A CRITIQUE OF COMMERCIALIZATION OF RELIGIONS IN NIGERIA VIA THE MASS MEDIA

The concern of this study is the utilization of the mass media in the commercialization of religions in Nigeria. The study has tried to examine, in a concise manner, how African Religion (Afrel), Christianity and Islam, the principal religions in Nigeria, make use of the mass media, such as the press, radio, television, audio and video cassettes, tracts, pamphlets and books for commercialization purpose. The study is comparative in nature. The materials are derived mainly from primary sources through participatory observation, interviews, and literary sources. It was discovered that both good and bad merchants of religions use the media. Among the identified good users were some ethical preachers, singers, poets, playwrights, and so on. Since the mass media are easily manipulated, as indicated in this study, and in view of primordial gullibility, the study recommends that the Nigerian public should be watchful and discerning of the pronouncements and deeds of merchants of religions who reach-out through the mass media. Since swindling is more often than not a suspect, the study recommends reliance on prayer, faith, and hope only, as much as possible.