Indigenous Children’s Play-songs as Vital Tools for Ethnic Cohesion in Nigeria

Abstract

This article argues that indigenous children's play songs are vital tools, which can be harnessed to foster ethnic cohesion in a multi-cultural, multi- ethnic and multi-religious polity like Nigeria. It also shows how the wisdom in these songs is accessed. Examples of six (6) selected indigenous children's play songs were analyzed using the functionalist theory of Oral literature. The study demonstrates the pedagogic roles of children's play songs, emphasizing the neglected children's songs mostly from the ethnic minority of Plateau State. The paper argues that the indigenous children's songs lead to and provide a rich environment for inculcating values that are absent in English nursery rhymes. The songs depict their thoughts and worldview on the relevance of peaceful coexistence. In this way, incorporating traditional childlore in teaching approaches not only enriches the Nigerian orature, but also facilitates harmonious social cohabitation where “all birds fly freely without colliding”. The virtues and values learnt are practical and have a long-lasting effect on the child.