Table of Contents

Bridging the Language Divide: The Search for Quality and the Pidgin English

Question in Nigerian Drama

Emmanuel, E.U.                                                                                                                       1 – 7    

The Linguist and Manpower Development in Nigeria

Tiav, T.A.                                                                                                                                  8 – 14

Gender Relations and National Security in Nigeria Up To 1999

Ele Samson                                                                                                                              15 – 28

Media and Security in Nigeria

Abdur-Rahman Olalekan Olayiwola                                                                                       29 – 55

Proverbs and Taboos as Panacea to Environmental Problems in Nigeria, a Case of Selected Yoruba Proverbs

Olabode B.O and Siyanbola, S.O.                                                                                             56 – 66

Third World Dependency: The Nigerian Perspective

Uchechukwu Igwe and Austine Ifeanyi Okere                                                                          67 – 86

Third World Dependency: The Nigerian Perspective

Uchechukwu Igwe and Austine Ifeanyi Okere

Department of History and International Studies

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

E-mail: drsky2002@gmail.com

Abstract

Nigeria marks the centenary anniversary of its creation by the British colonial government in January, 2014. The amalgamation of Northern and Southern Protectorates on 1^st January 1914 officially signaled the political creation of Nigeria. This British creation continued its existence as one nation-state throughout the years of colonial administration, which ended on 1^st October, 1960. With attainment of political independence, Nigeria was seen as a promising nation due to its abundant natural and human resources. However, post-independence management of its economy by successive political leaders left much to be desired, and gave credence to the contention among many observers that Nigeria will celebrate its centenary as an under-developed country. Against this background, this paper examines the issue of “economic dependency” as a major challenge to sustained growth and enduring economic development in Nigeria. By the adoption of the eclectic Research method, the essay argues that despite the transition from an agrarian to a mono-economy based on petroleum resources, Nigeria failed to make effective use of abundant revenue derived from petroleum resources as a result of its dependence and lack of political will by its leaders during the last century. The paper concludes that for Nigeria to attain sustained growth and enduring economic development, it must put its abundant natural and human resources into proactive use through internal mechanism, which will lead to diversification of the sectors that could ultimately ensure economic development of Nigeria.

Proverbs and Taboos as Panacea to Environmental Problems in Nigeria, a Case of Selected Yoruba Proverbs.

¹Olabode B.O and ²Siyanbola, S.O.

¹General Studies Department, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

²Architecture Department, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

E-mail: siyanbolabukola@yahoo.com

Abstract

This paper posits that proverbs, especially some Yoruba proverbs and taboos can provide adequate solutions for the myriad environmental problems daily confronting Nigeria as a nation. However, this can only be possible if the philosophies behind these proverbs and taboos are strictly adhered to.  Besides, this paper is an attempt to situate Yoruba proverbs, as a panacea to environmental problems in Nigeria.  The paper proceeds with an exposition of the general nature of proverbs, a brief history of the Yoruba of the South Western Nigeria, and further argues that Yoruba proverbs and taboos are a strong weapon that can be used to tackle myriad of problems some of which are beyond the purview of this paper.  In view of the above, the paper was narrowed down to only environmental problems which have been canker worm to the development of the nation.

Media and Security in Nigeria

Abdur-Rahman Olalekan Olayiwola

Department of Political Science

Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria.

E-mail: nusramurana@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract

Today, an information explosion is taking place in the world and the mass media of communication increasingly enjoy a position of considerable importance throughout the globe. This paper on Media and Security examines the role of mass media of communication in the coverage and reportage of security matters in particular and in informing, educating, enlightening and entertaining the populace on societal issues in general. The paper interrogates the extent to which mass media practitioners have adhered to the professional journalistic ethics of objectivity, impartiality and balancing in such matters and also x-rays the multitude of factors impeding the media institutions in effective communicative crusades. The paper submits that the Mass Media of Communication in Nigeria operate in the Nigerian State. Therefore, to advance any scholarly discussion of the Nigerian media, it is paramount to situate the discourse within the specificity of the Nigerian State and society. The paper argues that the effectiveness of any political system, how well it handles the demands of its environment can be measured in terms of its ability and capability to accurately analyze messages from the environment and effectively transmit messages which express reactions.  The paper recommends, among a host of other recommendations that the mass media of communication need to be socially, politically, economically, nationally and internationally responsible in the way they carry news stories about security in particular, and the Nigerian Society in general. It also recommends that the media should take cognizance of the fact that security is not just about the Army, the Navy, the Air force, the Police, the Customs, the Immigration etc but also take into account the whole country’s socio-politico-economic systems, researches and all activities that go into the normal civilian life. Finally, the mass media should also cover the totality of security sector and security community, non-statutory security institutions and civil societies, as well as the internal and international processes that are germane to security and insecurity issues including the major aspects of regionalization and globalization of insecurity. 

Gender Relations and National Security in Nigeria Up To 1999

Ele Samson

Department of History,

Gombe State University, Gombe State, Nigeria.

                                            E-mail: elesamson@gmail.com

Abstract

There is a growing concern over gender relations around the world. The scenario is particularly rife in continental Asia and Africa. Gender inequality has its foundation in male constructed socio-cultural norms/traditions culminating in the evident patriarchal societal order in most societies including Nigeria where male dominance prevailed in all aspects of national life from the economy to politics including decision making at the family level. It was the concern for women’s plight that led to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The United Nations equally made a declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women. There was also the Beijing Convention which advocated for 30% women political representation. But, despite its ratification by most nations around the globe including Nigeria, and the establishment of constitutional and legal frameworks providing equal rights to all irrespective of gender categorization, women still suffer from all sorts of socio-economic and political deprivations including violence arising from gender prejudice. This is manifested in the low access to education, health facilities, landed assets, credit facilities, important political positions and others. Yet, women have contributed significantly to the development of Nigeria the recognition of which is apparently ignored. It is against this backdrop that the paper examines the nature of gender relations in Nigeria up to 1999 and its implication for national security which included poverty, malnutrition, adverse effect on maternal health, prostitution, the spread of HIV/AID virus amongst women and so on. The paper recommends women educational and economic empowerment coupled with greater access to key political offices as the way forward in engendering national security in Nigeria.

The Linguist and Manpower Development in Nigeria

Tiav, T.A. Department of Languages and Linguistics Nasarawa State University, Keffi

E-mail: atitomakati@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract

The role of linguist vis-a-vis manpower development in Nigeria is examined in this paper.  A  linguist  is  generally  perceived  as  a  good  material  only  for classroom and encyclopedia of linguistic facts to consult. Against this backdrop, this paper apathy demonstrated that linguists can be gainfully employed outside the classroom and contribute to manpower development. The paper shows that linguists in Nigeria are engaged in areas such as documenting endangered languages, working in the field of law as forensic phoneticians, field of health as speech pathologist, creating reading machines for the blinds, developing and teaching our indigenous languages, serving as peace corps members, working internet and other business applications to mention but a few. The discussion in this paper will leave no one in doubt, concerning the contributions of the linguist in manpower development even outside the classroom.

Bridging the Language Divide: The Search for Quality and the

Pidgin English Question in Nigerian Drama

Emmanuel, E.U. Department of Theatre and Film Arts, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. E-mail:  emmanuelebere@yahoo.com

Abstract

The language of drama in the 21st century Nigeria has become not only an issue

of academic discourse but a major social phenomenon. Over the years we have seen the gradual but potent attempt to decolonize and rescue Nigerian drama from  the  ideological  contraptions  of  the  West.  Part  of  this  struggle  is manifested in the fusion of the Pidgin English in our play texts. This paper therefore examines this trend, its ideological framework vis-à-vis the social realities of present day Nigeria. It is an attempt at demystifying the Pidgin English  as well as evaluating  its relevance  for modern  Nigerian  drama  in its quest to put Nigeria in the global political and economic stage.