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.
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.
THE IMPACT OF ETHICAL GUIDELINES TRAINING ON AI USE AMONG STUDENTS IN ANAMBRA PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
This research examined the impact of ethical guidelines training on AI use among students in Anambra public universities. It was a quasi-experimental research with two groups- the control and the experimental groups. This study involved 100 participants, with 50 randomly assigned to the experimental group receiving ethical guidelines training and 50 to the control group, which did not receive the training. Descriptive statistics, specifically the mean, independent T-Test were employed to address research questions. The findings of this study showed that participants in the experimental group had higher improvement scores in AI use in terms of awareness and attitudes. The findings show that integrating ethical guidelines training into education offers several key advantages, as this can enhance awareness and attitudes towards responsible AI use among learners. The results of this study contribute significantly to other related studies that focus on promoting responsible AI use in education.
Ezeanolue Aloysius Okwuchukwu, Ph.D, (Rev. Fr) & George, Chizoba, Okpara
OMUGWO AS A CULTURAL TOOL FOR EFFECTIVE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND RELATIONSHIP IN ORAIFITE, ANAMBRA STATE
This study explores omugwo, the traditional Igbo postpartum care ritual, as a cultural tool for promoting effective human development and strengthening relationships in Oraifite, Anambra State. Omugwo is more than a maternal care practice; it embodies cultural values that support the health and well-being of both mother and child, while fostering unity within the family and the wider community. The research highlights how omugwo serves as a medium for transferring indigenous knowledge, nurturing emotional bonds across generations, and preserving cultural heritage. Through qualitative data drawn from oral interviews, personal observations, and existing literature, the study examines how this tradition contributes to maternal recovery, infant care, and the promotion of empathy, cooperation, and communal living. The findings reveal that omugwo not only provides critical physical and psychological support to new mothers but also reinforces social cohesion, respect for life, and a sense of belonging among family members. The paper argues that maintaining such indigenous practices in modern times can complement contemporary healthcare while sustaining the cultural identity of the people. The study concludes by emphasizing the need to preserve and adapt omugwo to ensure its continued relevance in promoting healthy family dynamics and holistic human development.
Nwokedi, Godswill Okechukwu; Amara Kanu Faith & Albert Ulutorti Green
MODERN MEDIA TECHNOLOGY: A THREAT TO HUMAN INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
The frequent usage of modern media technology to interact is now a global phenomenon. It has made it possible for the world to become a global village through the use of electronic gadget like mobile phones, computers and the introduction of social media as tool for communication. Through modern media technology as tool for communication, distance is no longer a barrier especially with the aid of programmed application like Facebook, Twitter (rebranded as ‘X’), WhatsApp, Tiktok, Email, etc. The negative aspect of these applications is that while it can be used at ease it has created wide gap in physical communication among relations, friends and associates. This days, people hardly have time to visit loved ones, or family for holidays or vacation. They will rather prefer to chat, ping, mail, or send videos, pictures, or voice notes instead of been physically present. While modern media technology offers us more convenience, human beings are now losing their ability to physically socialize, communicate and care for others. On this grounds, this paper observes that modern media technology has continued to accelerate the loss of human co-existence, affect individual control over their own lives, and undermining interpersonal relationships. Considering these negative impact of this technology, man must be wary of technology in order not to lose the physical bounds that is needed in inter-personal relationships in the world. The paper therefore, recommend that while modern media technological advancement has both positive and negative benefits to man, its usage should be minimized or better still regulated in order to produce a human society where man’s inter-personal relationships with others are not threatened.
APPIAH’S COSMOPOLITANISM AND IGWEBUIKE PHILOSOPHY AS CATALYSTS FOR NIGERIA’S NATIONAL UNITY: A PHILOSPHICAL ASSESSMENT
The amalgamation of Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba and other minor ethnic groups into one country called Nigeria has been in serious crises not long after its formation as there was no strong basis for this unity. Since Nigerian independence, the country have witnessed series of agitations, riots, ethnic clashes and even civil war. In the 21st century, these ethnic tensions persist and have intensified, now compounded by various forms of terrorism. The Fulani headsmen appear to be among the deadliest terrorist group today. Other security threats include: Boko haram group, un-known gun men and agitators of various groups across all parts of the country. Under the poor leadership of All Progressive Congress (APC) government, terrorism, agitations, and ethnic clashes and ethnic cleansing seem unlikely to end any time soon. From a philosophical perspective, Appia’s cosmopolitanism and his emphasis on inter dependence as portrayed in the Ethics of Identity; serve as a catalyst for national unity. Similarly, the Igwebuike philosophy rooted in Igbo world view emphasizes unity and cooperation despite differences in identity or ideology. Both philosophies advocate for unity in diversity as foundational principle for nation building. The lessons from these two philosophies converge: they propose that unity amidst diversity is possible and essential. Through the application of Igwebuike philosophy, even the deadliest acts of terrorism by herdsmen and other violent groups could be curtailed, ethnic rivalries could be reconciled and peace restored to the nation. Our methodology is philosophical analysis. We analyze concepts, words, ideas, experiences to bring deeper meaning and clarity of thought. This involves resolving complex expressions into simpler foundational ones and elucidating their use within a given discourse.
This paper explores eight major schools of philosophy: Idealism, Realism, Rationalism, Empiricism, Existentialism, Pragmatism, Humanism, and Utilitarianism. Each school represents a distinct set of beliefs about reality, knowledge, and human existence, often practiced or advocated by specific groups. Philosophers may align with multiple schools, as seen with Sartre's ties to phenomenology, Marxism, and existentialism. The study outlines the meaning, nature, and core principles of each school, along with key philosophers who shaped them. By comparing these schools, the paper aims to deepen understanding of their influence on thought, society, and personal values.
STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE INTONATION AS A SECOND LANGUAGE ENGLISH SPEAKER
Most non-native English speakers are first language speakers of their indigenous languages, many of which are tonal, as opposed to English which is an intonational language. As a result, earlier investigations have shown that they often find it difficult to properly utilize intonation in their discourse, making their utterances lack the depth and melody of spoken communication. This paper therefore seeks to address the problem by presenting step-by-step approaches to personal intonation learning as most non-native Oral English textbooks do not adequately address this concern. This work is a review study that relies on both published and unpublished sources to establish a distinction between the application of tone in tonal languages and its use in intonational languages. The study concludes with the hope that user’s application of techniques such as pausing, reducing unstressed syllables, practicing imitation and using intonation in context will lead to improved intonation usage.
POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN NIGERIA: BETWEEN TIMES OF BIBLICAL ISRAELITES AND CONTEMPORARY NIGERIANS, LEVITICUS 25:35-38
The measurement of poverty in developing nations are carried out to reduce the severity of poverty in such nations. There are Governmental and Non-Governmental organizations that take poverty reduction as a project, and one such is a faith-based oraganisation such as World Mission Agency (WMA). This study focuses on the poverty alleviation of WMA and evaluates the impact accessibility and significance of WMA poverty alleviation programs. A survey was conducted at Ota, Ogun state, Nigeria. Data collected were analyzed using the principal component analysis and the t-test. The results obtained were discussed, one vivid findings of this study was that the effectiveness of the poverty alleviation programmes of the World Mission Agency in Ota was based on the systematic establishment of programmes that address the needs of people at the grassroots level and recommendations were made which include that the federal government of Nigeria should take a cue from the World Mission Agency Poverty Alleviation Programs. Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil producer but the sector has been tainted by accusations of corruption. According to the report, absolute poverty is measured by of people’s inability to afford basic essentials of shelter, food and clothing. Even the government of Nigeria from federal to local level have made several attempts to reduce the crippling effects of poverty by undertaking various poverty alleviation programmes such as Agriculture Development Project (ADP), Operation Feed the Nation (OFN), Green Revolution Programme (GRP), Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), Graduate Internship Scheme (SURE-P) N-Power etc, but the problem has become resilient. Okunoye (2011) observes that the higher percentage of security challenges being experienced in Nigeria is caused by poverty. It has become a breeding forum for all social vices in Nigeria such as kidnapping, corruption, arm robbery, ritual killing and all sorts of detestable and anti-social practices. He further states that in Nigeria, poverty manifests itself in various ways such as food insecurity, poor clothing, poor housing, poor transportation system, poor educational system, poor health facilities and services, erratic power supply, lack of potable water and so on. But of all these manifestations, food insecurity is the mother of them all because, it is the maximum degree or condition of poverty.
Nmah, P.E. & Nwanjah, Kenneth Emmanuel Maduabuchukwu
BIOPHILIC ARCHITECTURE AS A MANIFESTATION OF BIOCENTRISM: A PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVE
In the realm of architectural design, the integration of biophilic principles has emerged as a transformative force, redefining the relationship between built environments and the natural world. This article embarks on a philosophical journey, delving into the core principles of biocentrism and their manifestation in the evolving landscape of biophilic architecture. Drawing inspiration from ethical and ecological philosophies, this exploration seeks to unravel the interconnectedness between biocentrism and the design ethos that embraces the inherent value of all living beings. The article begins by elucidating the philosophical foundations of biocentrism, emphasizing the moral significance attributed to all elements of the natural world. From this ethical vantage point, the discussion seamlessly transitions to the realm of architecture, where biophilic design acts as a tangible embodiment of biocentric principles. Through a nuanced analysis of case studies and architectural innovations, the article showcases how biophilic architecture transcends a mere aesthetic approach, evolving into a profound expression of ethical consideration for the environment. Furthermore, the philosophical exploration extends to the human experience within biophilic spaces. Weaving together phenomenological perspectives and ethical considerations, the article elucidates the impact of biocentric design on the well-being and perception of inhabitants. It reflects on how these architectural spaces, rooted in a biocentric philosophy, foster a sense of interconnectedness, ecological mindfulness, and a deeper appreciation for the intrinsic value of nature. As a philosophical inquiry, this article contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable and ethical architectural practices. It calls for a paradigm shift in architectural thinking, urging designers, policymakers, and society at large to embrace biocentrism as a guiding ethos in the pursuit of a harmonious coexistence between the built environment and the natural world. Through this exploration, the article seeks to inspire a profound reconsideration of the ethical foundations that underpin our approach to architecture, inviting a transformative vision where the principles of biocentrism guide the evolution of our living spaces.
Barnaby, Jude; Osoh, Nsikan A.; Mbanefo, Ikechukwu A. & Udegbe, Chukwuemeka C.
THE PERSISTENCE OF IGBO INDEGENOUS TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS PRACTICES IN THIS ERA OF GLOBALIZATION
This study explores the resilience and continuity of Igbo Indigenous Traditional Religion (ITR) amidst the expansive forces of globalization. Despite the widespread influence of modernity, Christianity, Islam, Western education, and mass media, which have significantly altered cultural and religious landscapes across Africa, the traditional religious practices of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria have shown remarkable persistence. Again, the various cries of woes painted by some scholars concerning the Igbo traditional religious practices being down and out, gave rise to the examination of these religious practices which were believed to be already heading to total extinction. These panic cries about the extinction of African/Igbo religious practices caused panic, confusion, and misrepresentation of realities among the Igbo of South-East Nigeria. The paper also examines the socio-cultural, spiritual, and philosophical underpinnings that sustain Igbo traditional religious beliefs, including the centrality of divinities (alusi), the role of rituals and festivals, and the importance of sacred spaces. It further investigates how globalization has both threatened and, paradoxically, facilitated the preservation of these traditions through cultural revivalism, and digital media. These hypotheses created by some scholars are the subject matter of this paper, to examine the veracity of these claims through the method of the culture-area approach to know how they stand the test of time. It was discovered that these claims are mere semantics, but in reality, Igbo traditional religious practices are only modified and sustained ensuring its survival and relevance in the contemporary modern Igbo society.