

























451 

33 

THE RELIGIOUS ROLES ON  
YOUTH FORMATION IN NATIONAL 

DEVELOPMENT 
 

Chikodi Josiah, WACHUKWU, Ph. D 
Department of Religious Cultural Studies, 

Rivers State University, Npkolu, Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, 
wachukwu54@gmail.com 

 
Abstract 
The study focused basically on ascertaining the roles of religion on youth 
formation in national development. There has been an ongoing debate 
on the assertion that religion has any role to play in formation of positive 
attitude amongst youths needed for national development. The continent 
of Africa is facing great increase in social vices and poor level of 
development, and Nigeria is not left out. This is evident in her 
educational, social and economic deterioration. This paper sought to 
discover the reason for the deterioration and sketch the role religion has 
played in the formation of positive virtues for national development of 
Nigeria to ameliorate her state. Qualitative and descriptive method of 
inquiry was used in this study and it was discovered that lack of 
adherence to stipulated norms promulgated by religious organization has 
resulted in increased in social vices, mono economy, corruption, 
religious intolerance and lack of good governance which has contributed 
largely to underdevelopment. It also found out that religious groups have 
played starring roles in national growth through the provision of schools, 
hospitals, micro loans in partnership with directorate of rural farmers, 
inculcating morals through teaching in religious and political assemblies 
for national growth. The article recommends among others an improved 
partnership of the government arm and the different religions. 
 
Keywords: Religion, youth formation & national development. 
 
 
 



452 Formation of the Human Person in the 21st Century 

Introduction 
There is virtually no society that does not practice one form of religion or 
the other. However, the role religion plays in formulation of positive 
attitude among youth needed for national development varies 
significantly from one countries to another (Ayo, 2011). Before 
establishing the role of religion on youth formulation in national 
development, it is pertinent to establish the foundation of the study. 
Thus, the key variables like religion, youth formation and national 
development were thoroughly reviewed. Religion is a powerful universal 
phenomenon that has permeated Countries of the world. It has to do 
with the belief in a supernatural being that is invisible. Religion creates 
great impact in human behavior and in most cases transforms primitive 
and hostile behavior to a refine and more acceptable attitudes compatible 
with human cohabitation (Awolalu, 2008). It was through the influence 
of religion that Nigerians stopped killing twins and banishing their 
mothers to evil forest; to start appreciating twin children. Religion 
moderates our greed, hostility and animosity of killing human being as a 
punishment for a minutes offence. Religion makes us to appreciate our 
creature and seek for ways of moderating our action in order for us to 
have a peaceful coexistence, and seek for salvation. This change of 
behavior can impact positively on national development in Nigeria. It is 
the effort of and activities of man that enhances or retard national 
development. 
 
The Concept of Religion  
Eliade (2010) in his functional perspective sees religion as a unified 
system of beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral 
community called a church, ultimate non-material fact and has a 
“dynamogenic” quality. That is, it has the capacity not only to dominate 
individuals but also to elevate them above their ordinary abilities and 
capacities. He argues that social life is impossible without the share 
values and moral beliefs which form the collective conscience. Also, in 
their absence, there would be no social; order, social control, social 
solidarity or co-operation. Therefore, the sacredness of religion 
strengthens values and moral beliefs which form the basis of social life.  

Deton (2006) conceives religion as a fixed relationship between 
the human and non-human entities, the sacred, the supernatural, the 
self-existent, the absolute or simply, God. However, religion is such a 
wonderful universal phenomenon that is found in every society, 
developed or underdeveloped, black or white race. Pratt (1996) agrees 
that religion is a social behaviour associated with individuals or 
communities directed towards the power or forces which they conceived 
as having lasting and ultimate control over their religion, men exchange 



Section III: Religious/Socio-Cultural Perspectives And Human Formation    453 

obedience and loyalty with security and peace in form of a covenant with 
the supernatural powers, hence they turn to worship them culminating 
in a religious exercise.  

According to Eliade (2010), religion is the most substantial bond 
of humanity, the fear of the unexplainable phenomena of the universe 
and some superstitious beliefs compel men to enter into a bond or pact 
with such unknown forces. Balm (1994) sees religion as the experiences 
of the holy. This is where the objective side of religion comes to play. 
The objective of worship is conceived by man to be holy; having 
convinced himself thus, man the “experience” of such encounter 
expresses and passes onto others that which he has internalized. It is easy, 
therefore to experience the “holy” than to know or localize it. 

Serrate and Hawkini (1992) share common views with Karl 
Marx when they assert that religion makes one to forget one’s earthly 
hardship because, for the religionist the other world is where one would 
lay his treasures. Also, there is no retaliation because “vengeance is mine” 
says the Lord. Marx was materialistically inclined, so to him the need of 
this immediate world is more urgent than the imaginary pie in the sky.  

However, Davis (1993) suggests that if religion is practiced 
honestly, it can open to the realities of life and not cause a blind folding 
as some of the economic determinists seem to argue. Religion, according 
to Dopamu (2005), is a factor of civilization and the knowledge and its 
seed everywhere have been known to contain such potent elements. 
Forde (2002) relates religion to its role in society through individual 
members who believe. Thus, becomes a factor of cohesion order, peace 
and solidarity in the society. The researcher is of the view that religion is 
both God-word and Man-word oriented. It involves God and man 
relationship for the purpose of communion and communication in peace 
and security ensured on the part of man, a sort of pact resulting in some 
ritual observances.  

Harry (2006) observes that religion in its essence gives meaning 
to life and serves as an instrument for promoting social solidarity, value 
consensus, harmony, and tolerance in the society. Also, it strengthens the 
unity of a group or country and much of the norms of the social system 
are integrated by religious beliefs. 
 
Youth Formation 
Haralambos and Heald (2004) opined that youth formation is the 
development of positive attitude that prepares a young person to meet 
the challenges of adolescence and adulthood and achieve his or her full 
potential. Youth formation is promoted through activities and 
experiences that help youth develop social, ethical, emotional, physical, 
and cognitive competencies (Ubani, 2003). This developmental phases is 



454 Formation of the Human Person in the 21st Century 

part of the youth development process and supports the young person in 
developing: (a) the ability to analyze his or her own strengths and 
weaknesses, set personal and vocational goals, and have the self-esteem, 
confidence, motivation, and abilities to carry them out (including the 
ability to establish support networks in order to fully participate in 
community life and effect positive social change); and (b) the ability to 
guide or direct others on a course of action, influence the opinions and 
behaviors of others, and serve as a role model capable of influencing 
others positively (Wehmeyer, Agran and Hughes, 1998). 

Conditions that promote healthy youth formation are supported 
through programs and activities in schools and communities. Researches 
on carried out on youth formation, emphasize that effective programs 
and interventions recognize youths’ strengths and seek to promote 
positive development rather than addressing risks in isolation. Youth 
who are constructively involved in learning and doing and who are 
connected to positive adults and peers are less likely to engage in risky or 
self-defeating behaviors (Maman, 1990). Providing the conditions for 
positive youth attitudinal formation is a responsibility shared by families, 
schools, and communities. The conditions for developing such healthy 
attitude amongst youths needed in national development reside in 
families, schools, and communities. 
 
National Development  
Naomi (1995) believes that development is usually taken to involve not 
only economic growth, but also some notion of equitable distribution, 
provision of health care, education, housing and other essential services 
all with a view to improving the individual and collective quality of life.  
Chrisman (1984) views development as a process of societal 
advancement, where improvement in the well-being of people are 
generated through strong partnerships between all sectors, corporate 
bodies and other groups in the society. It is reasonable to know that 
development is not only an economic exercise, but also involves both 
socio-economic and political issues and pervades all aspects of societal 
life.  

National, according to Longman dictionary of contemporary 
English, refers to a phenomenon that embraces a whole nation. National 
development therefore can be described as the overall development or a 
collective socio-economic, political as well as religious advancement of a 
country or nation. This is best achieved through development planning, 
which can be described as the country’s collection of strategies mapped 
out by the government.  

National Development is a process of improving the range of 
opportunities that will enable individual humans and communities to 



Section III: Religious/Socio-Cultural Perspectives And Human Formation    455 

achieve their aspirations and full potential over a sustained period of time 
while maintaining the resilience of economic, social and environmental 
systems. (Munasinghe, 2004). 

Lawal (2011) describe national development as the overall 
development or a collective socio-economic, political as well as religious 
advancement of a country or nation. However, in this paper, national 
development will refer to the ability of a country or countries to improve 
the social welfare of the people, by providing social amenities like quality 
education, potable water, transportation, infrastructure, medical care etc.  
 
Nexus between Religion Roles and Youth Formation in National 
Development 
Religion is seen as a social-cultural system of designated behaviours and 
practices, morals, worldviews, texts, sanctified places, prophecies, ethics, 
or organizations that relates humanity to supernatural, transcendental, or 
spiritual elements (Morreall, 2013). Supporting the above assertion, 
Nongbri (2013) opines that religion is a system of symbols which acts to 
establish powerful, pervasive, and long-lasting moods and motivations in 
men by formulating conceptions of a general order of existence and 
clothing these conceptions with such an aura of factuality that the moods 
and motivations seem uniquely realistic. It is also seen as the entirety of 
the linguistic expressions, emotions and actions and signs that refers to a 
supernatural being or supernatural beings. According to James (2010) 
religion is a relatively-bounded systems of beliefs, symbols and practices 
that addresses the nature of existence, and in which communion with 
others and otherness is lived as if it both takes in and spiritually 
transcends socially-grounded ontologies of time, space, embodiment and 
knowing. Religion fosters national unity and development. It offer 
people the understanding of existence and provide rules and regulations 
which controls people behavior as it is believed that to live a godly life 
according to one’s religion is to carry out one’s duty both to God and 
men. Thus, it can be established that religion contributes significant in 
influencing youths’ attitudinal development and implementation. The 
more youths’ development and implements the right attitudes preached 
in the gospel, the more easier it becomes to build and maintain a healthy 
nation. 

Parrinder (1996) and Idowu (2008) are of the view that in 
Nigeria; very little efforts have been made to tap the potentials of religion 
as cement for unity and the development of nationhood through 
inculcating positive attitude especially among youths. Despite the above 
attainable benefits, religion is being manipulated to cause ethnic 
divisiveness and civil strife. Some people exploit it for their selfish 



456 Formation of the Human Person in the 21st Century 

political ambition. Religion is one vital element that can be harnessed for 
fostering solidarity and unity.  

Mutuah et al., (2010) avers that being life itself, religion can serve 
as the basis on which a nation can be solidly founded. It can also be used 
as an instrument of bringing into reality our dreams of a united nation. 
Religion is also characterized as a sound entity that is functional in the 
sense that it contribute to the maintenance of societal stability of 
equilibrium.  

According to Clark (1994), religion can be used to make way for 
the understanding of the world in which we live. It can supply answers 
to such questions as the existence of God, the sufferings and pains of 
humans, the problems of after death and so on. It could provide moral 
values by which a nation may stand. Such moral values include what is 
virtue and vice, thereby enriching the people’s morals, the welfare of the 
individuals and society at large.  

Denton (2006) suggests that religion may inspire people to 
develop great ideas as courage, love, endurance and sense of kinship. 
Yinger (1990) avers that national development requires that all hand 
must be on deck to build a strong and united nation which could be 
anchored on religious and intellectual capabilities of every citizen.  

Awolalu (2010) succeeded in clarifying that religion can be a part 
in national development by promoting high moral standards such as 
honesty, courage, hard work, obedience and respect for leaders especially 
among youth that are leaders of tomorrow.   He    suggests    that   
religion   could be expected to encourage faith, trust, and confidence in 
both God and fellow human beings which makes for integration, 
cohesion and solidarity by bringing people together for worship, festivals, 
ceremonies, and prayers especially people of different ethnic, cultural 
and linguistic backgrounds.  

Forde (2002) argues that religion help youths develops attitudes 
capable of solving the problems of selfishness which hinders the pace of 
progress in nation building. Idowu (2002) suggests that religion can 
effectively provide an understanding of certain occurrences that affect 
man and his environment, especially some of the trials and tribulations 
being experienced by Nigerians such as anxiety about the structural 
adjustment programme (SAP). The continued drift of the nation may be 
attributed to our sins, but for people who are deeply religious, it can be 
argued that through the power of prayers backed by God led ministers 
these national problems could be successfully resolved to the glory of 
God. According to Tim (1996) there is the beliefs that “if God cares for 
the things of nature and environment, such as the birds of the air, the 
fishes of the sea and the animals in the forest, God will definitely cater 
for the needs of the country which he has created”. Meyer (1996) 



Section III: Religious/Socio-Cultural Perspectives And Human Formation    457 

describes religion as being capable of promoting national development 
and moral identity, to inculcate in the individuals the right attitude 
which would eradicate crime, murder, suicide, rape, corruption, 
indolence, dishonesty and cheating which has bedeviled the nation. He 
further stated that when individuals imbibe these attitudes, it will be 
demonstrated in their families, social groups and other works of life. 

In summary, the above empirical evidence provided on the role 
religion in national development made obviously clear that religion helps 
in developing positive attitude amongst the populace needed for all 
round positive development. Religion instill discipline among the youths 
especially during their various stages of developing positive virtues like 
respect for life, adherence established laws,  creates a better 
understanding of the world around us amongst others that contributes to 
development of the nation. It was also established that religion aid in the 
formulation and implementation of favourable policies that ensure 
sustained national development, trains up youths who can be better 
leaders of tomorrow and minimizes the incidence of corruption amongst 
the youth who are leaders of tomorrow. 
 
Factors that Hinder National Development in Nigeria  
In spite of series of developmental strategies put in place by successive 
governments, and sometimes with good intentions, all attempts to 
generate meaningful development proved futile. 
 
1.  Poor Formulation and Implementation of Policies: There are 

in most cases, no executive capacity responsible for the formulation 
and implementation of the plan. Some of the previous development 
plans failed because; there was little or no consultation of the general 
public. Planning is supposed to involve even the peasant in the 
villages. Even the Local Government officials who are close to the 
people were not consulted. (Mimiko 1997).  

 
2.  Lack of Good Governance: This militates against national 

development. Where there is no good governance, development 
becomes a mirage. This is as a result of bad leadership in the country. 
Most of our leaders have no sense of commitment to development. 

 
3.  Decolonization: Decolonization allowed the crop of leaders that 

aligned with colonial power to take over Nigeria. This ensured the 
sustenance of a neo-colonial economy even after political 
independence. These leaders on assumption of power quickly turned 
up the repressive machinery of the colonial state rather than 
dismantling it. Significantly, they have no vision of development to 



458 Formation of the Human Person in the 21st Century 

accompany the efficient instrument of repression they inherited. All 
they were interested   in   was   access   to   power   and   privileges   
and   not development.  

 
4.  Corruption: High level of corruption and indiscipline is another 

barrier to development. Nigeria is corrupt, managed by corrupt 
leaders who have made the state an instrument of capital 
accumulation, rather than using it to project the interest of the 
citizenry. A very good plan supervised by a thoroughly corrupt state 
can hardly do a thorough job. Corruption and development are 
antithetical to each other, the two cannot cohabit, and so, where one 
is present, the other suffers. (Chuta 2004). 

 
Strategies for Ensuring National Development 
The beauty of any development plan is the faithful implementation of 
such plan, which its success lies with the implementers. In the previous 
subsections, it was mentioned that most of the past development plans 
failed as a result of implementation problem, lack of committed 
leadership, lack of adherence to suggestions of religious leaders, etc.  

Based on this fact, new development policies and strategies are 
currently in place as alternative strategies for ensuring sustained national 
development, such as Seven Points Agenda, Vision 2020, change begins 
with you, etc. These policies and vision appear to be all embracing but 
they are not sacrosanct in their totality. But if faithfully implemented, the 
nation at least will move towards path of national development. 

First, development requires total commitment on the parts of the 
leadership (religion and non-religion). The need for discipline and 
honesty on the part of the project implementers cannot be compromised; 
such officials should show enough discipline, interest, willingness, 
dedication and honesty. Without these attributes and the will to pursue 
set economic goals, all other ingredients of development present would 
amount to nullity. 

Secondly, there is need for attitudinal change. Nigerians must as 
a matter of fact change their pessimistic attitude towards national 
development. The anticipated changes should be promulgated by 
religious leaders since they control a greater number of the populace. 
Similarly, the idea or belief that “things cannot work in Nigeria or 
Nigerian factor” should be discouraged. Real development is achieved 
through internal activities rather than from external influences. 
Development is seen as a process generated within a society by forces 
propagated and invigorated by the actual members of that society. It is 
believed that true development can neither be started nor sustained by 
outsiders. Although, no country can develop in isolation, but heavy 



Section III: Religious/Socio-Cultural Perspectives And Human Formation    459 

emphasis should not be placed on foreign resources for the country’s 
development.  

Importantly, citizenship should be promoted over indigeneity in 
order to achieve cooperation and participation of all communities in the 
development process. Omotoso (2008) noted that the 1999 constitution 
is directly or indirectly promoting indigeneity in the country. For 
example, section 318(1) of paragraph (IV) supports indigeneity. The 
constitution sets parameters for indigenes and non-indigenes. It equally 
gives legal bases to various discriminatory policies that actively promote 
indigeneity, contrary to some sections that argue against discrimination. 
This is very contradictory. 
Leadership in Nigeria must behave in a way to inculcate the spirit of 
patriotism in the minds of the people, so that they will be ready to stand 
with the government in her development efforts. When Nigerians see 
themselves as one and not as belonging to one section of the country as 
portrayed presently, the urge to develop Nigeria will be germinated and 
sustained.  

Additionally, the need to reform electoral process is imperative 
for socio-economic and political development. Electoral   fraud   is   one   
of   the   banes    of    Nigeria’s development. The role of leadership in 
development cannot be overemphasized, all efforts towards development 
must be coordinated and directed by the leaders, therefore, the leaders 
must be development conscious, have genuine interest for development 
and the political will to propel such development. The leaders must also 
have the cooperation of the people, because, it is the people that develop 
a nation. Honestly, the aforementioned ingredients cannot be possible 
without a legitimized mandate for the leaders by the people. When a 
leader assumes office illegimately or through electoral fraud, such leader 
is bound to fail in his effort to generate meaningful development. This is 
due to the fact that such illegitimate leaders tend to display characters 
that repress development such as; selfishness, corruption, pride, thuggery 
and inefficiency and also, there is apathy and natural detachment to 
development plans by the people as they did not see such emerging 
leaders as the products of their consent through voting. Based on the 
foregoing, the electoral process should be reformed in such away that 
nobody assumes power (political) through crook or fraudulent means. 
The process should be made opened, free, fair and competitive. All legal 
battles preceding the elections must be concluded before any swearing 
in. This, it is believed, will create genuine environment conducive for 
development.  

Lastly, development plan should not be exclusively regarded as 
economic issue it should be seen as holistic and encompassing national 



460 Formation of the Human Person in the 21st Century 

issue that cuts across economic, social, political and psychological aspects 
of human endeavour. 
 
Conclusion and Recommendations 
This study has x-rayed the place of religion in youth formation in 
Nigeria’s national development. It must be noted that religion cannot be 
rejected in its totality because of how much it has permeated into our 
knowledge system. More so, the world is gradually growing into a global 
village within which all kinds of cross-cultural activities are taking place.   

Religion can be used as a tool or means of promoting national 
development by nurturing youths to development positive attitude. 
Though religious conflict are master minded by greedy and corrupt 
politician and religious leaders. The structures of the society guarantees 
religious conflict, and can be used too to strengthen inter-religions cum 
denominational cooperation; which will promote national development.  
Religion has a direct impact on the individual, the individual are the once 
who steer the ship of development, due to their ability to peacefully co-
exist and use their creativity to better themselves and their environment. 
It is equally the individual that is used to ferment religious conflict. 
Religion preaches the virtues of peace, love, understanding and 
goodness. If the individual is highly religious, his moral upbringing will 
impact positivity on national development.  

However, it is an urgent task for us to raise our religious norms such 
that it contributes positively to national development through the 
cultivation of positive attitude among youths. This must be reflected at 
homes, in governance and in school curricula at all levels. Indeed the 
opportunity to correct the basic error of our religious beliefs is upon us; 
this is because it will restore to us our inward beauty, identity, and pride. 
It therefore behooves us to choose where to belong so that we can 
proceed in putting measures in place to attack any hindrance to national 
development which we hope to achieve. Government should carry out 
deliberate effort to promote inter-religious and denominational 
cooperation, meetings, conferences and universal worship, by creating a 
platform that will handle such responsibilities. The platform will action 
the followings: 

i. To periodically host interreligious/denominational worship.  
ii. Promote high moral standards such as honesty, hard work, 

obedience and respect to elders and leaders.  
iii. It should be used to build faith, trust and confidence in both 

God and fellow human beings.  
iv. Build solidarity, integration and cohesion among the people 

irrespective of one‟s religious denomination.  



Section III: Religious/Socio-Cultural Perspectives And Human Formation    461 

v. Preach against vices, crime, corruption, indolence, dishonesty 
and cheating.   

vi. Promote value re-orientation of the people through this 
platform, Churches, Mosques, National Orientation Agency, 
Schools and etc. to depart from existing socio-economic vices, 
impatience, corruption, electoral violence, that is crippling our 
polity. 

 
 
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