Building Social Cohesion in a Pluralistic Nigeria: A Human Relations Perspective
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576-594
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10.58578/ijecs.v4i3.11968
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Authors:Nwaozuru Johnmajor Chinecherem1*
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Abstract
Nigeria’s religious and ethnic diversity makes social cohesion essential to peaceful coexistence and national development. Despite the ideals of “Peace and Unity” embodied in Nigeria’s Coat of Arms, recurrent ethno-religious crises have resulted in loss of life, property destruction, and persistent insecurity, demonstrating that these national aspirations remain insufficiently realized. This study examines how human relations officers can contribute to building social cohesion among Nigeria’s diverse communities through their professional roles and functions. Data were obtained from primary sources, including observations and oral interviews, and secondary sources, including newspapers, magazines, textbooks, scholarly books, edited volumes, and journal articles. The findings indicate that human relations officers can promote social cohesion by educating, counseling, and mediating among citizens, thereby strengthening awareness of the importance of harmonious coexistence across ethnic and religious divisions. The study concludes that effective human relations practices are integral to social integration, peace, and national unity in pluralistic Nigeria. It contributes a human relations perspective to social cohesion discourse and underscores the practical importance of educational, counseling, and mediation interventions in reducing social divisions and supporting sustainable national development.
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