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COLA ACUMINATA (ỌJỊ IGBO) AS A SACRAMENT OF UNITY AMONG THE IGBOS
Human beings naturally live in community which engenders intersubjective relationship that makes for mutual learning and healthy cohabitation among human beings. This is punctuated in a special by their use of reason that marks them out among other animals. Every society worthy of the name nourishes this coexistence to maximum fruition through communication and other forms of interaction. The Igbo people of Nigeria enjoy and cherish this communal life. This is evident particularly in their spirit of hospitality. This welcoming spirit is usually initiated by invoking the gods in prayer through the use of kola nut. Kola nut is a sacred nut which is accorded recognition in every occasion and as such used to call on the gods through prayer. Hidden in its sacredness is the underlining bond of unity (vinculum unitatis) that it signifies. Just as the lobes are naturally but neatly tied together every prayer offered with kola nut, and every celebration in which it is used implicitly evokes that unity upon those being prayed for. To that effect, this research aims at exposing the inner logic of this sacrament of unity which is enveloped in this sacred nut. The research will adopt a descriptive methodology geared towards delineating its unifying aspect. To realize that, the researcher will use the analytic approach to unveil the symbolic unifying force of this sacred nut. Finally, the researcher will recommend that Igbo people should have to concretely demonstrate this unity in every community where they live.
kola nut, cola acuminata, sacrament, unity
YAREMI’S LANGUAGE OF LAMENTATION, AGONY AND THE WIDOW’S ROAD IN LONELY DAYS BY BAYO ADEBOWALE
Information is very important in our day to day activities. This information can only be processed through language. Yaremi delves deep into human emotion in her use of language in presenting her lamentations and agonies. Her commendable use of language gives a lot of information about the story in Lonely Days. This novel reflects a lot of sensitivity and insight into the phases of life and the ups and downs that women encounter in their journey of life. Nothing is permanent in life besides changes, women who by sheer benevolence rise should not lose sight of the fact that things could change and it really does. This study aims to discuss the roles of African women, Yaremi’s language of lamentations, agonies, the widow’s road and the background of the story and how they affect the life of Yaremi as a woman in particular and African women in general. A descriptive design method was used in the analysis and Dell Hymes theory of communicative competence propounded in (1966) was used. The findings show that Yaremi lamented seriously about her husband’s death and this had some psychological effects on her and other widows in African society. The implications of these findings highlight the need for women especially widows to be determined to face any challenge that comes to them with courage and strength of mind and make sure that their rights are not forcefully taken away from them. Let them assert their rights to self-determination and self-definition. The researcher recommends that women should be left alone to take their decisions as they like and live freely in the society as their male counterparts.
Yaremi, Language, Lamentation, Agony, Communicative Competence
Language and Gender Imbalance in Nigerian Politics: Focus on Gendered Expressions in the Nigerian Politics
One thing that has often astounded and confounded thinkers and scholars is language, the humanspecific system of communication through conventional signs and representations. Though often taken for granted, a short reflection on language reveals the pervasive influence it exerts on every stratum of life and society. In our world of words and, the concomitant information explosion, there is no keeping out language as all issues are language issues, to paraphrase George Orwell. As language manifests certain peculiarities based on regional/geographical, social, educational and functional differences, language varieties are distinguishable in various contexts. The language of politics manifests this linguistic situation and it is marked by certain features that make it distinctive. This paper discusses language and gender imbalance in Nigerian politics: Focus on Expressions in the Nigerian Politics that Depict Gender Imbalance. Gender imbalance in politics has been a problem. Furthermore, there has been an imbalance in the number of positions occupied by males and females in politics, the number of males in politics outnumber that of the females. In this article, the researcher clarifies outstanding concepts, highlights some expressions on politics that depict imbalance, discusses women in time perspectives, explains the attempts by women to come out of the shadows and move to prominence, discusses the factors which stood between women and self-actualization and proffers solutions to the imbalance. Qualitative Descriptive method was used. The researcher made use of the theory of communicative competence propounded by Dell Hymes (1966). The data for this study was gathered from secondary sources which include libraries, published research papers, published books and websites. From the discussion so far, the findings show that there is gender imbalance in Nigeria.
Language, gender, imbalance, Nigeria, Colonialism
Dr. Martina Chioma Uche; Dr. Esther Anyanwu
DIGLOSSIA IN A MULTILINGUAL NIGERIAN SOCIETY
In a multilingual society, there is always the problem of language choice. The study sets to explore the linguistic situations in Nigeria with regards to diglossia. As a multilingual nation, this work seeks to ascertain whether there are definite roles assigned to languages in the linguistically diverse Nigerian society. If yes, what are the pros and cons of such division of labour? Moreover, are there an overlap in the domains the languages occur and are the languages of H-variety and that of H-variety in complementary distribution? The findings revealed that diglossia actually exists in Nigerian linguistic situations, such that the H-variety language being English language tends to be stable in the domains of usage but there are pros and cons associated with assigning functions to languages (diglossia). The methodology adopted is descriptive approach and the theory employed is Sociolinguistic theory which deals with the systematic study of the social uses of language or language use in social context.
Digossia, multilingual, Linguistic situations, complementary distribution, conflict
Dr. Comfort Adaobi Obodo; Dr. Martina Chioma Uche
GENDER ISSUES AND THE USE OF LANGUAGE IN THE SONG OF THE WOMEN OF MY LAND BY OUMAR FAROUK SESAY
In most African societies, culture is being observed. In these societies, despite western civilization, the impact of gender still plays a very big role to the extent that women are still being marginalized. Similarly, women have played significant roles in their families, societies and communities despite the many challenges countered in their day-to-day activities of their lives. Every woman whether young or old has a role to play in the society she finds herself. Women in Africa have made serious impacts in their various fields of human endeavor in their different disciplines like songs, law, and so on. This paper examines the contributions of women in Africa with particular reference to the use of language in the songs of the women of my land. This poem has contributed immensely to gender issues in its various compositions. The lyrics of this poem ranges from encouraging high moral values on the part of women, to that which encourage and emphasize the need for women’s endurance, patience and taking solitude in songs. This is geared towards the upliftment of the various families, the nation and Africa in general. Unfortunately, some of these women suffer some setbacks as a result of seeming negative attitudes by their male counterparts and the society in general. The study uses a qualitative research design and employs thematic analysis to analyze the poem’s language and content. The researcher finds out that there are issues of gender and portrayal of society in the poem. The theory for this study is social power theory, propounded by Max Weber (1922).). The findings show that in the society, women are being exploited. The researcher recommends that adherence to certain cultural practices can be handled patiently. Men should also change their attitudes towards women. Men and women are equal before God and that is why God does not discriminate in endowing songs talent in both male and female alike.
Gender issues, language, songs, women, Oumar Farouk Sesay
EFFECT OF KOLB’S 4 -STAGE CYCLE MODELOF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING ON STUDENTS’ INTEREST IN VEGETABLE CROP PRODUCTION
This study was designed to determine the effect of Kolb’s 4-stage cycle model of experiential learning (E.L) on students’ interest in vegetable crop production. The study adopted a pretest posttest, non - equivalent control group design. It was carried out in Anambra State, with a population of 26,139 Senior Secondary School students. The sample was the entire 141 SS1 students from four sampled schools in Awka Education Zone. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the schools. The instrument for the study was Practical Agriculture Interest Inventory (PAII), which was developed by the researcher to gather information on the students’interest in Agricultural practical activities before and after treatment. The instrument was validated by three experts from Agricultural Education Department UNN. It was trial tested to determine its reliability coefficient, which was found to be 0.88 using Cronbach alpha. Data collected were analyzed using the mean to answer the research questions while t-test was used to test null hypothesis. The result revealed that Kolb’s 4-Stage Cycle Model of Experiential Learning was an effective tool that captures students’ interest in vegetable field crop activities. Based on findings, the researcher recommended that curriculum planners should incorporate the use of Kolb’s model in teaching production agriculture, because it makes teaching and learning activity-based. The model being innovative necessitates the re-training of teachers on its application and delivery strategy.
Kolb’s Model,Experiential Learning, and Interest
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FORMATION OF SOCIETY: A PHILOSOPHICAL SURVEY OF THE MARXISTS’ DIALECTICAL CONCEPTION OF SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT VIS-À-VIS THE NIGERIAN STATE
Historically, Dialectical Materialism and Historical Materialism have been employed by the Marxists to explain the scientific and historical processes, respectively, of societal development from the primitive stage to the advanced stage. Scientifically, societal development/transformation follows inherent natural laws which spark development from within through a dialectical process and in the same light, historically, society evolved as a result of inherent internal contradictions in a socio-economic formation (which are also dialectical), leading to a new social formation or socio-economic formation. The Nigerian nation state’s socio-economic formation situation is not the exact replica of what was obtainable in the precapitalist and full-blown bourgeoisie system of the era of Karl Marx and Frederick Engels where the key means of production were in control of the capitalists. The capitalists’ control of means of production made it possible for labour of the proletariat or the workers to be exploited. The Nigerian capitalist system is an admixture of industry owners, the petty-bourgeoisie; executives, politicians and bureaucrats. For the industrialists as owners of the means of production, their stock in trade is to exploit the workers while the petty- bourgeoisie elected or appointed into offices to preside over the affairs of the state, employ the instruments of state coercion to suppress the masses by inventing policies that inhibit their well-being. Like the traditional bourgeoisie, the Nigerian industry owners and the petty-bourgeoisie exhibit the same attitude of the capitalists of the time Marx and Engels wrote. On the whole, they have turned themselves into ‘Lords of the Manor’ as they institute obnoxious policies and corrupt practices against the well-being of the masses leading to alienation, exploitation, pain/misery, frustration, disillusionment, hardship, hunger, deprivation, injustice and hopelessness, etc. This situation like what was obtainable in the capitalist systems of the time Marx and Engels wrote, has created a class consciousness of the poor and the rich (the haves-not and the haves). It is this class consciousness that constitutes the internal contradiction which the Marxists insist culminates into the dialectical transformation of all societies; the exploited and the oppressed, etc. having attained a certain level of consciousness, would rise up even violently to enforce revolution in the society. This leads to what the Marxists call societal transformation. Employing expository highlights, the study reflects on the Marxian laws of societal development/transformation in the light of the Nigerian situation and argues in conclusion that the Nigerian situation is a potentiality of a violent revolution that would bring about dialectical change. The study is thus, analytically informed based on Marxian Dialectics.
Marxism, Dialectics, Socio-Economic Formation, Society, Societal Development, Class Consciousness, Nigerian State
Zaato Matthew Nor, Ph. D & Ikechukwu Bartholomew Ekemezie, Ph. D
African Literature and Language use: Exploring the complexities of a multilingual continent
African literature is a rich and diverse body of work, reflecting the complex linguistic and cultural landcape of the continent. This study therefore explores the relationship between African literature and language use, examining the wats in which language sapes the literary imagination and the cultural identities of Afrian writers and their communities. Through a critical analysis of key texts and authors, this work demonstrates the significance of language in African literature and ighlihts the need for a more nuanced understanding of the complex linguistic and cultural dynmics at play.
Language and identity, language choice, multingualism, globalization, language and culture
The Politics of Gender in Child Adoption
The child is the traditional reason for marriage. Children are revered and esteemed as source of pride, strength, security and economic prowess for the family. Thus, a family’s strength is measured by the presence of children in that family but sometimes this traditional expectation is defeated by the issue of childlessness. This condition is known to be the cause of marital instability in African culture just as marital success is based on the ability of a couple to procreate. Child adoption is the plausible option for the childless couple in our society as it affords them the opportunity to have children, they can call their own. However, adoption is not without challenges. Certain socio- cultural practices, norms and values that border on gender keep affecting the practice of child adoption. It is against this bedrock that this paper seeks to x-ray those gender issues that are fueled by culture and how they affect child adoption practice. The paper was substantiated with a survey and a comparative review of some empirical studies on the subject matter. The instrument for data collection was a twenty-point structured and open -ended online questionnaire while the population was fifty male and female members of the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) and the Anglican Diocese of Ideato WhatsApp platforms. They were purposively and randomly enlisted to participate in the study with equal opportunity given to every one of them. Analysis was done in simple percentages and for the unstructured responses an open-coding technique was used to identify patterns in the responses. From these patterns, categories and subcategories were identified, to group the responses. The findings show that women (70%) resolve the problem of childlessness by adopting a child but more men (59%) do so by marrying a second wife. The most preferred sex in child adoption is the male (75%). The husband’s preference for the male child (92%) female child (8%) while the wife’s preference for female child (57%) male child (43%). The study recommends a mass enlightenment programme to re-orient the people out of the culture that limits the woman’s access to child adoption.
INTERCULTURAL EFFECTS ON SEMANTICS IN IGBO CULTURE
This paper is about the intercultural effects on semantics in Igbo culture. The writer intends to find out how the mixture of Igbo culture with other cultures has influenced meaning in the Igbo cultural elements. This study was guided by triangular Relationship of Ogden and Richard (1923). In linguistics, semantics has to do with meaning; and this is the life of a language, because meaning leads to understanding and that is the base of communication which language stands for. Besides, meaning changes according to situations. In Igbo cultural setting, language is a mystery because every aspect of human life is pregnant with meaning; ranging from situations of life, objects, food and drinks, weather etc. An object can mean different things in different occasions. This paper strikes on the meaning hidden in Igbo cultural elements and how the mixture of pure Igbo culture with other cultures influenced the original meanings attached to these cultural elements. The following cultural elements served as footstool: Kola nut, palm wine, masquerade, wooden drum/metal gong, palmfrond, sound of animals and presence of some animals. At the end of the research, the result showed how modern ways of life, which came as a result of mixture in culture, erodes some meanings attached to the Igbo cultural elements. Solutions were equally proffered on how to protect good aspects of Igbo culture.
Igbo Culture, Intercultural Effects, Language, Symbol, Semantics
ODIDE ỌKỌWAOKWU NA IKIKERE MBIPỤTA: NTỤLEKỌRỊTA ỌKỌWAOKWU ECHERUO NA ỌKỌWAOKWU NNAJI
Edemede a bụ maka odide ọkọwaokwu na ikikere mbipụta: Ntụlekọrịta ọkọwaokwu Echeruo na ọkọwaokwu Nnaji. Ihe odee bu n’obi bụ igosi na na-agbanyeghi na ọkọwaokwu niile na-eyi onwe ha, nke ọbụla dị iche n’ebe ibe ya dị. Ọ ga-ezipụta nke a site n’itụlekọrịta ọkọwaokwu Nnaji (1985) na Echeruo (2001). Nke a ga-apụta ihe site n’ịmata agwara ọkọwaokwu Echeruo na agwara ọkọwaokwu Nnaji nakwa ebe ọkọwaokwu abụọ a si yie onwe ha, ya na ebe ha si dị iche. Mgbe e mechara ntụlekọrịta a, ụfọdụ ihe ndị a chọpụtara na myiri dị Na ha bụ ndị a: ha abụọ bụ ọkọwaokwu nhọrọ, ha gbasoro usoro ndịnugbu, ha akọwamighi ọkọwaokwu ha akọwami, ha depụtara okwu nsina dị ka okwu kwụọrọ onwe ya, ha enweghi akụkọ usorookwu, tinyere na ha dị n’ụdị akwụkwọ. Ebe ha si dị iche gụnyere: Echeruo depụtara okwu ndị nwere otu echiche, mana Nnaji edepụtaghị ha, isiokwu Nnaji dị 9,877 mana Echeruo edepụtaghị ọnụọgụ nke ya, Nnaji tinyekwuru eserese iji mee nkọwa ya, mana Echeruo ji naanị mkpụrụokwu na ahịrịokwu mee nkọwa, Echeruo nwere okwu ndịnazụ, mana Nnaji etinyeghi okwu ndịnaazụ ọbụla. Nchọpụta ndị a gosiri na ọkọwaokwu abụọ a kwụọrọ onwe ha maka na ha agbasoghi otu usoro nhazi na usoro nkọwa.
Ọkọwaokwu, Odide ọkọwaokwu, ikikere mbipụta, Ọkọwaokwu Nnaji, Ọkọwaokwu Echeruo
AZỤMAHỊA NA NAỊJIRIA NA ỌNỌDỤ ASỤSỤ IGBO NA SENTURI NKE IRI ABỤỌ NA OTU
Isiokwu nchọcha a bụ Azụmahịa na Naịjiria na ọnọdụ asụsụ Igbo na senturi nke iri abụọ na otu. Ihe nwanchọcha bu n’obi bụ ịchọpụta etu azụmahịa na Naịjiria si metụta ọnọdụ asụsụ Igbo na senturi nke iri abụọ na otu. Ihe kpalitere ya ime nchọcha a bụ maka na adịmmkpa asụsụ ọbụla gbadoro ụkwụ n’adịmmkpa ndị nwe asụsụ ahụ. Atụtụ mgbakwasa isiokwu nchọcha a bụ atụtụ Ngwakọrịta usoro azụmahịa; nke a kpọrọ Marketing Mix maọbụ 4PS of marketing n’asụsụ Bekee. A bịa na Naịjiria, ndị Igbo kacha pụta ihe n’ihe gbasara azụmahịa. Ihe ọ pụtara bụ na asụsụ Igbo kwesiri ịbụ asụsụ dị mkpa ma na-ewu ewu na Naịjiria; mana ọ dịghị etu ahụ. Nwanchọcha chọrọ ịchọpụta ihe kpatara nke a. Mgbe e mechara nchọcha a, a chọpụtara na a bịa n’azụmahịa na Naịjiria, ọ bụ ndị Igbo kacha pụta ihe na ya. Mana na n’agbanyeghi nke a asụsụ Igbo so n’asụsụ ndị na-alaghachi azụ. A chọpụtara na ihe kpatara asụsụ Igbo ji ada ada bụ na ụfọdụ ndị nne na nna ndị Igbo anaghị asụrụ ụmụ ha asụsụ Igbo n’ụlọ ha dị iche iche. Ụfọdụ narịị eziga ụmụ ha maka ịgụ akwụkwọ n’ụlọakwụkwọ anaghị amụ asụsụ Igbo. Ọzọkwa, ụfọdụ ndị nkụzi ejighi ya akụzi ihe n’ụlọakwụkwọ. Nke ka njọ bụ na ụfọdụ ụmụakwụkwọ na-anata ntaramahụhụ mgbe ọbụla ha sụrụ asụsụ Igbo n’ụlọakwụkwọ. A chọpụtakwara na ọ na-eme ụfọdụ ndị Igbo ihere ịsụ asụsụ Igbo ebe ndị mmadụ nọ. N’ikpe azụ, a chọpụtara na ihe e nwere ike ime iji mee ka asụsụ Igbo dị elu bụ na ndị Igbo kwesiri ịhụ asụsụ Igbo n’anya ma na-asụ ya ebe ọbụla ha nọ; ndị nne na nna ga-agba mbọ hụ na ụmụ ha na-asụ asụsụ Igbo dị ka asụsụ ire nne n’ụlọ ha dị iche iche. N’otu aka ahụ, ha ga-akwụsị iziga ụmụ ha maka agụmakwụkwọ n’ụlọakwụkwọ ndị anaghị asụ asụsụ Igbo. Ndị gọọmenti, n’aka nke ha ga-enye aka n’ịkwalite asụsụ Igbo site n’ime iwu dị iche iche ga-enye aka maka ọganihu asụsụ Igbo n’ogo agụmakwụkwọ dị iche iche. Ihe ndị a ga-enye aka n’ebe ọ dị ukwuu iji kwalite asụsụ Igbo n’ogo dị elu.
THE NOTION OF IGBO LANGUAGE AMONG THE IGBO PEOPLE OF TWENTY FIRST CENTURY: GREAT TREASURE IN EARTHENWARE POT
This paper is about the notion of Igbo language among the Igbo people: Treasure in earthenware pot. Treasures are preserved in secured places because of how important they are in the eyes and minds of their owners. Earthenware pot is so fragile that no normal human being can put and preserve an important thing in it. Here the researchers call to mind and draw the attention of the Igbo people on the role of Igbo language among the Igbo people and how to preserve the wonderful heritage. Igbo language stands as the pillar of Igbo unity, identity and security. Unfortunately, the twenty-first century Igbo people are losing this consciousness and are losing interest in Igbo language. This paper will be guided by ethnolinguistic identity theory. The researchers show the evidence of Igbo language as the possible factor for unity, identity and security of Igbo people, Igbo language as treasure in earthenware pot, the fear of Igbo language going into extinction, the place of the Igbo language among the Igbo people in diaspora, call for parental responsibility in Igbo language acquisition and the need to promote the Igbo language in the face of globalization.
Language, Igbo language, Igbo People, Treasure, Earthenware Pot
PATRICK IK. UMEZI; FLORENCE UJU IBEH Ph.D
Nchọcha a bụ maka ‗Ọjị: Eriri Njikọ Asụsụ na Omenala Igbo‘. N‘edemede a, e bu n‘obi ịchọpụta etu emume ọjị si ejikọta asụsụ na omenala Igbo ọnụ. Mgbe e mechara nchọcha a, a chọpụtara n‘ezie na ọjị bụ eriri jikọtara asụsụ na omenala Igbo ọnụ. Nke a na-apụta ihe n‘ụzọ dị iche iche; dị ka mgbe a na-agọ ọjị Igbo n‘omenala Igbo, ọ bụ naanị n‘asụsụ Igbo ka a na-eme nke a, maka na ọjị anaghị anụ asụsụ Bekee. Nke ọzọ dị ka o si dị n‘omenala Igbo, ọji na-agwa ndị Igbo okwu site n‘ibe ole ọjị ahụ gbara. N‘otu aka ahụ, ndị Igbo na-eji ọjị agwa Chineke na ndị nna nna ha okwu n‘asụsụ Igbo.
Poverty Traps and Impending Security Challenges: An African Perspective
Recognizing the enormous challenges facing the global community to eradicate poverty, the international development community in 2000 adopted specific targets for poverty reduction, now known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The overarching goal was to halve income poverty worldwide by 2015. Despite the commitments contained in the MDGs, poverty and hunger is on the increase, and disparity between the rich and the poor, between and within nations widening. With the number of poor persons on the rise in Africa, a favourable condition conflicts is created. This is unarguably a security challenge. This paper posits that the challenge of poverty and its accompanying challenge further entraps Africa and deepens the continent and the lives of its people in the vortex of security crisis.. Adopting the quantitative and qualitative method of historical analysis, the paper recommends that improved commitment to poverty reduction, peace and security is imperative.
Africa, Conflict, Poverty Traps, Security Challenges
THE YEAR 2020 ENDSARS SAGA: A WOUND ON THE NOTION OF CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY IN IGBO CULTURAL SETTING
This research is about the year 2020 ENDSARS saga: A wound on the notion of constituted authority in Igbo cultural setting. The researchers intend to find out how the endSARS demonstration affected the understanding of constituted authority in Igbo cultural setting. SARS (Special Ant-Robbery Squad) was created in 1992 as a Nigerian Police Force unit to help in fighting crimes. The result of the research shows that the endSARS demonstration started as a result of the human right violations and other inhuman activities by members of SARS. The demonstration had drastic effects on the Igbo notion of constituted authority; because it frustrated the psychology of the Igbo people about a constituted authority in security sector. Besides, it made them lose trust in SARS as a constituted authority. Furthermore, Poor and slow response of the government made the people suspect and lose interest in the government as the higher authority. In addition, the outcome of the demonstration made the masses to look down on the police as a constituted authority; which, in turn, may affect the process of peace keeping in the country. At the end, the researchers suggested some solutions to the problem. They are, there is need to educate the public on the meaning and significance of a constituted authority. There is need for personality test of members of Nigerian police force. Then, the youths should be allowed to take part in Nigerian policy making; this will help in full representation to avoid future occurrence of mass protest.
Constituted authority, Igbo cultural setting, SARS, ENDSARS protest, Police system, Disobedience
Echiche Ndịnime N’agụm aha Mmadụ N’ala Igbo
Nchọcha a bụ maka Echiche ndịnime n’agụm aha mmadụ n’ala Igbo. Ihe nwa nchọcha bu n’uche bụ ịchọpụta echiche miri emi dị n’aha ndị Igbo na-agụ mmadụ. Atụtụ a gbasoro na nchọcha a bụ atụtụ echiche Park (2010). Mgbe e mechara nchọcha a, a chọpụtara na ndị Igbo nwere echiche miri emi dị n’aha dị iche iche ha na-agụ mmadụ. Ya bụ na e nwere ihe ndị kpatara ha ji agụ mmadụ aha dị iche iche. Echiche ndị a sitere na nghọta ndị igbo nwere n’oge ochie nakwa n’oge ugbu a banyere ndụ nakwa ụwa ha nọ n’ime ya. Ụfọdụ ihe ndị ahụ gụnyere: Ịgụ oge, nkwenye na ihe ndị mere mmadụ
NNWEMAGBA ASỤSỤ NYE ECHICHE NA NSIRIHỤ ASỤSỤ IGBO
Nchọcha a bụ maka nnwemagba asụsụ nye echiche na nsirihụ asụsụ Igbo. Ihe nwanchọcha bu n’obi bụ ịchọpụta etu asụsụ si nwe agba nye echiche na nsirihụ asụsụ Igbo. Ọ gbasoro atụtụ Sapir na Whorf (1948) wee nye nkọwa ya. Ka e mechara nchọcha a, a chọpụtara na nnwemagba asụsụ nye echiche na nsirihụ asụsụ Igbo pụtara ihe n’ebe ndị a: etu ndị Igbo si agụ ihe aha; Etu ha si agụ ihe ọkpụ aha dị iche na etu ha si agụ ihe mbịa mbịa aha, site n’ihe nhụrụnuche dị iche iche, okwu mbite, site n’imepụta ihe ọkpụ dị iche iche, na kwa site na nsịnakwụkwọnsọ. Ihe ndị a gosiri na asụsụ nwere agba nye echiche na nsirihụ asụsụ Igbo.
Representing Igbo Culture Authentically: Realism in The Cinematic Depiction of Áfàméfunà
The focus of this work is on Southeast Nigeria and the Igbo people ( Ndi Igbo). We are going to navigate through their innovations and rich cultural heritage and practices as showcased in African cinema. There is a popular saying: Igbo enweghi Eze ( Igbo people do not have a King). Every Igbo man is a king on his own and he justifies his existence by making every effort to maintain his legacy.
THE ROLE OF NNEWI MARKET WOMEN IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICAN HISTORIOGRAPHY SINCE THE 20TH CENTURY
The role of Nnewi women in African historiography has become a topic of interest in contemporary history. Despite the quantity of writing about women and women's history, the evidence available indicates that these women are still either rarely or wrongly portrayed as leading figures in works of African history literature. The few existing works tend to capture or portray them as innately passive, inferior and subordinate, suffering under male oppression forever. Against this backdrop, the paper will showcase the relevant roles Nnewi market women have played in the development of historiography. The question is, what have Nnewi Market women contributed to developing historiography as a discipline.What were the specific roles these women played in the study of history. The paper establishes that through their economic activities, political struggles, and socio-cultural activities, Nnewi market women have challenged and, by extension, encouraged the reevaluation of traditional narratives that portray women as passive actors in the spheres, as mentioned earlier, despite the diverse challenges they experience. As a means of examining the role of Nnewi market women in shaping gender discourses in African historiography, this paper relied on primary and secondary sources such as oral interviews and scholarly works on African women's history/studies in books, journal articles, internet materials, and etcetera. It adopts the qualitative method of historical research(descriptive essay) in its approach to data analysis and strongly argues that greater diversity and inclusivity of gender in historical reconstruction will promote justice and fairness in African society and advance the development of historiography.
Historiography, market women, Nnewi, roles, development, and history
RESURGENCE OF BIAFRAN SEPARATIST MOVEMENTS, GOVERNMENT REPRESSION, AND RISING INSTABILITY IN SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA
The resurgence of Biafran separatist sentiments in Nigeria is largely a reaction to perceived ethnic dominance and the Nigerian government's compromised state-building capacity. The tendency to attribute the rise in ethnic nationalism and separatist agitations to the expansion of democracy since 1999 is flawed. While security challenges exist across Nigeria, the most pressing threats to lives and livelihoods in the Southeast are coordinated attacks on state facilities by unidentified groups and the Nigerian military’s brutal response to neo-Biafra separatist uprisings. Although the revival of Biafra separatism has received substantial academic attention, existing studies have overlooked how persistent state repression has facilitated the growth of the neo-Biafra separatist movement in Nigeria. This study argues that the Nigerian government's repressive approach towards Biafra separatism has led the Indigenous People of Biafra to shift from non-violent to armed strategies. Relying primarily on secondary data analysis, the paper draws from the theory of state repression to conclude that the indiscriminate use of force, including harassment, proscription, arrests, rendition, torture, and mass killings of pro-Biafra activists, tends to exacerbate insecurity in the Southeast region.
Justin Chukwuma NWANERI; Ikechukwu Emmanuel UVERE (PhD)
This article studied Ibeku economic institutions up to 1896 with special interest on manufacturing, trade and marketing, transport and communication and institutions for capital formation. The article observed that Ibeku practiced self-sufficient economy with the production of craft products such as: blacksmith and pottery products. The article is of the view that short and long distance trade provided a platform where Ibeku traders, artisans and farmers marketed their agricultural and craft products. They also saved their earnings through institutions for capital formations. The article adopted historical method. Primary, secondary and tertiary sources like oral interviews, archival materials, journals, published and unpublished texts, were employed as means of data collection for the historical reconstruction of the article. The article concluded that Ibeku pre-colonial economy should be transformed and modernized to compete favorably with other communities in West Africa.
Economic, Institutions, Transportation and Communication
Igbolekwu Chijioke; Dr. Ikechukwu Emmanuel Uvere
This paper appraised Ibeku post-colonial economic institutions from 1960-1999, with special preference on agriculture, land tenure system, trade and marketing. Others included: transport and communication, manufacturing, institutions for capital formation, urbanization and migration. This paper employed eclectic method, explicitly historical method and ethnography. It also revealed that a thorough work has not been documented on Ibeku post-colonial economic institutions with reference to agriculture, land tenure system, trade and marketing, transportation and communication, institutions for capital formation, urbanization and migration. The study concluded that in 1960-1999 Ibeku economy experienced unprecedented growth in different ways. It collapsed in some areas, in some it was modernized while in some it witnessed transformations, growth and development.
Igbolekwu Chijioke; Dr. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Uvere
IBEKU CULTURAL PRACTICE OF CHILD-BEARING AND DEATH AND ASSOCIATED BURIAL RITES, UP TO 1896
This paper understudied Ibeku cultural practice of child-bearing and death and associated burial rites, up to 1896. The work highlighted some salient points on believe associated with childlessness, birth and associated ceremonies, circumcision, naming ceremony, the male child, the female child and twin and other multiple births. Others included: natural death, premature death, suicide and manslaughter. This paper adopted historical methods such as: primary and secondary. This study is of the opinion that Ibeku pre-colonial cultural practices were traditionally patriarchal. Multiple births were even profaned during Ibeku pre-colonial cultural practices. This study recommended that Ibeku pre-colonial cultural practices should be transformed and modernized to ensure gender equality and promote multiple births.
Cultural Practice, Child-bearing, Death, Burial, Manslaughter and Suicide
Dr. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Uvere; Igbolekwu Chijioke
NIGERIA’S DEBT FINANCING, DEBT SERVICING AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT SCENARIO IN EMPIRICAL RETROSPECT
The study was motivated by the need to examine the influence of debt financing and subsequent debt servicing obligations on foreign direct investment in Nigeria. Specifically, it sought to ascertain the effect of domestic debt, external debt and debt servicing costs on the rate of FDI inflows from 2006 to 2024. The research employed the ex post facto design enabling it to source data from the World Bank Development Indicators and the Central Bank Statistical Bulletin as the evidence upon which conclusions were made. In analyzing the data, the study applied the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. Findings from the results suggest that in the short and long run, domestic debts negatively affects foreign direct investment while external borrowings showed a positive impact on foreign direct investment inflows. In furtherance to this finding, the study also discovered that consistent debt servicing had a strong positive influence on FDI inflows in the long and short run dynamics. It therefore recommended amongst others that government should reduce its dependence on internal borrowings while external financing should be strictly targeted on productive activities and sectors that can drive economic growth and increase FDI inflows.
Debt Financing, Debt Servicing, Foreign Direct Investment
Okeke, Nneka Maureen (PhD); Ogbuenyi, Chinwe Vivian; Iweias, Seith Sokiri (PhD)
AN “ECOLOGICAL INTEGRATION: UNVEILLING THE VISION OF POPE FRANCIS’ LAUDATO SI AND ITS IMPLICATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP IN AFRICA”
This paper explores the concept of ecological integration as articulated in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si examining its implications for environmental stewardship in Africa. The research employs a qualitative methodology, utilizing thematic analysis of key texts alongside case studies from various African contexts to identify the intersection of spirituality, ecology, and social justice. The central problem addressed is the escalating environmental degradation in Africa, exacerbated by poverty, industrialization, and climate change, which threatens both ecosystems and vulnerable communities. By integrating Francis’ vision of a holistic approach to ecology with local cultural practices and sustainable development initiatives, this study proposes actionable solutions. These include promoting community-led conservation efforts, fostering interfaith dialogues on environmental ethics, and implementing policies that prioritize ecological sustainability. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how Laudato Si can inspire effective environmental stewardship in Africa, advocating for a paradigm shift towards a more integrated and compassionate relationship with our planet.
Inyamgim Austin Ntol; Ikechukwu Batholomew Ekemezie PhD
Combating Radicalism and Violent Extremism in Local Communities: Perspectives and Practices
There is no doubt; contemporary society is existentially challenged by myriad of security problems, particularly the upsurge in radical movements, world over. Against this backdrop, this paper reexamines the multifaceted perspectives associated with the phenomena of radicalism and violent extremism in modern social discourse. It underscores violent extremism as an anti-social belief in the use of radical extreme means in pursuant of a given ideological, religious or political objectives. In that order, the study establishes that the problems of radicalism and extremism have their roots in man and since man is the problem, he is also the solution. Findings reveal the admixture of structural, environmental, attitudinal and doctrinal factors as constituting the push, pull and contextual attraction to radicalism and violent extreme behaviours. Consequently, owing to these complex factors as driving forces, the research posits that proportionate military violence in combating extremism is highly necessary although not adequate when it comes to deradicalization and prevention. To strengthen the military option, the paper advocates; (i) government and community partnership, (ii) and a sustained culture of participation and inclusiveness both in deed and in words. In the final analysis, the unique contribution therein orbits around using the methods of inclusion and participation as complementary to the military alternative in the quest for deradicalization and prevention of violent extreme activities in local communities.
Community partnership, Inclusion, Participation, Radicalization, Violent Extremism
Egbe belu ugo belu: The Igbo-African Approach to the Principle of Letting-be in Martin Heidegger’s Philosophy
The treatment of the principle of letting-be by Martin Heidegger, reveals an attempt to articulate an actionable attitude to guide human behaviour and conduct. Heidegger believes that man is often caught in the web of prejudices and the urge to dominate while relating with his object of experience. As such, this desire to always have our object of interaction produce a specific outcome often defines our relationship with phenomenon including fellow human beings; which in turn engenders conflict and crisis. In view of this, Heidegger makes a case for man to adopt a phenomenological attitude of letting-be of reality as it is, so that nature can yield freely without necessarily creating the kind of tension that is destructive to human civilization. While this paper agrees with the notion of letting-be as attitudinal disposition which allows reality to negotiate for meaning based on the attitude of openness, respect and recognition in a non-compelling manner, it however critiques its susceptibility to misconstruction and misapplication in human relations. Consequent upon this, the objective of the paper is to reinforce this principle with the Igbo-African construct egbe belu ugo belu, nke si ibe ya ebelu ka nku kwa ya (literarily translated as; let the kite perch and let the eagle perch too, if one says no to the other, let its wing break). It ethically implies “live and let live”. The paper adopts the method of phenomenological investigation which insists on the rule of patience, respect and openness of mind towards the object of experience.
letting-be, egbe belu ugo belu, phenomenology, complementarity
THE ROLE OF HUMAN RESOURCE ACCOUNTING IN INFLUENCING INVESTMENT DECISIONS IN NIGERIA
This study assessed how human resource accounting is utilized by investors and their investment choices. Precisely, it investigated the role of human resource accounting in influencing decisions made by investors in Nigeria. The staff acquisition and development costs served as the proxy for human resource accounting while the investment decisions were dismantled into dimensions of earnings per share, returns on investment and dividends per share. The study adopted the ex post facto research design in gathering data from the audited financial statements of the listed industrial firms in Nigeria spanning a period from 2015 to 2024. The panel regression technique was used in analysing the generated data. From the results, it was revealed that staff and development costs had a significant and positive influence on both the earnings per share and returns on investment, whereas it showed a weak and negative impact on dividend per share. To this end, the study suggested that mandatory disclosure of human resource accounting information in financial reports should be strictly enforced by regulatory bodies and firms should rigorously prioritize staff development as a sine qua non for increased rate of investments.
Okeke, Nneka Maureen (Phd) & Monday, Monday Akunna (Phd)
LANGUAGE AND MISOGYNY IN LITERARY DISCOURSE: A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF CHINUA ACHEBE'S "THINGS FALL APART
This research paper is an examination of language and misogyny in literary discourse through a linguistic analysis of Chinua Achebe's novel, "Things Fall Apart." The study explores how language constructs and perpetuates gender-based prejudices, particularly misogyny, within the context of a postcolonial African society. The analysis focuses on the portrayal of female characters, particularly Okonkwo's wives and other women in the Igbo community, in order to find out the linguistic devices employed by the author to express and reinforce patriarchal ideologies. Using a qualitative approach, the paper draws on linguistic theory to critically evaluate the language used by Achebe and its implications on gender dynamics. The study reveals that Achebe's use of language, although rich in cultural expression, often reflects and perpetuates traditional gender norms and power structures. Through linguistic devices such as metaphors, proverbs, and direct dialogue, women are frequently depicted as submissive, objectified, and relegated to domestic roles, contributing to their marginalization within the narrative. Furthermore, the research highlights instances where women's voices and perspectives are silenced or dismissed, leading to a reinforcement of their subordinate status in the community. The analysis further explicates how language reinforces existing biases, contributing to the perpetuation of misogyny and patriarchal norms in broader societal contexts. The findings reveal that misogynistic language is indeed present in the Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’, as there were cases of objectification, marginalization, and discriminatory attitudes towards female characters.
Misogyny, Sexism, Marginalization, Intersectionality, Literary Discourse