Kwara State University Journals
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Indigenous Institutions and Sustainability of African Traditional Communities for Global Competitiveness
No full textIn spite of a modern national political organizational system, the majority of the people in Africa especially in most parts of rural areas are still organized around their indigenous institutions for carrying out the activities that are important for their development and well-being. In fact, civil society in rural Africa is embedded within their indigenous institutions, philosophy and systems. These institutions are key to the organization of people at the rural level for their political and socio-economic development. These institutions have however been largely ignored by both colonial and post-colonial governments in the development equation in Africa in favour of western-framed institutions. In spite of all the good attributes that can be accorded western-styled institutions, they do not capture the worldviews and wellbeing aspirations of rural communities. This paper argues that western-oriented institutions are exclusionary and leave out the bulk of Africa’s human resources (indigenous institutions) in the development process. This situation is an important contributing factor to the demise of Africa\u27s development. This paper seeks to demonstrate the existence and efficacy of indigenous institutions in Africa that could form the basis for organizing rural communities to lead Africa’s development process globally. It places the value of indigenous institutions within the context of endogenous development and describes indigenous institutions in Nigeria and their contributions to community development in the country. It concludes by giving some policy directions on an endogenous approach to development in Africa that is premised on mobilizing, revitalizing and re-valorizing Africa\u27s indigenous Institutions as the boon for engagement with the global village
Christianity and Political Participation: A Theological Reflection on Nigerian Experience
No full textChristian participation in politics and governance has always been a contentious issue. Each view on the involvement of Christians in politics has based its argument on its interpretation of certain New Testament passages that are found to be related to the relationship between Church (sacred) and State (secular). In a pluralistic society as Nigeria, what is the relevance of Christianity as a transformative institution to governance? Toward this end, this paper will investigate the relationship between Church and State from history and endeavor to suggest certain factors that must be put into consideration in the approach of the Church in her relationship with the State. With the understanding that things are out of balance, this paper advocates a return to a more biblical model of church in her relationship with the state. The titles used to describe the church in I Peter 2:9 are very significant in this research in order to understand the nature and functions of an ideal Church in its environment. To achieve this, historical and exegetical methods will be employed in carrying out this research. There is nothing in the intrinsic nature of the Church as defined in the scripture that suggests her restraint from contributing to the governance of the State. Christians in Nigeria should understand that the Church and State are inextricable
The Creativity and Identity of Ijesa "Osomalo\u27\u27 in The Socio-Economic and Christianization of Yorubaland in South-Western Nigeria
No full textThe Ijesa people of the present Osun state of Nigeria were known as Osomalo in the 19th century because of their ingenuity and introduction of trade shift merchandize in Yorubaland. As textile traders, they were found in the nooks and crannies of the geographical area. Apart from the niche they created for themselves in trading, they were also responsible for the introduction of Christianity to many towns and villages in Yorubaland. They were seen as successful business men and women because of their Doggedness, total commitment to a course they believed and determination to succeed in any endeavour of their choice. Many Ijesa people became pacesetters in the propagation of Christianity in areas where they were found in course of their businesses. Many of their children are seen as Church leaders in the Mainline, African Independent Churches and Pentecostal Churches in the 21st century in Nigeria. The traits found in their forefathers were embraced by the younger generation and this has led to the establishment of flourishing churches within and outside the shores of Nigeria
Patients’ Rights: An Enquiry into the Activities of Local Psychiatric Centers Managed by Muslims in South-western Nigeria
No full textIn Nigeria, aside the eight Government designated Psychiatric hospitals, there are also many local psychiatric centers managed by Muslims and non-Muslim individuals. These centers have been heavily criticized for human right abuses. This study is an inquiry into the truth or otherwise of the criticism. The study focuses on the activities of local centers managed by Muslim individuals in South-Western Nigeria with a view to determining the extent they uphold or violate their patients’ fundamental Human Rights as guaranteed by Islam. Information about the activities of the centers were collected through oral interviews. Both descriptive and analytical methods were used in the study. The study revealed that while there are some activities of the local centers managed by Muslims in the study area that could be regarded as outright violation of patients’ fundamental Human Rights, some others, in view of the rationale behind them, may not necessarily constitute outright violation of the patients\u27 fundamental Human Rights as hitherto painted except where excesses are committed. The study therefore, using Islamic paradigm, suggests general measures that could be taken to improve on the activities of the centers
Jesus’ Servant Leadership in African Perspective: An Expository Analysis of Mark 10:2-45 with Particular Reference to Nigeria
No full textThe alarming poverty situation in Africa is a concern for everybody in Nigeria. It is no doubt the cause of socio-economic problems bedeviling Nigeria particularly in the areas of crime, militancy and religious insurgency. It has also resulted in the recent calls for restructuring of the country, making the 1914 amalgamation, a curse rather than a blessing, as a result of incessant leadership failure. This paper looks into Jesus\u27 leadership style of serving his subject sacrificially rather than being served. Mark 10:2-45 is studied by way of exposition and compared with John to reveal the six metaphors of a successful leader such as servant, scapegoat, shepherd, steward, student and salesperson as the overall secret of Jesus\u27 successful leadership. The paper denounces "the hand in pocket" leadership style of Africa particularly in Nigeria where leadership is seen as a means of grabbing the collective common wealth to the detriment of the populace. It recommends Jesus’ servant leadership for sustainable development
A Theological Discourse on Church’s Response to Fundamentalist’s Assault on Her Mission and Members: The Nigerian Experience
No full textHow the Church should respond to violent attacks on her mission and members by those whose actions do not wish her well has been generating arguments because mission tasks is based on the love of God. Some Christians have argued that people should not respond to violence with violence based on biblical teachings, but majority of those who had experienced the bitter pill of attacks generally express contrary opinions. There seems to be a feeling that society needs a redefinition of biblical passages that teach on how to respond to attacks. The paper took a retrospective look at the paradoxical relationship existing between Christians and Muslims who profess one creator God and had common ancestry in Abraham. It also looked at some of the violent attacks on the Church particularly by the Boko Haram sect and some of the insinuations of a possible move by some governments in Nigeria to Islamize the country. To guide Christians in responding in a theologically appropriate manner the paper suggested self defense and adequate Christian education. It also recommended that churches should unite, teach converts to become intelligent believers who practice their faith reasonably. While not becoming offensive for any reason, they should be pro-active in their approach to self-defense against violent attacks
The Care of the Poor in Ancient Israel as a Paradigm for Contemporary Nigerian Church
No full textThe response of the church to the cry of the poor in the contemporary Nigerian society is far below the expectation. In the church today, it seems that God’s concern for the poor and marginalized is often overlooked. The church gives necessary attention to spiritual matter but often completely neglects the physical. However, in the Old Testament (OT) corpuses most especially, the Pentateuch (Law), the Poetry and the Prophets, the care, provision and redemption of the poor and the marginalized are of the utmost concern to God. God instructed His people, the Israelites in form of legislation to actively care for the poor while discouraging any mistreatment of or indifference toward the needy (Exodus 22:21-23; Leviticus 23:22; 25:39-43; Deut. 15:7; Proverbs Isaiah 10:13: Malachi 3:5). Thus, this paper, using social-historical and textual approaches examines the OT stipulations for the care of the poor in ancient Israelite society with a view to challenging the contemporary church in Nigeria to rise to her social responsibility by advocating for the poor, caring for their needs and pursuing justice on their behalf. This paper revealed that many Christian denominations/churches in Nigeria have neglected or care less about the social needs of their members for those needs that are spiritual as against Christ\u27s spirit of empathy and sympathy with the poor and marginalized. The paper recommends that the present day church in Nigeria should practically emulate the step of Jesus Christ and that of the early church by making the care of the body and spirit a priority in their evangelical programmes. The church should not allow bad theology and poor excuses to keep them from responding to the cry of the poor and marginalized in their communities
An Exposition of Nehemiah 5:7-8 and Its Implications for Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Development
No full textLeadership has become a serious problem in Nigeria. This makes the nation to suffer a deficit of civic pride and collective responsibility. This paper attempts a comparative analysis of leadership style advocated by Nehemiah as a onetime governor of Judea. It adopts an exposition of Nehemiah 5:7-8 where Nehemiah\u27s leadership by example, patriotism and selflessness are emphasized. Also, Nehemiah showcases the divine call to a sacred duty. The paper concludes that the quality of leadership in any organization affects greatly the success or failure of that organization. It recommends that for Nigeria to experience prosperity in the midst of her abundant human and mineral resources, her leaders must be ready to live above board
Ethics of Interpersonal Communication from the Islamic Perspective
No full textThe present study addresses the importance of employing the language of etiquette and politeness as a means of consolidating peaceful coexistence in human society from the Islamic perspective. Since communication is one of the most important components that constitute human relations in the society, any attempt to disallow language to fulfill its social function will definitely affect human relations because language is perhaps the most pertinent tool of human communication. Language is a double-edged weapon being a sound expression consolidates human interactions and creates atmosphere for a peaceful coexistence. In contrast, violent and destructive words according to Islamic teachings may lead to misunderstanding, conflict and indeed war. Hence, there will be no room for a peaceful co-existence. The negative effects of those aggressive words and expressions on human relations and society at large are addressed. Using descriptive analysis approach, some destructive types of communication from Islamic views are addressed. The findings of the study suggest that aggressive use of language hinders the integration of the society. Every individual is required to practice communication ethics in order to consolidate human relations
Religion and Spirituality in Nigeria: Focus on Islamic Movements of Social and Political Inclinations
No full textNigeria as a nation is not a religious state. The constitution with which the country was established recognizes the country as a multi-religious one. In other words, Nigeria is a state that adopts no particular religion as official state religion. That is because Nigerians profess belief in different forms of religions such as African Traditional Religion (ATR), Islam and Christianity. The competition between Muslims and Christians to absorb adherents of the ATR seems to have succeeded to a large extent that both Islam and Christianity occupy a prominent position in running the social and political affairs of the nation today. One of the agents of mobilization by the Muslims is the formation of Islamic movements. Attempt is made in this research to show the role played by some Islamic movements and some notable individual Muslims in making Islam relevant to social and political milieu -positively and negatively. The research adopts descriptive, library and field methodologies. All is aimed at showing the degree of religiosity and spirituality of Nigerians in relation to the social and political milieu in Nigeria, a scenario that explains why Nigeria finds herself where she is today. The research concludes with some recommendations as a way forward