INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GENERAL STUDIES (IJGS)
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GENERAL STUDIES (IJGS) is an open-assess multidisciplinary journal which features these disciplines: Mass communication, Philosophy, English & literary studies, Music, Political science, Linguistics, Religion & human relations, Business administration, and Public administration. It is published by the Division of General Studies Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Organizational Performance in Nigeria
Attaining organizational goals and maximum organization performance and effectiveness requires giving complete attention to corporate social responsibility (CSR). The location of a business, the society in which it thrives, is crucial in determining its corporate culture, internal structure, processes and organisational behaviour as well as its overall performance. This paper examines corporate social responsibility and organizational performance in Nigeria. The study’s aim is to determine the effect of environmental issues, cost of doing business, competitive advantage, and corporate social responsibility on organizational performance. Relevant conceptual, theoretical and empirical literature were examined. Resource-Based View and Kohlberg's Model of Cognitive Moral Development were employed as the theoretical framework. This paper is a qualitative research that relied so much on documentary method. The study found out that environmental issue has a significant effect on an organization’s performance, and that social initiatives and competitive advantage have significant effects on organizational performance. The study recommends that government should put in place policies that will create a good business environment for firms operating in the country and that organizations should be socially responsible in order to strengthen their legitimacy, competitive advantage, and realize their long-term goals.
corporate social responsibility, business environment, policies, organizational performance
Obinna Solomon Eboh & Obiora Anthony Uzor
Ilo-Muo Festival in Aguleri: A Study in Ancestor Veneration in Igbo Traditional Religion
The ritual Ilo-Muo celebration is a festival for the veneration of ancestors that acknowledges their role as guardians as well as acts as a spiritual force that binds the clans and villages that constitute Aguleri in Eri kingdom. Through the mediation of ancestral worship and supportive rituals performed by the adherents of the traditional religion, the stability of the cultural brotherhood is secured. This festival is usually an occasion for jocundity and thanksgiving offered to ancestral spirits. People appear in their best and give of their best; the meals constitute an opportunity for communion between the ancestors and their “children”. This paper focuses on how this renewal of covenant relationships celebrated in all clans and villages is done to reinforce the ancestral brotherhood and to show how the Aguleri community uses this festival to uphold its leadership of other communities. The ritual festival of Ilo-Muo in Aguleri, “the cradle of Igbo civilization”, reawakens within Aguleri and the Igbo diaspora the culture and sustenance of ancestor veneration in Igbo Traditional Religion and cosmology.
ancestor, brotherhood, deities, festival, Ilo-Muo, rituals
The Role of Statistics and Sampling in Survey Research
This work titled, “The Role of Statistics and Sampling in Survey Research,” critically examines the place of statistics and sampling in survey research. The data collection was done through secondary sources. Our main objective was to interrogate the vital role played by the two concepts of statistics and sampling in survey research. Thomas Hobbes rightly asserted that lack of knowledge made the life of man “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short”. It is knowledge that makes the life of man in society worth living and statistics and sampling are two of the most important tools used by man to generate information necessary for him to make and implement rational decisions. Programmes and actions hinged on the outcome of statistical and carefully sampled survey research usually deliver predictable outcomes. This paper looks into the ways statistics and sampling in survey research can be utilized as tools of enquiry and information gathering.
Stylistic Analysis of Chief Dr. Samuel Ioraer Ortom's Inaugural Speech, "Our Collective Vision for a New Benue"
The idiolect has remained the basic yardstick for the measurement of speech variation within a mutually intelligible speech community. This idiolect - linguistics habit of a speaker, treads the ‘La Parole’ Path of language proposed by Ferdinand de Saussure which culminates into the present day stylistics. The inaugural speech of Governor Samuel Ortom is the data for this work. This research hinges on descriptive grammar as methodology. This is an approach to the study of grammar which seeks to account for the way the speakers actually use their language without reference to an approved standard or the grammatical structure of another language. Ndimele (2008:48). This work presents the meaning of language, stylistics, style, speech, political discourse and the various styles employed by the speaker to drive his point home. These styles range from the physiological structure of the speech, morphological analysis, syntactic analysis, and semantic analysis to figurative expressions and some unique presentations. The styles are discussed from the perspective of style as a choice and style as a deviation. Through this work, the researchers discovered that the governor’s speech is not only a beautiful rhetoric but a stylistically unique speech in terms of language use.
stylistics, style, speech, political discourse
Cyril Okechukwu Ofoegbu & Chukwunonyelum Esther Okoli
An Analysis of Selectional Restrictions of Igbo Figurative Expressions
Selectional restrictions can be defined as semantic restrictions words impose on the environments they occur. This research focuses on Igbo figurative expressions. Specifically, it analyzes the co-occurrence constraint that exists between lexical items in figurative expressions in the Igbo language. Also, it aims at examining the misapplications of some figurative expressions in Igbo. The method of data collection is through the use of Igbo written texts. A total number of twenty (20) figurative expressions were collected. The method of analyzing data is descriptive using the binary feature format of Componential Analysis. This study reveals that idioms, proverbs, simile, metaphor, personification and hyperbole are some of the expressions identified. Some figurative expressions in the Igbo language do not violate the selectional restriction rule while others do. The violation does not result in ungrammaticality of the expressions. Conclusively, verbs in the Igbo figurative expressions do not combine in a haphazard manner with their complements and subjects; there is inherent constraint which determines the appropriate subjects or complements of a verb in a particular construction.
selectional restrictions, restrictions, figurative expressions, componential analysis
Chukwunonyelum Esther Okoli, Chinasa Seraphine Muogbo & Oluchi Charity Mbah
Evaluating the Use of Public Relations Strategies in Managing COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Crises by Anambra State Government
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus escalated myriad of health and social crises that government at all levels had to battle with to ensure the safety of the citizenry. The effective management of these crises is highly dependent on the resources at the disposal of government institutions and their ability to appropriately employ and deploy the various public relations strategies that will effectively address the fabric of the crises escalated by the pandemic. This study evaluated how the Anambra State Government managed COVID-19 related crises through the use of public relations strategies. The study looked at the actions and inactions taken by the Anambra State government geared towards managing all the COVID-19 related crises, their use of the various channels of communication and how effective these PR strategies were in managing the crises. The study made use of library research method in carrying out the study where the researchers depended on secondary data in carrying out the investigation. It was found that the Anambra State Government used public relations strategies like press releases, press conferences, announcements, town hall meetings with critical stakeholders like the market unions, transport unions, town unions etc. in disseminating appropriate information and behavior that helped in managing the various COVID-19 related crises in Anambra State. It was also found that the state government employed various media platforms like ABS Radio and Television, Newspapers, Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter. The study recommended that the state government should employ such PR strategies in handling other issues of concern in Anambra state owing to its effectiveness in handling COVID-19 pandemic-related crises.
evaluating, public relations strategies, COVID-19, pandemic-related crises, Anambra State Government
Gideon Uchechukwu Nwafor, Blessing Ajirioghene Omoevah & Anthonia Nkechi Umuze
Terrorism and National Security in Nigeria: A Case of Boko-Haram, 2009-2019
This study investigates the impact of terrorism and national security in Nigeria: A case study of Boko-Haram, 2009-2019. Specifically, it intends to find out how the activities of Boko Haram terrorists affected the security of the Nigerian State between 2009 and 2019. The framework of analysis of this research is based on system theory. The theory guided the qualitative descriptive analysis of data collected from secondary sources, including from textbooks, journals, archives, and the Internet. The study among other things found that Boko-Haram terrorism is a serious disturbance to Nigerian political system; that it really affected national security in Nigeria especially on socio-economic and political fronts. It noted also that corruption in the military top brass, as well as intersecurity agency feud in the counter-terrorism account for the failure in degrading Boko Haram since 2009. Towards addressing the problem of terrorism in Nigeria, this study recommended among other things, addressing the corruption in the security architecture of Nigeria, and reviewing the NACTEST for curbing the inter-security agencies feud in counter-terrorism. It also recommended the duo of military-centric counter-terrorism and socioeconomic and political strategies against nation-building crisis in Nigeria which are at the roots of the terrorism.
Boko-Haram, terrorism, national security, Nigeria
Satirical Magical Realism in Ngugi Wa Thiongo's Wizard of the Crow
This paper concerns itself with Ngugi Wa Thiongo’s demonstration of his use of satiric magical realism to illuminate the political irregularities in his postcolonial Kenya. The depiction of the postcolonial African situation calls for this narrative style. This narrative style is used for the primary purpose of mockery, ridicule and humor. Ngugi is sickened by the political instabilities in his postcolonial Kenya. Ngugi exceeds the limits of the real in a bid to mock leadership in Africa. He manipulates the realistic mode, he uses characters who exceeds the limits of what is real. Ngugi uses magical realism as an effective platform for political discourse. It reaches into the essence of abusive governments. This study is hinged on the sociological approach.
affinities, chimera, embedded, nucleus, phenomena
Maximum Vocal Art in Music Performance: Indispensability of Breathing and Breath Control
Good vocal art music performances that appeal to the ear and soothes the soul are the burning desires of every audience from its performers especially the erudite ones amongst them. The foundation of vocal art music lies in the proper control of the breath. Investigations and observations have shown that over fifty percent of music undergraduates in Nigerian tertiary institutions can hardly render a vocal art music performance without producing disjointed and broken notes or cracks and non-flow of the words they vocalize. Until a performer knows how to control the breath and unite tones, only then is he equipped to convey every variety of expression expected of him in vocal art music performance, else, the art of singing would become a chimera. By means of applying the working principles of the larynx and pharynx which are part of the respiratory mechanisms in the process of sound production, this paper will explore; the act of breathing and breath control in vocal art music, show reasons why impressive breath control in vocal performers should be developed and exercises for developing control of escaping air in vocal performance. All these will in turn ground the undergraduates in maximum vocal art music performance if imbibed in them early enough by music educators.
soothes, erudite, disjointed, vocalize, chimera, imbibed
Human Rights of Widows: A Study of Widowhood Practices in a Nigerian Society
The subject of widowhood practices remains one of the serious issues of our times and one which has elicited mixed interpretations. Nigeria, being a multiethnic society, has different forms of widowhood practices that reflect its cultural diversity. This study focuses on widowhood practices in the southeastern part of the country which is populated mostly by the Igbo-speaking ethnic group, one of Nigeria’s largest groups. Marriage, as one of the basic institutions of any society, is laden with many challenges for most couples. For the woman, this is worsened by the loss of her husband. In Nigeria’s Igbo society, when a woman loses her husband, her identity suddenly changes. After the death of her husband, she no longer is viewed as a pure and complete woman. Widows in many Igbo communities are subjected to dehumanizing practices that cause them to suffer physical as well as psychological trauma. Unfortunately, such cultural practices are perpetuated by the umuada (patrilineal daughters) who call themselves preservers of the local culture and tradition. In spite of the enactment of many laws for the protection of the rights of widows, widows in Igbo society still face social discrimination and deprivation and are often denied their due inheritance. This paper analyses the phenomenon of Igbo widowhood practices with a view to understanding the cultural and social milieu in which such gender-oriented practices thrive.
widowhood practices, Nigeria, Igbo Society, widows’ rights, inheritance
Metaphysical Paradigms in African, Chinese and Western Philosophies
Although philosophy as a deliberate investigation of fundamental truths through the method of logical reasoning may be universal, there are significant conceptual and categorical differences that should be taken into account when analyzing or interpreting philosophical discourses emanating from vastly different socio-cultural milieus. This paper presents some features of metaphysics in African, Chinese and Western philosophies with a view to leading the reader to identifying and appreciating some of the ways in which metaphysical paradigms differ from one philosophical tradition to another. The study posits that a particular culture can have a philosophic concept or category that may not be applicable to other cultural contexts. Such differences, the paper argues, could be deployed to promote inter-cultural understanding; it should not be used by one culture to denigrate the uniqueness and authenticity of another culture by labelling its entire philosophic contribution as ethnophilosophy.
African philosophy, Chinese philosophy, Western philosophy, metaphysics, ontology
Climate Change Communication in South East Nigeria: Analyzing Perspectives
Climate Change is one of the major concerns of nations in the 21st century. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) characterizes it as the latest challenge to sustainable human development. Nigeria, as a nation, is particularly vulnerable to climate change because a large share of its economy is dependent on climate-sensitive natural resources, and there is low level of adaptation measures due to poverty and low technological development. This has necessitated intervention measures communicated by the government and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) through various media such as radio, television, video, newspapers, magazines and new media to ameliorate the impact of climate change. The paper, therefore, is a theoretical review of the climate change in Nigeria. The paper adopts Mental Model to analyze different perspectives of climate change communication in Nigeria. Climate change, impact of climate change, climate change and variability as well as climate change adaptation and prevention are discussed as key issues on climate change communication in Nigeria. Against the backdrop of these analyses, the paper recommended that efforts be made by all concerned bodies on climate change intervention to review the content of the messages for clearer and better understanding to audience. Additionally, there should be creation of communication strategies that would address the major issues of climate change geared towards the achievement of a wider coverage of climate change interventions in the country in meeting the SDG goals.
climate, climate change, communication, adaptation and prevention.
Ifeanyichukwu Ekeka & Chinonso Chinaemerem Adikuru
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GENERAL STUDIES (IJGS), VOL 2 NO 1, 2022
User Education Programmes and the Use of the Library in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University: the State of the Art
This paper sets to emphasize the user education programme and the use of the library and study skills as obtainable in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and the strong need to introduce comprehensive and systematic library instruction and user education programmes in Nigerian universities with special reference to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. The nature and challenges of user education in Chukwuemeka Ojukwu University are carefully highlighted. The article outlines the various roles that should be played by the university administrations, teaching staff, and the library professionals in making user education programmes and library instructions effective and efficient. The paper equally attempts to establish what impact a user education programme or use of library and study skills should have on student academic life and even after university education. This paper also advocates ways of making user education or use of library and study skills being taught under the General Studies Unit compulsory and examinable, and credit earning, to encourage students’ active participation and seriousness. The paper equally advocates the urgent need for active support and encouragement from the faculty members and teaching staff. Finally, the paper suggests the strategies for improving upon the teaching of user education in Nigerian Universities with special attention/reference to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.
user education programme, library instruction, Nigerian universities, university administration, university libraries, library orientation, freshmen
Julius Okeke Ofordile & Udemezue Joseph Ogugua
Strategizing Works of Selected Nigerian Musicians for the Actualization of Global Peace in the 21st Century
Global volatility, conflicts, crisis, divergence, resentment, antagonism, misdemeanor, terrorism, war and other negative social trends proliferate as a result of ethnic, religious, political tensions and mostly human behavior. Many attempts made by various countries of the world and many world organizations to decrease, reduce and defuse these negative social trends acquiesced with little or no positive result because what is required is to work on human mind to achieve peace. The defenses of peace must be constructed in the minds of men, since wars normally begin in the minds of men. The aim of this paper therefore is to do collection of works of selected Nigerian musicians’ geared towards actualizing global peace in this 21st Century. Selected relevant texts from the works of Chief Osita Osadebe , Chief Dr. Oliver De Coque, Majek Fashek, Ojiakor Patrick among others were interpreted and analyzed under five categories: Admonition, Appeal, Advice, Impression and Revelation. Information was elicited by collection of some of their relevant records, through internet sources and review of some related literature. It revealed music as a tool through which awareness is created, “metanoia” achieved, with power to inspire and generate peace. These musicians through their music with inspiring lyrics are building peace, stopping violence, saving lives, and healing shattered communities. Strategizing their works entails collecting, notating, annotating their works, packaging them and putting them on the internet, television, radio, CD and use them as ringing tunes for the propagation in addition to life performances. It suggested that more encouragement should be given to these musicians for them to focus on promoting individual inner peace, love, compassion and forgiveness. This paper would open people’s minds and souls to follow the right parts, to embrace peace through right music which when evaluated, will be music that has immense worth for our societies and universal.
strategizing, musicians, actualization, global, peace
Ethnicity and Prebendal Politics: Implications for Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria
Nigeria is a heterogeneous society comprising diverse ethnic, linguistic and cultural groups. Contact with the colonialists suddenly changed the peaceful coexistence of the groups and threw up ethnic loyalty and ethnocentrism. The fear of domination by some ethnic groups heightened the struggle for scarce resources and quest for control of power. The competition for power and resources which gullible politicians and public office holders believe are easily gotten from the state culminated in prebendalism. The paper examines the implications of the two variables of ethnicity and prebendal politics on democratic consolidation in Nigeria and recommends good governance as a way of addressing their negative effects. This study is hinged on the Tallcot Parsons’ pattern variables as theoretical framework of analysis.
prebendalism, ethnicity, democratic consolidation, pattern variables
Ihezie Okekwe & Ebelechukwu Lawretta Okiche
Recounting History through Pristine Settlements: A Study of Selected Basà Toponyms in Nasarawa and Toto Local Governments of Nasarawa State
This paper studies Basà toponyms in Toto and Nasarawa local government councils of Nasarawa State. Every place name in most Nigerian and African settlements has narratives which constitute the symbolic historical narrative behind it. The study seeks to answer the question: What are the motivations and the narratives behind toponyms in Toto and Nasarawa local government councils of Nasarawa state? Ethnographic data for the study were obtained through interviews and metalinguistic conversations in Basà speaking domains of Toto and Nasarawa local councils. The investigation adopted the linguistic descriptive method using the Leipzig Glossing Rule to interpret the data obtained. The facts in this study show that, while various approaches such as oral history, archaeology and other scientific methods can be used by researchers to study toponyms, a linguistic approach can also be adopted as an alternative complement. The findings from this study show that place names are historical preserving strategies and tools among the Basà ethnic group in Toto and Nasarawa local government areas. The linguistic approach used in the study revealed that the place names examined in the study involves various grammatical structures through complex morphological processes to derive their surface forms. The commonest sources of nomination of Basà toponyms are geographical features, water bodies, vegetations, animals, ideology, personal names, ideophones, transfer of settlement names and social factors. The investigation unearths, reminds, teaches and preserves unknown stories encapsulated in these toponyms.
Basà, history, narrative, narrative, Nasarawa, place names, toponyms, toponymy and Toto
Philip Manda Imoh & Friday Nyizo Dansabo
The Effect of Sexual Harassment of Female Employees on the Level of Performance among Anambra State Civil Servants
Sexual harassment has become an issue of global discourse. This singular act was adjudged to be very offensive and is targeted mostly at female employees which violates their fundamental human rights and reduces their dignity as women. Whenever sexual harassment occurs, it creates a negative scene which harms their level of performance in the workplace. To this end, this study focused on the effect of sexual harassment of female employees on the level of performance in the Anambra State Civil Service. The study adopted the descriptive cross-sectional survey research design. Four research questions guided the study. Role identity theory was adopted as the theoretical framework of the study. The sample size for the study was 180 female employees who were selected through the proportionate stratified random sampling technique. Data for the study were collected through questionnaire administration and data collected were processed using the SPSS software package. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics like simple percentages, and frequency tables. The hypotheses were tested using chi-square (χ2) statistical inference. Findings of the study revealed that the female employees of Anambra State Civil Service at the lower cadre experience more sexual harassment and this affects the level of performance in their workplace. The study recommended the need for the Commission to come up with tough policies aimed at reducing the incidence of sexual harassment.
environment, female employees, performance, sexual harassment, workplace
Chukwujekwu Charles Onwuka & Ignatius Sunday Ume
Leadership Quality and Performance of Nigerian Polytechnics
This study was set out to review the relationship between leadership quality and performance of Nigerian Polytechnics, using Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, as a case study. The spearman rank correlation statistics was used to test the relationship between the variables. The value of the correlation coefficient (r = - 0.99) revealed a strong inverse relationship between the variables, implying that an increase in leadership quality leads to decrease in the rank value of the Polytechnic and increase in performance. The study concludes that a proactive and visionary leadership is needed in Nigerian Polytechnics to help meet their mandates. The study recommended, among others, an individual with the requisite qualifications (academic and professional); and management skills to occupy the ‘Rector’ position in all Polytechnics across Nigeria, at any point in time.
leadership quality, institutional performance, polytechnic.
Florence Eguonor Omonzejele & Cyril Obiora Agu
Resolving Violent Conflicts in Nigeria: Towards A Social Contract Approach
Following the independence of Nigeria in 1960, there were hopes that the culturally and linguistically diverse groups of people successfully welded together by the British in 1914 would quickly become an epitome of democracy, peace and prosperity. Those hopes were dashed within the first seven years of the country’s existence as an independent nation. After 30 months of civil war, decades of military rule and various democratic experiments, this richly endowed country of over 200 million people is still caught in the web of incessant mutual distrust that often gives rise to violent conflicts across the country. Various conflict-management and peace-building measures put in place have not led to reduction in incidences of violent clashes among Nigerians. It is the position of this paper that a social-contract model of resolving conflicts can galvanize the people of Nigeria towards reaching common terms for peaceful co-existence and position Nigeria for durable peace and development.
peace, security, Nigeria, social contract, political philosophy, conflict resolution
Swimming Against Binary Tides: The Gender Queer’s Use of Religion, Family and Advocacy as Escape in Selected Narratives of Diriye Osman’s Fairytales for Lost Children
The constraints that African youth go through in their attempt to optionally pursue and declare their gender/sexual orientation and identity in their heteronormative societies is an issue that calls for critical attention. Like the protagonists in Osman’s Fairytales for Lost Children (2013), they face troubles and subsequent rejection by their family members. They must disguise themselves if they want to be religious and survive. And they must forever be at their wits end to defend themselves through advocacy in order to avoid harm or persecution. This paper examines the two-edged nature of queer people’s strategies of escape through how Osman, fictionalizing his autobiography, depicts them, with his choice of characterization, plot types, motifs, symbols and language use, with tropes and elements like repetition, flashback, contrast and detailed description. Using Freud’s psychoanalysis and Saunders’ autobiografiction as lenses to examine and critique LGBTQ+ of a typical African society and culture and its youth in Fairytales for Lost Children (2013), the paper reasons that a critical analysis of Osman’s narratives reveal his literary output. Hence, it concludes that such optional pursuance of gender/sexual orientation expression is not only perilous, but futile. Additionally, the paper suggests that as a people, Africans need to clearly distinguish between the nonbinary or queer from non-conforming gender identities and sexual orientations. The findings of the paper have implications for policy makers in aiding them to formulate policies to protect the queer youth and demonstrate our stand as a people on gender matters.
sexual/gender orientation, Diriye Osman, fictionalized autobiography, literary output
Cynthia Derx Techie, Philomena Yeboah & Daniel Okyere-Darko
An Assessment of the Multidimensional Pattern of Malaria Infection among Children under 0-5 Years in Anyigba, North-Central Nigeria
Malaria is estimated to kill more than 1 million people annually, the majority of whom are young children. The study assessed the incidents of malaria infection among children aged 0-5 years in Anyigba. This study was hinged on four specific objectives which include: determining the incidence and prevalence level of malaria among children aged 0-5 years in Anyigba, identifying the contributory factors of malaria infection among children of 0-5 in the area studied, identifying strategies employed to combat the incidence of malaria among children of 0-5 years, and ascertaining the economic toll of both preventive and curative measures of malaria. The paper adopted the health belief model to explain the social phenomenon reviewed. The study adopted the survey research design with simple random sampling techniques to reach and elicit responses from 278 selected study participants. Structured questionnaire was used as the primary instrument of data collection. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Findings, among others, shows that the incidence and prevalence of malaria among children within age 0-5 years, were very high in the study area. Contributory factors responsible for malaria infection were parasites of genus plasmodium, low use of insecticide treated net, unsanitary environmental condition, poverty, poor behavioural attitude, and ignorance. The study among others recommends that the Nigerian government should release funds for malaria research and control activities; the increasing severity of the threat of malaria to the Nigerian residents, especially in Anyigba among children aged 0-5 years, and the diminishing ability to counter it, should be addressed by a more comprehensive and better integrated approach to malaria research and control; and for malaria control, short/long term interventions should be undertaken to ameliorate this holoendemic crisis of malaria infections.
Edward Ukwubile Egwuaba & Adaeze Linda Olisa
Concrete and Steel as Form-givers in Art, Architecture and Engineering
This paper contains selected sculptures and structures in the fields of Art, Architecture and Engineering, where concrete and steel have been used to express outstanding and evocative forms. The aim of this paper is to highlight how concrete and steel have been used to create forms and landmarks in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, that appease the senses of observers. They are the results of how artists, architects and engineers used concrete and steel to create forms in their areas of expertise. This study was achieved by studying existing artworks and structures to highlight their design elements. The paper is structured as follows: Introduction, Literature Review, Case Studies (with Discussions), Recommendations, Conclusion and References. It reviewed literature on works of concrete and steel, with examples from famous artists, architects and engineers around the world. The research methodology was based on visual survey and the internet, with appropriate case studies on the subjectmatter. The tools employed in the study are working drawings, measuring instruments and the android camera. The paper made two (2) studies of art works from the Department of Fine Arts and two (2) other architectural/engineering works – one from the Department of Architecture and the other from the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), all in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. It concludes that concrete and steel have unique qualities and properties that assist artists, architects and engineers in achieving specific forms.
architecture, art, concrete, engineering, form-givers, steel
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GENERAL STUDIES (IJGS), VOL 2 NO 2, 2022
The Artists in the Television Media's Fight against COVID-19: A Comparative Study of LTV and EKTV
Despite several information on the prevalence of Corona virus (COVID-19) in Nigeria, the National Centre for Disease and Control (NCDC) reports show that among the states, there have been sharp contrast in the level of infected people. This study investigates the influence of the artists in television media broadcasts in the fight against the spread of the virus. Using Ekiti State and the Lagos State (which have remarkable records of contrast in terms of the level of infected persons). It is on this backdrop that this study adopts a qualitative research design (comprising survey, interviews, focus groups discussions, NCDC reports and literary materials) for data gathering. The study uses Ekiti State Television (EKTV) and Lagos State Television (LTV) to carry-out a comparative study of the contents and impacts of television messages on the public’s (i.e. Lagos and Ekiti States’ dwellers’) perceptions of the issue of Covid-19; in order to find out the element(s) that influences the public's favourable disposition to television broadcasts in the collective fight against the spread of Covid-19. This study anchors its argument on George Gerbner's Cultivation Theory and submits that: the television media has the power to shape the public’s perception on particular subject matter, but the use of role models like the artist(s) as the channel(s) for propagating the subject matter, is key to influencing the public’s positive disposition to the message.
The Artist, Television, Covid-19, EKTV, LTV, Perception
Nsikan Bassey Asuquo & Folorunsho Jadesola
Security Agencies and Internal Security Administration: Evaluation of Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Anambra State (2011-2018)
This paper is an examination and evaluation of the operation of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study covers a period of seven years, 2011 to 2018. The methodology guiding the paper is survey design as the study relied on both primary and secondary sources for data generation. However, the results of the study indicated that: the establishment of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps has significantly helped in the amelioration of pipeline vandalization in Nigeria. It has indeed reduced pipeline vandalism and they have a number of cases of their successful operation against such vandals. This area and their surveillance roles in different segments of civil society constitute some of the praise-worthy roles of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps. This study indicates that the creation of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps has significantly helped in crime reduction and in stabilizing the social order in Anambra State and some other states of Nigeria. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the NSCDC should, when needful, undertake joint security exercises or programmes with some stake-holders in the various communities. Such cooperative effort would enable the NSCDC to reach out to the people in need of help. Another recommendation stresses the need to enact a vagrancy law which would serve as the legal instrument upon which the NSCDC can take preventive action against vagrants who may be potential sources of criminality.
evaluation, security agencies, internal security, administration, civil defence, vandalism, Anambra State
Obiora Anthony Uzor, Obinna Solomon Eboh Angela Ukamaka Umeasiegbu & Ifeamaka D. Okafor
LA RHETORIQUE DU DISCOURS DE TEXTES DE MISSION DES ECOLES NORMALES AU GHANA
Cetravail de recherche vise à analyser les éléments linguistiques employés dans le discoursdes textes des missions des écolesnormales au Ghana et voir la mesure où ces textes sont persuasifs. Le travail investigue l’usage intentionnel d’une langue persuasive dans les textes pour influencer la relation des auteurs envers les lecteurs. Le travail est une contribution au domaine croisant de communication institutionnelle. Pour accomplirnotre tâche, nous avons collecté des données qui sont les textes des missions des écoles normales à l’aide de nos collèges enseignants dans les écoles ainsi que les sites des écoles normales en question.Les données sont traduitesen français et codées pour l’analyse. L’analyse est faite par la méthode qualitative qui nous permet à soutenir nos arguments par des évidences textuels.La rhétorique d’Aristote et son développementnous sert d’outil théorique principal et appropriéde l’analyse. L’analyse révèle que les auteurs emploient les trois appels rhétoriques d’Aristoteàsavoir lelogos(évocation de la logique pour persuader lecteurs), lepathos(appelà l’émotion des lecteurs) et l’ethos(la mise en exergue de lacrédibilité des auteurs) au but persuasifs.Il y a aussi l’emploi stratégique des éléments lexico-grammaticales comme les groupes nominaux et des adjectifs persuasifs qui présentent une image glorieux des écoles.
mission, textes, rhétorique, école normale, Ghana
Ransford Gameli Klinogo & Ottilia Aku Datsomor
Redefining Reference and Information Services in Nigerian University Libraries: A Digital Paradigm
The paper examined the need for digitization and/or digital operation of reference and information services in Nigerian university libraries. It discussed the concept of digital reference service vis-à-vis traditional reference service and reviewed the potential for digital reference service in university libraries. The paper also highlighted the advantages of digital reference service as well as the challenges militating against digital operation of reference and information services in Nigerian university libraries. Among recommendations made for effective digitization and/or digital operation of reference and information services include the need for adequate funding of these libraries, provision of ICT resources, organization of ICT workshops for staff or training and retraining of staff in ICT services, provision of regular power supply or alternative source of energy, and recruitment of qualified library staff.
reference and information services, digital reference service, traditional reference service, university libraries
Udemezue Joseph Ogugua & Julius Okeke Ofordile
A Comparative Appraisal of Selected Campaign Speeches of Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 Presidential Election in Nigeria
President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) and former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) are both known in Nigerian politics and for their participation in the 2015 presidential election in Nigeria. Both are incumbent and immediate past Presidents of Nigeria respectively. They are both socially and politically relevant to the socio-political development of Africa’s most populous country, a fact that accounted for this analysis of their speeches. This paper adopts the appraisal theory (AT) of Martin and White (2005) to explicate the selected speeches of PMB and GEJ with the view to accounting for their stances and for their reasons for taking such stances. Four political speeches were sampled, and two (one from each speaker) were selected and analysed. The data were downloaded from the website of two national dailies in Nigeria (The Daily Post of October 15, 2014, and The Nation of November 11, 2014). Both speakers addressed issues that focus on political, economic, and social matters. They deployed appraisal resources of engagement evaluation and denial to achieve their respective communicative intentions. Buhari engaged appraisal resources of concur, proclaim, distance, and hearsay while Jonathan deployed capacity, disclaim and denial to engage their potential readers. They both used adjectives to describe issues and verbs to refer to issues either in the past or present. This paper recommends that politicians should make their campaign speeches relevant to the context of the future election to engage with their potential readers and listeners.
appraisal resources, political campaign speeches, presidential election, Muhammadu Buhari, Goodluck Jonathan
The Causes and Implications of Gender-based Violence on the Socio-Economic Status and Development of Women in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, North-East Nigeria
The research was conducted to identify drivers of gender-based violence (GBV) and its implications on the socio-economic status and advancement of women and the girl-child in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, North-East Nigeria. The metropolis was ravaged by the actions of terrorist groups. The research objective is to measure the implications of GBV on the socio-economic status and advancement of women and the girl-child. The research adopted simple random sampling procedure and 225 participants took part in the research. Data were gathered through the use of an in-depth structured questionnaire named gender-based violence and socio-economic status and advancement questionnaire (GBVSEAQ). Results indicated the major drivers of GBV to be tradition (38%), religion (20%), illiteracy (14%), gender imbalance (10%) and poverty (18%). Regarding the consequences of gender-based violence on victims and survivors, the results are as follows: social stigmatization (32%), melancholy (40%), compulsory seclusion (16%) and low self esteem (LSE) or inferiority complex (12%). On the implications of GBV on the socio-economic status and advancement of women and the girl-child, the results point to servitude/poverty (43%), economic reliance (30%), lack of access to resources (17%) and lack of access to skills acquisition (10%). The results show that the available services to victims of GBV in the study area are clinical management of rape (17%), psycho-social support (33%), case management (50%) and legal aid service (0%). The research made some recommendations which include massive sensitisation of men on the effects of GBV on women and girls, setting up a legal aid corps to provide free legal services to GBV victims and prosecution of perpetrators of GBV.
Ikechukwu Stephen Okolie, Zara Kareto Mohammed, Ujuamara Ononye & Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Okolie