Traditional Values And National Development In Nigeria

Traditional values have enormous role to play in national development. No nation can develop in a sustainable manner if it is uprooted from her authentic past values. In Africa, traditional values are those indigenous values that existed in Africa from pre-colonial times. Some of those values are still prevalent in many places in Africa. The landmark African Charter of Human and People’s Rights endorses the promotion of traditional values by the state and other social agents. This endorsement should not be seen as a blanket promotion of traditional values, even those that are hostile to human right and dignity. This paper used a critical analytic method to argue that only positive values that enhance human flourishing and environmental wellbeing should be promoted. It also argues that beliefs and practices that destroy human rights and degrades the environment should be considered as non-values and rejected. The paper found and concluded that the promotion of positive healthy traditional values will enhance rapid national development in Nigeria.