Àgídìgbo: ABUAD Journal of the Humanities

Naming Africans: On the Epistemic Value of Names, Oyeronke Oyewumi and Hewan Girma (eds.) Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan, 2023. 237 pages. $129.99

Oluwabunmi Tope BERNARD — 2024-12-31

My name is Olúwábùnmi Tèmítọ́pẹ́ which means “God has given (this child) to me, I am grateful.” Both of my names were given to me by my mother, who had me through a Caesarean Section (CS). So, my first name came from her experience during pregnancy and my second name was her way of showing gratitude for surviving her near-death childbirth experience. She told me she was grateful that she regained consciousness almost four (4) weeks after my birth. Like me, all my siblings had names that marked important, memorable events in our parents’ lives. Our names tell our parents’ stories, stories about circumstances surrounding our births, rather than our stories as may be found in many brief personal oríkì (praise names) among the Ọ̀yọ́-Yorùbá. For many of us whose parents are from Ondo and Ekiti States of Nigeria, we do not have brief personal oríkì as noted by Ladele, et. al. and quoted by Oyewumi, p.21, but parents still gave very specific Àmútọ̀runwá[2] names “whose chief distinction is that they are based on the observed biological facts attending the birth of that child”[3] which is a common phenomenon in Yorùbá culture. African names reveal a lot about the bearer’s background and carry “a wealth of historical information.” Caesarean sections or Caesarean deliveries are surgical procedures by which babies are born through incisions in their mothers’ abdomen and uterus. Even though the technique dates to 1480 CE, it has since then evolved and has been improved on to reduce mother and child mortality rate. Still, in the early 80s at the time of my birth, the Caesarean technique was still very risky and many things could and do go wrong. In my mother’s case, things went wrong with the procedure. Because of that, she was unconscious from the procedure for almost a month. There are very few Àmútọ̀runwá (brought from ọ̀run (invisible realm)) names among the Yorùbá. They are Táyé, Kẹhinde, Ìdòwú, Àlàbá, Okẹ́, Ìgè, Àìná, Òjó, and a few others. These names have not changed. Some of them are gender neural while others are gender specific. For example, Táyé and Kẹhìndé are gender neutral names for twins regardless of their genders. En caul births are called Okẹ́ and breech babies are called Ìgè regardless of their genders. Àìná and Òjó are examples of gender specific names. Àìná is a female child born with nuchal cords while Òjó is a male child born with the same condition.

An Assessment of Online Newspaper Readership among Residents of Apata, Ibadan, Nigeria

Yetunde Oluwayemisi Ayobolu — 2024-12-31

The rapid growth of digital technology has revolutionised the media landscape significantly altering the ways people access news and information. Online newspapers have emerged as a popular platform for news disseminating, offering numerous benefits over traditional print media. This study investigates online newspaper readership among the residents of Apata, Ibadan due to its demographic uniqueness and dense population. The survey method with the use of questionnaires was utilised for data collection from two hundred and fifty participants randomly selected. Results revealed that 70% access online news daily, with 60% preferring social media platforms. Factors influencing online newspaper readership include age, education, income, and internet access, indicating high reliance on online platforms for news consumption within the community. The study applies the Uses and Gratification Theory (UGT) as it explains the motivation behind the residents’ preferences for specific online platforms and Diffusion of Innovation Theory to shed light on the adoption of digital news consumption as a modern trend. Results reveal that participants primarily consume online news for informational needs, entertainment, and fostering social interaction. Based on findings, the study recommends that online newspaper publishers enhance mobile-friendly accessibility, leverage social media integration, and offer localized content to boost engagement among Apata residents. Findings from the study contribute to understanding online newspaper readership in Nigeria and inform media development in the digital age.

Impacts of Alexandria Catechetical School’s Sacred-Secular Education and its Implications for Theological Institutions in Nigeria

Danjuma Umaru Anzaku — 2024-12-31

This article explores how the Alexandria Catechetical School educational system which combined sacred and secular learning can be applied in theological institutions in Nigeria. The study adopts a qualitative research approach, utilizing historical analysis and literature review to explore the historical context and educational practices of the Alexandria Catechetical School. Major findings from the study reveal that such holistic approach to education did not only enrich the theological understanding of students but also equipped them with practical and contextualized skills for engaging with the secular world. The study also highlights how theological institutions in Nigeria can apply similar system such as interdisciplinary training, contextualization and community engagement, spiritual and moral values, discipleship through godly leadership by example and development of entrepreneurship skills in order to produce all-round competent manpower to address current challenges confronting the Nigerian church and society. The study recommends that theological institutions in Nigeria should consider incorporating elements of the Alexandria Catechetical School's educational system to better prepare students for the challenges of the modern world. These include integrating more secular subjects into the curriculum, providing practical training opportunities, and fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. With holistic approach to education, theological institutions in Nigeria will not only be better in equipping their students to engage with the complexities of the contemporary world, but will also attract public relevance while remaining rooted in their sacred missions.

From Myth to Reality: The Transformative Power of Online Education for Nigerian Development: Lesson for Africa

Bidemi Badmus — 2024-12-31

Access to education is essential for the progress of society, fostering innovation, driving economic development, and facilitating political advancement (Hanushek, E. A, & Woessmann, L. 2015).While developed nations have successfully integrated online education into their systems, developing countries, such as Nigeria, encounter significant obstacles in transitioning to e-learning due to a limited online tutors and inadequate infrastructure. This research examines secondary data to assess the effects of online education in Nigeria and across Africa. Despite an increasing acceptance of e-learning, the findings highlight considerable challenges, including a deficiency of skilled online instructors, infrastructural shortcomings, high costs of internet access, and widespread negative attitudes among students, educators, and policymakers. Furthermore, there exists a bias from employers against graduates of online programs, a lack of sufficient investment in online educational initiatives by school administrations and the Nigerian government, and a persistent risk of misinformation and miseducation. Consequently, the study advocates for investments in digital infrastructure and teacher training initiatives, shifts in attitudes towards online education, the promotion of public-private partnerships to optimize resources, expertise, and funding for online education projects, the establishment of quality assurance measures to uphold the integrity of e-learning, and the encouragement of international collaborations to share best practices, resources, and expertise in online education. These steps are vital for transforming online education into a powerful tool for development.

The Interface Between Metaphysics and Science

Ademola Lukman Lawal — 2024-12-31

The interface between metaphysics and science refers to the close-knit relationship between Metaphysics as First Philosophy and science. The first conception of metaphysics by Aristotle makes its appearance after Physics. The issue at hand borders on the lacuna between metaphysics and science, on the first hand, and on the interconnectedness of the metaphysics, and by extension the whole of philosophy, and the sciences of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Engineering. We must underscore the view that Metaphysics investigates into the ground and foundation of all regularities and irregularities in nature. It is the first philosophy and the first science. We shall, therefore, probe into the development of modern science from classical antiquity and state the mistake of rejecting metaphysics by the logical positivists as a fundamental injury to science. Our attempt to recover and rediscover the metaphysical foundations of science shall reestablish an enabling interface between metaphysics and science. Our discussion shall first be on metaphysics as the first philosophy and the first science. After examining how science has dovetailed from metaphysics, we would reestablish the interface between metaphysics and science.

Issues and Prospects in Continuing Education for Skills Development of Automobile Technicians in Nigeria

Babatunde Ayoola Fajimi — 2024-12-31

The automobile technicians are catalytic to the industrial revolution, employment generation, human capital development, and economic growth in the automotive industry in Nigeria. There is, however, a lack of competencies among them that has generated concerns in the community of practice. The study explored challenges of skills development among automobile technicians and examined the prospects of continuing education to enhance their skills development in the automotive industry. The study adopted a qualitative research method and reviewed journals, books, news reports, and official publications to discuss the key concepts of continuing education, skills development, and mainstreaming of automobile technicians in the informal sector to the national policy framework to transform the automotive industry for human capital development and economic growth in Nigeria. The absence of continuing education in the occupational practices of automobile technicians has created skills development crises in the automotive industry and is evidenced by a shortage of skilled labour, aging demographics, the prevalence of quackery, lack of requisite work knowledge, non-availability of sustainable continuing education programmes, lack of opportunities for continuing professional development, sectoral policy disconnect with human capital development practice in the industry, and funding. The implementation of continuing education programmes for the skills development of automobile technicians can create opportunities to enhance improved competencies, transform human capital development, and engender value creation and exceptional service delivery in the automotive industry through the transformative work environment and delivery of collaborative skills development programmes. The government should mainstream and implement grassroots policies for inclusive collaboratives to certify automobile technicians through continuing educational development programmes in the automotive industry.

Faces and Phases of Leadership: A Metaphoric Interpretation of Olusegun Obasanjo’s My Watch

Ayoola Sanmi OJO — 2024-12-31

This paper explores the deployment of conceptual metaphors in the memoir of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, examining how metaphorical affordances shape expressions and their purported meanings. Through a discourse analysis of the memoir, My Watch, the research shows how metaphors drawn from the second volume of the memoir create vivid description of the faces and phases of leadership through the author’s lens. The study relies on George Lakoff and Mark Johnson’s Conceptual Metaphor Theory. The paper discusses the faces and phases of leadership in volume two of former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s My Watch and explores the concepts of leadership. Seventeen excerpts are purposively selected and analysed based on their relevance to the discourse. Findings reveal that metaphors uncover servitude, reformation, fight, bliss, constant learning, healing and accomplishment inherent in leadership. All these show that the phases and faces of leadership are laced with changing conditions, internal demands, and outside influences. This study, therefore, posits that metaphors are engaged to show inherent semantics, and convey other messages to the reader. The findings of the research point to the role of the metaphors to better comprehend political memoirs and more importantly the intricacies of leadership.

Linguistic Features and Symbolic Communication in Àgídìgbo Music of the Yorùbá of Southwestern Nigeria

Olaolu Emmanuel Adekola — 2024-12-31

Music and language are inseparable, their relationship manifests in various contexts. Àgídìgbo music is one of the traditional music through which Yorùbá language is expressed and preserved because musicians usually deploy certain linguistic elements and communication devices in navigating their artistic creativity. Existing studies on music have not sufficiently examined how language, text and interpretation make sense in àgídìgbo music. This paper therefore, examined how language, text and interpretation in àgídìgbo music are used in express linguistic features, symbolic communication and nuances in African language. Ethnographic design was used and a purposive sampling technique was deployed to select three notable àgídìgbo exponents in Èrúwà (Oyo state), Abeòkúta (Ogun state) and Ìwó (Osun state) all in southwest Nigeria where àgídìgbo music performance is prevalent. Observation and In-depth interviews were employed as methods of data collection during social ceremonies of the key informants. Musical excerpts were recorded from live performances and data were subjected to content analyses. The findings revealed that the linguistic elements used in àgídìgbo music were proverbs and figures of speech such as hyperbole, metaphors, simile, fable, parables, repetition and digression clearly expressed communication device and nuances in Yorùbá language. The versatility and musical prowess of àgídìgbo musicians are not only measured by their virtuosity on the instrument but also by their ability to use the right and appropriate language elements such as òwe and other figures of speech in driving home their points thereby making àgídìgbo music to serve as repository for future generation.

Retracing African Moral Values and Balancing Afro-Pop Music

Abiodun Olukayode Tairu — 2024-12-31

This study examines the complex relationship between Afro Pop music and traditional African moral values. Through a critical analysis of lyrics, music videos, and artist interviews, this research investigates how Afro-Pop’s increasing commercialization and global influence affects its representation of African cultural norms. The study combines a mixed-methods approach with content analysis and surveys to interrogate the data samples of 16 collected Afro-pop songs. A riveting exposition of respect and modesty versus vulgarity and profanity was juxtaposed to reposition and validate the status of African morality through the festering of Afro Pop Music. The study contributes to the ongoing debates on cultural globalisation, African identity, and the role of music in shaping moral values.

Metaphoric Representations of Spirituality in Ebenezer Obey’s Music

Mopelola Rachael Olayiwola — 2024-12-31

This paper investigates the synergy that exists between metaphor and spirituality within the Yoruba cosmology as exemplified in the music of Ebenezer Obey. The study underscores the authenticating role metaphor plays in the concretisation of Yoruba beliefs in the existence of a supernatural world. The existing variations of independent studies on both concepts attest to the rich cognitive influence both ideologies evoke within the academia. However, most of the extant studies carried out on these concepts have mainly honed their distinctive strengths. The corpus of research on metaphor relates its relevance mainly to the academic sphere where it acts as diagnostic tool for the analysis of literary terms and by extension to specified human experiences and restricts its versatile application to the significant influence metaphor has on spirituality, thus, de-emphasising the strengthening potency the connection between both ideologies can have on the social and economic lives of people. This notion of irreconcilable difference has resulted in undermining the veritable possibility of an alignment between metaphor and spirituality. This is against the backdrop of paucity of scholarship on this creative hybridisation. This study, therefore, foregrounds the essence of this metaphorical appropriation on the Yoruba ability to re-interpret their disillusioned post-independence realities. Conceptual metaphor theory is deployed as a tool by which underlying metaphor of spirituality is pointed out in the selected music texts of Ebenezer Obey.

Business Studies in Secondary Schools: Exploring the Teaching and Learning Strategies in Oyo State, Nigeria

Mathew Ojeleke Ojelade — 2024-12-31

The aim of this research was to investigate the teaching methods used by teachers to effectively teach business principles to high school students in the Oke-ogun region of Oyo State, Nigeria. The study includes all the teachers and students in the secondary schools of Oyo State, Nigeria. According to the Post Primary School Management Board (PPSMB), there are 342 secondary schools in Oyo State for the 2023/2024 academic session. The research was conducted in the Oke-ogun region of Oyo State, Nigeria, which comprises 10 local government areas. The researchers purposefully chose 2 pilot schools from each local government, making a total of 20 secondary schools. The JSS 3 students were the target respondents. The study used a well-structured questionnaire and a simple random sampling technique to draw a sample size of 400 (20 students per school). The data collection instrument used was the “Business Studies in Secondary Schools: Exploring the Teaching and Learning Strategies in Oyo State, Nigeria Questionnaire.” The research questions were analyzed using Mean and Standard Deviation. It was found out in the study that the students had not been introduced to the innovative and effective methods mentioned in this research. The teachers were less familiar with strategies like experiential learning, financial literacy, cooperative learning, and integration of soft skills, as indicated in this study, and as a result, these strategies were not in use. Teachers of business studies in Oyo State secondary schools should be provided with more effective contemporary teaching strategies through regular conferences, workshops, seminars, lectures, and symposia, among others to ensure effective service delivery

A Critical Performativity Analysis of Religious Laws on Homosexual Discourse in Nigeria: A Study of “Under The Udala Trees” and “Born On A Tuesday”

Titilope Oluwaseun Oriola — 2024-12-31

This manuscript delves into the ideological underpinnings embedded in the traditional religious doctrines governing homosexuality. Leveraging insights from a curated selection of Nigerian literary works, it illuminates the thematic intersections of Christianity and Islam, seeking to unravel the symbolic nuances of Biblical and Quranic precepts on homosexuality. This exploration asserts that these ancient laws stand detached from the diverse sexual orientations prevalent in contemporary society. While there exists a rich tapestry of discourse encompassing aspects such as LGBTQ+ rights and identity formation, a significant void remains in the scholarly exploration of the religious dimensions of homosexuality. Addressing this lacuna, essential in shaping informed gay law policies in the African context. Drawing upon the seminal theories of Judith Butler’s “Gender Performativity” (1990) and Fairclough’s “Critical Discourse Analysis” (1995) as analytical lenses, this paper scrutinises two poignant literary narratives – “Under the Udala Trees” and “Born on a Tuesday”- offering a deep dive into the religious discourse on homosexuality they encapsulate. The findings illuminate the overarching universal ethos present in the reversed texts of Bible and Quran, evincing a grand design that accommodates the multifaceted tapestry of human behavior of sexual orientations. It compellingly argues that the homophobic undertones discernible in these texts are emblematic, anchored in historical contexts, rather than prescriptive mandates for the modern era.

Voters Apathy During Students’ Union Elections: Implication for Social Studies and Political Science Students

Zabur Olayiwola Soluade — 2024-12-31

The study assesses the implications of voter apathy during students’ union elections on Social Studies and Political Science Students. The study assesses the levels of student voter apathy; examine reasons for voter apathy and influence of Social Studies and Political Science on students’ political participation in the student union election. Three (3) research questions were raised and answered in the study. The study adopted descriptive research design. The target population of the study consists of all the Social Studies and Political Science of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State. Six hundred and twenty (620) students were selected for the study, using purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. A self-designed questionnaire tagged “Students and Voting Apathy Questionnaire” (SVAQ) was used to obtain information from the respondents. The data were analysed using descriptive analysis of frequency, percentage mean and standard deviation. The findings show that voter apathy among social studies and political science students during students’ union elections is unabated; popular students' inclination that voting during a students’ union election is a voluntary exercise; students have negative perceptions about candidates fulfilling their electoral promises; and Social Studies and Political Science have an influence on students' active participation and voting during student unions’ election. The study recommended that voting during students’ union election should be made compulsory for the students of Social Studies and Political Science and that management of higher institutions of learning must adopt e-voting to de-radicalise students’ elections and enhance active participation of students’ confidence of students in voting during student union elections.

Sacred Sounds and Contested Spaces: Navigating Musical Ambivalence in NASFAT’s Islamic Worship Practices in Nigeria

Samuel Ayoola Adejube — 2024-12-31

Music occupies a contested space within Islamic worship, reflecting tensions between tradition, cultural adaptation, and contemporary spiritual practices. While many religious traditions, including Christianity and African Traditional Religions in Nigeria, seamlessly integrate music into worship, Islamic perspectives on music remain complex and ambivalent. This study explores the reception of music within the Nasrul-Lahi-il Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), a prominent Muslim prayer organisation known for its innovative approaches to Islamic practice. Employing ethnographic methods, including interviews and observation at the Samonda branch in Oyo State, Nigeria, the research investigates how NASFAT members navigate the intricate relationship between music and sacred spaces. Findings reveal that NASFAT adherents exhibit a nuanced understanding of music, recognising its pedagogical and spiritual potential for enhancing religious education and fostering devotion. However, significant ambivalence persists, with respondents distinguishing between the permissibility of music in secular versus liturgical contexts. While music is embraced during informal gatherings for its ability to convey sacred teachings and build community, its inclusion in formal worship settings remains contentious, with clerics citing concerns about preserving the sanctity of sacred spaces. This research concludes that music, as a dynamic form of spiritual expression, plays an essential role in fostering religious engagement and communal identity. It calls for a re-evaluation of traditional perspectives that restrict its liturgical use, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of music’s potential within Islamic worship practices. The findings contribute to broader discussions on religious identity formation, cultural innovation, and the evolving role of music in Islamic worship.

The Impact of Christianity on the Extinction of Ekau Feminine Cult in Ekori

Sunday Edet John — 2024-12-31

There is no argument that Christianity played a great and positive role in Ekori by getting rid of heinous cultural practices, provision of health care services and educating the people, but it has also robbed the people of certain cultural institutions and heritage. Ekau Cult was a highly placed and important social institution that played a variety of roles in the community; ranging from maintaining ethical order and stability, judicial, economic and security roles. The qualitative method of data collection and analysis which includes both primary and secondary materials. Primary data were gathered from the field through extensive oral interviews under a conducive atmosphere void of external influences which attest to the originality of the information obtained. The secondary data includes works written by scholars found in journals, textbooks and Internet. It was discovered in the course of this research that the extinction of Ekau Feminine Cult has resulted to insecurity, moral decadence, infertility and infidelity, broken relationships, domestic violence, among others. The need for cultural revivalism, self identity and religious tolerance is among the recommendations made in this work.

“Hallelujah”, “Iye”, “Hosannah”: Investigating the Conversational Dynamics in Prayers of the ESOCS Church

Gabriel Ndamzi Amadi — 2024-12-31

This study utilizes Conversational Analysis (CA) theory to examine the discourse and conversational dynamics in the prayers of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim (ESOCS) Church, a spiritually vibrant community known for its fervent, linguistically rich prayers. ESOCS prayers are rooted in distinctive traditions that incorporate scriptural references, ritualistic expressions, and emotional outpourings, offering a rich domain for linguistic analysis. The study analyzes 4 prayer samples, selected from an initial pool of 45 prayer recordings collected across 22 ESOCS church branches worldwide, focusing on dialogicity, foregrounding, cohesion, adjacency pairs, and prosody. The findings reveal that an interactive exchange between linguistic structure, cultural practices, and spirituality characterizes ESOCS prayer dialogue. Dialogicity, rhetorical strategies, and prosody play a significant role in fostering the congregation's active engagement, unity, and reverence. Furthermore, cohesion techniques and the use of adjacency pairs reflect the cultural values that shape the prayer experience, enhancing both clarity and emotional depth. This investigation offers insights into the unique conversational dynamics of ESOCS prayers and contributes significantly to the growing literature on religious discourse analysis, particularly, in the context of prayers.

From The Gongola to The Forcados: Colonial Water Transport and Economic Development In Nigeria

Muhammad A. Bello — 2024-12-31

In the course of European imperial expansion, movement was done through rivers to penetrate the interior of Africa and establish colonial rule, thereby promoting commercial and industrial development at the expense of Africans. Following the British imperial penetration of the Nigerian area and the military conquest of its peoples, they utilized navigable rivers from the South to the North in the transportation of goods and services to a number of port-towns for redistribution and consumption in the hinterland. European manufactured goods were brought to the Nigerian coastal areas, including Burutu, one of the major ports through which goods were imported and evacuated by cargo ships. Through Burutu port on the Forcados River in the Niger Delta, large quantities of imported goods were transported by ships to Lokoja on the Niger River, Makurdi and Numan on the Benue River, to Nafada and Dadin Kowa ports on the Gongola River. At the same time, large tons of agricultural and forest products were exported through the same waterway. This paper, which is based largely on the use of archival records, examines the process of the utilization of the Gongola River flood waters in Northern Nigeria in the colonial water transportation of goods and services to the Forcados River in Southern Nigeria, thereby facilitating the process of the economic development of the country.

Chinese Companies in The Nigerian Construction Industry Since 1999: Issues and Contentions

Faruq Idowu Boge — 2024-12-31

There is no gainsaying the fact that China (and her multinational corporations) has penetrated a large portion of the global economy in the last three decades. There is hardly any country in and a sector of the African economy (Nigeria in particular) that does not have a significant presence of Chinese transnational corporations. The economic inter-relationships between Nigeria and China has witnessed a tremendous increase since the birth of the fourth republic in Nigeria. From the backdrop of the country’s infrastructural deficiency and colonial experience, the Nigerian construction industry has been exposed to participation from different foreign multinational corporations from Germany, Egypt, Italy, and China among others. In the last two decades, however, Chinese companies have dominated the Nigerian construction industry. Through the lens of historical scholarship, this study examines the factors that seem to have provided the Chinese an edge over other multinational construction companies in Nigeria. Using the theories of international economic relations such as the liberal theory, the comparative advantage theory, the factors proportion theory, and the strategic trade policy theory the study expatiates on some of the issues and contentions relating to the presence of Chinese companies in the Nigerian construction industry. It adopts a qualitative research methodology using historical approach to data collation and interpretations. Information is derived majorly from secondary sources via extant literature, media reportage, and internet materials from the websites of companies. Few oral interviews are also conducted to verify some of the information from the media and the internet.

Niger Delta Poetry and Traumatic Inscriptions: A Reading of Sophia Obi’s Tears in a Basket

Blessing Ochuko Esamagu — 2024-12-31

Environmental degradation, beyond being a global phenomenon, is fast becoming a major cause of concern in Africa with severe impacts on humans and non-humans. This mindless exploitation of natural resources, particularly in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, does not only adversely affect aquatic and terrestrial habitats, making them endangered species, but also leaves scathing impacts on humans, which range from physical to psychological. Previous studies have largely focused on analysing the destructive consequences of environmental degradation on non-humans and the effects on the material well-being of humans in Sophia Obi’s Tears in a Basket. However, this study argues that the destruction of the environment in the Niger Delta region directly affects the psychological and mental health of the inhabitants in the affected communities, causing trauma. Therefore, this study is a critical reading of Sophia Obi’s Tears in a Basket as a narrative of trauma. The study adopts ecocriticism (the study of nature in literature), Stef Craps’ model of trauma theory, which redefines trauma to include unending, quotidian kinds of brutality that befall persons in lower factions, and engages Rob Nixon’s concept of “slow violence”, which focuses on the accretive, cumulative impact of environmental degradation on marginalised communities. The text is subjected to literary and critical textual analysis to examine its preoccupation with the subject of trauma, through the prisms of individual and collective suffering among the Niger Delta people. The study establishes that environmental degradation possesses the potential to generate trauma.

The Intersection between Artificial Intelligence, Interdisciplinary Collaboration and African History

Efemena Emmanuel Esamagu — 2024-12-31

This paper basically considered the effects of AI on African history, vis-à-vis interdisciplinary collaboration, either overtly or covertly. It posited that recent historical works embrace interdisciplinary perspective, thus, it was examined in light of the emergence of AI. Being a historical piece of work, historical methodology was adopted as secondary sources in this case, which consist of published and unpublished works. These formed the gamut of data collection used to prosecute and enrich this research. The paper sought to answer the following questions: what is the connection between artificial intelligence, interdisciplinary collaboration and African history? What are the effects of AI on African history as a specialization? The core of the paper is necessitated by the emergence of AI. As such, it was juxtaposed vis-a-vis African history and other related disciplines. On the whole, the study established or found out that artificial intelligence (AI), though with its negative impact, has enhanced and strengthened new trends and perspectives in African historical research vis-à-vis the relationships between History, Social and Natural Sciences; History, Sociology and Anthropology; History and Psychology; History, Economics and Demographic Studies; History and Literature; which was exhaustively explained in the paper. While the paper noted that AI, when used properly, could provide relevant information critical to historical studies. It also highlighted the challenges which stem from the use of artificial intelligence, which include: data bias and representation, contextual understanding, source reliability and verification, ethical considerations, complexity of interpretation, technical limitations, preservation of historical integrity, among others. The study concluded that historians generally, and African historians in particular exercised caution in the use of AI for comprehensive historical research.

Negotiating Sexual Boundaries through Reality Shows: A Multimodal Study of Paraphilic Behaviours in Big Brother Naija

Victoria Oluwamayowa Gbadegesin — 2024-12-31

Allegations in the public space persist that the Big Brother Naija (BBN) show glamorises sexual gratification. It is perceived to constantly rupture the conservative narratives that surround the public expression of sex in many Nigerian cultures. Interestingly, many of these opinions have not been empirically substantiated. The current study, therefore, explores the nature of sexual boundary negotiation, the communicative tools employed in the negotiation, and the forms of sexual gratification embedded in the show. The data for the study are videos from seasons two and three of Big Brother Naija, with excerpts and video stills used for exemplification. The analysis and discussions are explored relying on Multimodal Interaction Analysis (MIA). The findings illustrate that Big Brother Naija participants are prosumers who do not only produce content to negotiate sexual boundaries but also consume the content produced by other participants in the show for the same purpose. Exhibitionism and frotteurism are linked to content production while voyeurism is linked to content consumption. These sexual behaviours position the show as one aimed at deliberately stretching the sexual boundaries imposed by cultures, ethnicity and religion in Nigeria.

Yoruba Oral Traditions and Communal Aesthetics in Olu Obafemi’s Selected Drama

Olanipekun Emmanuel Abe — 2024-12-31

The history of African oral literature is located in oral tradition which is tied to communal living. African oral literature is a conglomerate of communal traditions that reflect African culture, experiences, and societies. Studies affirmed that Olu Obafemi’s ideological stance and investigation of the society is revolutionary and is geared towards seminal social change. This paper examines the aesthetics of oral literature, and explores the society through the prism of Olu Obafemi’s Naira Has No Gender and Scapegoats and Sacredcows by highlighting the different explication of oral forms portrayed by the dramatist. The paper reveals the writer's ideological disposition and vision as informed by his discursive engagement of larger issues through various oratory means. The placement of Nigerian songs and dance, proverbs, role-play technique, and audience participation are identified as signposts of Nigerian oral literature. The paper adopts Cultural Studies theory as its theoretical paradigm for its capacity to analyse and provides an assessment of the contributions that cultural practices and artifacts make to the society. This study reveals how African oral literature combines traditional and modern theatrical techniques to sustain communal living and cultural practices such as veneration, education, and moral instruction.

Maritime Piracy and the Sustainable Development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy

Funmi Oseyemi Amao — 2024-12-31

Maritime security is critical to economic stability, international trade, and national sovereignty, yet the sector faces persistent challenges, particularly in regions like the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). Threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, oil theft, and terrorism undermine regional stability and economic development. Nigeria, as a major player in the GoG, has prioritised maritime security through national diplomacy to address these challenges. Therefore, the study examined the detrimental impact of maritime piracy on Nigeria’s blue economy. The study employed a mixed-method design, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a comprehensive analysis. Key Informant Interviews were conducted to gather qualitative insights, while structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from stakeholders. The study identified significant challenges of maritime security in Nigeria, such as poor performance in fishing, fisheries and maritime tourism. The study revealed a strong correlation between piracy and the decline of Nigeria’s blue economy, highlighting the need for robust security measures to curb piracy and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s coastal resources for sustainable economic development. The study concludes that national diplomacy is indispensable for tackling the complexities of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). The study recommended that Nigerian government should strengthen its maritime security diplomacy, enhance regional collaboration, and secure its maritime interests effectively by expanding bilateral and multilateral partnerships, enhancing resource allocation for maritime operations, fostering trust through transparent engagements, and strengthening institutional frameworks.