Papers for Volume 2, No.1
Papers for Volume 2, No.1
Title Page
PORTRAYAL OF IGBO MONARCHY IN NOLLYWOOD MOVIES
Abstract
The Nigerian film industry is one of the largest in the world and has become more than just an
entertainment tool. It is huge both in productivity and reach; today, Nollywood production is a
multi-billion naira industry which provides a source of livelihood for many people both at home
and abroad. Its films have attracted a wide patronage within and outside Nigeria and are hugely
entertaining for Africans. It is an industry that seems to be rising in terms of the amount of movies
it produces a year, (Uwah, 2011). This work was hinged on Social Representation theory. Content
Analysis was adopted to analyse 20 movies. Findings revealed that Nollywood films have
constructed Igbo monarchy as an important aspect of Igbo cultural setup, portraying royals as
playing vital leadership role – political and religious – in their respective communities. The qualities
Igbo monarchy portrayed include physical power, valour, divine connection, wisdom, and wealth.
It was concluded that portrayal of Igbo monarchy in Nollywood films tended to reflect some
dominant discourses of power, class and gender in Nigeria. It was recommended that filmmakers
should do more in the area of research towards better portrayal of Igbo culture in their
productions.
Keywords: Portrayal, Igbo monarchy, Nollywood, Movies
ADAMMA VIVIAN OBIORA & VINCENT ONYEAGHANACHI ODOH
CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLES IN HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT; AN INSIGHT INTO CATALYTIC CHRISTIAN VIRTUES
Abstract
This paper describes Christian Cardinal Virtues as catalytic principles of Christian conduct. It
argues that Christian Cardinal Virtues have become principles or guidelines to Christian moral
action. It is capable of transforming the human capital inherent in the individual Christian.
Christian imbibed virtues or learned habit should transcend the scope of belief and inertia to a
position of being a catalyst for human capital development. This work is of the opinion that this
transcendence or transformation of Christian moral virtues will produce in the Christian adherent
fruit and successes necessary in this present time. The paper adopted hermeneutics as its
interpretative model. It found out that some Christian adherents have not come to the awareness
that Christian virtues are catalysts for human capital advancement. This can remain dormant and
less productive unless they are taken as principles of human daily actions. It suggests that
Christian believers should harness and develop their natural talents for perusal community gain.
Keywords: Religious principles, Virtues, Human Capital, Development and Catalyst
AMBROSE O.J.IHEANACHO
IDEOLOGY AND REVOLUTION IN TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY NIGERIAN POETRY: THE EXAMPLES OF ODIA OFEIMUN AND FIDELIS OKORO
Abstract
This research is motivated by the dearth of research on the directions that twenty-first century
Nigerian poetry has taken in over two decades of its existence. Its interest is in the revolutionary
dimension that some of the poems have taken. It does not argue, however, that the preoccupation
with revolutionary sentiments is peculiarly novel as regards Nigerian poetry. What it argues is that
the revolutionary tradition which was birthed in the twentieth century Nigerian literature in
response to colonialism has garnered a greater vim in the twenty-first century despite the socalled
‘democratic’ climate. Chosen for this task are selected poems from Fidelis Okoro and Odia
Ofeimun, all of which were published in the twenty-first Century. Through the tools borrowed
from Marxism, the research not only shows that the works are revolutionary but also the ways in
which they are so. The dominant mode of reading in this research is the Althusserian symptomatic
reading, but the Gramscian concept of hegemony and Some other relevant Marxist concepts will
also come in handy. There is, in this work, the treatment of Odia Ofeimun’sGo Tell the Generals in
terms of the perception of revolution as a Continuing process, through the evoking of what
Ofeimun calls ‘memories of unfinished Struggles’. Finally, in Okoro’s Pimples and Dimples, a
dissection of religious ideology and hegemony is undertaken. In all the cases, the aim is the
depiction of the revolutionary, that is, the ways in which the texts have subverted ideological
inhibitions to press for change in the order of things.
Keywords: Revolution, ideology, Nigerian poetry, Ofeimun, Okoro
ONYEMUCHE ANELE EJESU
FOLKLORE, CULTURE AND THE NEXUS BETWEEN: PERSPECTIVES ON ‘EGWU ONWA’ AMONG THE IGBO PEOPLE
Abstract
‘Egwuonwa’ ranks among the treasured aspects of folklore not just among the Igbo people in
Nigeria but many other societies in Africa with far reaching benefits for both the adults and
children involved. That was many decades ago before the advent of electronic gadgets and ICT
that fully launched us into a global world. With BernthLindfors Interpretative approach to the
study of folklore as the theoretical anchor, the study seeks to reopen conversation on moonlight
games and it’s socio-cultural cum philosophical imports in Igbo societies. Through field research
and samples of moonlight games collected in different communities in Igbo land, in the Eastern
part of Nigeria, the study reexamines these moonlight songs and games in the light of their
communal importance. The paper seeks to reestablish their relevance in our present-day society
motivated by the dearth of moonlight activities and its ideological and philosophical underpinning
relevant for the propagation of a healthy and morally grounded generation.
Keywords:Egwuonwa, culture, folklore, cosmology, philosophy
IKECHUKWU EMMANUEL ASIKA
WHEN THE SHELL REFUSES TO CRACK: AMBIGUITY AS STRUCTURAL CONDUIT IN FIDELIS OKORO’SCRACKING THE SHELL
Abstract
Literature has been described as “the language of defamiliarisation”. Known in literary studies as
ostrananie, defamiliarisation is the artistic technique of presenting to readers common things in
an unfamiliar or strange way in order to enhance perception of the familiar. This concept is
popularized by Viktor Shklovsky in his 1917 essay entitled, “Art as Technique”. According to
Shklovsky, the technique of defamiliarisation is meant to make objects “unfamiliar”. He argues
that art is a way of experiencing the artfulness of an object. An object is not important, he says,
until we try to defamiliarize it to find its artfulness. Ambiguity, briefly put, is the ability of a text to
generate multiple shades of interpretation without making any of the interpretations imposing or
overridingly accessible. Because of the confusion inherent in the words or expressions that convey
ambiguity, it is only context that often resolves the uncertainty, not necessarily the meaning of
words. In this essay, therefore, the aim is to treat ambiguity as an aspect of plot in Fidelis Okoro’s
Cracking the Shell. By employing the deconstructive theory, the take of this write-up is that if
literature is actually the language of defamiliarisation, then ambiguity is a veritable instrument in
this process. This we shall demonstrate by examining how this concept has animated the
characters and plots of the text.
Key words: Literature, Ambiguity, Structure, Deconstruction, Defamiliarisation
NWABUISI BENJAMIN ABIA
AJIJA AS IGBO COSMO-ONTOLOGICAL AGENT OF DESTRUCTION IN ACHEBE’S ARROW OF GOD
Abstract
Arrow of God, a complex-structure text has enjoyed a lot of critical attention, but several
events in it as constructed by Achebe are still seen in new lights. As many critics have studied
the work from the view points of African history, cultural conflict, conflict between tradition
and modernity, arrogation of excessive power and individual extremism among others.
questions have not specifically been asked about what really ‘beats the drum to which Ezeulu
dances’ (132), especially seeking to know what makes the chief character behave/act the way
he shouldn’t have acted. Attempts may have been made to answer this question in some ways,
however, this paper sets out to address this vital question through the instrumentality of
Ajijawhich Opata says, ‘is a force which makes an individual do all the wrong things in a
situation where ordinarily the individual would have done all the right things’ (10). It works by
‘carrying away’ a person’s mind and by beclouding one’s reasoning. The stupefaction that Ajija
causes is said to range from making one to commit one dishonourable act or another, leading
to minor misfortunes and to death. The aim, therefore, is to argue that Ezeulu’s actions and
decisions were not ordinarily or self-inspired. A force was behind it, not that of the ultimate
power as the leader and Chief Priest of Ulu but something beyond his control. The end of
events in the novel truly reveal that Ezeulu and other characters like Akukalia, Obika and even
Umuaro as a community are afflicted with the destructive influence of Ajija. This, validates
Opata’s suspicion that the Igbo nation might be under the same spell owing to the way we
have hastily abandoned our cultural values and traditional practices.
Keywords: Ajija force, Igbo Cosmology, Irreversibility, Destructiveness/ Death, Achebe,
Opata
NKAMA OBO AKAJI
La problematique des conjonctions en apposition et des conjonctions precedees de preposition anglais/francais chez les etudiants universitaires du Village Francais du
EVARISTUS I.ODOH & VICTOR C.ASADU
A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF ANN- MARGRET: MY STORY
Abstract
An autobiography is a compendium of a first-hand account of ones life experiences and
achievements in our cosmic space. The essence could be to beam ones existential being from the
first-person narrative that subordinates, to a large extent, some conjectured overtures of
externally articulated artistry. It is generally perceived as boring owing to its lack of suspense. As
permeating from the narrator, it is grossly demurred as subjective in that the narrator tells what
s/he wants the audience to know. The need to debunk this notion motivated this book review. The
researcher critiqued Ann Margrets, Ann Margret: My Story, to achieve this objective. Using the
Qualitative Content Analysis Approach, the study reviewed the birth and times of a Swedish lady
named after a star. The psychological theory was employed to analyze the work cum capture
some socio-cultural values and their relationship with contemporary society. The study delved into
a critical aspect of these socio-cultural values and practices that characterize a social group or
society and how they positively influenced Ann Margrets stepchildren, to encourage a better
appreciation and sustenance of culture. The findings revealed that an autobiography, just like
fiction, reflects society. It is capable of refining ones social network and as a result, can make a
perfect agent of change. In the end, it recommended that the book should be used in both high
schools and tertiary institutions.
Keywords:Autobiography, Society, Agent, Socio-Cultural Values, Relationship.
EBELE PEACE OKPALA
ADDING VALUE TO AFRICA-CHINA RELATIONSHIP: UNIZIK CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE COMMUNICATING CHINA TO THE WORLD
Abstract
The Confucius Institutes (CIs), a window into China for many people, have been a major conveyor
of Chinese language and culture since 2004 when the first CI was established in Seoul. Before their
establishment, the world had little acquaintance with both the Chinese language and Chinese
culture. The language was not spoken by the vast majority of non-native speakers who can speak
it today. Similarly, general awareness of the culture was limited to things like kung fu and chop
sticks. Africa is, perhaps, the region where the existence of the CIs is being felt the most. Due to
the aggressiveness of certain CIs in that continent, the Chinese language and culture have become
popular with Africans. This paper is about the role of the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe
University in communicating China to Nigerians. Established twelve years ago, that CI (popularly
known as UNIZIK CI) is the leading purveyor of the Chinese language and culture in Nigeria.
Keywords:Confucius Institutes, Chinese language and culture, Africa, UNIZIK CI.
CHINYERE STELLA OKUNNA & ANAS ELOCHUKWU
CULTURAL IDENTITY AND ‘WOMANITY’: MYTHIC SEQUENCE AND RITUAL PATTERNS IN FEMI OSOFISAN’S WOMEN OF OWU
Abstract
This paper presents the relationship between an ethnic group and the traditional myths and
rituals deployed by the group, particularly women, in their daily living. In every society, myth and
ritual are embedded in its identity as a group. Owu as an indigenous Yoruba community shows the
diversity in the worship of gods and goddesses. The myths behind these gods are very much
evident in their culture, mode of worship, festivals and history. This goes in line with what
Olaniyan (2007) says about festivals and rituals. For him, one major pattern of the “indigenous
cultural and artistic institution is the festival, organized around certain deities or spirits, or to mark
generational transitions or the passage of the seasons... Each festival dramatizes a story or
myth...” (355). Some of the underlying myths to be explored in this study are the myth of origin,
the myth of the femme fatale and myth of crime and punishment. The ritualistic pattern shall be
explored based on its relationship with their religion or mode of worship. The present study would
take the mythic/ archetypal criticism as its theoretical framework, which is the work of every
aesthetic object; the ability to hold perception and “give rise to thought” (Ricoeur 1967). This study
engages critical thoughts from the perspective of recurrent myth and ritual patterns in Femi
Osofisan’s dramatic text, Women of Owu.
Keywords:Myth, Ritual, Archetype, Mythic sequence, Ritual patterns
STELLA OKOYE-UGWU & ULOMA IKONNE
WITCHCRAFT AS A SYSTEM OF SOCIAL ORDER IN THINGS FALL APART
Abstract
Colonialism was a total system of oppression which found force in its various argument of
superiority and classifications and did various reclassifications of African ways because of its
agency of power backed by its military might and economic power. The first casualty of such
colonialist classification is the belief system of the traditional African people and their religion, a
representation of their indigenous gods was redefined through the agency of language. Witchcraft
is reappropriated by the colonialist having the agency of power and language in an attempt to
reduce African religious practices as a narrow reality of evil and harm without the possibility of
such religious social practices having varied interpretation beyond this restricted imposition of
meaning. Through the application of postcolonial theory this paper observes that Witchcraft
performs the function of social order in Things Fall Apart. This concept of social order is multiple
dimensional, which is interrogated from such concepts as: political, economic, socio-religious
structures of the indigenous African society within the world of the novel. It accounts for various
meanings of witchcraft within in the Igbo traditional society. This paper further observes that the
dawn of colonialism disrupted traditional belief that has guided the African society as seen in
Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.
Keywords: Witchcraft, Social Order, Politics of Classification, Colonialism, Deconstruction.
ONYEKACHI PETER ONUOHA
GENDER IMBALANCES: A GREAT THREAT TO CULTURAL LEADERSHIP IN
Abstract
This paper explores the consequences of gender-cultural and political leadership in Nigeria using
case study’s approach to appraise the life histories of two groups of women. It takes gender as a
category of analysis, recognizing the contributions feminist theorist have made. Although, more
emphasis should be placed on power politics, without necessarily deemphasizing alternative
options such as affirmative action, it should, however, be pursued within a frame work of
competitive politics so that the legitimacy, effectiveness and autonomy of women in decisionmaking
will not be compromised as cultural superiority brewed violent and wanton destructions of
lives and properties as those believed to have superior culture trampled over self-acclaimed
inferior practices of other groups. Understanding gender relations will improve socio-economic and
political wellbeing of Nigeria nation.
IWUALA ZEBULON CHUKWUDI
MILITARIZATION OF 2019 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN RIVERS STATE AND VOTERS’ PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA: A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY
Abstract
The paper investigated critically the implication of the militarization of 2019 presidential election
on voters in Rivers State, and the appropriation of the Operation Crocodile Tear/Smile by the
military for political gains by the incumbent politicians. The study adopted a documentary method
in generating its data; and was analyzed using content analysis. The framework of analysis was
anchored on the tout theory of politics. The findings of the study have significantly revealed that
2019 presidential election in Rivers state has disenfranchised and impinged on the voters’ turnout
during the election due to the anti-democratic actions of the security personnel before and during
the election. Therefore, arising from the findings of the study, the paper recommended among
others that there should be a clear distinction on the role of the security agencies and the
functions performed by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the voters should
be re-educated that it is only the Civil Defense officers without guns or any other weapon, and
duly stationed at the poll boots are allowed to man the conduct of election.
Keywords: Election, Incumbency, politics, security, Voter Education.
IFEANYICHUKWU MICHAELABADA, PAUL HEZEKIAHOMEH, BASSEY UBONG IBONGUDU & EMMANUEL ECAAHANONU
RECLAIMING HOPE IN GEOPOLITICAL DYSTOPIA: A RE-READING OF UZODINMA IWEALA’S BEASTS OF NO NATION
Abstract
Contemporary times have become remarkably marked by fear. World events like the proliferation
of terrorism, banditry, the outbreak of killer-diseases, juvenile crimes, and political tensions have
initiated a crippling sense of threat to the emotional and physical equilibrium of people. World
media have not helped matters either; in their bid to report events as objectively as could be, they
have reinforced the movement of “fear” across borders and established it as a social and collective
experience. “Fear” rules across the world and is not restrained by political borders. In Africa, “fear”
can be said to have begun with the slave trade expedition and colonial conquest. National
independences, which were once beacons of hope against a backdrop of colonial rule, brought
bitter disillusionments and despair in the face of increasing mal-governance and sectarian wars.
This article, therefore, shall undertake an investigation of “fear” as a nexus between geopolitical
dystopia and material risks. It shall also engage Uzodinma Iweala’s debut novel, Beasts of No
Nation, to argue that the prominence of fear is first, traumatic to the individual, and second, a
portrait of illness behaviours. Finally, the study shall attempt to map out practical ways to
practise hope in the face of crippling fear and uncertainties.
Keywords: fear, geopolitical, dystopia, trauma, illness behaviours
THOMAS-MICHAEL EMEKACHUKWUMEZIE
UTILIZING CRITICAL THINKING AS MODEL FOR PEACE-BUILDING IN MULTICULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN ENGLISH CLASSES IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES
Abstract
Prevalent political, social and economic driven conflicts in Nigeria make it a fragile country. These
necessitate peace-building. Communication in English (CiE) is one of the General Studies (GS)
courses in Nigerian Universities. The classes are multicultural drawing students from divergent
cultural and pseudo-cultural backgrounds. As a result, this study was conceived with the intention
of investigating the efficacy of adopting Critical Thinking (CT), a 21st Century skill, for peacebuilding
in multicultural CiE classes. In order to achieve this, thirty (30) volunteers from different
cultural and ideological leanings were exposed to seven CiE II topics as stipulated in the
Benchmark Academic Standards (BMAS) of the National Universities Commission (NUC). They
were taught via the CT model for fifteen weeks (two hours in each week). The first and the last
weeks were for pre-test and post-test respectively. It was found that CT can be utilized to actuate
affective disposition towards peace-building in multicultural CiE classes in Nigerian Universities in
the participants. It is recommended that the class size reduction for CiE classes should be
emphasized. In addition, the facilitators of the project should not only possess procedural and
declarative knowledge of English language arts but must have the skills of pragmatics, conflict
sensitivity and advocacy. It is envisioned that products of such multicultural English learning
classes would contribute towards peace-building in a multicultural and fragile Nigeria.
CLIFFORD IRIKEFE GBEYONRON
RETHINKING THE DYNAMICS OF VIOLENCE AS AN INTERNAL NECESSITY: A DECONSTRUCTIONIST READING OF CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE’S PURPLE HIBISCUS
Abstract
The bulk of critical works that Purple Hibiscus has drawn so far comprise unavoidable attempts to
explain away, endorse or simply discard the novel as a feminist propagandist tool, attempts often
validated using the author’s personal ideals or interests which she has championed at one time or
another and extreme projections of who she is or how she supposedly writes. This kind of criticism
has been perpetuated by mirroring its main female characters Kambili and Beatrice in the light of
sufferers and Eugene as a violator. This paper examines the creative appropriation and
transformation of an otherwise brute force (violence) as a necessary legitimizing tool of order and
a form which effectively weaves and sustains the plot of Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus, the absence of
which causes everything to collapse into chaos. Through criticism, Adichie’s works have had to
suffer the kind of academic injury that has often been inflicted on Wole Soyinka’s works namely
Reductionism. The view taken in this paper is that a work of art has integrity and demands
attention as a complete object with focused awareness which should reflect inwardly on the work.
Thus, through Paul Ricoeur’s close reading, a deconstructionist interpretation of Purple Hibiscus is
attempted and close attention paid to violence as an internal necessity which keeps the plot alive
with the aid of its male character Eugene Achike (Papa)-upon whose death the novel collapses
completely. It is argued that the movements or unravelling events in Purple Hibiscus derive from
this presence and ordering which also accounts for its complete coherence.
Keywords: violence, dynamics, deconstruction, close reading, internal necessity, form, order,
appropriation.
ONYINYE MARYJANE OKPALA
TERRORISM AND COUNTER-TERRORISM MEASURES IN NIGERIA
Abstract
The Nigerian society today is seen to be overwhelmed with a plethora of socio-political, economic,
cultural, tribal and religious crises. Highly pronounced are the different shades of terrorism being
perpetuated across the country that have resulted in massive killings and destruction of lives and
properties. Terrorism has therefore become Nigerias greatest security challenge wearing
numerous faces and masks which is why the President Buharis administration ranked security as
a major priority. The country has also witnessed several counter-terrorist strategies by past and
present leaders but with the high spike in terrorist activities till date, it would be safe to say that
the governments strategy to counter terrorism has appear ineffective. It is on this premise that
this paper seeks to investigate the different types of terrorism in relation to dramatic literature as
reflected in the plays of two major Nigerian play writings and more so, advocate a more stringent
approach of counter terrorism. Anchoring on psychological theory of terrorism and using Femi
OsofisansOnce UponFourRobbers and EsiabaIrobis Hangmen Also Die as paradigm, the study
reflects the ills of terrorism in the Nigerian society while proffering a solution to curb this ugly
menace.
Keywords: terrorism, counter-terrorism, Nigerian space,dialectical materrialism, false
consciousness, psycho-social.
ANTHONY CHIEDOZIE NWOSU & ADAEZE RITA OBIOZOR
THE ENLIGHTENED GUILE: EXPLORING THE POTENTIALS OF DISGUISE/IMITATION INSECURITY SURVEILLANCE AND MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE LENS OF TWO SELECTED AFRICAN PLAYS
Abstract
The issue of security and the challenges associated with it in Nigeria especially in the
contemporary times is rather alarming and the impact quite devastating. This study examines the
relevance and the surreptitious utility of the art of the theatre in security management. The
dynamics of theatre have gone beyond the trendy teaching method which includes medical
therapy, entertainment and other nominal relevancies, to incorporate emerging trends in the likes
of application of element of disguise and imitation in security surveillance and management which
is latent and surreptitious in nature. The above-mentioned areas of discovery have been assumed
by many to be the limit of the relevance of theatre to the society, but beyond all these functions,
theatre has broken new grounds in its services to humanity especially in the area of security
operations in the 21st Century through the infusion of disguise and imitation. Over the years, this
theatrical method has been successfully applied in different security operations, but has not been
accorded its due recognition as an academic discipline. The aim of this study therefore, is to
suggest that Theatre Arts should be adopted as one of the prerequisite studies necessary for
employment of security personnel with a view to boost security surveillance and management in
Nigeria. The study adopts the theory of Enlightened Guile as a framework for the study, using
Ngugi WaThiong’O’s play The Trial of Dedan Kimathi and Femi Osofisan’sMorountodun. The
study concludes that security challenges in Nigeria could be brought to the barest minimum with
the incorporation of security personnel with at least certificate study in Theatre Arts.
Keywords: Enlightened Guile, Theatre, Security, Surveillance, Potent, Morountodun.
CINDY ANENE EZEUGWU & OGUEJIOFOR OMEJE
ACHEBE’S FEMINIST MODERNITY AND THE AFRICAN POSTCOLONIAL DILEMMA: THE CASE OF CLARA IN NO LONGER AT EASE
Abstract
This study adopts Postcolonial feminism to explore the personality and cultural identity of Clara
as presented by Achebe in No Longer at Ease. The aim is to establish an interplay between post
colonialism and feminism in a novel that has already been described by critics as “a pioneering
text of postcolonial criticism.” In this context, the novel is examined as a powerful representation
of the crisis of being post colonial and modern, while seeking legitimacy in the moral economy of
tradition and culture. For Simon Gikandi, “if the postcolonial condition implies the location of
subjects between historical, cultural and temporal spaces, then No Longer at Ease can be
considered to have been the first novel to thematize this dilemma.” Apart from Gikandi’s
assertion, No Longer at Ease has been reputed as a fictional representation of the complications of
a society on the verge of postcolonial modernity, with much of the conversations focused on Obi
Okonkwo. It is however discovered that not much, in the above regard, has been written on Clara,
the major female character in the work. This study therefore sets out to interrogate the extent to
which Clara can be presented as the ultimate portrait of a pioneer modern African woman, from
the Achebean narrative oeuvre, particularly in the (post)colonial sense. Conclusions are drawn and
recommendations are made after the critical assessment of Clara.
Keywords: Postcolonial Feminism, Modernity, Multicultural, Dilemma, Tradition.
EZECHI ONYERIONWU & CHINYERE OTUU EGBUTA
THE FRENCH FEMINIST MOVEMENT
Abstract
The paper elaborates on French feminist movement and aims to distinguish it from the other
labelled national, geographical, and ideological feminisms. It demystifies the concept and origin of
feminism as a movement as well as a theory. The work navigates through the phases, strands,
tenets and principles of feminism. It dissects the French feminist movement and delineates its
approach and primary concern. Using the qualitative method, the research finds out that French
feminist movement is quite different from the other feminisms because of its Lacanian
psychoanalytic approach and concern with the symbolic aspect of language.
Key Words: Feminism, Feminist literary theory, French feminist movement
SJEWI FUNOM SHEHU
LITERATURE OF POLITICS: OF DORMANCY OR DOGGEDNESS; FINDING MEANINGS IN CHINUA ACHEBE’S A MAN OF THE PEOPLE
Abstract
Apart from Achebe’s literary dogmas and polemics of the western influence on African native
culture and history, there is no gainsaying asserting that he is also a gadfly who questioned and
attacked Africa’s socio-political intricacies and orthodoxies. Over the years, the African polity has
witnessed innumerable issues as regards good governance and direction, ranging from
maladministration, megalomania, corruption, tyranny etc; perpetuated by African political elites
and the society at large. However this dangerous politicking has crippled our societies, thus
questioning the stance of the African writer; a praise singer or a social critic. It is on this note that
this paper seeks to explore the stance of African writers and the utilitarian relevance of literature
employed as a weapon to demystify the political statusquo, as exemplified in Chinua Achebe’s A
Man of the People. Suffice to say this paper submits that African writers should constantly employ
their writs as comrade in arms against the dangerous politicking of African elites and leaders.
Their writs should constantly comment, prod and question the existing state of affairs in order to
ameliorate the anomalies as epitomized by Chinua Achebe; else the growth we seek will remain an
illusion.
Keywords: Literature, politics, African leadership, social, critic.
Introduction
OYINDAMOLA ADESUNLOYE
CHALLENGES TO YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN INFORMAL ECONOMY IN ENUGU METRO
Abstract
Lack of gainful engagement of the young population is one of the serious social problems facing
most African countries, if not the whole world. In Nigeria, for example, joblessness among youth
has been identified as a timed bomb waiting to explode. Informal economy has been identified as
useful activities that could help in engaging youth with corresponding benefits of economic
diversification. However, it has been observed that there exist low youth engagements in the
informal economy. There is paucity of literature examining challenges to youth engagements in
the informal economy. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine challenges to youth
engagement in informal economy. A total of 385 youth will be sampled in Enugu State with the
questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. Both descriptive and inferential statistics will
be used to analyse data collected. It was found that challenges to youth engagement in informal
economy range from finance to parental expectations. The researchers recommend, among
others, that tertiary institutions in Nigeria should counsel youth on the importance their
engagement of the informal economy.
Keywords: economy, unemployment, informal, engagement and youth
IJEOMA OGBONNE PAULINE & JUDE ANI IFEANYI E. IWUNDU
IMPLEMENTING SPEECH PROCESSING USING NEURAL NETWORK IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON PYTHON
Abstract
The main goal of this article is to implement the process of the Convolutional Neural Network
(CNN) on speech processing in detail. This will be done on Python using certain datasets and with
the demonstration using trained data. Another goal for CNNs is to learn the model.
SONOI OGBUEFI
APPRAISAL OF ENTREPRENEURIAL ATTRIBUTES OF DRAFT REVISED BENCHMARK MINIMUM ACADEMIC STANDARDS FOR UNDERGRADUATE ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN NIGERIA
Abstract
This paper appraises the entrepreneurial attributes of the draft revised Benchmark Minimum
Academic Standards (BMAS) for English Language released by Nigeria’s National Universities
Commission in the first quarter of 2018. Critiques of the Nigerian university curriculum for English
Language revealed its inadequacies in engendering entrepreneurship and employability in
knowledge-based economy. This therefore makes regular curriculum review necessary. Curriculum
revision is a veritable instrument for making the university to develop contents that would meet
the needs of overall national development. In consequence, this paper adopted five criteria to
appraise the entrepreneurial and employability attributes of the BMAS under review. The criteria
are availability of elements that could prompt the development of: job communication skills,
critical thinking and problem-solving skills, sustainable use of resources/productivity skills,
development of self and a sense of community skills; and expansion of one’s world vision skills. It
was found that the English components meet all the five criteria. However, it was found that
except the English language programme administrator is innovative they may not utilize the
content to bring the expected results. Thus, the English language educators in the university
system should be trained on how to implement the contents to produce graduates of English that
are employable and entrepreneurial, the enabling environment should also be provided etc. Ceteris
paribus the BMAS under review has the attributes of producing graduates of English that could
use the declarative and procedural knowledge of English language to be employable and
entrepreneurial in a society that is looking up to English Studies for the projection of positive
culture and identity.
CLIFFORD IRIKEFE GBEYONRON
ELECTORAL VIOLENCE IN FIVE SOUTH EASTERN AREAS OF NIGERIA, 1999-2015
Abstract
Elections are the legally instituted framework and platforms by which political representatives are
chosen by the electorates in every society. This research is particularly examining elections in five
Igbo States of Nigeria, 1999-2015, and specifically electoral violence in this geopolitical zone. The
manner of conduct, parties, malpractices and problems of elections in Igboland are highlighted in
this discourse. This article uses qualitative research methodology in analyzing the information
here. That is, the researcher has used purely narrative technique which includes both primary and
secondary materials in this research.
Keywords: election, violence, electoral malpractices, political parties, etc.