"Let Brotherly Love Continue" (Hebrews 13: 1-3) Leveraging the Philadelphia Anthropocentric Approach for Ethnic Pluralism and Conflict Resolution in Nigeria

Assortment of ethnic groups gives Nigeria a rich array of culture, but poses challenges to growth, security and peaceful co-existence. Ethnic strife has plagued Nigeria since independence, creating fear of marginalization, nepotism, etc. Nigeria had a federation of three regions (Northern, Western and Eastern) at independence and each had adequate landmass, population and resources to become separate independent nation. Most ethnic conflicts are traceable to some degree of selfishness, pride, nepotism and disregard for the well-being of others. Exegetical, hermeneutical, historical and qualitative research methods were employed in this paper. The theoretical framework is based on Smith’s “monopoly of power by one cultural section”, which is the essential precondition for maintenance of the plural society in its current form. Any of the plural units, or its coalition, can have access to state control and use of power through constitutional process. This paper advocates that a Philadelphia-anthropocentric approach (that is, socio-theological approach for brotherly love) should be applied to the national life of Nigerians. The paper reveals that the advocacy for brotherly love among Nigerians- home and abroad regardless of religious affiliation, sex, ethnicity, background and political affiliation will encourage true nationality. Furthermore, genuine acceptability of the nation’s multicultural diversity will enhance societal integration and realignments. Conclusively, Nigerians pluralism, ethno religious diversities and the array of multicultural differences should be her selling point socially, politically and economically. Therefore, religious, community and socio-political leaders should consistently and deliberately inculcate the Philadelphia-anthropocentric approach in advocating for brotherly love in every sector of Nigerian society. This will militate against the incessant conflicts in Nigeria.