Natural Resources Management and Sustainable Development in Nigeria with Reference to Genesis 1:26-30
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Date
2018
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Department of Religions, KWASU
Abstract
The African continent has abundant natural resources, minerals and also rich oil reserves. A good example is Nigeria, which has seen increased GDP growth rates due to oil discovery. Nevertheless, an oil rich nation like Nigeria is still very poor despite her wealth in this highly sought after resource. In fact, Nigeria, as nation tends to represent less economic development than nations with smaller quantities of natural resources. More importantly, good governance is grounded on the theological truth that "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it. The world and its entire people belong to Him" (Ps.24: I, Ps. 89: 11). So, nations, its people, and all the natural resources they have entrusted to politicians and leaders as stewards. The paper is aimed at examines natural resources management and sustainable development with reference to Genesis I :26-30, and its implications for leaders in Nigeria. The paper uses both historical and analytical research methods. The data were collected through secondary sources, where Encyclopedia, Bible commentaries, books, published Journals and Articles are corvsu .ted. Therefore, it is discovered that, bad management, corruption and administration of resources have plundered many African nations, most especially, Nigeria into a moral dungeon. The tragedy of most post-colonial African states such as Nigeria is that, they lack visionary political leadership that transcends personal and primordial interest to transform and manage natural resources of the nation state into a viable vehicle that could address the basic needs of the people in the struggle for sustainable development. The paper hereby concludes and recommends that, visionary leaders, though not the exclusive makers of historical processes, are essential ingredients in the task of nation building and managing of natural resources for sustainable development.
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Keywords
Natural Resources Management, Nigerian society, Minerals Resources, Sustainable Development