NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES (NJAH)
Nigerian Journal of Arts and Humanities (ISSN: 2814-3760; E-ISSN: 2955-0343) is an interdisciplinary and a multidisciplinary journal dedicated to the promotion of scholarship and research in Arts and Humanities. It publishes well-researched scholarly papers in all areas of arts and humanities and related disciplines. The journal welcomes the submission of manuscript that is original and devoid of plagariasm. NJAH accepts papers in English, French, Chinese and Nigerian languages. It is domiciled in the department of Chinese Studies, Faculty of Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
NEW MEDIA AND THE EVOLUTION OF THE FIFTH ESTATE OF THE REALM
The advent of new media technologies has significantly transformed the communication landscape and reshaped human experiences, globally. The evolution of public discourse and democratic engagement has facilitated the emergence of new media as the fifth estate of the realm. Layered upon the traditional fourth estate (the press), new media channels - driven by digitally networked individuals and groups - have largely sidestepped propaganda and governmental control, to curate participatory communication, real-time mobilisation, and drive advocacy for attitudinal re-orientation and community development. This study adopts a qualitative methodology using a descriptive approach and is underpinned by the Networked Public Sphere Theory (Yochai Benkler) and Media Convergence Theory (Henry Jenkins). It interrogates the use of social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and WhatsApp in facilitating hashtag activism (#), video call-outs, podcasts, photographs, animations, text-based content and live streaming to share real-time information and reactions for mass mobilisation. These practices activate citizen journalism by upholding the principle of collective intelligence, expanding democratic participation and amplifying marginalised voices through the connection of local issues to global audiences. The findings underscore the necessity for virtual complementation of traditional communication systems, as new media has become a crucial alternative platform for civic engagement and social change - towering as a formidable stratum in the power structure and social hierarchy of the society, and thus deserving recognition as the fifth estate of the realm.
New Media, Communication, Multimedia, Social Media, Advocacy
RONALD DWORKIN’S CONCEPTUALIZATION OF LAW AND THE REFUTATION OF LEGAL POSITIVISM
There have always been disagreements among philosophers on the right conceptualization of law, especially in relation to morality. While the separation thesis of the legal positivists tends to make strong waves, Ronald Dworkin’s conceptualization of law as integrity, presents a strong opposition to the said thesis. This study employs analytic and hermeneutic methods to expose the major claims of Dworkin’s conceptualization of law and its refutation of legal positivism. Legal positivism first and foremost strives to understand what the law is. It is a theory about the nature of law, and not about the obligation to obey it. The question of whether there is an obligation to obey the law is a separate kind of question, in philosophical jurisprudence, introduced by Dworkin, one which is quite obviously moral. To what extent will the Dworkinian position be proven as true forms the major problem of this study. This study thus provides a theoretical forum for a middle ground between natural law theory and legal positivism. It finds that holding firmly to the positivists’ principle of law as “what it posits” would warrant us to hold a crime as acceptable in the face of this principle.
Law, positivism, naturalism, integrity of law, interpretivism, judicial discretion
Prof. BonaChristus Umeogu; Dr. Anthony M. Ogbuishi
ISSUES IN CYBER-SECURITY ADMINISTRATION: LESSONS FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRY LIKE NIGERIA
Today almost all modern services rely on the usage of ICTs, including electricity generation, transportation networks, military forces, and logistics. However, the increasing dependence on ICTs makes service providers more vulnerable to attacks against vital infrastructures. Thus, it was on this note that this paper was set up to explore the issues in cyber-security administration from the prism of developing countries nay Nigeria. The methodology was based on a review of published articles, books, and journals to conclude the contemporary issues and challenges militating cyber security administration. The paper argued that while the ICT sector is in constant advancement, the volume and sophistication of cyber-attacks are also increasing. As a result, many government institutions face challenges in controlling cyber-attacks. It was further argued among others that the Nigerian National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy possess the required contents expected to be typically contained in such document, unfortunately, certain aspects that appear to be critical to the Nigerian scenario such as an explanation of the current national cyber security state, partnership with internet service providers, the establishment of digital identity frameworks, etc. were utterly absent. The paper concluded that given the growing sophistication of cyber-attacks, cyber security is a necessary consideration for individuals, businesses, and governments. Thus the paper recommended (amongst others) that the process of cyber security is continuous; it must be continuously updated. As new programs and cyber intruders develop and exploit new vulnerabilities in computer programs and systems, the relevant stakeholders and defenders have a continuous struggle to defeat their attempts.
Cyber Security, Cyber Crime, Administration, Issues & Developing Countries
Diyoke Michael Chika; Ogboke, Eberechukwu Odichinma; Awogu Charles Olisa
A RELIGIO-SOCIO ASSESSMENT OF IGBO NAMING CEREMONY AMONG THE ANAEDO PEOPLE OF IGBO ANAMBRA STATE
The present researcher undertook an ethnographic assessment of the Igbo naming ceremony in Anaedo Anambra state. The aim was to identify the vector quantities implicated in the practice of this ceremony as well as the symbolic acts and fixed expressions that constitute the fabric of the ritual process of the iba nwa afa (naming) ceremony. Also explored were the principal myths underpinning its practices and the extent to which the study of the ceremony could be used as a ladder into achieving a holistic understanding of the basic tenets of Igbo religion. The research paper argued that it is by means of this ceremony that a newly born Anaedo child gets to become defined as an individual human being through the ritual act of being assigned a name by which to identify him or her in the course of his or her earthly existence. Hence, the findings of this research confirm Horton’s assumption that the benefit tenets of African Traditional Religion could be discovered through a comprehensive study of the important rituals and ceremonies of the various African peoples. Both primary and secondary methods of data collection were executed in this paper.
Prof. Jude E. Madu & Nzukoh, Aloysius Okechukwu
CONTEXTUAL TRANSLATION OF ORAL PERFORMANCE: TRANSLATION OF SELECT IGBO FOLKLORES
The need to retain the originality of oral performance during and after translation cannot be over emphasized. African oral literature scholars are faced with the burdening challenge of how to translate these rich and numerous oral performances without missing the link. In addition, it has been observed that these folklores are almost going into extinct. Therefore, rich scholarly contributions that will serve as a guideline for effective translation of the indigenous oral performance will be studied and adopted for the translation of some select Igbo folklores from Igbo language to English language. However, the research will pose secondarily, as a medium for documentation of some of the folklores for reference purpose. The research made use of qualitative research methodology. It is highly recommended that more translations of indigenous oral performances such as folklore should be encouraged because it will serve as a means of documentation since these folklores are almost going extinct.
Oral performance, Contextual, Folklore, Translation, Traditional African
STYLES ET TECHNIQUES NARRATIVES DE DISCOURS MEDICAL DANS EN COMPAGNIES DES HOMMES DE VERONIQUE TADJO ET CONTOURS DU JOUR QUI VIENT DE LEONORA MIANO
La pratique de la médecine est aussi ancienne que le monde. De nombreux romans africains francophones discutent la santé, les maladies et des malades sous forme de thèmes majeurs ou mineurs, Malgré cela, il existe peu des critiques littéraires sur les styles et techniques narratives de discours médical des romans Africains Francophones. Cela a en effet produit une marginalisation d’éducation sur le sujet, ce qui entrave les développements économiques, et socio- politiques des sociétés africaines. L’objectif de cette recherche est de fournir des connaissances approfondies sur les styles et techniques narratives de discours médical des romans de ces auteurs à fin de combler le vide de marginalisation d’éducation sur le sujet. Notre recherche a révélé que les auteurs de notre corpus ont utilisé le réalisme social et magique comme techniques narratives pour projeter le discours médical dans leurs oeuvres. L'utilisation des métaphores et des symboles dans le corpus, associée à leurs techniques narratives, a aidé ces auteurs à contribuer à la guérison sociale qui favorise la construction de la nation. La théorie sociocritique est utilisée dans l'analyse de cette technique narrative qui montre les relations sociales. L'étude met en lumière l'importance de cette technique narrative et la manière dont elle contribue à éveiller la conscience du lecteur à ses propres expériences dans la société et aux conséquences de ses actions ou inactions.
Styles, technique, narratives, discours, médical
Augustina Orie Ndu; Prof. Theodora Onuko
Literary Studies in the 21st Century: Practical Implication for Ethnic Conflict and Conflict Resolution Using Cyprian Ekwensi’s Iska
Ekwensi preoccupied himself with contemporary issues in the Nigerian Society, probably more than any other Nigerian writer. His novel Iska, set in the North, captures vividly the ethnic conflict situation in Nigeria. He guides the reader through his characters to the root causes of ethnic conflict or violence in Nigeria and the likely solutions to the conflicts. This paper examined the causes of ethnic conflict or violence among Nigerian ethnic groups as expressed in the text, Iska, and showed ways in which they could be clarified and possibly resolved. The paper tried to find out whether the text or the novel could be relevant in conflict resolution, whether it could capture the conflict incidents that ordinarily a researcher will go to the field to investigate, and whether the pieces of information in the text could come in handy in conflict resolution. The major objective of this paper was to prove that fiction can be relevant in conflict resolution in Nigeria. New Historicism and Instrumentalism came in handy in the conceptual framework with regard to theories and critical analysis. The method that was used in the process of doing this paper was largely inductive and deductive and references were made to empirical researches that supported the ground for the inductive and deductive methods used.
Ethnic conflict, Ethnic groups, Ethnic violence, Nigerian Society, Values
Ile, Onyebuchi James (Ph.D Muenster, Germany)
IGBO AUTOMOBILE TERMINOLOGY: A PANACEA FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN MECHANIC WORKSHOPS IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA
Effective communication between all stakeholders holds the key to smooth operations, qualitative service delivery and customer satisfaction at automobile mechanic workshops. It enhances team collaboration. It increases efficiency and productivity, leads to improved customer satisfaction, better conflict resolution and improved safety and quality control, among other benefits. Communication at automobile mechanic workshops in the South-East of Nigeria has been anything but effective, due mainly to the deficiency of many Igbo mechanic youths in the use of English. This study adopted a mixed method approach- relying on written literature sources, observations and responses from oral interviews, to reflect and report on the barriers to effective communication in the aforementioned region. The study reveals lack of standardized communication practices and misinterpretation of customers’ needs, as well as a correlation between communication challenges and workshop performance, identifying as causes, the inability of many, including mechanics of Igbo origin, deficient in English, to express themselves in Igbo, due to lack or paucity of equivalent terms for the expression of many automobile concepts in Igbo. it concludes that effective communication is essential for the smooth operation of automobile mechanic workshops in the South-East of Nigeria, and recommends the development of a bilingual (English-Igbo ) glossary of comprehensive automobile terminology.
Automobile Terminology, Automobile Mechanics, Communication Barriers, Mechanic Workshops, Automobile Concepts, Bilingual Glossary
Emeka Innocent Iwunze; Mary Chinturu Adindu; Helen Chijiago Echebima
DECLINE IN PRODUCTIVITY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMEs) AT THE EMERGENCE OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN NIGERIA
COVID-19 virus was first confirmed in the country on 27th February, 2020. This paper examines the productivity decline of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria at the emergence of covid-19 virus. It had a rapid human to human contact which wreaked havoc by raising public health concerns and devastated the economy, and as a result small scale businesses experienced a decline in business activities at the emergence, as operations were halted, to respect the “no movement order” and there was the inability to implement preventive health measures such as sanitisers, hand washing equipment, on-site lodging for employees, there was also in existence the fear of contacting the virus. These preventive measures resulted in an increase in operations for businesses that stayed open. Ulrich Beck’s Risk Society, Manuel Castell’s Network Society and the theory of change were employed to buttress the fact that covid-19 had brought about a decline in operations and productivity of SMEs and it has further brought about the impoverished state of individuals. The emergence of the corona virus pandemic and resultant lockdowns has cast a heavy toll on SMEs, in particular young firms and start-ups, the self-employed, as well as women-led or minority-owned businesses, lockdown measures affected low sales among the enterprises, particularly the problems of logistics blocks, labor shortages, and drops in demand, 80 percent of SMEs temporarily closed. The paper documented how SMEs were at the center of the disruptions at the start of the pandemic. This paper thus recommends that despite the significant struggles that SMEs have faced, the government response to the COVID-19 pandemic can help nurture a positive, resilient, and sustainable future for small businesses in Nigeria and also SMEs should consider adopting digital marketing to minimise the negative effect of pandemic. There is the need to address social protection approaches (such as palliative measures) which can help to cushion the effect on the pandemic on the Small and Medium Scale Enterprise in Nigeria.
covid-19 pandemic, decline in productivity, Nigeria, SMEs.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND CREATIVITY: IS AI REALLY CREATIVE?
The field of Artificial Intelligence has been marked by great optimism about the possibility of not only a humanoid AI but also an ultra-intelligent AI that surpasses human intelligence and creativity. Attributes such as thinking, desire, and imagination -that were hitherto exclusive to humans and only metaphorically applicable to organic non-humans are today shown to be real attributes of non-organic, material Artificial Intelligence. Creativity is one of these attributes he optimism for computational creativity has been on the ascendance given the unprecedented quantum of breakthroughs that have continued to attend the field of Artificial Intelligence in recent times, making impressive overtures in the creative fields of music, designs, architecture, visual arts, literature, medicine, research, etc. It is increasingly begging the question of what it means to be a creator in an age of artificial creativity and what is the essential element of creativity. This is even more, especially today there is the preponderance of –machine learning specifically deep learning –which uses the layered structure of algorithms in the imitation of the neural structure of the human brain and whose ascendance has been given impetus to with access to the umbrage amount of computational power and digitized training data. The work is therefore set to respond to the question of whether machine creativity is really creative. It does this using the methods of analysis and hermeneutics by critically looking at the claims of computational creativity. In its philosophic engagement with the concept of creativity and the creative process in general, it discovers that creativity is a conscious intentional act that involves freedom and autonomy, intentionality and understanding, and imaginative thinking. Notwithstanding the controversies that surround many of these concepts, the research finds that these concepts can hardly be rooted in materialism which is the building block of Artificial Intelligence. It thus describes AI creativity in terms of an optimization, and augmentation, of existing human creativity.
POLITICS OF IMPEACHMENT: A CRITIQUE OF THE NIGERIA EXAMPLE
The act of impeachment has been used by the Nigeria Legislature as a tool to remove political office holders who are found wanting constitutionally. Thus, the concept of impeachment, in common law, is a proceeding instituted by a legislative body to address serious misconduct by a public official. However, the application of impeachment and its process in the Nigerian context has repeatedly shown to be misapplied or abused, and has continuously remained a misnomer in the Nigerian political space. This work, therefore, looks critically at the abuse of the impeachment process in the political history of Nigeria, which is an impediment to national development, and how to proffer solution to it. It sees the indiscriminate cases of impeachment permeating the political scene as an obstruction to good governance, and thus, misused to foster narrow political affiliations, instead of serving to ameliorate a major problem in the Presidential system, which is to remove poorly performing chief executives. The study made use of the case study approach and documentary method thereby relying on secondary sources to critically examine the eventual reoccurrence of the ugly trend of politics of impeachment in the Nigeria democratic journey with its associated irrational and unreasonable abuse of the process by the stakeholders. The paper makes some recommendations to forestall such unbecoming tirade in Nigeria political arena. Students of law profession, the legislature, the judiciary, historians, and political scientists have a lot to benefit from this study towards the realization of good governance and sustainable democracy in Nigeria.
Impeachment, Politics, Nigeria, Legislature, Office holders, Constitution
Patriarchy and Oppression: A study of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Buchi Emecheta’s Second Class Citizen
Africa is predominately a patriarchal society engineered by her traditional culture. This article examines the portrayal of patriarchal roles in African society as depicted in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart and Buchi Emecheta’s Second Class Citizen. Through a comparative analysis of these seminal works of African literature, the article explores how patriarchy manifests and is challenged within the cultural and historical contexts of Nigeria. Drawing upon the deconstruction of gender theory and womanism theory, the study elucidates the complex dynamics of gender, power, and resistance in African communities, shedding light on the enduring legacy of patriarchy and its implications for women's lives.
EUTHANASIA: ETHICAL, LEGAL, AND SOCIETAL PERSPECTIVES
This study aims to comprehensively analyze the ethical, legal, and societal dimensions surrounding euthanasia, filling a critical gap in understanding the complexities of end-of-life care. The focus lies on elucidating the historical context, ethical underpinnings, legal frameworks, and societal considerations pertinent to euthanasia debates. Through a qualitative methodology integrating anthropological, historical, cultural, and social approaches, the research aims to provide a vivid exploration of diverse perspectives and experiences related to euthanasia. By synthesizing primary sources such as direct observations and verbal interactions with secondary sources comprising academic literature and online resources, this study aims to offer a nuanced understanding of euthanasia's multifaceted nature. The gap filled by this research lies in its comprehensive approach to navigating the intricate ethical dilemmas and legal complexities surrounding euthanasia, thereby contributing to informed discourse and policymaking in the sensitive domain of end-of-life care.
Euthanasia, Ethics, Legal frameworks, Societal considerations, End-of-life care, Autonomy
Ifeanyi A. Chukwudebelu; Dr Wilson Ejiofor Anowia; Nganwuchu Geoffrey Chiazo, PhD; Ven. Dr. Geoffrey Chidebem Molokwu; Daniel O. Chukwudebelu
THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 IN NIGERIA: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES
The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health issue, though, Nigeria has its own experience of fighting it. From Wuhan in China to the rest of the world, the Nigerian government was not expediently proactive in preventing the scourge until it landed on its soil. This is the bane of the situation. This paper avails a secondary approach to collecting its data for this study while adopting qualitative/descriptive analysis to examine and analyse the chain of events during the pandemic. As to the purpose of this study, this paper unravels a number of issues and challenges confronted while arresting the spread of the virus. The position of this paper, therefore, is for the government, which is saddled with the responsibility to protect the lives and property of its citizenry, sheathe levity and partisanship while tackling an outbreak such as this in the future.
Covid-19, Pandemic, Issues, Nigeria, Global health
Economic Growth and Cultural Heritage: A Study of the Igbo Apprenticeship System as a tool for Youth Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation in the film, Afamefuna
This study examines the connection between economic growth and cultural heritage of the Igbo people through a detailed analysis of the Igbo apprenticeship system as seen in the film, Afamefuna. The Igbo apprenticeship system, known as "Igba-boi," is a traditional mechanism for youth empowerment and poverty alleviation among the Igbo people of Nigeria. This study examines how the system fosters entrepreneurial skills, financial independence, and social mobility, contributing to broader economic growth and development. By providing a structured path from apprenticeship to business ownership, Igba-boi not only promotes the cultural heritage of the Igbo people but also addresses modern economic challenges. The film Afamefuna serves as a case study to illustrate these dynamics, showcasing real-life examples of young individuals who have successfully transitioned from apprentices to business leaders. Through qualitative analysis of the film and characters, this study highlights the effectiveness of cultural practices in promoting sustainable economic growth and reducing poverty. The findings of this study underscore the importance of integrating traditional systems with contemporary economic strategies to enhance youth empowerment and foster development. This study recommends the need for a concerted effort to extend the benefits of the IAS beyond the region by nationalizing its practices. Such a move could potentially enhance economic growth and development across the entire country.
Igbo Apprenticeship System, Indigenous Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, Igba Boi/Bonyi
AFRICA-FRANCE RELATIONS SINCE 1945: “PLUS ÇA CHANGE, PLUS C’EST LA MÊME CHOSE”
The French colonial empire did not survive the Second Great War of the twentieth century. However, unlike the British, the French suffered a crushing military defeat at the hands of the Nazis. The greater tragedy done to France, however, was not in the military defeat but, in fact, in the loss of its economy and its support systems. About 400,000 buildings were destroyed, and five times that number was damaged. The country's infrastructure was rendered comatose, and industrial and agricultural production was running at just 40% of what it had been pre-war. As the French citizens looked up to De Gaulle’s government for help, the postwar French state looked up to its African colonies for resources to rebuild the economy. This profoundly impacted the relations between France and Africa. Scholars of Africa’s international relations have examined this discourse but often reason that the independence of French African colonies reclaimed African agency in the relations between Africa and France. In this study, evidence is provided that the basics of Africa-French relations have fundamentally remained the same since 1945. The thrust of the paper is captured in the statement: “the more things change, the more they remain the same.”
France-Africa relations, neoliberalism, Pre carre, post-war Africa and Decolonization
Effective Approaches to Tackle Digital Piracy in the Media and Entertainment Industry
This case study explores the pervasive issue of digital piracy within the media and entertainment industry, analyzing its impact on revenue, intellectual property rights, and consumer behavior. With the rise of online platforms and easy access to pirated content, creators and distributors face significant challenges in safeguarding their work. This paper examines various approaches that industry stakeholders have adopted to mitigate the effects of piracy, including technological innovations, legal frameworks, and consumer education. By assessing the effectiveness of these strategies, the research aims to provide insights into best practices and recommend comprehensive solutions that balance accessibility and protection for content creators. A doctrinal methodology was adopted in carrying out this research. This involves both library and desk research. A detailed and comprehensive review of statutes, case laws, conventions, text books, journals, articles, conference papers, internet and other legal literature has been made. Also, the methodology adopted in this research is descriptive and analytical because the work evaluated the current state of digital piracy in the media and entertainment industry and suggests best practices to tackle the issue. By using Canada and the United States of America as case studies, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on how to foster a sustainable media ecosystem while addressing the challenges posed by digital piracy.
RESOLVING MARITIME CONFLICTS: LESSONS FROM THE NIGERIA-CAMEROON BAKASSI PENINSULA DISPUTE
The maritime conflict between Nigeria and Cameroon over the Bakassi Peninsula represents a significant case study in international territorial disputes. Historically, the Bakassi Peninsula, rich in oil and fishery resources, has been a point of contention, culminating in a prolonged legal and diplomatic struggle adjudicated by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2002. The ruling favored Cameroon, leading to the eventual transfer of sovereignty in 2008. This study addresses the problem of persistent maritime disputes in Africa and the challenges in implementing international legal decisions. The objectives are to analyze the root causes of the conflict, evaluate the legal and diplomatic resolution processes, and extract lessons for future conflict resolution and trans-boundary water cooperation. Using a qualitative methodology, this research examines historical documents, legal texts, and interviews with key stakeholders involved in the dispute. The research findings reveal that effective conflict resolution requires a combination of legal adjudication, diplomatic negotiation, and robust mechanisms for post-conflict cooperation. The Bakassi case underscores the importance of international law and regional cooperation in managing maritime disputes and promoting peace and stability in Africa.
Maritime conflicts, trans-boundary water cooperation, Nigeria-Cameroon relations, Bakassi Peninsula dispute, conflict resolution
Onyendi, Goodness Chinaza Nelvin; Dr. Agomuo Kevin Obinna
UNCAGED VOICES: MAYA ANGELOU'S EXPLORATION OF INTERSECTIONALITY IN I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS
Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a powerful exploration of the interrelatedness of race, gender, and socioeconomic status in shaping individual experiences. Through the protagonist, Marguerite Johnson, Angelou offers a clear perspective on how systems of oppression intersect to create unique forms of marginalization. By adopting Kimberle Crenshaw’s Intersectionality theory, this paper examines how Angelou's work challenges the traditional narratives of race and gender because her (Angelou) memoir provides a critical analysis of the complexities of identity and social justice. The work highlights the importance of considering multiple axes of identity simultaneously to fully understand the experiences of marginalized individuals. By centering the experiences of a Black woman, Angelou offers a compelling narrative that challenges rigid conceptions of identity and oppression, eventually contributing to a more refined understanding of social justice.
Intersectionality, Race, Gender, Oppression, Privilege, Power, Discrimination, Identity, Social justice.
Okoronkwo, Ezinne Jimia; Adaobi Olivia Ihueze
UNE TRADUCTION COMMENTÉE ANGLAIS-FRANÇAIS D’UN TEXTE POLITIQUE INTITULÉ « UNDERSTANDING DEMOCRACY: THE NIGER REPUBLIC IMBROGLIO »
Cette étude propose une traduction commentée anglais-français du texte politique intitulé «Understanding Democracy : The Niger Republic Imbroglio ». La traduction vise à conserver le sens, le ton et les nuances originaux de la source anglaise tout en l'adaptant au contexte français. Des commentaires sont fournis tout au long de la traduction pour aborder les défis linguistiques, les nuances culturelles et les sensibilités politiques qui surviennent lors de la traduction de concepts politiques complexes. L'objectif est de faciliter une compréhension plus approfondie de la situation politique de la République du Niger en rendant le texte accessible au public anglophone et francophone, en veillant à ce que la version traduite transmette avec précision les subtilités du texte original.
raduction commentée, Traduction pragmatique, Texte politique, Imbroglio, Langue source, Langue cible
OKORO JULIE GERALDINE; IWUNZE EMEKA INNOCENT
THE CHALLENGES IMPEDING THE THRIVE OF BIOFUEL INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA AND THE NEED FOR A LEGAL FRAMEWORK
The popular perception of renewable energy and its sustainability in Nigeria, tends to be concentrated more on solar and in some occasions on wind power. Not much has been seen on biofuel even though biofuel as a source of energy has been in use from ancient times. Biofuel is a kind of fuel that is produced from renewable organic materials from plants and animals. These renewable organic materials are otherwise referred to as biomass. Biofuel has been identified as potentially reliable and renewable energy resource, and it is promising in this regard, which is as a result of its numerous and overwhelming environmental and socio-economic benefits including rural development, land and soil reclamation, energy security and mitigation of greenhouse emissions. As beautiful as biofuel is being presented, not much has been done to encourage its industry in Nigeria. Lack of clear and functional legal framework in biofuel industry is the major constraint impeding the full implementation and utilization of biofuel in Nigeria. In other words, the absence of a legal framework, despite the existence of a Nigerian Bio-fuel Policy and Incentives (2007), no doubt is one of the primary challenges frustrating the growth and development of the biofuel industry in Nigeria. This study aims at identifying the factors impeding the full implementation of biofuel operations and utilisation in Nigeria, as well as specific areas of weak enforcement. The study adopts a doctrinal legal research method, exploring both primary and secondary sources of information to achieve its aim. The outcome from the study will strengthen the potency of the existing legal framework, improve the enforcement strategies and make reference for adoption of best practices.
Charity Chinyere Dominic; Kenn. Chinemelu Nwogu; Mary Imelda Obianuju Nwogu
THE TIME AND WORKS OF ANAKWEZE NWUDE: THE MASTER OF BLACKSMITHING IN AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE
The core importance of Blacksmithing in the history of civilization cannot be over- emphasized. The place of blacksmithing in Nigeria, especially in the South-Eastern region, can never be completed without referring to Awka, the very home of blacksmithing itself. Awka is the current Capital city of Anambra State of Nigeria; an Igbo community arguably believed to have been the cradle of the blacksmithing tradition in the region. Owing to the fact that, they produced guns and ammunitions that aided the Nigerian civil war of 1967/70, there was a great turn out of blacksmithing experts in the region, one of them is called Anakweze Nwude is the current Master Smith resident in Awka who is in his early 80s. This paper concisely examines his personality, works and techniques and his contributions to mankind through his art. In the same vein, the paper tries to resuscitate the dying tradition of blacksmithing in Awka and Nigeria as a whole by documenting the life and works of one of its kind. Furthermore, it tries to establish the role and relevance of blacksmithing in Modern Art.
Nzoiwu Azuka Abigail (PhD); Ngini, Chisom Joel
ANALYSIS OF RETURN MIGRATION AND DISILLUSIONMENT IN SEFI ATTA’S A BIT OF DIFFERENCE
This paper explores the theme of return migration and the disillusionment it fosters in Sefi Atta’s novel, A Bit of Difference. It examines the protagonist’s experience upon returning to Nigeria after years of living abroad. The analysis focuses on the clash between the idealized memory of home and the harsh realities of social, economic, and personal stagnation encountered upon return. The paper argues that Atta utilizes the protagonist’s disillusionment to critique the romanticized notions of migration and expose the challenges faced by returnees struggling to reconcile their expectations with the complexities of a changing homeland. Through the protagonist’s journey, the paper sheds light on the psychological and emotional impact of return migration, highlighting the place of displacement and unbelonging that can arise when the promise of a better life in one’s native country fails to materialize. This exploration is guided by migration theory to analyse the factors that push and pull people to migrate in the text. The paper finds that the pattern and impact of migration on individuals are critical interwoven factors that demand attention.
Migration, Return Migration, Disillusionment, Nigeria, Sefi Atta
Reflections from the COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate in Nigeria: Balancing Public Health and Human Rights
The introduction of mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations in Nigeria sparked significant debate regarding the balance between public health imperatives and human rights. It is not clear the extent of public health emergency that permits the derogation or limitation of human rights for the protection of public health in Nigeria. There is a need to find reasonable ways to balance these competing values in the light of available options. It is obvious that COVID-19 pandemic is not only a threat to public health but is also a threat to human rights. As public health measures are being taken to combat the spread of the virus, measures should also be taken to protect the rights of persons. The strict protection of human rights amidst public health emergencies like COVID-19 pandemic may be detrimental to public health; likewise, the gross abuse of human rights during a public health emergency and global pandemic. This article aims to find a balance through the lens of the proportionality principle. The degree of infringement and limitation of human rights for public health interventions must be proportional to the degree of expected benefits. For COVID-19 vaccine mandate to be justified, the principle of proportionality must be considered to ascertain if the human right limitation is rational and proportionate to the public health threat posed. Vaccine mandates is a limitation of human rights; and such limitation of rights ought not be left at the discretion and mercy of government or policy makers. Rational and minimally intrusive strategies should be adopted in public health policies. This article explores the application of the proportionality principle in assessing the legality and ethicality of vaccine mandates in Nigeria.
Uwadineke Charles Kalu; Chidimma Anuli Ewelukwa
LE THÈME D’ABUS DANS ALLAH N’EST PAS OBLIGÉ D’AHMADOU KOUROUMA
L’abus en tant que mal sociétal a de nombreux aspects. À cette fin, la recherche examine les cas pratiques d’abus dans Allah n'est pas obligé de Kourouma, comme l’abus des enfants, l’abus des filles et des femmes, et l’abus de l'homme ordinaire par la classe dirigeante à travers les guerres et les différentes formes de crises qui assaillent une nation comme l'arrangement fictif de Kourouma. Les enfants, les femmes et l'ensemble des citoyens sont souvent exposés au viol, à l'errance, à la guerre, aux pillages, aux massacres, etc. En se référant à ces éléments, la recherche fait correspondre les expériences des personnages de Kourouma aux réalités de la société et propose des solutions pratiques à ce qui pourrait être fait pour améliorer la condition de la société africaine.
IJEOMA CHIDIEBERE SAMUEL; Prof. T.U Onuko
Contrastive Analysis of French and Yoruba Affix
This study focuses on the affixation processes in French and Yoruba, aiming to identify similarities and differences in word formation between the two languages. Each language has its own methods of arranging words morphologically to form sentences. The goal of this article is to provide linguistic researchers, teachers, and language enthusiasts with a clearer understanding of the dynamic interaction between the morphology of French and Yoruba. This research is specifically limited to the contrastive analysis of affixation in French and Yoruba. It reveals that French uses both prefixes and suffixes in word formation, while Yoruba primarily employs prefixes and reduplication. It is generally accepted that affixation, composition, and reduplication are key morphological processes that generate a significant number of word forms in many languages. In this work, we use the lexeme-based morphology model to compare the rules for how new words are formed through affixation in French and Yoruba. Our findings demonstrate that both languages share some morphological similarities and differences.
contrastive analysis, affix, prefix, suffix, morphology
Daramola, Segun Felix; Saidu Murtala Dole
GENERATIVE GRAMMAR AND HPSG APPROACHES TO PHRASE STRUCTURE ANALYSIS: A COMPARATIVE REVIEW
This paper provides a comparative review of the approaches to phrase structure analysis within generative grammar and Head-Driven Phrase Structure Grammar (HPSG). Generative grammar, pioneered by Noam Chomsky in the mid-20th century, introduced the concept of transformational rules to derive surface structures from underlying deep structures. In contrast, HPSG, developed by Carl Pollard and Ivan Sag in the 1980s, utilizes a constraint-based framework without transformations, focusing on the hierarchical organization of linguistic structures through feature-based representations. The paper examines the origins, key principles, and methodologies of both approaches, highlighting their similarities and differences. It presents case studies and examples illustrating how each approach analyzes phrase structures and evaluates their effectiveness and applicability in linguistic analysis. Furthermore, recent developments, emerging research areas, and future directions in phrase structure analysis are discussed, along with suggestions for interdisciplinary integration and empirical validation. By synthesizing insights from generative grammar and HPSG, this paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundations and practical implications of phrase structure analysis in linguistics.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND DIGITAL HUMANITIES: FOCUS ON LANGUAGE AND LITERARY STUDIES
The ubiquitous digital transformation across various sectors has significantly impacted the humanities and necessitated a shift in how scholars approach research, teaching, and engagement with their disciplines. This paper explores the historical context of digital transformation in the humanities, examining early resistance to computers and the gradual integration of digital tools from the 1950s onwards. It surveys the current landscape and highlights the ubiquity of digital technologies in daily life and their influence on humanities research and practices, particularly in language and literary studies. The discussion extends to the specific transformations within these fields, with illustrations on how digitalisation has led to new language forms and revolutionised literary analysis. Further, the paper identifies both opportunities and challenges presented by digital technologies, such as access to large digital archives, innovative data analysis methods, and the potential over-reliance on technology that risks diminishing the human element central to the humanities. It also addresses emerging trends and technologies that are shaping the future of humanities scholarship, and emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and the acquisition of digital competencies by humanities scholars. For humanities scholars to adapt to these changes, the paper advocates educational reforms and research innovations that incorporate digital tools and methodologies. It underscores the importance of balancing digital advancements with the preservation of humanistic values, to ensure that the humanities continue to provide critical insights into the human experience in the digital age. This comprehensive examination concludes with a call for humanities scholars to embrace digital technologies while maintaining their commitment to the core principles of their disciplines.
THE ROLE OF SUPPORT SYSTEMS IN TRAUMA RECOVERY FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: REFLECTION PAPER
Trauma experienced during childhood and adolescence can have profound and lasting effects on emotional, psychological, and behavioral development. Irrespective of the cause of trauma, trauma in most cases disrupts the natural course of a young person’s growth and this manifests as a range of behavioral and /or emotional issues. Recovery from trauma often requires both formal and informal support systems to address the unique needs of young individuals. This article examines the critical role that support systems play in trauma recovery for children and adolescents. Formal support systems, including trauma-informed therapy, school-based interventions, and healthcare professionals, provide structured environments for healing. At the same time, informal networks such as family, friends, and community offer emotional and practical support. This paper discusses how these systems help rebuild a sense of safety, foster positive coping mechanisms, restore normalcy, and promote resilience. It also discusses barriers to accessing support systems, such as stigma, resource limitations, and social isolation. The presence of reliable, nurturing relationships is essential for helping children and adolescents process traumatic experiences, develop resilience, and ultimately achieve long-term recovery.
The Impact of Family Dynamics on Children’s Mental Health: Systematic Review
Family dynamics are a critical factor in the development and well-being of children. This systematic review examines the relationship between family structure, parenting styles, communication patterns, parental mental health, and children's mental health outcomes. The review synthesizes evidence from empirical studies to highlight key family-related risk factors and protective influences on children's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Findings reveal that positive family dynamics, such as authoritative parenting and open communication, foster emotional resilience, while negative factors, such as family conflict, neglect, and parental mental illness, increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders in children. The implications of these findings underscore the need for family-based interventions that focus on enhancing family functioning to support children's mental health.