UNITY
Meaning of Unity
unity is the act of working together as a group or a team. When people are united, they live in peace, help one another, and work towards a common goal.
Unity brings about understanding, cooperation, and progress among individuals and groups in the family, school, community, and the nation. Example: When students work together during sanitation, or when classmates help each other during group work, that is unity.
Types of Unity
- Unity in the Family: This is when all family members love, care for, and support one another. It helps the family to live in peace.
- Unity in the School: This is when teachers, students, and school workers work together in harmony for the progress of the school.
- Unity in the Community: This is when people in a town or village cooperate to develop their area through community service, self-help, and mutual understanding.
- Unity in the Country: This is when all citizens from different tribes, cultures, and religions live in peace and work together to move the country forward.
Causes of Disunity
- Tribalism – When someone believes their tribe is better than others.
- Religious Intolerance – When people hate others because of religion.
- Jealousy and Hatred – When people do not like others for no good reason.
- Gossip and Lies – Saying what is not true about someone to cause problems.
- Disobedience and Disrespect – When people refuse to follow rules or respect elders.
- Selfishness – Thinking only about yourself without caring for others.
Ways of Promoting Unity
- Respect for One Another.
- Fairness and Justice.
- Religious Tolerance.
- Avoiding Tribalism and Favouritism.
- Encouraging Teamwork.
- Good Communication.
Importance of Unity
- It promotes peace and harmony.
- It encourages progress and development.
- It reduces conflict, violence, and war.
- It builds strong relationships and friendships.
- It helps in achieving national goals.
- It makes people feel belonging and secure.
Consequences of Disunity
- Fighting and Quarrels.
- Hatred and Bitterness.
- Delay in Progress.
- Breakdown of Relationships.
- Underdevelopment of Society.
- Division and War.
Demonstration of Acts of Unity
- Helping one another in times of need.
- Participating in group projects or community service.
- Supporting classmates during school events.
- Sharing and caring for others.
- Respecting people’s differences.
- Joining hands to clean the environment.
- Singing the national anthem together.
- Celebrating cultural festivals peacefully.
Unity in Nigerian Context
Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country. We have over 250 ethnic groups and 500+ languages. For Nigeria to move forward:
- We must accept and respect our differences.
- Unity must be taught from childhood.
- National symbols (e.g., anthem, flag, NYSC) should be used to promote unity.
- No tribe or religion should be treated as superior.
“Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.” — from Nigeria’s national anthem
Assignment / Revision Questions
- What is the meaning of unity?
- Mention four causes of disunity.
- List four ways we can promote unity in our community.
- Explain two types of unity and give examples.
- Mention three consequences of disunity.