JOURNAL OF IGBO LANGUAGE, LITERATURE, CULTURE, AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES
The Journal of Igbo Language, Literature, Culture, and Religious Studies ( ISSN: 3121-8598; E-ISSN: 3121-9403) is a peer-reviewed publication dedicated to exploring and showcasing the complexities and nuances of Igbo language, literature, culture, and religious traditions. The Journal is a dedicated academic platform that celebrates the rich heritage and enduring legacy of the Igbo people. This journal aims to advance scholarly discourse and foster a deeper understanding of Igbo language, literary traditions, cultural practices, and religious beliefs.
AGỤMAGỤ EDEREDE DỊKA ENYO: NNYOCHA OMIMI BANYERE NDỤ NDỊ ỌCHỊCHỊ N’ALA IGBO
Agụmagụ ederede na-arụ ọrụ dị mkpa dịka enyo e ji ahụ ma na-enyocha ndụ na omume ndị ọchịchị n’ala Igbo. Isiokwu a na-elekwasị anya n’ịtụle etu agụmagụ ederede si bụrụ enyo e ji enyocha, ekpughe ụdị ndụ, omume na usoro ọchịchị ndị ndu na-egosipụta n’etiti ọha mmadụ. Ebumnuche nchọcha a bụ igosi etu ndị odee si eji agụmagụ ederede ekpughe eziokwu gbasara omume ndị ọchịchị ma na-egosipụta mmekọrịta dị n’etiti ndị ndu na ndị ha na achị. Nchọcha a jiri usoro nkọwa wee nyochaa akwụkwọ agụmagụ ederede ndị a họọrọ nke gụnyere O Ji Ihe Nwata, Ọchịchị Ekperima na Omume Onye na-edu Ya. A gbasoro atụtụ nṅomi nke Aristotle tụpụtara wee mee nchọcha a. A chọpụtara na agụmagụ ederede na-arụ ọrụ dịka enyo nke na-ekpughe omume ndị ọchịchi, ̣ọ kachasị omume ọjọọ dịka nrụrụaka, iri ngarị, mmegbu, ịla akụ n’iyi, ikwe nkwa efu na iji aghụghọ gbanwee usoro ntụli aka. Ọzọkwa, nchọcha a chọpụtara na ndị odee na-eji akụkọ na agwa akụziri ndị mmadụ ihe gbasara ezi ọchịchị ma na-akpalitekwa echiche ha. N’ihi ya, a kwadoro na agụmagụ ederede bụ enyo e ji akọwa ma na-akọrọ ndị mmadụ eziokwu gbasara ndụ ndị ọchịchị n’ala Igbo ma na-akpọkwa ndị ndu ka ha rụọ ọrụ ha nke ọma.
Agụmagụ, ndụ ndị ọchịchị, ọchịchị, usoro nhọpụta
Ayozie Chioma Rosemary; Mgborogwu Andrew Chukwuemeka
ANTHROPOLOGY, ARTS AND CULTURE: AN INDIGENIZATION PROJECT
Anthropology is the study of people, past and present, with a focus on understanding the human condition both culturally and biologically. The discipline compares present and past forms of government or legal and religious belief systems, social structures, such as family dynamics. Culture consists of an inheritance system, variant ideas, skills, and so forth that are transmitted by (usually) more experienced to less experienced individuals. The passage of the custodians of a vast cultural knowledge base leaves the populace with little knowledge of the people's arts and culture. The distress is that the upcoming generation that will be handed over to the community does not have sufficient knowledge of the arts and culture of their land. This is due partly to cultural atrophy facilitated by cultural imperialism. In the African setting and the Akpulu Clan in particular, this problem is further compounded by the menace of migrations occasioned by urbanization and people’s quest for greener pastures outside their natural settings. That movement has been an alienation of the incoming generations, and they continuously lose grip of their evolutionary pool, origin, and its culture, arts, norms, values, and mores, which are strengthened by the community kinship system. Our focus in this paper is to draw attention to our core anthropological derivatives with emphasis on the rapid erosion and extinction of our core cultural heritage, arts, and culture that give meaning to our existence as a cultural entity. It also has the goal of documenting the available remnants of the Akpulu Clan arts and culture expressed in her folk traditions, language/symbols, artifacts, value and belief systems, idioms, riddles, and jokes. That is an effort at indigenization of the indigenous, on Akpulu cultural derivatives, as different from the general Igbo cultural practices. The meanings of the various Akpulu indigenous language arts are provided, with their literary meanings in brackets. The methodological approach is both qualitative and quantitative, enriched with data from a structured questionnaire organized in Google Forms for opinion polls from the Akpulu Clan Whatsapp platform that operates within the clan, in-depth interviews, and participant observation.
anthropology, arts, culture, kinship system, cultural atrophy, cultural imperialism, Akpulu Clan
Ifeoma Elizabeth Ohachenu; Gladys Amaechi Ohazulike
BETWEEN LEVIATHAN AND ANARCHY: HOBBES AND THE CRISIS OF SECURITY IN NIGERIA
Nigeria’s post-independence history has been marked by recurrent security challenges, including the civil war that nearly led to its fragmentation. In recent years, however, persistent insecurity—manifested in insurgency, banditry, communal violence, kidnapping, and secessionist agitations—has reached alarming proportions, raising critical questions about the state’s capacity to maintain order and exercise effective sovereignty. This study interrogates these challenges within the theoretical framework of Thomas Hobbes’s political philosophy, particularly his concept of the Leviathan, which contends that only a strong, centralized sovereign can prevent societal descent into chaos. Adopting documentary analysis and conceptual inquiry as its methodological approach, the paper examines the disjunction between Nigeria’s formal sovereignty and its limited capacity to monopolize the legitimate means of coercion across its territory. Drawing on insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, secessionist violence in the South-East, and recurring ethno-communal conflicts as illustrative cases, the paper argues that the erosion of effective sovereign authority underlies the country’s deepening insecurity, weak state structures, and a crisis of legitimacy. It contends that restoring state authority requires not only enhanced coercive capacity but also strengthened institutional coordination, adherence to the rule of law, and the rebuilding of public trust. The paper concludes that Hobbesian insights provide a compelling framework for diagnosing Nigeria’s security crisis and rethinking pathways toward sustainable political order.
Hobbesian Political Theory, State Sovereignty, Security Crisis in Nigeria, Leviathan and State Authority, Political Order and Anarchy, Governance and Legitimacy
IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND FACTORS INFLUENCING SELF-MEDICATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATES OF SELECTED UNIVERSITIESIN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
This study focuses on investigating impact assessment and factors influencing self-medication behaviours among undergraduates of selected universities in Anambra State, Nigeria. It explores general knowledge of self-medication, major reasons for engaging in self-medication, the prevalence of self-medication among students, its consequences, and possible intervention strategies, as outlined in the research objectives. Four theories were reviewed, namely: the 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 drawn from the two selected public 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 the Chi-square (χ²) inferential statistical method. The study found that prolonged medical procedures before treatment in hospitals and adverse drug reactions resulting from unsupervised drug use are the major factors and effects of self-medication among undergraduates in universities in Anambra State, respectively. The study recommends, among other measures, that efforts should be intensified to discourage self-medication practices among undergraduates in Nigerian universities through awareness campaigns and improved access to healthcare services.
Health-seeking behavior, self-medication, socio-economic status, undergraduates.
Okeke, Obinna Chukwudalu (PhD); IBIK, CHINECHEREM EMMANUEL
EXPLORING IGBO IDENTITY AND CULTURE IN MULTILINGUAL NIGERIA
Nigeria is a multilingual nation comprising diverse ethnic nationalities, each with its distinct identity and cultural markers. This diversity has made it a multicultural society. This paper explores Igbo people identity and culture in multilingual Nigeria. With respect to language identity, the study investigates how Igbo language, the language of the Igbo ethnic group, interacts with over 500 other languages in Nigeria and the challenges arising from this interaction. Concerning cultural identity, the paper examines selected traditions and unique cultural practices that define Igbo identity and distinguish it from other Nigerian cultures. The data, collected mainly through elicitation and observation, were analyzed descriptively. One of the study’s findings is that the Igbo language remains the primary marker of Igbo identity. However, it is burdened by the negative attitudes of many of its firstlanguage (L1) speakers. Although the language is one of the three major Nigerian languages and is spoken by about 40 million people, some native speakers no longer transmit it to their children due to a preference for English, which has been accorded high prestige status in Nigeria. Another finding is that, apart from language, there are distinctive cultural elements and practices that set the Igbo ethnic group apart. These include traditional foods such as bitterleaf soup, pounded cassava, dried cocoyam, local beans, breadfruit, ogili ugba/egwusi, mbụgụ ede, and ọgbara ọti; traditional dressing—particularly red and woven caps, isiagu attire worn by men, and wrapper-and-blouse attire worn by women; masquerade performances; and the New Yam Festival. The paper concludes that, despite the multiplicity of cultures and languages in Nigeria, Igbo identity remains distinct through its language and rich cultural heritage.
Igbo, identity, culture, multilingualism, Nigeria
TRANSCENDING BOUNDARIES: AN EXPLORATION OF OCCULTISM, MYSTICISM, AND INITIATION IN THE PURSUIT OF TRANSCENDENCE
This study undertakes a comprehensive examination of occultism, mysticism, a profound human aspiration for intimate union with the divine or ultimate reality, investigating its complex relationship with religion, spirituality, and human experience. Through a critical analysis of mystical practices, experiences, and accounts, this research sheds light on the nature of transcendent states, including visions, dreams, and ecstatic trance states. The study explores the various means by which mystics pursue their goal, including prayer, meditation, fasting, and ritual, initiation as well as the use of mind-altering substances and ecstatic practices in certain cultural and traditional contexts. By interrogating the intersections between mysticism, religion, and culture, this work contributes to a deeper understanding of the human quest for transcendence and union.
Rev Fr. Dr. R. C. Arazu & Dr. Takuso Orah M. (PhD)
INTERFAITH DIALOGUE IN A GLOBALIZED WORLD: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Interfaith dialogue has evolved from informal religious exchanges in ancient civilizations to structured initiatives aimed at fostering religious tolerance and peace in the modern world. This paper explores the historical and contemporary perspectives of interfaith dialogue, analyzing key global initiatives such as the Parliament of the World's Religions, KAICIID, and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC). Using case studies from Nigeria, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Balkans, the study examines successful interfaith engagements and their impact on social cohesion and conflict resolution. The study employs a qualitative research methodology, utilizing documentary analysis and case study approaches to explore historical records, scholarly articles, and official reports on interfaith dialogue. The documentary analysis method provides a systematic review of secondary sources, while the case study method allows for an in-depth investigation of interfaith initiatives in different geopolitical contexts. A thematic analysis framework is applied to categorize key challenges and opportunities in interfaith dialogue, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its dynamics. The theoretical framework of this study is anchored in Pluralism Theory, Religious Tolerance Theory, and Dialogue Theory. Pluralism Theory, as proposed by John Hick, suggests that different religious traditions represent diverse cultural responses to a shared transcendent reality, emphasizing mutual respect and coexistence. Religious Tolerance Theory explores the ethical and sociopolitical dimensions of interfaith relations, advocating for inclusive policies that protect religious freedom. Dialogue Theory, influenced by Hans-Georg Gadamer and David Bohm, highlights the transformative power of interfaith engagement, emphasizing active listening and the "fusion of horizons" between religious traditions. Findings suggest that sustained interfaith dialogue contributes to religious tolerance, policy-making, and conflict prevention. However, challenges such as political interference, theological differences, and fundamentalist resistance persist. The paper concludes that interfaith dialogue remains an essential tool for global peacebuilding, requiring continued investment and adaptation in a rapidly globalizing world.
Interfaith dialogue, religious tolerance, conflict resolution, global initiatives, religious coexistence, peacebuilding, multiculturalism, interreligious cooperation
Ven. Rex Chika Kanu PhD & Revd Chukwunonso Joseph Nosike PhD
NDỊ NTOROBỊA NA “IBUTE IKE” N’OGE UGBU A N’EJIJE ERIRI MARA NGWUGWU NA IJE EGO
Ọchịchọ isonye n’ihe a na-eme na inwe ọnụ okwu n’obodo, edubala ọtụtụ ndị mmadụ tụmadị ndị ntorobịa n’oke ọchịchọ n’ihi na ndị Igbo kwenyere na ọ bụ onye kpụ igu ka ewu na-eso. Ọtụtụ mmadụ n’oge ugbu a chọrọ ịma ma aha gị ọ na-ada ụda tupu ha emeere gị ihe ọbụla. Nke a mere na ọtụtụ ndị ntorobịa achọghị ịma akwụ chara acha na nke achaghị; ihe ha ma bụ si gbute ya etu ọbụla. Ọzọ, ndị kpatara akụ na-enwe enyi ndị a na-anụ aha ha anụ na ndị ji ike n’ọkwa gọọmentị n’otu ụzọ maọbụ ụzọ ọzọ. Nke a pụtara ihe n’okwu ndị ntorobịa na-asị “sowe ndị ma ụzọ”. Ihe niile a mere ụfọdụ ndị ntorobịa ji gbaa isi akwara ịhụ na ha kpatara ego n’ụzọ abụla ụzọ iji nwee akụnaụba na ike n’oge ugbu a. Ọnọdụ dị etu a ebutela oke iwepụ ndụ na ime ihe ntị na-asọ oyi. Ọ bụ ihe ndị a kpaliri mmụọ odee ileba anya n’ejije Igbo wee zipụta etu odee ejije ndị a si zipụta ya n’ihi na agụmagụ bụ enyo e ji ahụta ndụ. Nchọcha a gbasoro Usoro nkọwa ma gbado ụkwụ n’atụtụ saikoanalisis nke Sigmund Freud tụpụtara n’afọ 1856-1939 wee tụchaa ejije ndị a họọrọ iji mee ka isiokwu a doo anya. A chọpụtara na ọtụtụ ndị mmadụ na-eme mpụ na arụ dị iche iche iji nwee ego ma sonye n’ihe a na-eme n’oge ugbu a. A hụkwazịrị na okwu nne na nna ụfọdụ na-agwa ụmụ ha so eduba ha ime ihe ọbụla iji dị ka ndị ntorobịa ibe ha. Nchọcha a mere ka a mara na e nwere ihe dị iche n’ịkpata ego na ibute ike maka na ịkpata ego bụ ịrụ ọrụ ziri ezi maọbụ site n’akaọrụ mmadụ nwere wee nwee ego mana ibute ike bụ mmadụ isi n’ụzọ abụla ụzọ wee baa ọgaranya. Nchọcha a ga-eme ka o doo ndị ntorobịa anya na akụ enweghị be ya mere ka onye ọbụla were ụwa nwayọọ. Ọ ga-emekwa ka ndị nne na nna tinye anya n’ihe ụmụ ha na-arụ. Ebe agụmagụ bụ enyo e ji ahụta ndụ, ọ dị mkpa ka ndị odee agụmagụ Igbo nyekwara aka ịkatọ ndụ oke ọchịchọ site n’izipụta ọghọm ya n’akwụkwọ ha ma mee ka ndị mmadụ mata na ezi aha ka ego n’ihi na akụ enweghị be.
“Isi Akwụ Dara n’Ala” Dịka Ilu Zipụtara Ịgba Alụkwaghịm n’Iduuazị Tony Ubesie
Ilu so n’otu n’ime atụmatụ agụmagụ e nwere ndị odee ji achọ agụmagụ ha mma. Ụfọdụ Nchọcha a bụ banyere ịgba alụkwaghịm na ịchọpụta etu Ubesie siri were ilu wee zipụta omenala a n’ime iduuazị ya a họọrọ maka nchọcha a. E nweela ọtụtụ nchọcha e merela n’oge gara aga banyere iduuazị nke Ubesie n’isiokwu dị iche iche mana e nwebeghị nke e mere banyere izipụta aha akwụkwọ ya dịka Ilu e jiri zipụta omenala ịgba alụkwaghịm. Nchọcha a bụ ụdị nchọcha nkọwa nke a gbasoro atụtụ Max wee nyochaa. Ebe mgbado ụkwụ nchọcha a bụ n’iduuazị Isi Akwụ Dara n’Ala nke Tony Ubesie dere. Ebumnobi nchọcha a bụ ịchọpụta ịgba alụkwaghịm dịka omenala Igbo, na ịmata etu Ubesie siri zipụta aha akwụkwọ iduuazị ya a họọrọ bụ ilu, iji gosi ịgba alụkwaghịm. A chọpụtara na Ubesie ji akparamaagwa o zipụtara n’ime iduuazị ya wee gbaa ịgba alụkwaghịm n’anwụ. Ọzọ, a chọpụtara na ịgba alụkwaghịm abụchaghị ihe ọjọọ kama ọ bụ nnwereonwe, site n’etu Ubesie siri zipụta ya n’iduuazị ya. Nchọcha a ga-enye aka n’ịkwalite agụmagụ ederede na omenala Igbo ma nyekwa aka ime ka ndị ọzọ chọrọ ime nchọcha n’ụdị isiokwu a gbalịa ịchọpụta mpụtara aha akwụkwọ agụmagụ ndị odee ndị ọzọ na ihe ha nọchịrị anya ha.
Ilu, Iduuazị, Atụtụ Max, Ịgba Alụkwaghịm, Agụmagụ, Alumdi
IDENTITY POLITICS AND THE CHALLENGE OF NATION-BUILDING IN NIGERIA: INTERROGATING THE PAST AND RESHAPING THE FUTURE
This study investigates the nexus between identity politics and nation-building in Nigeria, focusing on how ethnic, regional, and religious identities have influenced political behaviour and impeded national cohesion. Using historical analysis and a qualitative methodology, it traces the roots of identity politics to colonial administrative legacies and post-independence governance failures. The study explores contemporary manifestations, including separatist agitations and ethnically driven political competition, revealing that identity politics has contributed to Nigeria’s fractured national consciousness. It concludes by advocating a rethinking of identity and nationhood through constitutional restructuring, civic education, inclusive governance, and visionary leadership. These reforms, the study argues, are essential for forging a more integrated and resilient Nigerian state.
Identity politics, Nation-building, Ethnicity, Nigeria, National integration
THE IMPACT OF YAHOO YAHOO ON IGBO CULTURE AND MORAL VALUES: A CASE STUDY OF ANAMBRA STATE
The world we live in is constantly evolving, and with each passing day, our awareness of societal changes continues to grow. As development unfolds globally, both positive and negative outcomes inevitably emerge. One such negative consequences is the rise of what is popularly known as "Yahoo Yahoo”—a term used to describe internet fraud. This is a relatively recent phenomenon and is not traditionally rooted in Igbo culture. Yahoo Yahoo has become a method by which some individuals seek to acquire wealth quickly and effortlessly. In today’s society, this practice is raising serious concerns due to the various problems it creates for its perpetrators, including laziness, psychological instability, frequent legal issues, and imprisonment. These consequences are too severe to be ignored and if left unchecked, the spread of the menace could lead to even greater societal harm. The aim of this research is to shed light on the concept of Yahoo Yahoo, exploring why individuals engage in it, the different forms it takes, the techniques commonly used, and the number of reported cases—particularly in Anambra State. By understanding these elements, the research seeks to offer insight into the socio-economic and cultural drivers behind the practice. The findings of this study will serve as a warning to young people, especially within the Igbo community, about the dangers and long-term consequences of pursuing fraudulent lifestyles. It is hoped that the research will encourage a shift in mindset among the youth, steering them away from criminal shortcuts and toward legitimate means of achieving success. To achieve these objectives, data will be collected through questionnaires, as well as a review of relevant books, articles, and academic journals. The results will be analyzed and documented, not only to contribute to existing literature but also to preserve academic integrity. Ultimately, this research will provide recommendations aimed at curbing the spread of Yahoo Yahoo and restoring moral order in society.
Prof. Gladys I. Udechukwu & Ngaji, Adaobi Anthonette
EDUCATIONAL TRANSFORMATION AND EPISCOPAL VISION: THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF BISHOP OWEN CHIEDOZIE NWOKOLO TO EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE DIOCESE ON THE NIGER, 2011-2023
This paper critically explores the initiatives and contributions of the Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo, Bishop of the Diocese on the Niger (Anglican Communion), to educational development in the diocese since his enthronement in 2011. Against the backdrop of the Diocese’s historic legacy as the cradle of Anglicanism in Eastern Nigeria, the study examines how Bishop Nwokolo redefined the Diocese’s educational identity through infrastructure development, institutional expansion, and pedagogical reform. By investigating his role in establishing and reviving primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, including the landmark foundation of the University on the Niger. This paper situates Bishop Nwokolo’s work within the broader history of mission-based education in Nigeria. It argues that his episcopal leadership represents a modern continuation of the 19th-century Anglican educational mandate, adapted for social, economic and spiritual challenges.
Ikenna Odife Ph.D & Christopher Chima Ohanugo
THE CLASH BETWEEN CHRISTIANITY AND INDIGENOUS CULTURE IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN MARRIAGES: THE ROLE OF LANGUAGE, MEDIA, AND LITERACY
In contemporary times, the conflict between religion and culture has become increasingly alarming. In present-day Nigeria, religion has taken precedence over culture in marital decisions, often disregarding cultural values, conventions, and requirements. This study analyses various perspectives that illustrate the dominance of religious practices over cultural norms in Nigeria. Data are drawn from social media posts, focus group discussions, library resources, and internet-based print materials. A survey design and multistage sampling method are employed. The analysis utilises interpretive methods, thematic and content analyses, as well as statistical tools such as percentages, tables, and four-point Likert scale coding. The findings reveal several trends: weddings are often cancelled after traditional marriage rites, when a bride informs a cleric of her intention to retain her church affiliation; divorce is increasingly accepted, contrary to the traditional Igbo and many other cultures’ rejection of it; wives show reverence to clerics while exhibiting disrespect towards their husbands and cultural heritage; and religious doctrines are prioritized, while cultural traditions are criticised or rejected. The study concludes that the prioritisation of religion over culture has led to the neglect, erosion, and endangerment of ideal marital cultural practices among the Igbo and other indigenous peoples of Africa and beyond. It recommends the effective use of language, critical literacy in educational curricula, and sensitisation through new media as key strategies for addressing this issue religion against tradition.
Anyanwu, Edith Ada, PhD; Eze, Edith Evelyn, PhD & Ubi, Veronica Onwanyi, PhD
THE COMMUNICATIVE EXPERIENCES OF STAMMERERS IN IGBO CULTURAL AREA: AN INVESTIGATIVE STUDY
This study investigates the cultural and social factors that influence the communication experiences of Igbo individuals who stammer. Using a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with five Igbo individuals who stammer to gather data on the onset of their stammering, communication experiences, the social and cultural factors affecting their speech, and the coping mechanisms they employ. The findings reveal that environmental practices, social attitudes, and reactions play significant roles in shaping the communication experiences of Igbo individuals who stammer. Environmental factors, such as changes in linguistic context, can contribute to the development of stammering. Emotional states like anxiety and anger can exacerbate stammering, negatively affecting an individual’s self-esteem and confidence. Coping strategies, such as avoiding speaking in crowds, are often employed to reduce anxiety and minimize the likelihood of stammering episodes. Cultural attitudes also play a crucial role: when supportive and non-stigmatizing, they can help reduce the social burden of stammering and enhance coping abilities. In this study, the participants reported that positive cultural attitudes contributed to their ability to manage stammering. The study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive assessment and treatment approaches, as well as education and awareness programs aimed at reducing stigma and increasing support for Igbo individuals who stammer. The implications of these findings for speech-language pathology practice and future research are discussed.
TRADE IN PRE-COLONIAL IGBO LAND: A CASE STUDY OF NNEWI
This study examines the dynamics of trade in pre-colonial Igboland, with a focused case study on Nnewi, a prominent commercial hub in southeastern Nigeria. By analyzing historical records alongside oral traditions, the paper explores the economic structures, trade networks, and market systems that underpinned Nnewi’s role in regional and trans-regional commerce prior to colonial intervention. The research highlights the interplay between indigenous trade practices, social organization, and resource distribution, illustrating how Nnewi’s strategic location and entrepreneurial spirit facilitated the exchange of goods such as palm oil, textiles, and metal works. Furthermore, the study sheds light on the socio-political implications of trade, including the formation of market alliances and the integration of Nnewi within broader Igbo economic landscapes. Despite its historical significance, Nnewi remains under-researched in terms of its pre-colonial commercial history. This study seeks to fill that gap by providing an empirical, place-specific analysis of trade and commerce in Nnewi within the pre-colonial Igbo world. Ultimately, this investigation contributes to a deeper understanding of indigenous economic systems in pre-colonial Africa, challenging colonial narratives that often marginalized African agency in trade history.
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
THE CHALLENGES OF ETHNIC BIGOTRY TO PEACEBUILDING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA AND THE WAY FORWARD
The human person has an innate desire for peace and development. This inherent trait in every human being translates into society, as it is the human persons who make up society. Hence, all people of every nation desire and seek ways of building lasting peace and sustainable development for the welfare of their citizens. Nigeria as a nation is not left out of this drive for peace and nation-building. Considering the heterogeneity of Nigerian society and the peculiarities inherent in its multi-ethnic groups, there are excellent prospects for a progressive society. However, it burdens the mind that the Nigerian ethnic diversity, instead of enhancing peace and speedy national development, has constantly intensified tensions. Was it not a situation like this that prompted the Psalmist to exclaim in Ps. 55:9, “I see nothing but violence and strife in the city.” The continued violence emanating from extreme ethnic attachments has created divides that have continued to impinge on peace-building and national development. The focus of this study is to explore and provide a suggestive opinion that will help mitigate undue ethnic sentiments. Hence, the paper discusses the effects of undue ethnic sentiments on peace and nation-building. It contends that for Nigeria to achieve enduring peace and meaningful development, its citizens must optimally harness and conscientiously utilize their rich ethnic diversity. There is a need to eschew everything that constitutes ethnic divide and prioritize all the essentials for unity in diversity so that a strong and progressive nation can be built.
PREACHING THE KINGDOM OF GOD TO THE OTHER CITIES (LK. 4:43): THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN AWKA DIOCESE ON THE MOVE IN THE SPIRIT OF SYNODALITY
Jesus Christ in his earthly ministry moved from place to place doing good and healing the sick. He never got endeared to a particular town or village to the extent of pitching his tent permanently there; rather he was constantly on the move and the impact of his message was felt everywhere. The apostles on their part engaged in missionary journeys aimed at spreading the kingdom of God in every nook and corner among the Jews and Gentiles. Further still, the Fathers of the Church carried long their own missionary engagement through their writings. In this way, they were able not only to spread God’s message but also to defend it against heretics. The Church continues in that line as handed over by the apostles. She continues ceaselessly to proclaim of the message of the Gospel to the men and women of today taking cognizance of their historical and cultural contexts so as to help in a better and more lasting understanding of the message. However, sometimes some human elements like desire for power, ambition and tendency to stay put tend to create obstacle in this move. This research aims at unravelling how the pastors of souls in Catholic diocese of Awka has continued to keep the Church in motion in the spirit of synodality, notwithstanding the attendant challenges. The researcher used the qualitative methodology of sourcing information from available literatures and extracting the facts that aided the diocese in her move.
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN NIGERIAN POLITICS: IMPLICATIONS FOR DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION
Gender-based violence (GBV) within the political landscape of Nigeria represents a critical yet often overlooked challenge to democratic consolidation. This study uses a philosophical analytical method in exploring the multifaceted manifestations of GBV, ranging from physical assault and psychological intimidation and institutional exclusion, targeted predominantly at women in politics directly or indirectly. Drawing from empirical data, case studies, and feminist political theory, the research highlights how GBV systematically undermines female political participation, deters aspirants, and reinforces patriarchal power structures in the Nigerian political space. This study also examines the complicity of political parties, security agencies, and cultural norms in perpetuating violence against women in both electoral, judicial, and governance processes. By limiting women's participation in politics and silencing dissenting voices, GBV not only violates fundamental human rights but also weakens representative governance and democratic accountability. The paper concludes by recommending legal reforms, political or electoral reforms, as critical steps towards creating inclusive political processes where all genders can contribute equally to Nigeria's democratic development.
DEHUMANIZATION IN THE AGE OF HYPER-TECHNOLOGY: REVISITING PANTALEON IROEGBU’S HUMANISTIC PHILOSOPHY AS A REMEDY FOR CONTEMPORARY INHUMANITY
When we examine the mechanism hyper technological components such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, digital surveillance and biotechnological innovation, one cannot help but marvel. The speed and efficiency of AI driven technologies have triggered profound concerns regarding the dignity and meaning of human existence. However, despite impressive achievements of the hyper technology, its usage often results in dehumanization, where human beings are treated as machines or mere objects of experimentation. This leads to the alienation and degradation of human dignity. Technology, in this context becomes a medium through which man’s inhumanity to man is expressed. In response to this crisis, this paper critically revisits the humanistic and Ontological reflections of the African philosopher Pantaleon Iroegbu as a remedy for the modern dehumanization of the human person. His concept of communalism and “being as belongingness” offer a metaphysical and ethical frame work that affirms the communal, sacred, and intrinsic worth of human person. Within this framework, the principles of Igwebuike and Ibuanyidanda can be effectively employed to counter alienation. Moreover, Iroegbu’s emphasis on the “education of being” or more precisely his ethical thesis on the “Enwisdomization of Technology” provides important insights into how technology can serve human rather than diminish it. The methodology employed in this paper is philosophical analysis, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the key concepts under study and providing a solid foundation for critique.
QUEST FOR MIRACLES AND MONEY IN THE CHURCH: TRIVIALIZING THE WORD AND THE SACRAMENTS
Never has there been a generation of Christians as conscious of miracles as ours. Our generation is a miracle generation. People desire breakthroughs in business, in education, in marriages, in family life, in work places, etc. It is 'because of this quest for miracle that the gospel message being preached in some of the largest Churches in the World has changed. Hence a new gospel message is being preached. The preachers of prosperity gospel deviate from the essential meaning of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The rate at which these preachers preach prosperity leaves a fundamental question in the reflective mind. What is the objective of the gospel preached? Does performance of miracle signify holiness? Why do believers seem to jeopardize their faith by jumping from one miracle centre to another? This work therefore, is an attempt to address these. cravings for miracles and money, which make mockery of the Word of God and the sacraments in the Catholic Church. At the end, attempt shall be made at suggesting that the harbingers of the good news must endeavour to teach and live the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT OF THE IGBO: A CULTURAL LEGACY FROM PRE-COLONIAL TIMES TO THE CONTEMPORARY ERA
Culture is a people’s way of life. It encompasses their worldviews, beliefs, and customs, which greatly influence and determine their decisions and actions. The culture of a people, therefore, affects how they view and live life. On the other hand, entrepreneurship is the process of extracting profits from new, unique, and valuable combinations of resources in an uncertain and ambiguous environment. The worldview and beliefs of the Igbo people incline them to always strive for expansion, regardless of how small their start-up may be. It can thus be asserted that the culture and worldview of the Igbo are entrepreneurial in nature. This study aims to highlight how this entrepreneurial culture has remained a consistent attribute of the Igbo people from generation to generation, spanning from the pre-colonial era to contemporary times. The objective is to analyze how this enduring identity has enabled the Igbo to survive and thrive amidst the various struggles and challenges they have faced throughout different epochs of their history. The study will also showcase the entrepreneurial achievements of a few notable Igbo entrepreneurs and examine the challenges they face within the context of Nigeria’s political economy, as well as the efforts they are making to overcome them. Finally, the study will conclude with a few recommendations on how the entrepreneurial culture of the Igbo can be properly harnessed for the advancement and prosperity of the Nigerian economy.
IGBO RELIGIOUS CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA: AN APPRASAL
Environmental conservation has been an everyday discussion in the present day scholarship. This is because urbanization, modernization, globalization and development have affected the environment, so much so that little or no regard is presently given to it. This neglect so witnessed has also affected human beings that are occupant of the environment. Using secondary source of data collection, this research sheds light on how The Igbo belief system, practice and worldview contribute in preserving the environment, especially in the south eastern part of Nigeria, comprising Enugu state, Imo state, Anambra state, and Abia state. Through a qualitative analysis and case study, the research explores the ethical principles in The Igbo religious culture that foster a holistic understanding of nature and promote sustainable resource management. This research uses ethnographic approach and employs the theories of environmental ethics and cultural ecology. It concludes that has some elements that contribute in conserving the environment and the modern environmental approach should access these elements in ensuring their application in order to achieve eco-friendly environment. The research therefore recommends that caution should be taken in the use of the environment in order to help in its preservation.
Rev Edwin O. Nwanchor, PhD & Ekenedilichukwu A. Okolo, PhD
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND AESTHETIC APPEALS IN MAKING IGBO CONVERTS: PRIORITIZING INDIVIDUAL CHOICES OVER COMPULSION
Making the “right” choice in religion is a deeply personal journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It involves exploring different faiths, understanding their teachings, and ultimately choosing what resonates with one’s values and beliefs. When it comes to choosing between Christianity and African Traditional Religions, many Igbo converts appear to find it difficult to make clear decisions, which may have contributed to the high rate of syncretism in Igboland. The researchers also discovered that hundreds of thousands of Igbo converts embraced Christianity from their indigenous religion due to the psychological and aesthetic appeals employed by European missionaries. Furthermore, some Igbo Christians today have not fully decided whether to commit to Christianity or continue practicing African Traditional Religion. Some attend church merely out of compulsion. This research adopts a qualitative approach to examine how compulsion, personal life events, and religious influences shape Africans’ decisions to convert to Christianity. The researchers recommend exploring the teachings and values of both Christianity and African Traditional Religions, as well as engaging in mutual dialogue with the leaders of these faiths. Such engagement is considered crucial in making informed and personal religious choices. Above all, fostering open and respectful dialogue between Christians and practitioners of African Traditional Religions can promote mutual understanding, respect, and the freedom to make personal choices.
Emmanuel Sunday Ajakor & Benjamin Chukwunonso Nwokocha
HARNESSING RELIGION AS AN INSTRUMENT OF SOCIAL CHANGE IN NIGERIA: EXPLORING EXAMPLES AND ILLUSTRATIONS
This research delves into the multifaceted role of religion in driving social change within Nigeria. Through an extensive examination of various examples and illustrations, including its impact on the economy, politics, education, and security, the study explores how religious institutions, leaders, and teachings shape societal norms, values, and behaviours. Employing a comprehensive data collection strategy, which integrates both primary and secondary sources, the research incorporates personal observations, oral interviews, and a thorough review of published and unpublished materials. Utilizing a qualitative research method, encompassing cosmological, historical, and sociological approaches, the study aims to provide a nuanced interpretation of the data, facilitating a contextual understanding of religion as an agent of social change and its transformative influence on Nigerian society.
Ajakor, Emmanuel, PhD & Ifeanyi A. Chukwudebelu, PhD
SHAPING MINDS AND BUILDING A NATION: THE CATHOLIC CHURCH’S PHILOSOPHICAL CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATION AND GROWTH IN NIGERIA
This paper explores the role of Catholic seminaries in shaping philosophical education, particularly in the context of contemporary Nigerian society. It examines the historical evolution of seminary education, from its roots in medieval scholasticism to its modern-day role in integrating philosophical discourse with theological training. The paper highlights the impact of philosophical training on the intellectual and moral development of seminarians, focusing on their ability to address complex social, ethical, and religious challenges. Additionally, it considers the challenges faced by seminaries in reconciling faith-based education with secular philosophical inquiry, including issues of interdisciplinarity, academic freedom, and the balance between intellectual rigor and pastoral training. The study employs a qualitative approach, using documentary analysis and content review of relevant literature to assess the contributions and challenges of seminaries in Nigeria’s educational landscape. It further explores how technological advancements, secularism, and religious pluralism shape the philosophical curriculum in contemporary seminaries. The paper concludes by suggesting that seminaries need to adapt their curricula to remain relevant in a rapidly changing educational environment while maintaining the integrity of their faith-based mission.
George Chizoba Okpara; Ezeanolue Aloysius Okwuchukwu PhD, (Rev. Fr.) & Ezeaka Vincent Ikenna
THE SOCIOLINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF THE IGBO IDEOLOGY: “Ị NA-ENYE M NRI?”
Sociolinguistics, in studying the relationship between language and society, enables the community members not only to learn to use the appropriate language for each occasion, but also to understand the social implications of any linguistic expression. It is against this backdrop that this research is centered on “The Sociolinguistic Analysis of the Igbo Ideology: “Ị na-enye m nri?” The objectives of the study are: to explain the meaning of sociolinguistics, explain the relationship between an ideology and sociolinguistics, analyze the contexts of the use of the ideology, “Ị na-enye m nri?” and establish the implications of the analysis. The study adopts the descriptive research methodology, coupled with the use of the researchers’ intuition as native speakers of the Igbo language. The theory to guide the study is the Use Theory of Meaning by Ludwig Wittgenstein. The study finds out that sociolinguistics examines the way in which language interacts with the society and the manner in which the language’s structure changes in response to its different social functions. Concerning the relationship between ideology and sociolinguistics, the study reveals that ideology influences communication, while constituting a powerful tool for spreading views and ideas. In addition, the study discovers that the ideology, “Ị na-enye m nri”, is a rhetorical question used to refuse intimidation, own one’s right and announce a disrespectful treatment in inter-human dealings. The major implication of the analysis is the exposure of the nuances of the expression.
Dr. Aloysius Udosinachi Umeodinka & Dr. Ebele Deborah Uba
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS: THE IGBO IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA POLITICS AND SOCIETY SINCE 1960
The Igbo ethnic group has played a significant role in the political, social, and economic development of contemporary Nigeria. However, the history of the Igbo in Nigerian politics has been marked by a series of complex interactions, misunderstandings, and missteps that can be best described as a "comedy of errors." From the events leading to the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) to their current status in national politics, the Igbo experience has been characterized by political marginalization, a struggle for resource allocation, and repeated failed attempts at political integration. This paper examines the historical, political, and social dynamics that have shaped the Igbo in contemporary Nigerian society. By analyzing their struggles for political power, the effects of military rule, and the continuing challenge of ethnic and regional divisions, the paper presents the Igbo journey as a tragicomic narrative of both resilience and frustration. Ultimately, this article seeks to explore the ironies, contradictions, and complexities in the Igbo quest for political relevance in contemporary Nigeria.
NIGERIA’S DIPLOMATIC ROLE IN ECOWAS UNDER PRESIDENT TINUBU: ROLES, REGIONAL IMPACT AND CHALLENGES SINCE 2024
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has long served as a pillar of regional stability, economic development, and conflict resolution in West Africa. Nigeria, as the region’s largest economy and a key political actor, has historically played a leadership role within the organization. However, since assuming office in 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has had to navigate a complex landscape marked by political instability, military coups, economic crises, and security threats among ECOWAS member states. This study examines Nigeria’s evolving role under Tinubu’s leadership, focusing on the country’s diplomatic, economic, and security interventions in the region. Adopting a qualitative research methodology, the study relies on content analysis of policy documents, official statements, and scholarly literature. The analysis is framed within the regional hegemonic stability theory, which argues that a dominant power within a regional system plays a crucial role in maintaining order and stability. Findings reveal that while Tinubu has shown commitment to democratic governance and regional mediation, his administration faces considerable obstacles, including resistance from coup-led governments, economic limitations, and internal political pressures within Nigeria. Despite these challenges, Nigeria’s engagement in ECOWAS remains vital for regional peace and development. The study concludes that for Nigeria to sustain its leadership role, it must strengthen diplomatic channels, foster deeper economic collaboration, and adopt a more strategic approach to regional interventions. By doing so, the country can enhance ECOWAS’s effectiveness in addressing the pressing political and security challenges confronting West Africa.
Dr Ikechukwu Emmanuel Uvere & Onyendi, Goodness Chinaza Nelvin
CHRISTIAN RESPONSE TO POLYGAMY IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA: ISSUES, PROBLEMS AND PROSPECT
This research examines how Christians in contemporary Nigeria respond to polygamy, a practice where one man has multiple wives. Polygamy has a long history in many African cultures, but its acceptance among Christians raises important questions about family, gender roles, and society. This study identifies key issues related to polygamy, such as its effects on family dynamics and gender equality, and how it fits with Christian teachings about marriage and loyalty. Using interviews and surveys, the research explores the views of church leaders, church members, and scholars, showing a wide range of opinions from strong opposition to cautious acceptance. The paper also discusses the challenges the church faces in dealing with these differing views and the need for open conversations within Christian communities. This research suggests ways to address the issues related to polygamy, highlighting the importance of caring for individuals, educating communities, and engaging with cultural practices. Ultimately, it aims to help Christians find meaningful ways to respond to the challenges of polygamy while promoting love and unity in families. The methods of data collection in this research is both primary and secondary sources, such as previous works of foreign and local authors who have written on the relevant issues in journals, books of reading, internet documentaries and lecture notes. The primary sources include both participant and non-participant methods of observation.
Abalogu, Divine Maduka PhD & Adingupu, Awele Goodluck