JOURNAL OF ARTS, RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY AND CULTURAL STUDIES
The Journal of Arts, Religion, Philosophy, and Cultural Studies ( ISSN: 3121-8644; E-ISSN: 3121-8636) is a multidisciplinary platform committed to fostering scholarly discourse and critical inquiry at the intersections of art, spirituality, philosophical thought, and cultural dynamics. This journal serves as a space where diverse voices and perspectives converge to explore the intricate tapestry of human experience across time, geography, and ideology.
A PHILOSOPHICAL APPRAISAL OF THE CONCEPT PHENOMENALISM
The main task of early modern philosophy is the epistemological project of showing how knowledge is possible. Empiricism, as a school of thought in epistemology or theory of knowledge, was destined to alter the course and concerns of modern philosophy. While Bacon was interested, in the “total reconstruction of sciences, arts, and all human knowledge, raised upon the proper foundations”, John Locke, the founder of empiricism in Britain, aimed at the more modest objective of clearing the ground and removing some of the “rubbish” that lies in the way of knowledge (Lawhead: 213). It was at this process of “clearing” that Locke “hit upon a bold and original interpretation of how the mind works and the extent of knowledge we can expect from the human mind” (Stumpf: 251). For Locke, our knowledge is limited to our experience that is “empiricism”. Empiricism is a doctrine in philosophy which holds that the most reliable source of human knowledge is experience, that is, through observation and sometimes experimentation. This is a view contrasted with rationalism, a theory which states that reason is itself a source of knowledge superior to and independent of sense perceptions. However, Refinements of empiricism led to phenomenalism, positivism, scientism, logical positivism etc. Phenomenalism is a view in epistemology derives from the metaphysical notion “that objects are logical construction out of perceptual properties.” (Dictionary .com) It can also be considered a radical form of empiricism. Employing the method of critical analysis, this paper therefore examines the meaning, basic tenets and history of phenomenalism, as well as the phenomenalist position, its variants, themes and some objections to the theory of phenomenalism.
Empiricism, epistemology, modern philosophy, John Locke
ABIODUN OLAKU: ATMOSPHERIC ABSTRACTION AND THE PHENOMENOLOGY OF BODILY PRESENCE
This paper examines the paintings of Abiodun Olaku through the conceptual frameworks of atmospheric abstraction and phenomenology, with particular attention to the representation of bodily presence in contemporary Nigerian painting. While Olaku is widely recognized for his luminous urban and landscape compositions, this study argues that beneath their technical realism lies a phenomenological engagement with mood, embodiment, memory, and spatial perception. The paper investigates how atmosphere functions not merely as environmental depiction but as a sensory and psychological field through which human presence is implied, negotiated, and emotionally experienced. The study adopts a qualitative art-historical methodology grounded in formal analysis, phenomenological aesthetics, and interpretive criticism. Drawing on the theories of Maurice Merleau-Ponty, Gernot Böhme, and contemporary discourse on affect and spatiality, the research analyzes selected works by Olaku in relation to light, tonal transitions, compositional rhythm, and the suggestive treatment of figures within urban environments. The paper further explores how silence, shadow, haze, and reflective surfaces contribute to an atmosphere that evokes corporeal awareness and emotional introspection. Findings reveal that Olaku’s paintings transcend documentary representation by constructing immersive visual experiences that situate viewers within psychologically charged environments. His atmospheric treatment of light and space produces a subtle tension between visibility and absence, thereby reinforcing the phenomenological relationship among body, perception, and place. The study concludes that Olaku’s work expands the discourse of contemporary Nigerian painting by integrating atmospheric abstraction with embodied perception, positioning his practice within broader conversations on affect, sensory experience, and postcolonial urban visuality.
Atmospheric abstraction, phenomenology, bodily presence, contemporary Nigerian painting, embodied perception
THE ROLE OF THEOMORPHISM AND ANTHROPOMORPHISM IN THE PRESERVATION OF IGBO ENVIRONMENT AND CULTURE
This research examines the role of theomorphism and anthropomorphism in the preservation of the Igbo environment and culture. The study explores the ways in which traditional Igbo religious beliefs, cultural values, and symbolic representations of nature contribute to environmental conservation and cultural continuity. An investigation is conducted into the relationship among spirituality, indigenous ecological knowledge, and environmental ethics within Igbo society. A qualitative systematic literature review methodology was employed for the study, utilizing secondary data sourced from scholarly journals, books, cultural studies, and historical publications covering the period from 2020 to 2025. Thematic analysis was applied to interpret the collected data. The findings indicate that theomorphism and anthropomorphism exert substantial influence on the formation of environmental consciousness among the Igbo people. Sacred forests, rivers, animals, and natural objects are frequently associated with spiritual beings and ancestral powers, thereby promoting environmental protection and sustainable resource management. The study also identified that modernization, Westernization, Christianity, and urbanization have contributed to the decline of traditional environmental practices and cultural values. The study concludes that indigenous belief systems remain important instruments for environmental sustainability and cultural preservation within Igbo society. The research recommends the incorporation of indigenous ecological knowledge into contemporary environmental policies and educational frameworks.
Theomorphism, Anthropomorphism, Igbo environment, Igbo culture, Environmental conservation, Indigenous ecological knowledge, Traditional religion, Sacred forests
DECLINE OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES IN AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND TECH AGE: EXPERIENCES AND WAY FORWARD
In this study, an attempt has been made to vividly unveil the state of religious studies in Nigeria and the impact of artificial intelligence and technology on the discipline. The objective of the paper is to evaluate the relevance of the discipline. The research also investigates the challenges facing the field and proposes solutions aimed at cushioning its further decline. It is evident that the aspiration of studying religion in tertiary institutions has undermined by the current wave of technological advancement. In the past few decades, greater relevance and preference have been ascribed to Western driven disciplines and technology related skills. The qualitative analysis utilizes both primary and secondary data. This paper observes that enrollment in Religious Studies in Nigeria is declining because of the rise of technology, inferiority complex, secularism, proliferation of private universities and institutions, lack of interest by students, difficulty of some of the language components of the courses, economic instability and bad governance in Nigeria. Notwithstanding that religion has continued to grow, academic study of religion has continued to decline. The research recommends that Religious Studies in Nigeria should be repositioned through a total educational overhaul that incorporates computer practical knowledge and relevant A.I certifications into students’ academic activities. It is important that the teaching of these skills be attached reasonably to the various course descriptions and contents of the various institutions. It is also necessary for the lecturers to become acquainted with relevant technological skills to ensure more effective delivery of the courses.
Religious studies, Artificial intelligence, Science, Technology and Nigeria
MOTHERHOOD DEFIANCE: SPECULATING THE FUTURE FROM THE PRESENT IN BUCHI EMECHETA 'S SECOND CLASS CITIZEN AND NNEDI OKOROAFOR ‘S THE BOOK OF PHOENIX
Motherhood defiance is a woman's determination to be self-reliance and her refusal to be controlled by the patriarchal society she lives in. It is when a woman rejects gender stereotype and challenges patriarchy and stands her ground for socio-economic and political improvement. In African literature, motherhood can be described as strength characterized in femininity. Motherhood defiance conceptualizes a woman unique mothering experience while maintaining her autonomy and identity. Emecheta’s Second-Class Citizen has been critiqued from a standpoint of female autonomy, identity formation and resistance against women oppression and colonial legacies, while studies on Okoroafor's The Book of Phoenix focused on her speculative fiction as a critique to gendered violence and social inequality. From motherism, a decolonial feminist approach, this paper aims to portray motherhood as a form of defiance and empowerment in traditional and speculative African fiction. However, our interpretation of motherhood from the old and the recent texts, is a speculation of the future from the existing feminist canons.
Motherhood, African feminism, Buchi Emecheta, Nnedi Okoroafor, and gender empowerment
Chinasa Abonyi; Sopuluchchukwu Blessing Madubuchi
Copyright (c) 2025 JOURNAL OF ARTS, RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY AND CULTURAL STUDIES
DISCURSIVE STRATEGIES OF POSITIVE SELF-PRESENTATION AND NEGATIVE OTHER- PRESENTATION IN THE SELECTED SPEECHES OF NNAMDI KANU AND SUNDAY IGBOHO
This study explores the discursive construction of positive self-presentation and negative other-presentation in the political speeches of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho, with the aim to understanding how language is deployed to construct collective identity and resistance. Anchored on Critical Discourse Analysis of van Dijk’s (2006) socio-cognitive framework, the research investigates how both activists linguistically differentiate between the in-group and the out-group, thereby reinforcing ethnic consciousness and political mobilization. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study consists of purposively selected speeches based on their thematic relevance to identity construction. The analysis dwells on how linguistic and rhetorical features such as inclusive pronouns, and framing are used to foster in-group cohesion. Findings show that the activists consistently use the ideological square of positive self-presentation and negative other-presentation to create a polarized worldview that legitimizes their resistance agendas. They draw on shared historical experiences and collective grievances to solidify solidarity among their ethnic groups that form their teeming audiences. The study argues that othering and solidarity-building are not merely linguistic acts but powerful socio-political tools that shape perception, reinforce group boundaries, and sustain resistance movements. The study concludes that in-group and out-group solidarity are powerful discursive instruments that goes beyond mere linguistic choices to shape perception, influence cognition, and sustain socio-political movements. The study contributes to current scholarly readings on discourse and identity construction in multilingual and politically complex societies like Nigeria. It provides insight into how political actors including activists manipulate language to build ideological divisions in Nigeria’s socio-political context.
positive self-representation, negative other-representation, critical discourse analysis, identity construction, rhetorical features
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN POST-CIVIL WAR IN OKIGWE URBAN, 1970 – 1996
The post-civil war economic development in Okigwe (1970-1996) examines how the people of Okigwe urban coped economically after the civil war. The study focuses on strategies adopted for survival in the aftermath of a devesting conflict that lasted for three years and resulted in the loss of pf businesses and economic assets. With the end of the war, many residents returned home and were compelled to rebuild their livelihoods from scratch, primarily through agriculture and the sale of farm produce. Although the Federal Government proclaimed a policy of “No Victor, No Vanquished” and introduced the three Rs-Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Reintegrationthese measures were inadequately implemented, thereby worsening the economic condition of the people. Like many other Igbo communities, the people of Okigwe took their fate in their own hands. Artisans established workshops to revive their trade, while traders engaged in small-scale commerce with limited resources. The Federal Government’s policy of issuing a flat payment of #20 to banks account holders, regardless of pre-war savings, further constrained economic recovery and contributed to the stagnation of the economy in Eastern Nigeria, including Okigwe Urban. However, within approximately five years after the war, the people demonstrated remarkable economic resilience and began to recover. This recovery can be attributed to a combination of individual enterprise, community efforts, and limited governmental support. Notably, the government of East Central State, alongside the Federal Government, contributed to development through the establishment of schools, agricultural institutions, and housing in Okigwe Urban.
Okigwe urban, British colonial land, post-war, Nigerian civil-war, Policies, federal government, artisans social, economy, agriculture, community, Eastern Nigeria
OJIRIDIKE, IBE STEVE; EMERITUS PROF. GEOFERY I. NWAKA
ÉTUDES EN TERMINOLOGIE MÉDICALE: UN GLOSSAIRE BILINGUE (ANGLAIS-FRANÇAIS) DES TERMES LIÉS À LA TUBERCULOSE
This study is aimed at producing a bilingual (English- French) glossary of key medical terms related to tuberculosis (TB), with a view to facilitating accurate communication in clinical, educational, and public health settings, particularly in Francophone and Anglophone contexts. Based on authoritative sources, including the Canadian TERMIUM PLUS, terminology database and the Canadian Public Health glossary for TB. The study identifies core terms such as “tuberculosis” (tuberculose), “multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB)” (tuberculose multi-resistante), "airborne infection isolation room” (chambred’isolement des infections aéroportées), “Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC)” (complexe Mycobacterium tuberculosis), and “contact” (contact), providing precise definitions in source language and translating them into the target language. Thus, the glossary not only includes direct translations but also contextual definitions tailored to TB epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, and public health protocols. By standardizing these terms, the work supports multilingual healthcare professionals, translators, and researchers in achieving clarity and avoiding ambiguity. Future expansion could include comprehensive terminology for treatment regimens, drug- resistant strains (such as XDR-TB), and related symptoms or laboratory procedures, this bilingual glossary therefore represents an essential reference tool for improving tuberculosis-related communication, training, and documentation across English and French-speaking healthcare environments.
OKEKE OGECHUKWU JULIET; IWUNZE EMEKA INNOCENT Ph.D; ANYABUIKE CYRIL Ph.D
KNOWLEDGE AND PREVALENCE OF SELF-MEDICATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATES OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY AND CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
This study focuses on assessing the knowledge and prevalence of self-medication among undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Anambra State, Nigeria. It examines students’ knowledge of self-medication, major reasons for engaging in the practice, its prevalence, associated consequences, and possible intervention strategies, as outlined in the research objectives. Four theories were reviewed, namely: opportunist theory, self-medication theory, differential association theory, and health belief theory. However, the study adopted two theories as its theoretical framework: self-medication theory and opportunist theory. The study employed a mixed-method research design. The target population for Nnamdi Azikiwe University was 24,706 regular undergraduates, while that of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University was 10,875 undergraduates. A structured questionnaire was administered to 360 students selected from the two universities. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25, and presented in tables and charts. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis with NVivo software (version 2.0). The hypotheses were tested using Chi-square (χ²) inferential statistics. The study found that the knowledge and prevalence of self-medication are remarkably high among undergraduates of both universities. The study recommends that efforts should be intensified to discourage self-medication practices among university students in Nigeria through awareness campaigns and improved access to healthcare services.
Exposure, health-seeking behavior, knowledge, self-medication, undergraduates
IBIK, CHINECHEREM EMMANUEL; Okeke, Obinna Chukwudalu (PhD)
AN INQUIRY INTO THE RESURGENCE OF UKA-EKE, UKA-ORIE, UKA-AFOR, AND UKA-NKWO CELEBRATIONS AMONG CONTEMPORARY IGBO YOUTHS: A PARADIGM SHIFT OR A DECLINE IN CULTURAL TRADITION
The resurgence of interest among contemporary Igbo youths in the celebration of Uka-Eke, Uka-Orie, Uka-Afor, and Uka-Nkwo has sparked scholarly debate about their cultural significance, motivations, continuity, and authenticity. Historically, the four-day market cycle has structured religious observance, economic activity, and social organization within Igbo cosmology. However, in many communities in southeastern Nigeria, particularly in Anambra State, these celebrations are increasingly promoted by youths through organized cultural displays and Sunday gatherings held in the evening after Christian worship. This study examines whether this development signals a paradigm shift toward cultural renaissance and identity reconstruction, transformation of traditional religious substance into symbolic performance, or a decline of Igbo traditional religious culture. Using a qualitative approach grounded in cultural sociology and religious studies, the research draws on interviews, and participant observation to analyze youth motivations, forms of expression, and communal responses. Findings suggest that this trend does not represent a decline in cultural tradition but rather a revival that reflects strong identity consciousness and a desire for heritage preservation. It also reveals a reconfiguration of indigenous religious meanings into a largely cultural Igbo social expression. The study concludes that the contemporary celebration of the four market days constitutes a revival rather than an outright decline, although its long-term continuity remains uncertain. This development represents a negotiated adaptation shaped by modernity, Christianity, and youth agency. The study contributes to broader discussions on cultural continuity, religious transformation, and indigenous time consciousness practices in contemporary Igbo society.
Igbo youths, Uka-Eke, Uka-Orie, Uka-Afor, Uka-Nkwo, Cultural Revival, Religious Transformation, Indigenous Calendar
POPULISM, PROTEST, AND POLITICAL ORDER IN NIGERIA: A BURKEAN REFLECTION ON THE LIMITS OF RADICAL CHANGE
Since it returned to democratic rule in 1999 after protracted period of military regimes, Nigeria has experienced reoccurring waves of political activism, populist movements and public demands for rapid political and economic transformation. Ranging from nationwide protests against corruption, police brutality and security challenges to secessionist agitations and calls for restructuring, the country faces heightened pressure for political transformation. This study interrogates these challenges within the framework of Edmund Burke’s’ social and political theory. Writing in a context similar to Nigeria’s current political climate characterized by strong popular demand for political transformation, Burke emphasizes the importance of tradition, prudence, and gradual reform in maintaining social and political stability. He warned against the dangers of radical and sudden changes, arguing that political institutions and customs embody accumulated wisdom essential for societal cohesion. Using the library method and hermeneutics for data collection and analysis respectively, the study applies Burke’s insights to explore the risks posed by populist agitation and hurried political reforms to democratic governance, institutional integrity, and national unity. The paper finds that while public demands for change are legitimate, they must be moderated with prudence and respect for established institutions to ensure peace and sustainable governance. It concludes by highlighting not just the importance of Burke’s ideas in diagnosing Nigeria’s political challenges but also in proposing viable pathways for achieving stable and enduring political development.
Populism. Political Protest, Burkean Philosophy, Political Stability, Democratic Governance and Nigeria
A PHILOSOPHICAL STUDY OF GLOBALIZATION AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN NORTH-EAST NIGERIA
Nigeria is considered one of the countries most affected by insecurity in Africa, grappling with multiple forms of violence, including kidnapping, herdsmen-farmer clashes, armed banditry, inter and intra-communal conflicts, tribal clashes, terrorism, and other related threats. Although all six geopolitical zones are affected, the situation is particularly severe in North East Nigeria, the birthplace of the notorious Boko Haram insurgency, where millions have been killed and displaced. A plethora of scholarly interventions has sought to identify the causes of insecurity and propose solutions. Previous studies have examined the roles of poverty, bad governance, political will, training and equipping of law enforcement agents, and strengthening the criminal justice system in addressing insecurity. However, limited research has explored the nexus between insecurity and the consequences of globalization, such as advancements in weapons, information and transportation technology, and the economic challenges facing countries in the Global South. Existing empirical studies tend to focus narrowly on poverty without connecting it to globalization. This study employs an analytical method to explore the contribution of globalization to insecurity in North East Nigeria. Findings reveal that the consequences of globalization including improvements in communication and transportation, as well as economic hardship in the Global South have significantly contributed to insecurity in the region. Based on these insights, the study recommends that the federal government allocate all budgeted financial resources for sophisticated weaponry, implement effective compensation schemes for personnel and their families, and prioritize these measures as a more effective approach to combating insurgency in North East Nigeria.
North East Nigeria (NEN), globalization, insecurity, Boko Haram, global south, poverty
CHALLENGES FACING PRIMARY SCHOOL MUSIC EDUCATION IN RURAL AREAS OF AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE
Music education is a critical component of holistic basic education, encompassing the teaching and learning of music theory, history, performance, and related skills. This study investigated the challenges facing music education in primary schools located in rural areas of Awka, Anambra State, with the aim of identifying these challenges and proposing viable solutions. A mixed-method research approach (qualitative and quantitative survey methods) was adopted, with data collected through oral interviews and direct observation. A total of four schools (two public and two private primary schools) were surveyed, with head teachers, school directors, and Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA) teachers serving as participants. The findings revealed several key issues: music is largely non-existent in the curriculum of most rural primary schools. Where it is present, it is often substituted with general musical activities and subsumed under Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA), rather than being taught as a distinct subject. There is also a shortage of qualified music teachers, inadequate instructional materials and resources, a lack of community and administrative support, and low awareness of the benefits of music education among parents, schools, and the wider community. The study recommends the sensitisation of rural communities to the relevance of music education in the formative years of children; the training and recruitment of competent music teachers by higher institutions and the government; the prioritisation of music education in rural schools; and the recognition of music as a distinct subject in both primary and post-primary school curricula.
Music education, remote areas of Anambra State, holistic basic education
THE WOLFISH TENDENCIES OF HUMAN NATURE: HOBBES'S LEVIATHAN AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN RELATIONS
This research explores the concept of "Homo Homini lupus: Man is a wolf to man" in Thomas Hobbes's philosophy, examining its implications for understanding human nature, society, and governance. By analyzing Hobbes's Leviathan, this study investigates the intersections between his views on human nature, melancholy, and animality. Hobbes's pessimistic account of human nature, marked by self-interest and the pursuit of power, is scrutinized in relation to its implications for human behavior in a state of nature. The social contract theory, which posits that individuals surrender certain rights to a sovereign authority in exchange for protection and security, is also examined. Additionally, criticisms of Hobbes's ideas, including concerns about the potential for abuse of power and the neglect of human capacities for cooperation, are assessed. By evaluating the ongoing relevance of Hobbes's ideas in modern society, this research provides insight into the complexities of human nature and the role of governance in maintaining social order. Ultimately, this study contributes to ongoing debates in political theory, ethics, and philosophy, highlighting the enduring significance of Hobbes's thought in understanding human society and governance.
RE-THINKING EDWARD WILMOT BLYDEN'S NOTION OF AFRICAN IDENTITY
African identity has long been a subject of debate in human history. This is partly due to Africa’s difficult historical experience of conquest, slavery, colonialism, and neo-colonialism by European powers. The identity of the African has been deeply undermined as a result of this painful and dehumanizing past. Edward Wilmot Blyden was an African-American intellectual who was compelled to leave his birthplace and relocate to Liberia as a result of institutionalized racism. In his philosophy of African identity, he sought to demonstrate that Africa and Africans possess a rich and valuable history and culture. He rejected the prevailing notion of the inferiority of Black people but accepted the view that each major race has a unique contribution to make to world civilization. The method of this research is the philosophical tool of critical analysis. Blyden’s central thesis is that African culture should be promoted in the face of alien influences, in contrast to certain Christian abolitionist ideas. He argued for a deeply rooted African identity and maintained that Africans must follow their natural instincts and reaffirm their own values in order to regain their sense of dignity and contribute meaningfully to global civilization. Although there are notable flaws and inconsistencies in his philosophy, his ideas remain a springboard for further discourse on the question of African identity.
FAMILY STRUCTURE AND THE HEGELIAN INTERPRETATION
The aim of this paper is to analyse family in its trans-cultural pattern using Hegelian interpretation. Using the method of exposition and analysis, this paper shows how the human family is not mere human convention but a determined natural design through which natural safeguards for offsprings are guaranteed and human societies are founded. This paper studies Hegel’s interpretation to family and family love as it expresses the structure of Geist (Spirit). Thus the family is the externalisation of the inner structure of man. The family’s status is well known as a moral imperative, where man learns language which distinguishes him from the rest of animals and constitutes the essence of man as a species. In other words, it is in the family setting that man is humanised. According to Hegel, the symbolic transcendence of death is obvious through rituals of burial when the family takes upon itself the final duties of consigning the dead individual to the sphere of abstract negativity, thus preventing him from falling prey to the unconscious forces of mere nature. Unfortunately, Plato tried to abolish the family in favour of his political revolution. On appraisal, this study shows that Plato failed to realise that such structures as the family which has existed trans-culturally cannot be conventional but deep rooted in human nature and thus cannot easily be obliterated. Hegel maintains that just as the individual is shown to be immanently contradictory in terms of being, as both self-sufficient and dependent upon others, so too is the family. Not only is the family both a self-sufficient unity and a dependent part of a greater whole, but also, the aim of its unity which is the cultivation of self-sufficient individuals, is achieved only by its dissolution into larger body of family, the civil society.
Hegel, family structure, man, Plato, society
INTERPLAY OF RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS IN THE REFORMATION AND REHABILITATION OF INMATES IN NIGERIA: A CRITICAL APPRAISAL
This paper examines the contributions of religious institutions to the reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates in Nigeria’s correctional facilities, while also highlighting systemic challenges within the Nigerian correctional system, including overcrowding, inadequate rehabilitation services, and high rates of recidivism. In response to these challenges, faith-based organisations have emerged as key actors in supporting inmate transformation. The study is anchored on Restorative Justice and Social Capital theories. It explores how religious institutions foster moral reorientation, provide emotional and spiritual support, promote skill acquisition, and facilitate post-release reintegration. Relying on secondary data from academic literature, official reports, and documentation from faith-based prison ministries, the study underscores the pivotal role these institutions play in inmate reformation and crime reduction across correctional centres nationwide. The impact of religious institutions on behavioural modification is evident in improved inmate conduct and enhanced prospects for reintegration. However, despite these contributions, faith-based organisations face several challenges, including limited resources, institutional resistance, and concerns about religious inclusivity. The study concludes by advocating stronger partnerships between religious organisations and the Nigerian Correctional Service, as well as policy measures to promote structured, inclusive, and sustainable faith-based rehabilitation programmes.
reformation, rehabilitation, religious institutions, inmates, correctional facilities
A METAPHYSICAL UNDERSTANDING OF ANCESTRAL WORSHIP IN YORUBA THOUGHT SYSTEM: A PHILOSOPHICAL EXPOSITION
The belief in the existence of ancestors is predominant in African Traditional Thought. This belief further emphasizes the ontological relationship and interconnectedness between the physical and the spiritual worlds within African thought systems. It is held that ancestors, although dead in the physical world, continue to exist in the spiritual realm and possess the power to influence or interfere in the affairs of the living. Hence, John Mbiti refers to ancestors in African spirituality as the “living-dead.” This paper therefore attempts to examine certain conceptual and linguistic clarifications concerning the subject of ancestral worship or veneration. Using the expository and critical methods of philosophizing, the study explores the practices of ancestral worship or veneration (as the case may be) within African traditional thought. The paper also examines not only the requirements for ancestorhood but, more importantly, the categories of ancestors in African ontology. The study concludes that the term ancestral worship is not entirely misleading because, based on the categories of ancestorhood, some ancestors are indeed worshipped while others are venerated.
Ancestor, Worship, Veneration, Deities, Rituals, Sacrifices
GADAMER'S HERMENEUTICS VIS-A-VIS TRADITIONAL MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH IN ANAMBRA STATE
This article explores the philosophical hermeneutics of Hans-Georg Gadamer, particularly his concepts of historical consciousness, language, and the fusion of horizons, in relation to traditional medicine and public health practices in Anambra State, Nigeria. It argues that Gadamer’s emphasis on understanding through dialogical engagement offers a meaningful interpretive framework for reassessing the epistemological foundations and social legitimacy of indigenous healing systems. By situating traditional medicine within its cultural and historical context, the study reveals how local health practitioners embody a lived tradition that is not merely functional but deeply interpretive, responsive to communal values, and dialogical in its transmission of knowledge. Through qualitative analysis which includes interviews with traditional healers, ethnobotanical data, and hermeneutic reflection, the article contends that meaningful public health discourse in African contexts requires recognition of the dialogical interplay between modern biomedical paradigms and indigenous worldviews. This interpretive integration, guided by Gadamerian thought, challenges the epistemic marginalization of traditional medicine and suggests a path toward a more inclusive, culturally rooted health system in Anambra State, Nigeria.
Gadamer, hermeneutics, traditional medicine, Anambra State, public health, fusion of horizons, epistemology, healthcare pluralism
Michael Obidimma Akpuogwu; Innocent Ngangah; Chukwugozie Donatus Nwoye, PhD
PAULINE TEACHING ON DIGNITY OF LABOUR (2 THESSANONIANS 3:7-12): AN EXAMPLE FOR NIGERIAN CONTEMPORARY CLERGY
The commercialization of the Gospel has taken different forms in present-day Nigeria. The call to pastorality has significantly shifted from a spiritual vocation to a gainful enterprise. In this regard, the Pauline model as presented in Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is particularly apt. Relying on 2 Thessalonians 3:7–12, this study argues that Nigerian clergy should embrace their pastoral calling as it ought to be, following the Pauline example. The study emphasizes that the vocation to the priesthood is fundamentally a call to service rather than a means of exploitation. The Pauline idea of the dignity of labour challenges Nigerian clergy to embrace self-reliance, ministry as service, ethical responsibility in work, the right use of authority, and a balanced theology of vocation. This work adopts virtue ethics theory and the Pauline model of the shepherd as analytical frameworks for examining the issues raised. It concludes that it is imperative for Nigerian clergy to view ministry and pastorality as service to God and to the people. Ministry should be understood as a sacred vocation reserved for the genuinely called, rather than an avenue for personal enrichment.
ministry, clergy, dignity of labour, Nigerian
SAMUEL C. IZUEGBU & EDEH, JOSEPH KACHUKWU
FUNERAL RITES, TABOO, AND TRAGEDY IN AWGU IGBO CULTURE: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY OF POST-PARENTAL BURIAL OBLIGATIONS
Death in African societies is not an end but a passage, and the rituals that accompany it are both cultural duties and metaphysical necessities. Among the Awgu Igbo of southeastern Nigeria, parental funerals are marked by a set of obligatory rites performed by the children of the deceased. These include ritualized crying, rolling on the ground, the cooking and serving of food and drink, shaving of hair, and other culturally prescribed acts that affirm filial devotion, secure ancestral blessings, and reintegrate the bereaved into the community. Neglecting these rites, however, is believed to expose the bereaved to tragic consequences, particularly if they later engage in funeral-related activities such as cooking, serving, or dancing at another person’s burial. Such taboos underscore a profound cultural logic in which unfulfilled obligations disrupt spiritual balance, inviting misfortune and social sanction. Despite their cultural weight, these practices have received little systematic scholarly attention. Existing scholarship often treats Igbo funeral traditions in broad strokes, neglecting localized nuances such as the Awgu conception of tragedy following ritual omission. This research seeks to fill that gap by investigating the meanings, functions, and consequences of post-parental funeral rites and taboos in Awgu culture. Using ethnographic fieldwork, oral testimonies, and critical analysis of indigenous cosmologies, the study documents these practices, interrogates their role in maintaining social order, and situates them within wider discourses on ritual theory, taboo, and indigenous knowledge systems.
Funeral Rites, Taboos, Awgu Culture, Igbo Cosmology, Ritual Obligation
SURVIVAL, MIGRATION, AND DISILLUSIONMENT IN THE DIASPORA: A STUDY OF CHIKA UNIGWE’S ON BLACK SISTERS’ STREET
Migration has become a common reality in many African societies, as increasing numbers of people move across borders in search of better economic and social conditions. Although migration can offer new opportunities, it also exposes migrants to serious socio-economic difficulties. Focusing on transnationalism theory, this study examines how African migrants sustain social, economic, and cultural ties across national boundaries through practices such as remittances, cultural expression, and political participation. Using Chika Unigwe’s On Black Sisters’ Street as a case study, the paper highlights the lived realities of African migrants in the diaspora, including discrimination, employment and housing difficulties, financial hardship, and language barriers. The study further identifies poverty, political instability, and economic decline as key drivers of migration, noting the disillusionment many migrants experience when expectations of a better life confront harsh realities. The paper concludes by calling on African states to address the structural challenges that fuel migration driven by frustration.
Migration, African diaspora, Transnationalism, Socio-economic challenge, Disillusionment
Abigail Onowosemenmen Oaiknena, PhD; Okoroafor Chukwuebuka Praise
IGBO MAN’S TRAITS IN NWAOZUZU’S NKE M JI KA AND NWANA’S OMENỤKỌ: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
This paper examines the traits of a typical Igbo man as portrayed through the protagonists of selected Igbo literary texts. In contemporary society, it has become worrisome that the Igbo man is gradually losing grip on those admirable qualities for which he is traditionally known for. This study seeks to reawaken the consciousness of the Igbo man in alignment with the Igbo saying, “a mụọ nwoke ya bụrụ nwoke,” which literally means that a man ought to behave like a man. The aim of the paper is to revisit the past in order to identify those personality traits historically associated with the Igbo man. The research adopts a descriptive approach in analyzing the traits embodied by the protagonists in the selected texts. Gender Schema Theory is employed as the analytical framework. Two Igbo literary texts were selected for analysis—a novel and a drama text. Findings reveal that the authors portray their protagonists as individuals who possess admirable qualities that approximate those of the typical Igbo man. Onyekwere in Nke M Ji Ka makes reasonable attempts to uphold his ideals, although he is challenged by conservatism, civilization, and impatience. Conversely, Omenuko in Omenụkọ successfully navigates the circumstances surrounding him and maintains his identity through diplomacy and dynamism.
Personality, Gender Schema Theory, Novel, Drama, Igbo people, Comparative Analysis, Protagonist
LA DIGLOSSIE DANS REINE POKOU DE VÉRONIQUE TADJO: UNE ÉTUDE DE LA RELATION ENTRE LE FRANÇAIS ET LE BAOULÉ
Cette étude vise à examiner la diglossie dans Reine Pokou de Véronique Tadjo. Le roman explore la relation entre le français et le baoulé dans le contexte de la culture ivoirienne. Une approche qui fait référence à la coexistence et à l'interaction de plusieurs registres linguistiques dans un texte littéraire, en particulier entre le français, langue coloniale dominante, et le baoulé ; une langue africaine indigène. Cette étude est centrée sur la relation entre le français et le baoulé en démontrant comment Véronique Tadjo présente structurellement cette dualité linguistique et comment elle façonne la représentation de l'identité culturelle, de la résistance et de l'hybridité via baoulé. L’étude utilise une approche structuraliste et poststructuraliste pour analyser le fonctionnement de la dualité linguistique dans Reine Pokou de Véronique Tadjo, notre roman choisit pour bien comprendre comment l’auteur utilise la polyphonie, l'hétéroglossie et l'intertextualité pour remettre en question les hiérarchies linguistiques coloniales. Elle va également intégrer analyse littéraire pour bien relever les points dans l'utilisation de la diglossie narrative, la manière dont elle utilise le lexique, les proverbes et les traditions orales indigènes dans les structures textuelles françaises. La recherche enfin souligne l'importance de la narration diglossique dans Reine Pokou , la positionnant comme un outil esthétique et idéologique crucial dans la décolonisation de l'expression littéraire, postcoloniales et linguistiques et offrant une nouvelle perspective sur l'évolution du paysage linguistique de l'expression culturelle africaine. This study is limited to ‘Reine Pokou’, a literary work by Véronique Tadjo, where we will look at or examine diglossia in ‘Reine Pokou’, the novel chosen to explore the relationship between French and Baoulé in the context of Ivorian culture. This approach refers to the coexistence and interaction of several linguistic registers in a literary text, in particular between French, the dominant colonial language, and Baoulé, an indigenous African language. This study focuses on the relationship between French and Baoulé, demonstrating how Véronique Tadjo structurally presents this linguistic duality and how it shapes the representation of cultural identity, resistance and hybridity via Baoulé. The research uses a structuralist and poststructuralist approach to analyze the operation of linguistic duality in Véronique Tadjo's ‘Reine Pokou’, our chosen novel, in order to understand how the author uses polyphony, heteroglossia and intertextuality to challenge colonial linguistic hierarchies. It also integrates literary analysis to identify points in the use of narrative diglossia, the way she uses lexicon, proverbs and indigenous oral traditions in French textual structures. Finally, the research highlights the importance of diglossic narrative in ‘Reine Pokou’, positioning it as a crucial aesthetic and ideological tool in the decolonization of literary, postcolonial and linguistic expression and offering a new perspective on the changing linguistic landscape of African cultural expression.
Uzor Ogechukwu Chinulu & Precious Chimee Joshua
CODE-SWITCHING: A PRAGMATIC STRATEGY IN MULTILINGUAL NIGERIAN COMMUNITIES
Code-switching, the alternating use of two or more languages within a conversation or discourse, is a prevalent phenomenon in multilingual communities. This study examines code-switching as a pragmatic strategy employed to achieve specific communicative purposes, such as clarifying meaning, signalling social identity, maintaining solidarity, and negotiating power relations. The analysis is grounded in Myers-Scotton’s Markedness Model and Auer’s Conversational Analysis Approach. The Markedness Model explains how speakers’ language choices are shaped by the negotiation of social norms and rights-and-obligations sets, while Auer’s approach accounts for the sequential and interactional functions of code-switching within conversational contexts. Data were collected from naturally occurring conversations among educated bilinguals in a Nigerian multilingual setting, and a qualitative discourse analysis was applied to identify patterns and functions of code-switching. Findings reveal that code-switching is not a random occurrence but a purposeful act influenced by sociocultural norms, conversational structure, and speaker intentions. It serves pragmatic functions such as emphasis, politeness, topic shift, repair, and identity marking, aligning with both social motivations and interactional contingencies. The study concludes that code-switching is a dynamic communicative tool for meaning-making, social positioning, and pragmatic adaptation in multilingual settings. These insights underscore its value beyond structural considerations, highlighting its role as a resource for effective communication and social negotiation in diverse linguistic communities.
RECONSTRUCTING AFRICAN GENDERED CULTURE THROUGH CRITICAL LITERACY AND LANGUAGE USE
Critical literacy (CL, henceforth) empowers individuals to redefine themselves and enables society to reconstruct its systems and structures. Concerned with the negative portrayal of women embedded in Africa’s gendered culture and language use, this study advocates for the sustained and widespread application of CL to challenge and transform long-standing gendered customs, traditions, and linguistic practices in contemporary Africa. The study is grounded in Freire’s Theory of Critical Literacy, which equips individuals and groups with critical consciousness, referred to as conscientisation, to overcome socio-political indoctrination within society. Drawing on this theoretical framework, the study argues that CL can awaken both individual and collective awareness, leading to the reconstruction of entrenched gendered norms in cultural and linguistic contexts. The research employs a systematic review, descriptive survey, content analysis, and interpretive tools to analyze secondary data, which the study relies on exclusively. The analysis reveals that CL is a viable and sustainable problem-solving tool capable of challenging and reconstructing negative representations of women perpetuated through gendered cultural and linguistic practices. The study concludes that, with critical consciousness and a willingness to embrace innovation, deeply rooted gendered constructions, both cultural and linguistic, can be effectively transformed. Among its recommendations, the study emphasizes the need to popularize CL as a means of challenging negative social constructs, regardless of their historical persistence. In addition, teachers and other agents of socialization should equip individuals and groups with CL skills and guide them in applying these skills to reconstruct harmful narratives within society.
Anyanwu, Edith Ada, PhD; Ubi, Veronica Onwanyi, PhD & Eze, Edith Evelyn, PhD
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE GROWTH OF READING AND LEARNING ABILITIES
The growth of reading and learning abilities is partly a function of the total development of human organisms as they interact with various institutions, persons and forces in society. Anderson and Hughes (1995) found from a study of matched group of boys and girls in the first school grade, that success in reading at that early age is a function of total development; children who are normal or advanced in general maturity tend to succeed, whereas those who are retarded in their social development tend to fail in reading. This finding has been confirmed by several other research reports (Olson, 1988; Richardson, 1987; Keshian, 1973). The purpose of this article is to discuss the relationship of social development and the growth of reading abilities, and examine their educational implications, with reference to a developing country like Nigeria
OVERCOMING THE PROBLEMS OF SHORTFALL IN SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE PRODUCE IN THE 19TH CENTURY COMMERCE IN THE BIGHT OF BIAFRA HINTER LAND
The abolition of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and the subsequent introduction of commerce on produce had profound impact on the economic structure of the communities in the hinterland of the Bight of Biafra. The need to invent and adopt new economic structures and patterns to suit the nascent commerce was imperative. First, there was not just the need to switch over to production-based economy, but also to ensure regular and abundant supply of the products. Again, there was the need to convey the products to the ‘beaches’ for an onward bulk evacuation to the major river banks from whence they were ferried to the coastal ports. Certainly, these activities required large labour. And in a society where wage labour was yet non-existent, these posed a lot of challenges. This paper explores how marriages and marriage ties and alliances were employed to overcome the problems and challenges of the produce economy.
THE IMPACT OF CHRISTIANITY ON TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS PRACTICES IN AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE
Religion remains a major aspect of people's lives today. Even though the tilt toward religiosity may be waning in Europe and elsewhere, Africans maintain a strong sense of commitment and attachment to the spiritual realm, upholding the belief that “the spiritual controls the physical." The central role of religion in human life is evident in its influence on global issues such as the Middle East conflict. In Africa, the arrival of Europeans and Arabs introduced new forms of religion—Christianity and Islam. While these religions have been widely embraced, African Traditional Religion (ATR) continues to command significant followership. The Awka people long worshipped their deities in indigenous ways before the introduction of Christianity. Although a large section of the town embraced Christianity, both religions have coexisted though not without tension. Christianity often regards traditional practices as evil, leading to misunderstanding and conflict. This religious discord has hindered communal unity, making it difficult for the town to collectively address shared challenges such as insecurity and poor infrastructure. By historicizing the religious evolution of Awka, this paper aims to highlight the far-reaching impact of Christianity on the indigenous religious system of the Awka people. It also proposes strategies for fostering harmony among the various religious groups and their adherents. To achieve this, the study draws on both primary and secondary sources, with oral interviews playing a pivotal role. Ultimately, the paper argues that if the strained relationship between the Christian Church and traditional religion practitioners is not addressed, it could have grave consequences for Awka and indeed, for Anambra State.
Edith Ifesinachukwu & Prof. Ifeyinwa Emejulu
HARMONISING MEANINGFUL LIVING AND SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT THROUGH EDUCATION _ A PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTION
This study explores the growing need for a balanced approach to education one that equally emphasizes both meaningful living and sustainable employment. In many educational systems, there has been a noticeable shift toward preparing learners primarily for the demands of the labour market, often at the expense of personal development, ethical awareness, and lifelong purpose. This study, guided by a qualitative approach, examines the philosophical underpinnings of education as a foundation for holistic development. By focusing on the lived experiences, views, and societal expectations surrounding education, the study highlights how learning can be structured to serve both the practical needs of modern economies and the human need for meaning, character, and moral awareness. Central to this discussion are the concepts of ethics in education, strategies for achieving balance, and the role of lifelong learning as a bridge between technical competence and self-actualization. The study argues that a well-balanced educational system must go beyond preparing individuals for employment; it must also empower them to live consciously, contribute ethically, and continue learning in an ever-changing world. By drawing from philosophical thought and practical realities, the study proposes a framework that reimagines education as both a means of survival and a path to a meaningful life.