POLITICS AND RELIGIOUS IN KOGI STATE DEVELOPMENT (EDUCATION PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS)
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
The ea concept of development was interpreted in terms of growth of output over time and later in terms of per capita output. Growth and development are mostly used interchangeably.
Economic development double variable concept; so there is no general acceptable definition for it. Economic development is a process where low income national economies are transformed into modern industrial economies. It involves qualitative and quantitative improvements in a country’s economy. Political and social transformations are also included in the concept of economic development in addition to economic changes. Economic development can also be defined as “the passage from lower to higher economic levels which implies change”.
The relationship that exist between politics and religion in Nigeria is close because there is always a point of intersection. Also, the relationship is complex because of the intricacies inherent in the politicization of religion. In Nigeria, today, there are two major religions i.e. Islam and Christianity. Both religion are not recognized here to the universalization of the position of traditional philosophy; the main reason why they take main level in this work is deliberate because of the impact of both religion on the governance of Nigeria govt and politics. The effect they profound reinforce regional and ethnic differences and this makes economic stability more difficult.
Scholars of religion like Imo (1986: 1-5) do not agree on a single definition of ‘religion’ because religion is a combination of two things i.e. the profane and the supernatural. Therefore, a comprehensive definition has to take both into consideration. Some approach this definition with prejudice while some scholars of religion do not have a specific religion so they lack the experience. A good definition, emphasizes by Imo should have specificity and inclusiveness. He advances that religion is the varied, symbolic expression of, and appropriate response to that, in which people deliberately affirm as being of unrestricted value for them. McGee (1980:362-365) posits that most religious communities are mostly different by the main object of their worship. It is around this sacred object, person or concept, patterns, ritual practices, ethical system and social organization take form. He defines religion as “a set of activities organized around the sacred- that non-empirical source of power, transcendence, mystery and awe’. The primary methods of religion include the belief patterns which accommodate the sacred reality people experience through revealed knowledge, reflection or divine light; ritual practices which are prescribed for believers as appropriate human responses in the relationship to the ultimate being or value; ethical codes which are behavior directed towards other person; and cultic organization.
