Unity – JSS3 Cultural & Creative Arts Lesson Note (Third Term)

Unity is the state of being one, or oneness, in which people agree and work together as a whole.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. define unity;
2. state causes of disunity in the home, school and society;
3. list ways of maintaining unity;
4. state benefits of unity;
5. give examples of symbols of unity in Nigeria.

What is unity?

Unity is the state of being in full agreement, or oneness.

• Whole: unity refers to a totality that combines all its parts into one.
• Agreement: unity is the state of a group of people being in full agreement about certain things.
• Opposite: disunity is the lack of oneness, where people quarrel, divide or work against one another.

Where can unity be found?

Unity can exist in the home, in school and in society.

What are the causes of disunity?

Disunity is caused by selfishness, intolerance and other factors that divide people in the home, school and society.

1. Selfish interest: a person thinks only of personal gain and ignores the needs of others.
2. Lack of co-operation: people refuse to work together, so tasks and goals fail.
3. Lack of love for one another: people without love quarrel and hold grudges easily.
4. Religious inclination or belief: people quarrel because they refuse to respect differing religious beliefs.
5. Lack of integrity: dishonest people break promises and lose the trust of others.
6. Intolerance: people cannot accept views or ways of life that differ from their own.
7. Greediness (greed): people want more than their share, which causes envy and fights.
8. Land dispute: disagreement over boundaries or ownership of land divides families and communities.

What are the effects of disunity?

Disunity brings conflict and slows down progress.

• Quarrels and fights: members of a family or community turn against one another.
• Poor progress: projects fail when people refuse to work together.
• Loss of trust: people stop depending on one another.
• Insecurity: prolonged disputes can lead to violence and loss of life and property.

How can unity be maintained?

Unity is maintained when people are tolerant, fair and honest in their dealings with one another.

1. Being tolerant: accept people whose views, tribe or religion differ from yours.
2. Being fair to all: treat everyone equally without favouritism.
3. Being cautious: think before you speak or act, so that you do not offend others.
4. Respecting other people’s opinions: listen to others even when you disagree.
5. Being accommodative: make room for others and welcome them.
6. Avoiding cheating: cheating destroys trust, so be straightforward.
7. Being honest: speak the truth and keep your promises.
8. Demonstrating acts of unity: take part in group activities such as communal work, team games and cultural festivals.

What are the benefits of unity?

Unity brings peace, progress and strength to a group.

• Peace: people live without constant quarrels.
• Progress: united people finish tasks faster and develop their community.
• Strength: a united group is harder to divide or defeat.
• Trust and love: members care for and support one another.

What are some symbols of unity in Nigeria?

Nigeria uses its motto, pledge, anthem and youth programme to promote national unity.

• National motto: “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress”.
• National anthem: it speaks of brotherhood among people of different tribes and tongues.
• National Youth Service Corps (NYSC): graduates serve in states other than their own, so they meet and live with other Nigerians.
• Cultural festivals and sports: people from different groups come together to celebrate and cheer one team.

Evaluation

1. Define unity.
2. State two causes of disunity.
3. Mention two ways of maintaining unity.
4. State two benefits of unity.

General evaluation and revision questions

1. Define teamwork.
2. What is self-control?
3. State two benefits of self-control.
4. What is denouement?
5. Define theatre design.

Assignment

Reading assignment

Modern Approach to Cultural and Creative Art by G.F. Ibrahim, Book 3, pages 82-85.

Weekend assignment

1. ___ is a situation whereby certain persons are in full agreement or oneness. A. Unity B. Disunity C. Tolerance D. None of the above.
2. Lack of oneness among a congregation of people in churches leads to ___. A. disunity B. unity C. All of the above D. None of the above.
3. Which of the following is NOT a way of maintaining unity? A. Tolerance B. Lack of cooperation C. Avoiding cheating D. None of the above.
4. Self-interest for personal gains is a cause of ___. A. disunity B. unity C. moral decadence D. None of the above.
5. Teamwork among a group of people who work well together promotes ___. A. disunity B. unity C. disagreement D. None of the above.

Theory

1. List two causes of disunity.
2. Mention two ways of maintaining unity.