Assessing the role of religions in Africa using the example of Nigeria

About the authors:

Maria M. Akulich, Dr. Sci. (Soc.), Professor, Department of General and Economic Sociology, University of Tyumen; m.m.akulich@utmn.ru; ORCID: 0000-0001-7112-3639

Olovu G. Olalekan, Postgraduate Student, Department of General and Economic Sociology, University of Tyumen; gbengahollowu@gmail.com

Abstract:

In the modern world, there is a rapid civilizational development of African countries. The largest and most influential state in the West African region is Nigeria. Strategically, Nigeria strives to be a regional leader and take leading positions in the development and provision of regional security. Africa currently remains the most religious continent in the world, socio-ethnic and socio-confessional characteristics of society have a significant impact on the development of almost all social processes and changes in Nigeria and other countries of this region.

Research results: it is proved that in the conditions of active civilizational development in Nigeria, religions have a great influence in the process of societal developments. The essential role of religion in the formation of civil society is determined; the study revealed that religions in Nigeria have significant impacts on the political development of society; the influence of religious organizations on the attitude of the population to the authorities has been proved. It is concluded that religions are of great value and are directly related to the development of Africa. Religions are channels for the transmission of social and political values from one generation to another. It is further proved that religions in Nigeria actively contribute to the moral development of the society. 77.7% of respondents agreed to be active members of a political party due to the encouragement from religious organizations. At the same time, 50% of respondents are politically active in accordance with their personal interest in politics. Half of the respondents agreed to have been participating in peaceful protests, as a result of encouragement from their various religious organizations.

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