Lwati: A Journal of Contemporary Research

Underage marriage in the Nigerian Society: Social-economic effects and the way forward

Casimir Peter Uyanga — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In the Nigerian society, underage marriage today remains one of the most challenging phenomena that demands urgent attention. It is often deployed by some parents as a response to crisis considered to be the best possible means of protecting children from rape and other related vices. The study investigated the issue of underage marriage in the Nigerian society: The Social and Economic Effects and the Way Forward. The study adopted a descriptive survey approach. Findings from the research showed that, religion, illiteracy and poverty were the reasons why parents gave out their underage children in marriage. The study recommended that government, religious leaders and traditional rulers should be engaged through conventional, traditional and social media with a view to sensitizing the parents on the social and economic effects of underage marriage for the way forward.

Corporate identity of African Independent Television (AIT) and perception of Port Harcourt residents

Chigozi Eke, Alex Akpoebi Bufumoh — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study is an examination of the corporate identity of African Independent Television (AIT) and the perception of Port Harcourt residents. The objectives were to find out the specific programmes, embarked upon by African Independent Television as identity building mechanism that may influence the view of Port Harcourt residents and ascertain how the perception held by Port Harcourt residents has influenced the viewership of African Independent Television (AIT). The study adopted the descriptive survey design. Residents of Port Harcourt Capital of Rivers State formed the population of the study. The population of the study is 3,171,000 Port Harcourt residents and the sample size for the study is 384. The multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the subjects for this study. The data for this study were generated using the questionnaire. The data for this study were analysed using weighted means score (WMS), in assessing the number of affected residents by different variables. The findings showed that, the specific programmes embarked by African Independent television as identity building mechanism are cultural message of Nigeria, „sharing African Experience‟, indigenous culture blowing its own pipe through its identity, Odenigbo which projects Igbo culture, Minijojor that portrays Yoruba heritage, and Africa‟s rich cultural heritage, beliefs and ways of life. Another revealed that, the impression they had about AIT was in the area of fascinating cross-cultural theme, vibrant content, untainted appreciation of the world and its people, programmes affiliating the communities in Nigeria and share off English name of the staff-such were the African spirit. Based on the findings, it was concluded that, the objective of having identity is to find the best image and to deliver the message related with the image to the public. In view of the findings from the study, the following recommendations have been made that, in order to be consistent and sustainable, organizations need to well-prepared corporate identity that does not only consists of design and symbols but also the connection between internal and external corporate publics.

Harnessing trado-media in reducing land pollution and sustainable development goals in Nigeria the case of Cross River State

Ubana Obeten Osong — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The thrust of this paper is on using folk media to promote the protection of the environment, given that open defecation, indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways and scooping of sand in waterways take place in rural communities and constitute hazards to development plans in Cross River State, Nigeria. The paper formulated two objectives, two research questions and two hypotheses. The investigation was situated under the Diffusion of innovations theory of development by Rogers and Shoemaker, 1971. The relevance of this theory to the work is the recognition given the media for development task. The study adopted the survey design, with questionnaire and focus group discussions, as primary instruments for data collection. The reliability estimate of the instrument tagged, “Harnessing Trado-media in Reducing Land Pollution and Sustainable Development Goals Questionnaire (HTRLPSDGQ), was ranged at 0.71 to 0.84. A total of 400 respondents, using the Taro-Yamane formula were used to derive the sample size from a study population of 4,021,245, across the three senatorial districts of Cross River State. The multi-stage (proportionate, simple random and systematic) sampling techniques were used to selects 15 LGAs across the three senatorial districts, 40 villages across the LGAs, 40 streets across the villages and 5 houses at interval per street. Data from the questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics and data from focus group discussions were analyzed using explanation method. One major finding from the study revealed that environmental pollution has consequences on sustainable development goals and that communication is pivotal in curbing land pollution, leading to the attainment of SDGs in Cross River State.

Participatory communication, host communities’ development in public policy reforms: An appraisal of Nigeria's petroleum industry act 2021-2024

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The long and tedious walk to the eventual implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act after different stages of public hearings at stakeholders’ level and committee stages at the National Assembly became feasible following President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent in 2021. Chapter 3, section 240 of the Act gives consent for 3 percent annual profits from oil companies operating in different communities in the Niger Delta for host communities’ development to be administer by Host Communities Development Trust Fund and supervised by the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission NUPRC and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPR). Even though the passage of the PIA heralded a supposed new dawn for oil producing communities to overcome different throes of oil extraction induced underdevelopment as part of the gains of public sector reforms such as the PIA, yet participatory communication driven interaction through development oriented communication to acquaint every host community with key provisions of the PIA to get them involved in decision making and implementation of the policy thrust seems elusive. This study therefore seeks to, efficacy of participatory communication in engendering stakeholder’s interest in the composition of Board of Trustees of Host Communities Development Trust Fund and utilisation of funds for development purposes, possible breaches and channels that monitor provisions of Petroleum Industry Act to enhance its operational efficiency for Host Communities Development. The study was anchored on the development media theory and participatory communication theory. Survey method was adopted for the study with questionnaire and In-Depth Personal Interviews as instruments for data collection. Using multi stage sampling technique, data were analysed in simple percentages presentation and themes. Among other findings, the study revealed that lack of in-depth knowledge and abysmal awareness on the provisions of the PIA often results in breaches against chapter 3 of the PIA advocating for openness and transparency in implementing PIA provisions on host communities. The study recommends that international organisations, environmental rights agenda, state governments and development partners should sponsor the media to carry out quarterly open dialogue on transparency in the implementation of the PIA, to entrench an aggressive, indigenous and strategic media campaign to drive comprehensive knowledge about the PIA in different host communities across oil producing areas and total responsibility of safeguarding oil facilities should be borned by oil operators rather than putting a caveat on the host communities as requirement for benefiting from the 3 percent profits for Host Communities Development Trust Fund.

Women in community development: A socio religious contribution in Ibibio land

Casimir Peter Uyanga — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Women have been regarded as fragile and should be subordinate to the men, but they can play important role for the betterment of the society. Across the country, women have created innovative and comprehensive programs to meet the needs of their communities. This study therefore seek to investigate the issue of women in community development: A socioreligious contributions in Ibibio land. The study adopted a historical research method. Findings from the research showed that women are instruments of social stratification and need to be integrated into community and national building and recommended that, women should be properly supported. Financially empowered and be granted equal educational opportunity with their male counterparts.

Securing women’s education for sustainable economic development in Rivers State

Juliet C. Alex-Nmecha, Florence I. Archibong — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The paper focuses on securing women‟s education for sustainable economic development in Rivers State. The concepts of education, woman, and women‟s education were explained. The meanings of sustainable development, the role of women in ensuring sustainable development, and factors hindering the education of women in Rivers State were highlighted. Ways to improve the education of women and women‟s contribution to economic married. development in Rivers State was equally examined. It was therefore recommended that for women to acquire formal education, the government should formulate at various levels, proper laws and policies to defend their rights and privileges. There should be aggressive reorientation towards the education of the girl child, sensitization of female education and role modeling technique for mentorship should be sustained. There should be adequate provision of facilities/ infrastructures and equal access to education for the girl child. Sex education should be part of the curriculum to avoid teenage pregnancy and the Rivers State House of Assembly should make stringent laws on the age at which a girl child should get.

Learners’ causal attribution, sociability and academic performance of secondary school students in Cross River State, Nigeria

Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, Melvina N. Amalu, Nneka Sophie Amalu — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between learners’ causal attribution, sociability and academic performance of secondary school students in Cross River State, Nigeria. Two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The design for the study was Ex-post facto. For data collection, two research instruments were used: Learners’ Characteristics Questionnaire (LCQ) and Mathematics Achievement Test (Mathematics Achievement Test). The reliability estimate using Cronbach Alpha was .75 and .86 respectively. Data collected were analyzed using simple regression analysis. The result of the analysis revealed that there was a significant relationship between Learners’ causal attribution, sociability and academic performance in Mathematics. Based on the finding, it was recommended that curriculum activities should be designed to explain to students that the causes they attribute to their success or failure strongly influence their level of motivation, desire to learn and also affect their performance and learning outcome.

Market space; stimuli for imagination, symbolic concept for artistic expression by four Nigerian artists

John Oyedemi Joshua, Ezra Rabo Samuila, Doemeh Arsun Dapoet — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Market Scene is one of the popular themes among Nigerian artists. Market in several communities serves as centers for meetings, commerce, and relaxation. In some instances, calendars are tagged based on the days between market days. Market is a subject that cannot be exhausted, because every painter brings in his experience to bear and gives it a refreshing view. This article seeks to look into artists and their paintings whose inspirations came from market activities and especially Abiodium Olaku, Kolade Oshinowo, John Oyedemi and Sam Ovriti. The artists were purposively selected to fit the desired theme which looks at the artistic practices of representing market arena, idea, and colour schemes. A conclusion is drawn for a comparison and point influences. It is expected that these four artists‟ works would give insight into market representation in Nigeria.

Influence of demographic variables and posttraumatic stress disorder on substance abuse among Nigerian Military Personnel in Jaji, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Recently, the rate of substance use amongst military personnel has subsequently increased over the years. Psycho active substances (drugs) are those substances that cross the brain - blood barrier and significantly alter mood, consciousness, and perception. It is on this note that the study investigated the influence of demographic variables and Posttraumatic stress disorder on substance abuse among Nigerian military personnel using simple random sampling technique were employed to select participants. Sixty- five participants where between the ages of 18 to 55 years, both were Two instruments were deployed, PTSD checklist Military Version (PCLM) and DAST to collect data using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis for the test of hypotheses. Hypothesis one revealed that there was no statistically significant negative relationship between posttraumatic stress and substance abuse among military personnel in Jaji, [r (63)= 0.061; p>0.05]. Second Hypothesis revealed that age, marital status, religion, education, rank, experience and Arm of service significantly and jointly influence military personnel substance abuse thus, accounted for about 32.1% variance for the substance abuse among military personnel in Jaji, the results indicate a significantly positive influence of religion (β= .243, t= 2.154, p< 0.05) and rank (β= .491, t=3.439, p<0.05) on substance abuse among military personnel in Jaji. The third hypothesis indicates a significantly positive influence of marital status (β= .447, t= 2.771, p<0.05) and arm of service (β= .312, t= 2.628, p<0.05) on the posttraumatic stress among military personnel in Jaji. The study concluded that demographic factors significantly and jointly predict PTSD among Nigerian military personnel. Therefore, we recommended that the Nigerian military should establish mental health/rehabilitation hospitals for the treatment of personnel suffering from PTSD and substance related disorders to promote quality of life of victims.

Language of the military as a means of encryption

Edith Chidiebere Ruth Iroetugo , Oremeyi Abiola Sanni — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Language, in various spheres of interaction has a reciprocal relationship. This implies that language shapes our ideas and interactions much in the same way that interactions shape language. People think in the language they learn, solve their problems in that medium. They learn experiences in that medium and convey by way of opinions, advice, requests, instructions or commands which they have learned to others. The military, as a unit of society has its language which is necessary because of the delicate nature of its operation. The aim of this study is to examine the use of an alternative vocabulary which in this sense, refers to the registers or jargons which are peculiar to the military for its peculiar needs. The data which was sourced from observation and others mainly from Nairaland, includes English and French terminologies that are associated with the military. The data was analyzed using relevance theory. Finding shows that the military has been able to maintain a high level of confidence in its operations because it encodes and upgrades its lexicon. The study concludes that the initiative of the military to have its terminology is commendable.

A lexico-semantic analysis of coup speeches of generals Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha

Daniel E. Ekoro, Nsikan E. Asuquo — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This paper analyses Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha‟s coup speeches from a lexico-semantic ambit. The study reveals that the language of coup speeches is deliberately different from that of everyday usage. It exposes us to the forms and characteristics of political language as contained in coup speeches which include; newspeak, doublespeak, diplomacy, vagueness, persuasiveness and euphemism. The major sources of data are the Babangida and Abacha‟s coup speeches of August 27, 1985 and November 17, 1993, respectively. The study adopts Hallidayan‟s theory which helps in the analysis of the texts. The findings reveal that language is an important tool in coup speeches and that the choices of words used by the speakers are highly dependent on their idiosyncrasies. The study also reveals that both speakers use the same lexico-semantic features such as, lexical choices which include the diction and choice of words used by the speakers; referring expression which include pronominal references; lexical reiteration which include repetition of dictions and phrases and also the use of lexical relation which include synonyms, antonyms, etc. to arrive at meaning. It therefore concludes that both speeches have some similarities since they were both delivered at similar circumstance and situation. Lastly, the study concludes that military coup speeches have some elements of political orientations as reflected in their choice of words which is geared toward persuading, appealing and convincing the audience through the use of language.

Syntactic analysis of numerals in English and Izhia: A minimalist approach

Egbe Aleke Chibuez — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This paper investigates the Izhia Numerals and those of the English language, and examines how the numerals in both languages could enter into relationship with the nouns to form a determiner phrase. The study uses the Contrastive analysis and the minimalist program as tools for identifying, predicting and generalizing functional and structural similarities and dissimilarities within the two languages which may pose difficulties in second language learning or ease second language learning. Data used in this study were obtained through oral interviews. Findings reveal that numerals in both languages are split into cardinal and ordinal and are functionally similar but structurally dissimilar, as the English numerals occur only in pre-position in their DP system while in Izhia the reverse is the case as the numerals appear in post-positions in their DP system. The study also reveals that there isco-occurrence of determiners in Izhia DP with numerals which is not common in English. The study brings to the fore the fact that nouns can co-occur with cardinal numerals in the two languages under discourse. On this premise, it is realized that the knowledge of the dissimilarities in the structures of the L1 and the L2 can enhance proficiency and good performance in the teaching and learning of English language as a second language as far as Izhia speakers of English are concerned.

Cultural standards and methods of perception in Igba Ogbole’s Arrows of Anguish

Ann Dibugo Oguamanam — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study sets out to examine cultural standards and methods of perception in Igba Ogbole‟s Arrows of Anguish. As a result of colonialism and the erroneous belief that Africans have no culture of their own, Igba Ogbole sets out to highlight the cultural patterns of his people. He utilizes his novel as the stance to delineate the ways of life of Oladam people as well as their worldview. He conveys his feelings and themes with much ingeniousness that the reader sees him as a skilled craftman with sublimal approach; the cultural mores depict him as one who is connected to his society. He shows that his duty as a writer is to show that Africa has solid culture of their own even before the coming of the whitemen. What gives Ogbole‟s narrative validity is his use of proverbs and other local speech patterns to send his message across. Also, he uses proverbs to depict authenticity, situate the characters and showcase the richness in his dialect. He laments the obliteration of African cultural ways; he believes that if Africans can revive their positive cultures, they will boost national development. The study makes some recommendations which include: introduction of Cultural Studies in school curriculum, organizing cultural conferences and reintroduction of Festival of Arts and Culture among others.

Migration and female exploitation in two select novels by African women

Beatrice Ngwede Ebingha, Offiong Amaku Ene — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

As debates on feminism, gender consciousness and human rights continually dominate discussions of women writers globally, it is generally upheld by feminists that the political, socio-cultural, economic and religious discrimination that stifles women‟s growth are as a result of stringent repressive patriarchal structures. As such, the feminist angst is targeted at pulling down chauvinistic walls for the emancipation of the women folk. However, true as this may be, this paper attempts a deconstructive re-reading of Akachi Ezeigbo‟s Trafficked and Chika Unigwe‟s On Black Sisters’ Street to argue that violence, injustice, slavery and brutality are also being meted out by women against their fellow women. Thus, using the novels as an expose of this contemporary malaise, the paper critically interrogates the violence that surrounds migration and the trafficking of women, particularly, the girl child. This paper is vehemently critical of the actions of their „madams‟ who, despite being in positions of privilege and power, are complicit actors in the truncation of the destinies of their fellow women. This paper also analyses the authors‟ use of language and imagery to explore the issues of migration and exploitation in their respective novels.

Male chauvinism in truck literature in Nepal

Ramesh Prasad Adhikary — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This research aims to explore the phenomenon of male chauvinism in truck literature in Nepal. Truck literature is a form of folk art that originated in South Asia. It is characterized by the use of brightly colored paintings and murals to decorate the exterior of trucks. The paintings often depict religious figures, mythological creatures, and scenes from everyday life. Male chauvinism is a form of sexism that refers to the belief that men are superior to women. It can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including through verbal abuse, physical violence, and discrimination. The study focuses on how male chauvinism is portrayed in truck literature and the effects it has on society. Through a qualitative content analysis of various trucking literature, the study reveals that male chauvinism is a pervasive issue in the vehicle verses. The findings of this study are that Male chauvinism is often found in truck literature. This is evident in the way that women are often depicted in the paintings and murals. Women are often portrayed as being weak, emotional, and unintelligent. They are also often objectified and sexualized. The portrayal of women in truck literature can have a number of negative consequences. It can contribute to the normalization of sexism and violence against women. It can also make it difficult for women to be taken seriously in the workplace and in society as a whole.

The deluded power holder and the realist in Emecheta’s the Joys of Motherhood

Abigail Obiageli Eruaga, Ethel Ngozi Okeke — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Buchi Emecheta is a pioneer Nigerian female writer that explores the plights of women in her works. In her creative activism, she nudges men‟s and society‟s conscience in her advocacy for better deals for African daughters, mothers and women who fare far much worse than their male counterparts. The Joys of Motherhood, is set in a patriarchal society where men dictate the operational terms of human interactions and existence. Published in 1980 and henceforth The Joys, this novel exposes the wrongs that women experience in matters that border on their existence, well-being and survival. The text reveals two co-wives: Nnu Ego and Adaku both of whom respond differently to the patriarchal order that works against women in their Igbo society where the novel is set. Nnu Ego, the deluded power holder accommodates their patriarchal society‟s harmful cultural dictates to her own detriment while Adaku, the realist, questions and rebels against them and thus, navigates her humanity, sanity and survival. While Nnu Ego panders to the harmful dictates of their masculine society that negatively impact their freedom and fulfillment, Adaku threads with care and wisdom by putting her well-being and that of her daughters first. Unfortunately for Nnu Ego, men and the patriarchal order eventually exploit, destroy and dump her while Adaku transports herself and her daughters to a comfortable social realm. Adopting the Patriarchal theory, this essay argues that most women like Nnu Ego are deceived by allowing the society accord them a false sense of importance only to be abandoned at critical moments by the same society and men. It concludes by noting that Emecheta supports female bonding as a means of diffusing masculine suppression and oppression.

Translation as a purveyor of the Igbo worldview: The Igbo oral artiste

Emmanuel A. Iwuoha , Kenneth N. Oji — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This paper is centered on translation as a purveyor of the Igbo worldview through the Igbo oral artiste and the extent to which the people‟s worldview through his songs in music is disseminated to non-Igbo speaking regions in the world. The researchers of this work are bewildered by the fact that the society has not yet realized the benefits derivable from the Igbo Oral Artiste as music makers. This is because in the past, the oral artistes and musicians in general had been regarded as mere entertainers of people with music. The music- maker was seen by some people (in the society) as a foolish, lazy, useless person and a never-do-well in the society. To such misfortune people, musicians have no meaningful or positive contribution to the society they live and beyond. This paper sets out in the academic circle, to counter the above stated negative thought or view about music and musicians, as it portrays the Igbo Oral Artiste as one endowed with wisdom which he endeavours to share with others through music art. It is against this backdrop that this work has been proposed to further add newer impetus to how translation can aid in the transmission of Igbo oral literature out of its immediate environment. The main objective of this work is to show how the Igbo oral artiste worldview can be extended beyond the Igbo world through songs, translated into the French language with the help of the theory in translation. For the purpose of this work, one of “Show Promoter‟s songs (The Igbo Oral Artiste), “Ihe Akpụ hụrụ zaa Gari” has been selected, translated and analyzed from Igbo to French Language. The conclusion showed that, the Igbo worldview portrayed by the Igbo Oral Artiste could to a larger extent; establish the fact that the Igbo Oral Artiste has a message, information and something significant to put across to his audience beyond the Igboland. Findings in translation studies have shown that, translation could serve as a purveyor of the Igbo worldview through songs of the Igbo Oral Artistes.

Curbing the menace of migration through the theatre: A study of Toni Duruaku’s A Mirage for a dream

Akaenyi Nkiruka Jacinta, Ndubuisi Nnanna — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the root causes of migration issues and its consequences with a specific focus on Toni Duruaku's A Mirage for a Dream. In a society battling with the challenges posed by mass migration, this study seeks to investigate the potential of theatre as a tool for raising awareness and initiating social change so as to address this widespread global concern. This study employs close analysis of the play in order to undertake a comprehensive exploration of the theatre‟s efficacy in curbing the menace of migration. Findings highlight the role of theatre in fostering a sense of empathy and collective responsibility, prompting audiences to critically engage with the root causes of migration. Based on these findings, this study recommends that the theatre should be utilized as a potent tool in broader migration discourse.

Political corruption and its societal impact: a study of Chidubem Iweka’s 'August inmates

Nkiruka Jacinta Akaenyi — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the impact of political corruption and abuse of power on the Nigerian society by showcasing the systemic nature of these social ills. Through a close reading of Chidubem Iweka’s 'August Inmates, the study highlights these unethical practices of political leaders, the complicity of law enforcement, and the resulting societal harm with the aim of bringing about change in the society. This study argues that with the eradication of social and political wrongdoing and those responsible for them, Nigeria's economy will thrive, tranquility and safety will return, and the memory of previous incompetence and stagnation will fade away.