Peace Education – Basic 6 Social Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Peace is a state of harmony and the absence of conflict, violence or war. It also includes justice, equality and wellbeing.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Define peace and conflict and state the two types of peace.
2. Describe the characteristics of tolerance and the attributes of cooperation.
3. List values that promote peace.
4. Define national unity and state why it is important.
5. Name and explain symbols of national unity in Nigeria.
6. State threats to national unity and ways of promoting it.

What is peace?

Peace is a state of harmony in which people live without conflict, violence or war.

What are the types of peace?

There are two types of peace: negative peace and positive peace.

• Negative peace: the absence of violence and war, so things are quiet.
• Positive peace: the presence of justice, equal rights, prosperity, happiness and development.

What is the difference between peace and conflict?

• Peace: a state of harmony where people live together without fighting.
• Conflict: a serious disagreement or struggle between people or groups.

What is tolerance?

Tolerance is accepting and respecting people who are different from you, in religion, tribe or opinion.

What are the characteristics of tolerance?

There are six characteristics of tolerance.

1. Respect for differences: accept that people differ, value diversity, do not force your views and appreciate other perspectives.
2. Patience: do not react angrily to differences, give people time and control your emotions.
3. Open-mindedness: be willing to learn, listen to others and consider new ideas.
4. Empathy: put yourself in others’ shoes, understand their feelings and show kindness.
5. Non-judgment: do not condemn quickly, avoid stereotypes and give people the benefit of the doubt.
6. Peaceful coexistence: live together despite differences, with cooperation and mutual respect.

What are examples of tolerance?

• Religion: Christians and Muslims living peacefully together.
• Tribe: different tribes working together.
• Disability: accepting people with disabilities.
• Politics: respecting different political views.

What is cooperation?

Cooperation is working together towards common goals.

What are the attributes of cooperation?

There are seven attributes of cooperation.

1. Teamwork: working as a group, sharing responsibilities and making a joint effort.
2. Communication: talking openly, sharing information and listening.
3. Shared goals: common objectives and mutual benefit for the group.
4. Trust: believing in each other, being reliable, dependable and honest.
5. Compromise: give and take, meeting halfway and being flexible for the good of the group.
6. Mutual support: helping, encouraging and standing by each other.
7. Division of labour: each person has a role, and different skills fit together for efficiency.

What are examples of cooperation?

• School: pupils cleaning the classroom together.
• Home: family members sharing chores.
• Community: people joining to build a project.
• Nation: citizens joining in national development efforts.

What are the values that promote peace?

There are ten values that promote peace: love, respect, justice, honesty, forgiveness, humility, patience, dialogue, empathy and unity.

1. Love: caring for others with kindness and compassion.
2. Respect: valuing others, honouring elders and regarding their opinions.
3. Justice: fairness, equality, equal rights and no discrimination.
4. Honesty: truthfulness, integrity, transparency and sincerity.
5. Forgiveness: letting go of grudges, pardoning offences and reconciling.
6. Humility: being modest, respectful and not proud or arrogant.
7. Patience: endurance, self-control and calmness.
8. Dialogue: talking instead of fighting, through discussion and negotiation.
9. Empathy: understanding how others feel and showing sympathy.
10. Unity: togetherness, solidarity and a shared identity.

What is national unity?

National unity is a state where all citizens of a country, despite their differences, see themselves as one people and work together for the common good.

Why is national unity important?

1. Peace and stability: there are no internal conflicts.
2. Development: resources are used for progress, not fighting.
3. Strength: a united nation is strong.
4. Progress: cooperation leads to advancement.
5. International respect: other nations respect united countries.

What are the symbols of national unity in Nigeria?

A symbol of national unity is something that represents all Nigerians and brings them together. This note covers twelve.

1. National flag

• Description: two colours, green and white, in three vertical bands: green, white, green.
• Green: stands for agriculture and natural resources.
• White: stands for peace and unity.
• Significance: it represents all Nigerians, is flown nationwide and is a symbol of sovereignty.

2. National anthem

The anthem used in this note is “Arise, O Compatriots”.

• First stanza: Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey, to serve our fatherland, with love and strength and faith. The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain, to serve with heart and might, one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.
• Significance: it is sung at official events, unites Nigerians and calls for service and unity.

3. National coat of arms

• Black shield: with two white horses, one on each side.
• Red eagle: at the top.
• White “Y” shape: stands for the Rivers Niger and Benue.
• Colours: green and white.
• Motto: “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress”.
• Significance: it appears on official documents, is a government symbol and represents strength and unity.

4. National pledge

• Words: I pledge to Nigeria my country, to be faithful, loyal and honest, to serve Nigeria with all my strength, to defend her unity and uphold her honour and glory, so help me God.
• Significance: it is recited in schools and is a commitment to the nation and its unity.

5. National currency (naira)

• Significance: it is common to all Nigerians, is accepted nationwide and is a symbol of economic unity.

6. National festivals

• Independence Day (1 October): celebrates freedom.
• Democracy Day (12 June): celebrates democracy.
• Children’s Day (27 May): celebrates children.
• Armed Forces Remembrance Day (15 January): remembers those who died serving the nation.
• Significance: they are celebrated nationwide as public holidays and bring all tribes together.

7. Nigerian constitution

• Significance: it is the supreme law for all, defines rights and duties, and sets the framework for governance.

8. Official language (English)

• Significance: English is Nigeria’s official language, gives people of different tribes a common way to communicate and works as a lingua franca (a shared language).

9. National sports

• Examples: the Super Eagles (football), national athletes and the Olympic team.
• Significance: all Nigerians support them, which builds national pride and unity.

10. Federal character

• Significance: it gives all states a share in government, equal opportunity, no tribal dominance and inclusive governance.

11. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)

• Significance: young people from all tribes serve in different parts of the country.
• Result: it promotes understanding, cultural exchange and unity.

12. National monuments

• National Theatre: in Lagos.
• National Mosque: in Abuja.
• National Christian Centre: in Abuja.
• Unity Fountain: in Abuja.

What are the threats to national unity?

Threats to national unity are things that divide citizens and cause conflict.

1. Tribalism: loyalty to one’s tribe above the nation.
2. Religious intolerance: refusing to accept other people’s faith.
3. Corruption: misuse of public resources for selfish gain.
4. Unequal development: some areas get more projects than others.
5. Marginalisation: leaving some groups out of government and opportunities.
6. Insecurity: fear of attack and loss of life and property.
7. Ethnic conflicts: clashes between ethnic groups.

How can national unity be promoted?

1. Intermarriage: marriage between people of different tribes.
2. National integration: bringing the different groups together as one nation.
3. Fair governance: leaders treat all groups justly.
4. Equal opportunities: every citizen has the same chance to succeed.
5. Education: teaching children to live peacefully with others.
6. Unity in diversity: accepting that differences make the nation richer.
7. Respect for symbols: honouring the flag, anthem and pledge.
8. Patriotism: love for and loyalty to one’s country.

Evaluation

1. What is peace?
2. Give three characteristics of tolerance.
3. List five values that promote peace.
4. What is national unity?
5. Name five symbols of national unity in Nigeria.

Assignment

Define peace and conflict, then explain what national unity is and why it is important.