Language and Religion: Veritable Tools for National Peace in Nigeria

No nation can develop in an atmosphere devoid of peace for it is the basis for every meaningful development. This is why national peace is the primary target of every nation, especially the developing countries. To achieve this goal effectively, the collaborative effort of every citizen is required. It is obvious that Nigeria is a country with diversity of tribe with different cultures, languages and different religious affiliations. The peculiarities of different languages and religious ideologies as unique as they appear, if properly harnessed and harmonised could foster national peace. Observations in some studies have shown that misuse of religion and inappropriate use of language are banes that confront Nigeria national peace. It is therefore, the interest of this paper to bridge “Language and Religion as Veritable Tools for National Peace in Nigeria”. The introduction provides the background information on the key concepts of the topic. This was followed by conceptual definitions of language and religion, language choice in conflict resolution and the role of religion and language as veritable tools for national peace. The paper concludes that to achieve national peace, tolerance and unity should take priority over ethnic and religious bigotry. It was therefore, recommended that tolerance and unity must be taught by all the stakeholders and live by example for peace to reign in the country.