Madonna University, Nigeria - Open Access Journal System
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Prefixation in Ikwuano Igbo
The issue of prefixation as a word formation process is investigated in this work. The vowel harmony system which contributes a lot in prefixation process is not observed by many speakers of the language. This paper tries to fill the gap in the language through a descriptive analysis method. The study aims at examining the basic characteristics of prefixation in Ikwuano Igbo with respect to the morphological position of the prefixed morphemes. The study sets to examine the productive capacity of prefixes in Ikwuano Igbo and to identify the forms of the prefix used to mark the derivational verbs in Ikwuano. Data for the study were collected from primary and secondary sources. The researcher relied on her intuition as a native speaker of Ikwuano Igbo but where any given set of data contradicts her intuition, direct oral interview was used to elicit comparative data from other native speakers. With regard to the secondary methods, the researcher consulted some textual materials. The theoretical framework for this study is the morphophonemic theory of Noam Chomsky 1957 which states that the use of affixes in conjunction with other words help to convert the terminal strings to acceptable spoken forms. Findings show that prefixation does not work in isolation of other morphological processes such as suffixation, reduplication and interfixation. This work observes that the verb root is the basic morphological item for prefixation. Prefixation exhibits rich morpho-syntactic and phono-semantic qualities for grammaticality in Igbo sentences
APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN PUBLIC SERVICE AND GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA FOR SOCIETAL TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT
The Application of Artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s public service and governance has the potential to drive societal technological advancement, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness. This paper examined how Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are reshaping governance structures, decision-making processes and their implementation in Nigeria’s public service frameworks. It explored the current state of AI implementation in Nigeria’s public sector, its potential benefits, challenges, and strategic steps needed to harness AI for improved governance and service delivery. The paper delved into case studies across diverse publications and environmental management, showcasing successful integrations of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It also critically examined governance frameworks needed to regulate Artificial Intelligence itself, emphasising the importance of international collaboration, ethical guidelines, and robust legal structures to address the risks of misuse and inequality in Nigeria’s structure. Moreover, the analysis highlighted the need for capacity building initiatives, stakeholder inclusion and interdisciplinary opportunities to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI’s) transformative power and responsibility. Qualitative research design was applied, and secondary data collection from a review of literature, quotes, books, and articles was used. The findings revealed that AI can automate routine tasks, improve data-driven decision-making- making, and enhance public service delivery. However, challenges such as infrastructure deficits, skill gaps, and data privacy concerns hinder widespread adoption. Recommendations included developing a comprehensive National AI strategy, investing in digital infrastructure, and fostering public-private partnerships to accelerate AI adoption and ensure responsible AI use. The paper concluded by advocating for a balanced approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance that prioritises human dignity, equity, and sustainability while leveraging technological innovation to build resilient and adaptive systems in public service in Nigeria
GODFATHERISM AND POLITICAL PARTIES FINANCING IN NIGERIA: ANALYSIS OF THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTION
Godfatherism and political parties financing in Nigeria has been a subject of discourse among scholars, politicians and civil society organizations in recent time. Godfatherism and political parties financing in Nigeria has spawned a huge amount of literature over the years. However, the persistent influence of godfatherism highlighted systemic challenges in the political system. The elections conducted against a backdrop of economic instability, security challenges, and public disillusionment with governance, provided fertile ground for godfathers to assert their dominance. This study examines the pervasive influence of godfatherism in political party financing in Nigeria, particularly during the 2023 general elections. Godfathers play a dominant role in determining electoral outcomes by providing substantial financial resources to political parties and candidates, often at the expense of internal democracy and electoral integrity. This study utilized a mixed-methods approach to explore the relationship between godfatherism and political party financing during Nigeria's 2023 general elections and the theoretical review draws from theories of political economy, elite theory, patron-client theory, and political finance regulation theory. The study reviewed that the political parties financial dependency on godfathers undermines accountability, fosters corruption, and limits opportunities for grassroots participation through findings and concludes by addressing the challenges posed by godfatherism and political party financing requires a multifaceted approach involving regulatory reforms, institutional strengthening, and innovative funding mechanisms
POVERTY, INSECURITY, AND UNDERDEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: REASSESSING THE DIRECTION OF CAUSALITY
There has been lingering debate on the direction of causality among poverty, insecurity, and development. Is underdevelopment always the cause of poverty and insecurity? Are insecure societies more prone to poverty and under-/counter-development? Is it rather poverty that breeds insecurity, and subsequently destruction of previous development gains, resulting in counter-development? These are the questions that warranted this study. Relying on documentary sources of data as well as decades of participant observation, this paper demonstrates that in Nigeria and several other locations, insecurity is a more determining causal factor for poverty and underdevelopment. The second level of the causality is that underdevelopment is also a major cause of both poverty and insecurity. We therefore recommend that an acknowledgement of the primary place of insecurity in understanding the causal link among poverty, insecurity and underdevelopment in Nigeria is necessary towards ensuring proper mental, action, and policy adjustments that will improve citizens’ involvement in the development process
Appraisal of the Media in Deepening Democratic Values in Nigeria
The media play a critical role in entrenching democratic values among the people. It is a source of education for electorates about how democracy is run and the process for selecting able representatives in government. Furthermore, the media sustain the health of democracy by providing avenues through which citizens can demand accountability from their political leaders and representatives. This paper, using analytical research method, provides an analysis of the workings of the media and media professionals particularly as it concerns its constitutional duties in holding elected public office holders accountable in a democracy. The author submits that former President Buhari’s administration failed to create an enabling environment for the operation of a free press having compared press performances under two former presidents of Nigeria (General Muhammadu Buhari and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan)
The Effectiveness of Multimedia Tools in Enhancing Vocabulary Acquisition in English Language Learners.
The integration of multimedia tools in language learning has been increasingly recognized as a valuable resource for enhancing vocabulary acquisition among English language learners. A synthesis of existing research suggests that multimedia tools can increase learner motivation, promote active learning, and provide contextualized learning opportunities, leading to improved vocabulary retention and usage. This study examines the effectiveness of multimedia tools, such as videos, animations, and interactive simulations, in improving vocabulary acquisition. The study made use of quantitative survey method for data collection and data was descriptively analyesed. The study highlights the benefits of multimedia tools in providing learners with a more immersive and interactive learning experience, as well as opportunities for self-directed learning. The findings of this research have implications for language instructors and educators seeking to design effective language learning materials and pedagogies that cater to the needs of English language learners in the digital age
Deposit Money Bank Credit and Agricultural Sector Output in Nigeria
This research work is focused on deposit money bank credit and agricultural sector output in Nigeria. The core objective of this study is to examine the effect of deposit money bank credit on agricultural sector output in Nigeria. The data were obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin for the period under study. The Autoregressive Distributive Lag approach was used to regress the deposit money bank credit variables on agricultural sector output which is the dependent variable. A Stationarity test was conducted in order to circumvent biased results. The unit root test was followed by the co- integration procedure to examine whether there is existence of long run relationship between the variables. The error correction model (ECM) was used to provide information on the speed of adjustment between the two variables. The empirical analyses showed that deposit money bank credit has both short run and long run significant effect on agricultural sector output in Nigeria. The study concludes that deposit money bank credits indicators are good predictors of growth for agricultural sector output in Nigeria. The study recommends that banks should keep maintaining the level of their credit extension to the agricultural sector as well as ensuring prudent management of the fund. This will assist in the sustenance of agricultural sector output growth in Nigeria
IS DIGITAL PLATFORM BENEFICIAL IN GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATIONS: ANAMBRA STATE CITIZENS’ AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SOLUTIONLENS PLATFORM?
The SolutionLens platform, a digital web-based platform, was created by the Anambra State government to fill the technological gap that traditional government settings lack. Anambra citizens see government platforms as having a top-down system of communication that does not take care of demographics such as youths, rural dwellers and market traders. There is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of the SolutionLens platform in enhancing communications between citizens and government. The study, ‘Is a digital platform beneficial in government communications: Anambra citizens’ and government officials’ perceptions of the SolutionLens platform,’ leaned on innovation diffusion theory and the survey research method and investigated awareness, attitudes and perceptions of Anambra citizens and government officials towards adoption of the SolutionLens platform for enhanced communication between citizens and government. Data was collected through questionnaires from 384 respondents taken from a population of 2,360,866 Anambra citizens and government officials. A Likert scale and a statistical table with frequency distribution and simple percentages were used to analyze data. Findings revealed the majority (53%) of the respondents were not aware of the SolutionLens platform. The majority of the respondents had positive attitudes and positive perceptions of the effectiveness of the SolutionLens platform in facilitating communications between citizens and government, as evidenced in mean scores within and above decision point “3.” The researchers concluded that low awareness of the SolutionLens platform was the reason why Anambra citizens see the SolutionLens platform as one of those government platforms that have a top-down system of communication. The researchers recommended a mass sensitization/awareness campaign, integrating interpersonal and digital marketing, influencer partnerships, and strategic content outreach to increase visibility and drive both government and citizens’ engagement with the platform. 
MASS MEDIA AS AN INSTRUMENT OF PEACE IN CONFLICT-PRONE NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA OF BENUE STATE
The mass media are considered to be very important instrument of peace in conflict-prone settings because they are information merchants, conduits or carriers of various shades and colours of information. And in times of conflicts, or even wars, adequate or inadequate information is considered to be a critical factor in the emergence, escalation, reduction and prevention of conflicts depending on how they are managed or handled. It can determine the end or continuation of conflicts. The kind of information the mass media disseminate is critical to sustaining peace and harmony in society and vice versa. This study is anchored on agenda-setting theory while method of analysis was based on descriptive survey of which questionnaire was instrument of data collection. The population of this study is 21,956,414 comprising the entire Benue State. The sample size for the study is 600. The sampling technique adopted was multi-stage sampling technique while the clear main objective of this study is to examine “Mass Media as an Instrument of Peace in Conflictprone North Central Nigeria of Benue State”. Findings from the study revealed that 47% of the respondents are aware on the factors responsible for the conflict. The study recommends, among others, that all three tiers of government and the mass media should work hand-in-hand by ensuring that policies of government and information disseminated through the mass media should be one that will be sustaining peace and harmony in the conflict zone of Benue State
DEMOCRACY, DEVELOPMENT AND SECURITY CHALLENGES IN AFRICA: CONCEPTUAL CONNECTIONS AND CONTEXTUAL COMPLEXITIES
Africa’s post-colonial trajectory reveals a complex interplay between democracy, development, and security, underscoring the continent’s persistent struggles with governance, economic marginality, and political instability. This paper explores the conceptual interconnections and contextual intricacies that define the triadic relationship between these variables in Africa. It articulates core epistemic assumptions underpinning their linkage, arguing that while democracy is often lauded as a catalyst for development and stability, its practice across the continent remains uneven and frequently undermined by authoritarian tendencies, electoral malpractices, and insecurity. Drawing on empirical evidence, the paper argues that democratic deficits, violent extremism, youth unemployment, weak institutions, and climate change exacerbate underdevelopment and insecurity, in turn posing a threat to the survival of democracy in the continent. It advocates for context-sensitive, inclusive, and accountable governance strategies that integrate democratic deepening, equitable development, and human-centered security to achieve sustainable peace and prosperity in Africa. In this regard, Africa’s youthful population, technological penetration, civil society vibrancy, and endowment with vast natural resources present opportunities for a democratic and developmental resurgence. The analysis concludes that the nexus between democracy, development, and security in Africa is neither linear nor deterministic but shaped by historical legacies, external interferences, and internal governance dynamics