Introduction
Nigeria as a nation is characterized by diverse ideologies, way of life, belief system, religion and perceptions of life in general. These multifaceted aspect of Nigeria as a nation is not unpredicated on the fact that people considered as citizens of Nigeria are inherently imbibed with diverse views about reality.
This is as a result of the human nature which is believed to be the cause of humans perceiving things the way their senses rendered or renders it to them.
Thus, the diverse ideologies and social norms exhibited by Nigerians are also as a result of their level of sense of perception. To some extent it is believed that these socially-held diverse ideologies and way of life are some of the causes of societal conflict in Nigeria as a nation. Hence there is need for social integration so as to help curb some of these problems caused by social diversity and differences.
This article focuses on examining the role of social integration in societal development from the Nigerian perspective. To achieve a better understanding of this article, there is need to briefly carryout conceptual clarification of some key terms used.
Development
This is defined as they of growing, increasing or changing from one state to the other.
Imperativeness
The word "imperativeness" is derived from the noun "imperative" which means "for something to be essential, important and useful or to be relevant.
Imperativeness is defined as a state whereby something or someone is very essential and important for a particular task, event or occasion. It is a situation by which something or someone has a great significance in a situation.
Social Integration
The term "social integration" made of two words. It is therefore necessary that these words be defined individually first before defining them as a term. This is aimed at giving a better understanding of the term. Thus, though the word "social" means a lot of things, in this context it is defined according to Oxford Advance Learner's Dictionary as that which has "connection with the society and the way it is organized" (2010 : 1413). While Integration is defined as "the act of a process of combining two or more things so that they work together"(2010 : 781). From the above therefore, social integration is the combining of different societal ways of life to form one that will work together.
The Imperativeness of Social Development: A Case Study of Nigeria
Nigeria as a nation with so much diversity needs a social integration to help curb some of the social issues rocking the boat of Nigeria. This is because, social integration as an ideology plays the following roles in any societal development;
It breeds Harmony: Through the integration of diverse social values to become one unified one, there is increase in harmony among the people who successfully achieved this.
As such since harmony as we know is a pivotal tool as long as development is concerned, the development of such a society will be on the right path.
It Creates Understanding: Understanding one's culture demands that you study such a culture or examine it. This examination will be bring to bear rationalizing of the strength and weaknesses in such culture. When this is achieved, a rational being is bound to therefore, from the study of such culture pick out the good ones and let go of bad ones, this attitude is the attitude of understanding that no particular culture is whollistically bad. This understanding breeds peace which is very necessary for development.
It emphasises mutual respect for the human person: Social integration to a large extent emphasises mutual respect for human beings. It does not look at who is superior or not, it does not look at who is rich or poor. It clamours for the combining of social classes to become one unified social system with emphasis on the dignity of human person. This to a large extent helps in reducing and eradicating crisis and conflicts which are some of the cause of of underdevelopment.
Conclusion
Social integration which is the combination of different societal ways of life to form one that will work together is an aspect of societal ideology that the government of Nigeria should look into considering the diverse social stratum or strata we have as a nation if they want to solve some of the social crises and developmental challenges Nigeria is facing. This is so because, social integration breeds peace, harmony, understanding, tolerance, respect for the human person and so on. This is not to say that it is infallible, but a careful application of this ideology(social integration) promises to yield positive results.