The NACS Conference starts on Tuesday, October 27, and ends on Friday, October. 30, 2015. I am slated to present a paper titled “POLITICIZATION OF RELIGION”. Here is the Abstract of my presentation:

Professor Dapo Asaju coined the term, Politicization of Religion in the body polity of the state. The evolving paradigm of Religion, & Politics as social dynamics in shaping the development of a nation has become a concern across the globe. Nigeria, a secular country with diversity in terms of tribal, cultural, religious and political spheres is more involved. The overlay of politics on religion has caused major contradictions in geo-political and legal systems. Religious paradoxes provoke politicking, cause controversies in congregations, denominations, and sects; by inference, these impact the nation.
Politicization of Religion negotiates its presence and activity within the national frameworks of governance and human ethics. The culture of the people is intertwined with their religious beliefs and political actions. This paper looks at the consequences of politicization of religion especially the following: culture of mediocrity, coarse cultural traits, religious bigotry, lopsided power sharing, resource control agitation, unemployment, wretched educational system, and ravages of terrorists. The traditional politics of the people has a strong linkage to the belief in theocracy. Political conflict is therefore given a religious interpretation, inspiration, impetus, direction and strength. This paper presents a revolving face of human nature that has created a politico-religious democracy.

Patriotic Gene will instill deep patriotism in Nigerians: With genuine patriotism, bond of true unity shall develop between different ethnic groups and all shall see themselves first as Nigerians. Nigeria is not founded on strong ideals that are the reasons the country is challenged today. Nigerians lack patriotism, hence Nigerians need to go back to the root of all problems. The desired paradigm shift will start once Nigerians start a focused discourse among the multi-ethnic and religious groups. If truly the people want to be one nation. I agree that it is indeed difficult to imbibe patriotism when the nation fails you as a citizen by lack of provision of necessary infrastructure and amenities that encourage good living. John Fitzgerald Kennedy in his “Inaugural Address” on January 20, 1961 urged Americans to ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country. This timeless advice is advocated for Nigerians.
May the souls of those killed by Boko Haram Insurgents rest in perfect peace. May all those Journalists and self-styled human activists that have lost their voices against the terror of Boko Haram regain their voices of condemnation. They were very loud during Jonathan’s presidency yet they are silent on the face of serious carnage under Buhari’s presidency