AFTER more than half a century as an independent nation, Nigeria indeed has come a long way. Her chequered history has thrown up so many dynamics with some impact on the citizens either individually or collectively.

Whether we have been able to learn from this history is another debate entirely. This is because only an unserious fellow keeps doing the same things over and over again expecting a different result. Experience has shown that our ability to learn from the past particularly in this part of the world is deserving of a rethink.

This has proven to be the bane of most problems bedeviling the nation and has been keeping it at a crawling pace in terms of growth and development. The many challenges facing the nation can be adduced to several causes but a major one stands out which can be likened to as a force, a phenomenon of life: religion.

Religion today has played a huge role in shaping our existence both on micro and macro levels. As a nation, we are confronted by this force which tends to loom large when important actions or steps are to be taken.

Taking a critical look at the Nigerian case, the issue is one that really calls for great concern so as to really understand the shortcomings. The fact is that Nigeria remains among nations considered as most religious. This assertion obviously cannot be questioned judging by the high turnover of religious houses. Add to that the shrines that dot major parts of the country.

A couple of years back, a survey even shows that Nigeria harbours the highest concentration of the happiest people on earth. Little surprise, for instance, you would notice the sheer number of social functions that go on in major cities, particularly in the south-western part, whereby on an average weekend you see Nigerians, regardless of class or status display tendencies that would rival those of the Epicureans during pre-medieval times despite the harsh socio-economic woes pervading the landscape.

I have always maintained that this is a country of paradox because the current social reality is highly at variance with the choice as country of happiest people. Permit the digression.

Historically, societies have seen religion as a way of escape from the political and socio-economic conditions of the state, as 19th century scholar, Karl Marx stated that, “religion is the opium of the society.” Many hold their religious beliefs as a source of hope, internal peace and strength in the midst of societal chaos. This is something contemporary Nigerians can relate to.Incredibly, a lot of people now parade themselves as ‘men of God,’ preying on the ignorant, oppressed and despondent masses.

The influence of religion manifests in every Nigerian life compared to a country like Australia for instance, where little or no value is given to religion. As a matter of fact, Australia is one of the most irreligious countries of the world with over 40 per cent of its population said to be disclaiming any organised religion even though its existence is recognised with many being Catholics.

Majority consider it the least important aspect of their lives preferring to be quietly religious rather than explicitly. Back home, the reverse is the case.

On the political terrain, for a country desperately crying for purposeful leadership, the days of choosing leaders based on ethnic or religious basis should be a past.

It is high time each one took responsibility for his future and stop hiding behind the cloak of religion because every man’s destiny lies in own hands. Many have been hoodwinked by religion to the extent of failing to apply the basic principles of life that guarantee success but rather groping and hoping that God somewhere will descend and just turn things around like the infamous trickster, Houdini.

In the words of a highly respected Nigerian cleric, “any faith that puts absolute responsibility in God’s hand is an irresponsible faith!” this statement clearly captures the sentiments of many in our nation today. Make no mistakes, religion is the right of all virtually everywhere in the world and everyone has the freedom to worship but the matter here is all about our people developing the right perspective and approach.
• Adiyan lives in Lagos