This platform serves as a centralized hub for hosting and indexing academic papers from a variety of scholarly journals. Its primary objective is to increase the online visibility of Nigerian research and amplify the contributions of Nigerian researchers within the global academic community. The platform ensures a streamlined publishing process and adherence to international scholarly standards. By offering open access to peer-reviewed research, the platform not only supports knowledge dissemination but also fosters greater academic collaboration and recognition for Nigerian scholarship. All content is submitted by individual authors through their respective journals, ensuring both academic integrity and a diverse range of research output.
Challenges of Community Reentry for the Geriatric Inmate Population of Onitsha Correctional Centre, Anambra State
Geriatric inmates upon release form the correctional center face severe community reentry challenges, driven primarily by profound social stigma and exclusion, family abandonment, poor health, and lack of financial resources. This study examines Challenges of Community Reentry for the Geriatric Inmate Population of Onitsha Correctional Centre, Anambra State. The research adopted reintegration theory as theoretical framework. The study revealed that geriatric inmates face significant community re-entry barriers which include; stigmatization, homelessness, poor access to healthcare, lack of social and financial support, etc. The study concludes that without deliberate, age-specific interventions, geriatric inmates upon release from correctional centres are likely to face serious challenges which will make their re-entry into their community a herculean task for them. It therefore recommends that the Nigerian Correctional Service should establish transitional housing schemes and geriatric-specific healthcare access programs for geriatric inmates to address the pressing issues of homelessness and medical neglect post-release, amongst others.
Community Reentry, Geriatric Inmate, Ex-offenders, Prisons, Correctional service
Ignatius Sunday Ume; Stanley Ikenna Onwuchekwe; Greg Onuchukwu; Charity Chioma Obi
Influence of Peer Pressure on Youth Involvement in Cybercrime in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria
This study examines the influence of peer pressure on youth involvement in cybercrime in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Three research objectives and two hypotheses guided this study. The theoretical framework is based on strain theory. A descriptive survey design was employed, and the study sample size consisted of 397 youth residents of Onitsha North Local Government Area, aged 18 years and above. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS, through frequency count, percentage, mean ratings, and charts, while chi-square (χ²) inferential statistics was used in testing the hypotheses. The findings revealed that peer group pressure influences youth involvement in cybercrime in the study area. The implications include erosion of moral values, intimidation of the public with questionable riches, violation of laws, weakening of judicial processes and intrusion of cyberspace, among others. Additionally, the study found that female respondents are not significantly more likely to perceive peer pressure as a leading factor in youth involvement in cybercrime (p = 0.210, > 0.05). Similarly, respondents with tertiary education are not significantly more likely to consider advance-fee-fraud (yahoo) as a prevailing form of cybercrime in Onitsha North compared to those with lower levels of education (p = 0.104, > 0.05). The study concludes that if no stringent measures are taken to curb the menace, cybercrime will not only sustain Nigeria's negative reputation in the comity of nations but also potentially destroy the nation's youth population. It recommends that the government should identify and address other social conditions, such as unemployment, that lead youth to engage in cybercrime, in addition to addressing peer pressure. Furthermore, the study suggests that the society should discourage the culture of celebrating wealth without clear processes.
Cybercrime, peer group pressure, youths, unemployment
Onwuchekwe Stanley Ikenna; Onyeoziri Victor; Ibekwe Christopher Chimaobi; Madu, Tochukwu Emmanuel; George Nweke Igboanugo; Mmesoma Agbodike
L’intermédialité comme un outil romanesque dans la littérature francophone
La manière de transmettre le message principal aux lecteurs dans les œuvres littéraires, dépend plus des styles et de l’époque des écrivains. Le style intermédial joue ce rôle pertinent dans l’écriture des romans contemporains. Les écrivains tels qu’Aminata Sowfall, Fatou Diome, Mohamed Mbougar Sarr et Serge Joncour appliquent bien ce style à leurs romans : Douceurs du bercail (1998), Le ventre de l’Atlantique (2003), De purs hommes (2018) Que la paix soit avec vous (2006) respectivement. La question qui se pose c’est : est-ce que ces écrivains choisissent l’intermédialité pour envoyer leur message à l’audience ? Quels sont les effets de ce choix ? La communication utilise la méthode d’intermédialité littéraire pour analyser les textes de corpus en illustrant comment tel dispositif crée des intermédiathèmes qui enrichissent la signification des œuvres littéraires en question. A la fin de l’enquête, on trouve que les écrivains emploient l’intermédialité en guise de créer des intermédiathèmes, c’est-à-dire des thèmes qui émergent de la convergence de différents médias et formes d’expression, tel que la télévision, la radio, le journal, les lettres, la photo, la vidéo et les logiciels de communication en ligne comme WhatsApp. On trouve aussi que ces intermédiathèmes embellissent la valeur des thèmes et finalement qu’ils mettent en scène les thèmes de manière innovante et pertinante.
thèmes littéraires, style intermédial, intermédialité, intermédiathème
Abraham Enefu; Chioma Elizabeth Ogbu; Precious Chimee Joshua
GENDER AND LAND USE FOR FARMING IN RURAL UBAHA-AKPULU COMMUNITY IMO STATE NIGERIA
Land is an important resource in African farming systems. It is the solid part of the earth's surface and includes the rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, hills, mountains valleys. In fact, it is fundamental to people's existence in most rural communities. In a predominantly farming community land is equal to life, and most activities revolve around land. Access to this important resource in our farming system is, therefore, critical to the life and well-being of the people in our rural economies. This papers examines the issues of gender by examining the differential access to this resource among men and women in our rural communities. Using Ubaha-Akpulu community in Ideato-North L.G.A of Imo State as a case study, the paper explores the dynamics of gender in the processes governing ownership and control of land resources in the community. Specifically, we look at the ownership structure, method of allocation, the target users, costs (if any), and the factors that play out in the allocation and how women’s needs are addressed in the process. The findings inform our stance and recommendations for gender -inclusiveness in policy formulations that will place women on a proper footing in rural agricultural reforms.
Gender, Land, Farming, Rural, Ubah-Akpulu
PREVALENCE OF ARMED ATTACKS AND THE SECURITY IMPLICATIONS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
The internal security environment of Nigeria appears to have deteriorated in the recent past. While efforts were being made to curb the old security threats; new twists like the unknown gunmen and bandits attack emerged. This paper examined the prevalence of armed attacks and the security implications in Anambra State, Nigeria. The theoretical thrust of this paper was the theory of deviance. The paper adopted a survey research design and the sample size was 400 adult residents of the State. The multi-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents. The major instrument of data collection was a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequency count, percentage, Mean score, table of descriptive statistics, and chi-square (x2) inferential statistics through the aid of SPSS. The findings revealed that sources of arms were perceived to be from desperate politicians, local blacksmiths, smuggling from neighboring countries, corrupt law enforcement agents, Niger Delta militants, and prison/security cell breaks. The security implications of the attacks were found to comprise fear to participate in the electioneering process, demoralized presence of security personnel, wanton killings and loss of lives, destruction of operational facilities of law enforcement agents, exposure to an atmosphere of threats, frightening sense of insecurity among residents, wrong signal to residents/investors, increased risk of sexual violence, unhindered accessibility of arms by untrained individuals and looting/burglary. This paper concluded that if adequate measures are not taken to address the precipitating issues, the State and region by extension might not just be turned into a terror zone, but could be deserted. It, therefore, recommended among others, that efforts should be made by the government to call for arms disarmament in the South-East region and grant amnesty to anyone willing to drop his arm.
Armed attacks, prevalence, security implications, and sources of arms
ONWUCHEKWE, STANLEY IKENNA; OKORONTA, CHIBUIKE CHRISTIAN; IBEKWE, CHRISTOPHER CHIMAOBI; ONWUCHEKWE PIUS TOBECHUKWU
Artificial Intelligence Technologies and the Control of Oil Theft in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria
Oil theft in Nigeria has been a daunting challenge to meeting the approved 1.71 million barrels production per day and has led to the loss of over ten billion US dollars in foreign earnings. This paper examined artificial intelligence technologies and the control of oil theft in Warri South West LGA of Delta State, Nigeria. Queer ladder theory was employed in explaining the complex dynamics around oil theft in the area. Mixed-methods research design was adopted. The target population was 22,234 and the sample size is 1,250 residents. This is in addition to five interviews that were conducted. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews (IDI) guide. Quantitative data were analysed using percentage, frequency, charts, and multi-nominal logistic regression, while qualitative data were thematically analysed. Findings revealed that there was a high level of awareness amongst residents on AI enabled technologies used in controlling oil theft in their communities. It also showed that AI-powered devices, such as drones, satellites, CCTV and community-based mechanisms were used in the control of oil theft in the area. It equally indicated that these technologies are potentially useful, but their application was inadequate, leaving respondents skeptical of their effectiveness. It again showed that there was no significant positive relationship between respondents’ occupational group and their awareness of AI enabled technological tools for detecting oil theft. It concluded that application of AI technologies is sacrosanct in curbing oil theft, especially when synergized and blended with indigenous knowledge. Recommendations were made in line with the findings.
Artificial intelligence, technology, oil theft, pipeline vandalisation
Stanley Ikenna Onwuchekwe; Ibekwe, Christopher Chimaobi; Ignatius Sunday Ume; Agbodike, Mmesoma Chinecherem; Greg Onuchukwu
Public Perception of Factors Associated with Antenatal Care Utilization among Women in Awka South LGA of Anamabra State, Nigeria
This paper examined public perception of the factors associated with antenatal care utilization among women in Awka South LGA. The objectives of this study were guided by conceptual issues such as; the state of antenatal care utilization among women, factors influencing antenatal care utilization among women, effects of poor antenatal care utilization among women, measures that could be put in place to improve antenatal care utilization among women in Awka South LGA. The research employed a mixed methods research design using a sample size of 204 respondents. Data collected from the questionnaire were processed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software application version 23. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency tables and simple percentages. The hypotheses were tested using the Chi-square (X2) statistics. The qualitative data collected from the field were transcribed which was thoroughly edited, analyzed thematically using narrative method of qualitative data analysis. The study identified distance to clinic as primary socio cultural factors that determine the utilization of antenatal care service among women in Awka South Local Government Area. The study also found out that maternal death, pregnancy complications, infant death among others as effects of poor antenatal care services in Awka South Local Government Area. Finally, the research recommends that free and subsidized antenatal care service, improved facility infrastructure, community mobilization among others were listed as measures to improve antenatal care utilization among women in Awka South LGA.
Antenatal care service, Antenatal care utilization, and Socio-economic factors
Ngozi Chinenye Okeke; Gloria Nwakego Chukwuemeka; Chisom Anaestasi
Socio-cultural Factors Affecting Maternal Nutrition During Pregnancy in Awka South
This study investigated socio-cultural factors affecting maternal nutrition during pregnancy in Awka South LGA. The specific objectives examined the current situation of pregnant women, cultural practices affecting dietary choices of pregnant women, social factors and measures to improve the maternal nutrition of pregnant women. Three theories were reviewed namely: Social constraints theory, life course theory and health belief model. Subsequently, health belief model was adopted as the theoretical framework. The mixed methods research design and mixed sampling procedure were used in this study. The study sampled 204 persons aged 15-49 years living in Awka South LGA. The quantitative data (i.e., questionnaires) were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and simple percentages while the qualitative data (interview responses) collected in the field were analyzed using the thematic method of data analysis. Two hypotheses were tested using Chi–square (x) test statistics and results were found to have positive relationships. Other findings show that majority of the respondents agree that income is a major factor that affects maternal nutrition of pregnant women in the area. A few other contributory factors are cultural practices, Distance to markets, source of support and level of education. The results indicate that while many pregnant women in Awka South consume nutritious meals, cultural beliefs and income levels greatly influence their dietary choices. Education had no significant effect, but free supplements, health talks, and food programmes helped improve maternal nutrition. Based on this findings, the study recommends nutrition education and culturally sensitive interventions to correct harmful food beliefs. It also advises economic support, free supplements, and strong community–health partnerships to improve and sustain maternal nutrition
Fetal development, food taboos, Malnutrition, Maternal nutrition, nutritional interventions
Ngozi Chinenye Okeke; Gloria Nwakego Chukwuemeka; Nneoma Emelechi Okoye; Onyinyechi Emmanuella Obiefuna
Assessment of Community-Based Maternal Health Care Models for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria: A Literature Review
Nigeria faces a dual crisis of high maternal mortality and widespread internal displacement driven by conflict. This narrative literature review synthesizes evidence on community-based maternal health care models designed to serve internally displaced persons (IDPs) and conflict-affected populations in Nigeria. Drawing from existing studies spanning 2013-2025, this review examines intervention types, effectiveness, implementation challenges, and policy implications. The evidence reveals diverse community-based approaches including mobile health clinics, community health workers, emergency transport schemes, volunteer obstetrician programs, and faith-based initiatives. These interventions have demonstrated significant improvements in maternal health outcomes, with documented reductions in maternal mortality ratios ranging from 16.8% to 37%, substantial increases in antenatal care coverage, and improved facility delivery rates. However, persistent barriers including insecurity, inadequate funding, cultural norms, and weak health infrastructure continue to challenge sustainable implementation. This review provides critical insights for policymakers, humanitarian organizations, and health practitioners working to improve maternal health outcomes in displacement and conflict settings.
Community-Based care, Internally displaced Persons (IDP), Nigeria
Ngozi Chinenye Okeke; Leona Adimchi Eke; Bisiola Ekelechi Okoye
Socio-Cultural Determinants of Drug and Substance Use among Pregnant Women in Nigeria: A Literature Review
The increasing prevalence of drug and substance use among pregnant women poses significant risks to maternal and fetal health, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. Drawing on the body of existing research, including publications and articles, this theoretical paper attempts to investigate the determinants of drug and substance use among pregnant women in Nigeria. The Social Learning Theory (SLT) is adopted as the theoretical framework. This paper identifies important factors that affect drug and substance use among pregnant women in Nigeria. Through a thorough analysis of secondary data. These factors include maternal age, partner/husband and maternal education level, monthly income, occupation, partner/husband's substance use, healthcare access, maternall age, socioeconomic status, lack of awareness, societal stigma, place of residence, stress, and cultural beliefs. The study also addresses the effects of drug and substance use on pregnancy outcomes and emphasizes the necessity of focused treatments and legislative changes. To reduce drug and substance use among pregnant women, this paper advocates that the government and non-governmental organizations should consider subsidizing the cost of antenatal medications, community engagement, enhancing public health initiatives, and educational programs aimed at reducing drug use and improving maternal and child health outcomes.
Drug use, Maternal health, Nigeria, Pregnant women, Substance use
Ngozi Chinenye Okeke; Ifeoma Elizabeth Ohachenu; Joshua Akaolisa Ojiochie
Ịka Ụta: A Value Orientation and Relationship Building Tool for Ọmanne Grandchildren
Ọmanne communities (Abatete, Ụmụoji and Nkpor) are cultural minded. Before the Igbo nation which Ọmanne is part of, was colonized by the Western world, they had their cultural values and equally devised informal measures through which they inculcate those values to their younger generations. Some of these values include brotherly love, respect for elders, respect for life, hospitality, ikwunne, kinship among others. Ịka ụta is one of the avenues through which Ọmanne people achieved these cultural values orientation and transmission. Unfortunately, these cultural values and the means of acculturation had come into strong confrontation with the Western influence as a result of globalization. One major consequence of this obstruction on the people’s way of life is incest because some blood relatives can no longer recognize themselves or trace their backgrounds . It is on this backdrop that this work deems it necessary to unravel how Ọmanne communities used ịka ụta as a cultural value orientation and relationship building tool. The study reveals how ịka ụta could integrate relatives for the purpose of identification. It is a descriptive and survey research. The theoretical framework will be anchored on Symbolic Interactionalism. Data collection was by oral interview posed to randomly selected elders who observed ịka ụta in their younger days. The interviewees’ responses formed the data for the research. The literature review was carried out. Findings show that ịka ụta is not only on traditional feast days but can also come up on other occassion like traditional marriage ceremony. Another finding revealed that ịka ụta is a major tool for a consolidated familiarity not only among extended families members but also with their kins people, in Ụmụoji and Nkpor, there is a specific event for it known as ime ọma nne. It also revealed that ịka ụta has been neglected which had resulted in many traditional discrepancies. This research recommends that Ọmanne communities and the entire Igbo people should revive and retain this traditional means of cultural values transmission due to its cultural implications.
Ụdara (African Star Apple): A Symbol of Procreation among Anambra-Igbo People
This research centres on the meaning Anambra peolpe of South-Eastern Nigeria attribute to the African star apple ụdara as a symbol of progeny. So many fruits abound in Igbo land. African star apple ụdara on which this study centres is one of them. These fruits are known not only for their nutritious values but also as sacred fruits from sacred trees. Some of these sacred trees are almost extinct as a result of deforestation. Unfortunately, little or nothing is known about the few that are still in existence based on the change in the value system of Anambra people. For this change therefore ụdara is being mishandled. This study is to portray some cultural beliefs Anambra people have in African star apple especially as it regards procreation. Again, the study intends to create awareness on the mishandling of ụdara by modern Anambra people and let them know the implications of such mishandling. The theories of symbolic interactionism and social change were used for data analysis. This study is a descriptive and survey research. Data collection was by oral interview posed to randomly selected individuals from selected communities which were done at the interviewees conveniences and at different times. The interviewees’ responses formed the data for this study. They were therefore collected, translated, transcribed and analysed. Among the findings of the study is that African star apple is ‘progeny’, that is, it symbolizes procreation and fertility and originally not meant to be sold in the market. Another finding is that some communities presently sell it in their markets as a result of economic and social change in the modern society while some others still do not sell it. The study also revealed that as a sacred fruit from a sacred tree, it is revered as a source of blessing to the people. It is believed that the public, both old and young, students, especially culture students and all culturally minded researchers will benefit from this study as it reveals the views of Igbo communities on African star apple.
African star apple, Attribute, Procreation, Anambra people, Symbol
A PSYCHOANALYTIC EXPLORATION OF FEAR AND HIDDEN MESSAGES IN SELECT NOLLYWOOD HORROR FILMS
Nollywood horror films use fear as a canvas to explore complex themes like tradition, modernity, and spirituality, revealing societal taboos and cultural anxieties. By applying Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory, this study analyses how fear is constructed psychologically and culturally in two films: The Origin: Madam Koi Koi (2023) and Living in Bondage: Breaking Free (2019). Through qualitative research, this study examines the imagery, symbolism, and narrative structure of these films to uncover hidden messages. The goal is to understand how Nollywood horror films reflect the collective unconscious mind and influence human thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Ultimately, this research highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the media-psychology- culture nexus and recommends awareness of the unconscious themes and symbolism in Nollywood horror films.
SOMTOO ARINZE-UMOBI, PhD; CHIBUIKE M. ABUNIKE, PhD
This paper raises the question; do robots have minds? In its appraisal of recent ascription of intelligence to machine, the paper argues that intelligence is an attribute of a first-order mentality which only human mind possesses. Mind, in the Cartesian glance, is a conscious and thinking substance. The paper therefore examines whether robots which perform these acts have minds. While theorists like Hilary Putnam and Gilbert Ryle deny that mind (as a non-physical substance) exists, others like John Searle contend that machines can perform mental activities attributed to the mind. While opposing firstorder- mental acts to robots, we argue that robots’ actions are solely determined; thus robots lack real, spontaneous emotion and introspective capacity which are bases for moral intelligence.
Emotions, Identity, Mind, Robots, First/Second-order-mentality
THE IMPACT OF CULTURAL APPROPRIATION OF NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS TEXTILES IN CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL FASHION DESIGNS: STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
In the global textile and fashion scene, cultural appropriation has become belligerent. In this study, it refers to when native designs and patterns are used frequently in textile and fashion designs without permission, proper acknowledgment, or understanding of the cultural significance behind these elements. This study explores the phenomenon of cultural appropriation through the lens of Nigerian indigenous motifs as they appear in global contemporary textile and fashion designs. This is qualitative research. It employed the use of observations, desk methodology and interviews to collect some data. It examines how traditional Nigerian patterns, symbols, and textiles are integrated into international fashion, often detached from their cultural origins and meanings. The study highlights the tension between cultural appreciation and appropriation, considering issues of intellectual property, identity, and power dynamics. It found out the impact on Nigerian artisans and communities, and revealed the broader implications for cultural appreciation, preservation and respect in the global fashion industry. In conclusion, the study calls for a more ethical and informed approach to incorporating indigenous motifs in fashion, promoting collaboration and recognition of source cultures.
cultural appropriation, Nigeria, indigenous textile designs, contemporary global fashion.
A FUSION OF AKWETE-IGBO WOVEN FABRICS AND BATIK INSPIRED BY ULI-IGBO MOTIFS FOR CONTEMPORARY FASHION: IMPERATIVE FOR ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
The Akwete hand-woven fabrics produced by the Igbo and found in the southeastern part of Nigeria celebrate a rich tapestry of intricate and colourful designs that convey significant messages rooted in the Igbo worldview. Traditionally, these fabrics are reserved for special occasions in Igbo culture, where women typically wear them as two wrappers paired with a lace blouse, while men also incorporate them into their attire. It is uncommon to see Akwete fabrics combined with other materials in everyday clothing, underscoring their unique cultural significance. In addition to the Akwete fabrics, Uli traditional hand painting features over a hundred symbolic motifs drawn from Igbo idioms, slogans, and proverbs. Historically, these designs were applied to bodies and walls, serving both aesthetic and spiritual purposes. Unfortunately, the practice of Uli painting has been in decline, approaching a state of near extinction in recent years. Given the cultural importance of these motifs, this study posits that integrating Akwete fabrics with Uliinspired batik designs in clothing construction can aid in their sustainability and revitalize interest in these art forms. Through qualitative research, desk methodology and studio exploration, the study produces sample apparel that highlights this synergy. The findings indicate that by incorporating diverse indigenous fabrics into contemporary fashion design, one can significantly bolster economic sustainability in Igbo land and beyond. Specifically, the combination of Akwete hand-woven fabrics and batik designs inspired by Uli motifs has the potential to enhance their marketability and longevity while simultaneously promoting cultural preservation. In conclusion, the study suggests that fashion designers embrace a variety of indigenous fabrics from different regions. This approach not only fosters unity but also safeguards the diverse cultural heritage of the nation, ensuring that traditional textiles like Akwete are celebrated and utilized more prominently in modern fashion.
Akwete hand-woven fabrics, Uli traditional painting motifs, batik, contemporary fashion, Igbo, economic sustainability.
“YOU GO INTO MY VINEYARD TOO” (MATT. 20:4): LISTENING TO THE MURMUR FOR EFFECTIVE SYNODALITY
Christ, during his earthly ministry, manifested his large-heartedness in a missionary disposition that was all-inclusive. He showed love to all and sundry through his healings, miracles, and show of compassion. It was love that was as unconditional as it was boundless. His attitude towards the Jews was the same to the Gentiles, to the utter consternation of many, especially those who received the favour. His spirit of synodality was matchless, especially in accepting into his vineyard all who desired to participate, not minding the variation in the time of arrival. He carried everybody along by giving empathic listening to all, especially the dregs of society, the widows and orphans, the oppressed and the marginalised. He always listened in order to bring every sheep into the one sheepfold. At the end of his earthly ministry, he mandated his apostles to the ends of the earth. Even today, the Church goes on tirelessly in the bid to achieve a fruitful realisation of that mandate in our time. Such effort through the instrumentality of the clergy, consecrated persons, and lay faithful is widespread in parishes, dioceses, and religious congregations on different continents around the world. The researcher intends to explore the crucial role of unselective listening in the process of synodality.
Listening, Synodality, Dialogue, Pope Francis, Vineyard
INTELLECTUAL SECURITY AND THE CHALLENGES OF INSECURITY IN NIGERIA
Security in all the strata of life guarantees a kind of tranquility that will permeate every facet of human existence. It engenders a peaceful atmosphere that will go to enhance harmonious co-existence, respect and preservation of human life and dignity, promotion of social cohesion, economic viability and attraction of diverse investments, entrepreneurial enhancement, boosting of productivity, and overall smooth-running of all administrative segment of any country. On the country, the reign of insecurity unleashes untold mayhem in the society ranging from wanton killing, kidnapping, uncontrollable upsurge in crime rate, unthinkable relapse to ochlocracy to mention but a few. Howbeit, such unhealthy situation will be difficulty to nip from the bud unless there is an assured intellectual security. Environment plays a crucial role in the learning process. It is what is in the mental environmental that plays out in the physical environmental. If the mental environmental is properly sanitized and the prominence of the use of reason is made more pronounced, the resultant effect will be evident in an all-inclusive salubrious physical environmental. To that effect, every occasion in the learning process ought to count in the journey towards intellectual security. When a greater number attains intellectual security, insecurity in all its ramification will be vigorously combatted and it will eventually fizzle out. The researcher makes use of expository method and critically evaluative approach. Valuable information on the subject matter will be harvested from secondary sources. The researcher goes further to discuss the outstanding position of intellectual security as a veritable tool in the fight against insecurity. Intellectual security promotes knowledge with character that will eventually zero in on integral development.
Security, Insecurity, Education, Intellectual Security
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.