make for national unity, peace, understanding, and progress in the country. Cultural integration can take any of these forms:

• Religious tolerance
• Inter-ethnic trade amongst the states of the federation.
• Inter-ethnic marriages
• Education - establishment of more command, unity, and government colleges.
• Patriotism - ability to fight for
  oneness of the country

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The government of Nigeria has tried, and is still trying, to get the country fully integrated through the following ways:
★ N.Y.S.C-National Youth Service
Corps-this is a one-year intensive programme for graduates of higher institutions. The programme enables young graduates of Nigeria to serve in various parts of the country, mix with all kinds of people, identify their problems, and appreciate one another's culture.
★ Education: Establishment of federal institutions of learning in almost all the states of the federation (unity schools or federal colleges) in Lagos, Onitsha, Owerri, Kaduna etc.
★ Organising cultural and sports Festivals e.g. 1998 Sports were held in Imo State of Nigeria.
This is rotational.
★ Common currency Common
currency is used nationwide.
★ English Language is used as our
common language in Nigeria.

NEED FOR NATIONAL UNITY AND INTEGRATION

1. It enhances understanding among
   the diverse ethnic groups in the
   country.
2. It promotes oneness.
3. It promotes political stability.
4. It enhances social and economic
   growth.
5. It promotes peace and tranquillity.
6. It promotes progress and homogeneity in our country, Nigeria.
7. It enables us to provide a common
   front against our foes.
8. Foreign investors are attracted with the considerable peace and stability, which national unity promotes

Problems of National Unity and Integration

National unity can be hindered by the
following factors:
i. Cultural diversity: There are different cultures in a particular country.
ii. Ethnicism: There have always been ethnic prejudices.
iii. Statism:Division of some countries e.g Nigeria into different states makes national identity difficult.
iv. Catchment areas: The use of quota systems makes people gain undue advantages.

Conclusion

It is important we promotes unity at where ever we find ourselves. We need to be among the promoters of peace. Though our cultures and ways of worship differs, we need to try as much as we can to have interest of others in mind.