Wukari International Studies Journal
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POLITICAL GODFATHERISM AND DOMINANCE IN NIGERIAN POLITY: A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
Get PDFThe persistence of political godfatherism in Nigeria poses a stiff challenge to the democratic consolidation and the socio-economic development of the country. This study, therefore, examine the widespread phenomenon of political godfatherism and supremacy in the Nigerian polity in a holistic biblical perspective. Specifically, the paper defines and describes the phenomenon of political godfatherism and its hegemony in Nigeria, how political godfatherism works, and its effects. Besides, it examines a wider scope of applicable biblical doctrines as they pertain to leadership, application of power, seeking of justice, and the nature of community welfare with the aim of identifying fundamental principles that could be used in political governance. Drawing upon a qualitative research design, this paper employs a theological-ethical analysis to interpret both Old and New Testament biblical texts relevant to leadership, power, justice, and community. Secondary data includes academic literature on Nigerian politics and godfatherism. Findings reveal a sharp difference between the principles of operating political godfathers as favouritism, exploitation of the power of influence, and reckless possession of authority and the foundational biblical concepts of justice (mishpat), righteousness (tzedakah), servant leadership, and accountability. The paper sums up that the biblical doctrines can offer a solid moral and ethical stance that will help criticize and eventually change the processes of political godfatherism. The paper recommends application of biblically motivated leadership styles by politicians, prophetic involvement of religious organizations, and civic responsibility on the part of the citizens as a way of promoting fairer and just rule in Nigeria
THE ROLE OF JAMA’ATU NASRIL ISLAM IN COMBATING INTRA-RELIGIOUS CONFLICT AMONG ISLAMIC SECTS IN KADUNA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, 2016-2020
Get PDFReligious and ethnic crises have since the 1980s become one of the major challenges for Nigeria’s nation-building. The Nigerian state employs various strategies to reduce national ethnic conflicts. A federal system of government is expected to reduce the stakes for central power and federal institutions are supposed to reflect the diversity of the nation. Still, society has become increasingly polarized along religious and ethnic lines. Eventhough a lot has been written on the role of religious body in combating intra-religious conflict, most of the literature do not explore the role of Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in combating intra-religious conflict in Kaduna North Local Government Area between 2016 and 2020. This study therefore, investigates the role of Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), a prominent Islamic umbrella organization, in combating intra-religious conflict in Kaduna North Local Government Area between 2016 and 2020. The research adopted Ibn Khaldun’s Asabiyyah theory as the theoretical framework for the study. The research employs quantitative method through the use of questionnaires. The findings reveal that JNI plays a critical reconciliatory role in mitigating intra-religious conflicts, primarily by promoting understanding and cooperation among various Islamic sects. Despite the significant reduction in intra-religious conflict in the study area, the study identifies several challenges faced by JNI, including neglect by government authorities, financial constraints, lack of respect from other Islamic groups, and insufficient public support. These obstacles have hindered the organization’s capacity to fully realize its potential in conflict resolution. Hence, it is recommended that for JNI to have a greater impact, stakeholders must show stronger commitment to its initiatives. Specifically, the government should provide more resources and support to JNI, enforce sanctions on those responsible for inciting religious conflict, and improve the transparency and communication of JNI’s activities to enhance JNI’s ability to address sectarian tensions and promote religious harmony
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF KOGI STATE COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY ON POVERTY REDUCTION IN KOGI STATE, 2009-2023
Get PDFThis study investigates the activities of Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency (KGSCSDA), focusing on its impact on poverty reduction among rural dwellers in Kogi State, thereby contributing to the understudied area of community-driven development in Nigeria. Unlike the previous studies that have taken a more general outlook on poverty reduction initiatives, this study dives deep into KGSCSDA’s micro-projects and their concomitant impact on the socio-economic milieu of rural dwellers. The study argues that despite KGSCSDA’s numerous poverty reduction initiatives, there is a dearth of scholarly work on the subject matter. Against this backdrop, this study aims to fill this gap by providing insights into its historical trajectory, operations, funding mechanisms, projects, as well as the impact and challenges faced. Using descriptive and analytical historical research methodology, the study reveals that KGSCSDA has implemented 520 micro-projects, such as water, education, healthcare, among others, through participatory community development plans. These projects have significantly addressed the socio-economic imbalances among the rural poor in the state. However, the study found that numerous interested communities abandoned their applications midway due to the rigorous application process involved. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the Agency recalibrates its application procedures, increase budgetary allocations, and improve governance and transparency, in order to attain fully sustainable and socially inclusive micro-projects, as delineated in its operational guidelines
MANAGING SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS FOR BROADCASTING: USES, PROSPECTS & CHALLENGES
Get PDFBroadcasting has been around for over a century, and it has evolved with technology which continues to shape broadcast growth worldwide. One factor technology has introduced is the rise of social media platforms. Social media platforms have become a form of communication since their introduction, and traditional broadcasters have had to leverage them to remain relevant and reach their intended audience. This study adopted the qualitative research methodology with a semi-structured interview approach of participants from the social media and news department of NTA International, Abuja. In the course of this study, broadcasters were found to use social media both for gathering and disseminating information. Obstacles such as cyberbullying, dissemination of fake news, and citizen journalism are also faced in the field, and they are not easy to counter and require careful consideration. This study, unlike previous research that focuses solely on the benefits of digital platforms, explores the two sides. This study recommends that journalists should be equipped with critical thinking skills and ethical considerations when navigating social media, and foolproof strategies should be put in place to sift out fake news while mitigating against citizen journalism
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC RELATIONS STRATEGIES IN LOKOJA AND ANKPA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA
Get PDFThis study is a Comparative Analysis of Public Relations Strategies in Select Local Governments in Kogi State, Nigeria. It comparatively examined the public relations strategies employed by Lokoja and Ankpa Local Government Areas in Kogi State, Nigeria, and assessed their effectiveness in managing relationships with stakeholders and fostering community engagement. The Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) was used as the theoretical framework. A qualitative research approach was employed, involving in-depth interviews with 20 key stakeholders, including Public Relations Officers (PROs), Local Government Chairmen, Councilors, Directors of Administration, and Heads of Departments (HODs) responsible for public relations and communication. The findings revealed that Lokoja's proactive approach, characterized by community engagement and the use of digital communication, has fostered transparency and trust among residents, while Ankpa's reactive strategy has highlighted significant gaps in communication and engagement. The study concluded that public relations strategies play a crucial role in shaping the effectiveness of local governance in Kogi State. It is recommended that Lokoja Local Government Area strengthens its mechanisms for gathering and responding to community feedback, while Ankpa Local Government Area should prioritize the development of a comprehensive public relations strategies that incorporate both traditional and digital communication methods. Recommendations are also made for local government areas to adopt proactive public relations strategies that prioritize community engagement and transparency
ARMED BANDITRY IN ADARALAND: A STUDY OF HUMANITARIAN CRISIS AND THE PLIGHT OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
Get PDFThis article titled “Armed Banditry in Adaraland: A Study of Humanitarian Crisis and the Plight of the Internally Displaced Persons” dissects incidences of banditry and the experiences of the internally displaced persons in Adaraland. It explores the level of displacement of persons in various villages and the numbers of people who ran away as seen on the field through extensive research carried out in the affected areas. The research shows, in relative detail, the villages affected by the activities of banditry and the plight of the deprived persons. The study finds, among other things, that banditry in these areas was a ploy to destabilise Adaraland and open it up to occupation by non-Adara people. The paper uses oral interview as primary sources of data collection by meeting people who were directly affected or witnessed the events. The study concludes that the media has down played the level of destruction of lives and properties in Adaraland, through under reporting and inadequate publicity as against similar attacks/happenings in other areas of Kaduna State facing similar menace
“JAPA” IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN SOCIETY, THE EXPORTATION OF NIGERIA’s INDIGENOUS CHURCHES AND THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS
Get PDFIt is remarkable to note that in recent times, the rate at which young people move to other country of their choice in startling. There have been little or no consideration to this move. It seems youths leave at a whim. They don’t give it a deep enough thought. They were always eager to leave the shore of the country by all means. They want to “Japa”. “Japa” euphemistic way to explain the departure of one’s birth country, especially Nigeria. For several reasons, Nigerians have seen the need to leave the shore of the mother land in droves. Many of these “Japaist” have discovered, after getting to their dreamland, that it is not all Eldorado. Many have faced some inhumane treatment from their host country and society. Therefore, this phenomenon has brought to the fore some religious and ethical interrogations. Religion as an institution has teachings on how to treat foreigners in the land of their sojourn. Hence, this research employs descriptive method for the work which would help to examine some of the religious ethics this phenomenon negates, using the analysis of injunction in Deuteronomy 23:19-22
AVAILABILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY OF COVID-19 VACCINE AMONG NON-TEACHING STAFF OF LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY, OJO, LAGOS
Get PDFThe main objective was to determine the availability and acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine among non-teaching staff. The study formulated four research questions and four null hypotheses to direct the research. The descriptive survey research method was used, and a random sampling technique was used to select 300 non-teaching staff. The researchers used a questionnaire called the Accessibility and Acceptability of COVID-19 Vaccine Questionnaire (AACVQ) to collect data. The AACVQ contained two sections: demographic data and hypothesis-related items. The demographic data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the hypothesis-related items were assessed using a four-point Likert-type rating scale questionnaire. The reliability of the instrument was evaluated using the test-retest method, and the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated to be 0.85. The hypotheses were tested using the chi-square analytical tool with a significance level of 0.05. The study revealed that the level of knowledge about the availability, accessibility, and acceptability of the Covid-19 vaccine among non-teaching staff was influenced by factors such as age, gender, tribe, marital status, and educational qualification. The study also found that the non-teaching staff were aware of the vaccine's availability and were willing to take it. Therefore, the study recommended that the university make the Covid-19 vaccine easily accessible to non-teaching staff
THEOLOGY, INSECURITY AND NATIONAL INTEGRATION IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND THE WAY FORWARD
Get PDFNo time in history had Nigeria waded through troublous moments than now, when it is sunk deep in the mire insecurity which continues to impinge tremendously on its national development efforts. It is indeed very sad to note that insecurity has brazenly defied almost all the containment strategies and approaches put up by the government and well-meaning citizens of Nigeria in the recent times. There is now an ever-burgeoning feeling of fear, anxiety, uncertainty about one’s safety and safety of one’s property and family members, among Nigerians. Our national integration and the concomitant unity in diversity are now seriously threatened. This situation is made worst by alarming increase in the rate of moral turpitude and lack of fear of God among the youth, who have been turned into evil tools in the hands of unscrupulous agents of insecurity and terroir in Nigeria. Thus, the youth population needs moral, spiritual and intellectual transformation to be redirected to the path of peace and responsible citizenship. The role of theology in this regard should not be underscored as it can offer our nation the much-graved solution to the malaise of insecurity and doubtful national integration. It is against this backdrop that this paper seeks to examine ‘Theology, insecurity and national integration in Nigeria: Challenges and the way forward. It begins by clarification of key concepts used in the study. It then goes ahead to briefly survey the problem of insecurity in Nigeria; Nigeria’s national integration travail, the place of theology in finding solution to the problem of insecurity in Nigeria, and theology and national integration in Nigeria.’ It equally examines challenges facing theology and theological education in Nigeria and the way forward. The paper uses a combination of theological, phenomenological, sociological and interpretative methods to achieve its objectives
NIGERIA TECHNICAL AID CORPS (TAC) AND NATIONAL INTEREST, 1999-2023: AN ASSESSMENT
Get PDFThis paper assesses the impact of Nigeria's Technical Aid Corps (TAC) on the country's national interest from 1999 to 2023. TAC is a pivotal element of Nigeria's foreign policy, established to provide technical assistance to developing nations in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. This paper examines the program’s effectiveness in advancing Nigeria's diplomatic, economic, and socio-political objectives. The study adopted qualitative data from books, journals, official data, and the Internet, and the soft power theory was considered in advancing the essence of establishing TAC. Findings indicate that TAC significantly enhances Nigeria's diplomatic relations and international image, promotes trade and investment, and contributes to capacity building and regional stability. However, the program faces challenges such as logistical constraints, political instability, and economic limitations. The research provides practical recommendations for improving TAC's operational framework and strategic alignment with Nigeria's foreign policy goals. This assessment not only contributes to the academic discourse on international aid and national interest but also offers actionable insights for policymakers to optimize the impact of TAC in fostering sustainable development and enhancing Nigeria’s global influence