OHAZURUME - Unizik Journal of Culture and Civilization

“τοῖς ἀνθρώποις οὓς δέδωκάς μοι ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου” In Jesus’ Priestly Prayer (John 17:6-10): Motivation for Christian Holy Living in Nigeria

Monday Honesty Oke — 2025-07-25

This paper explores the phrase “τοῖς ἀνθρώποις οὓς δέδωκάς μοι ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου” (the people whom You gave Me out of the world) from Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer in John 17:6–10, examining its theological and ethical implications as a motivation for Christian holy living, particularly in the Nigerian context. It is noteworthy that despite the evident growth of Christianity in Nigeria, moral and spiritual decline among Christians remains a pressing issue. Many professing Christians struggle with a compromised faith that mirrors societal corruption rather than biblical values. There appears to be a gap between religious profession and ethical behavior, raising the urgent need to call the attention of the Christians in Nigeria back to holy living. The study therefore emphasizes the identity of believers as a distinct people given to Christ by God, called out from the world, and entrusted with a sanctified purpose. Through exegetico critical analysis and contextual application, the paper argues that this divine calling fosters a sense of belonging, responsibility, and moral distinction that challenges Nigerian Christians to uphold holy living amidst societal pressures such as corruption, materialism, and moral compromise. The research insists that by understanding their status as God-given gifts to Christ, believers in Nigeria are motivated to live lives that reflect divine ownership, purpose, and transformation, thereby influencing the broader society with kingdom values.

Postcolonial Capitalism and Eco-Related Challenges: Insights from Nigeria’s Sacred Groves

Anayo Ossai, Ph.D — 2025-07-25

Postcolonial capitalism in Nigeria has driven the exploitation of sacred groves, eroding cultural heritage and causing serious environmental abuse, raising urgent concerns about the loss of both ecological balance and indigenous identity. There is a research gap in understanding how capitalism shaped by colonialism contributes to the cultural displacement of sacred groves, resulting to environmental, economic, political, biodiversity loss and security consequences in Nigeria. This research therefore investigates the ways in which the capitalization of Nigerian’s sacred groves causes cultural displacement, and has widespread effects. It seeks to reveal the underlying relationship between post-independence capitalism and its effects in Nigeria by exploring these interactions. The study uses David Harvey’s Capitalist Accumulation and Dispossession Theory to examine the socio-political, economic, cultural, and ecological landscape of Nigeria as a result of colonial-inspired capitalism and the environmental effects of cultural loss. The study utilizes the ethnographic method of data collection through observation and key informant interviews. The method provides deep insights into the cultural significance of the groves, the impacts of displacement, the ecological and other consequences of neocolonialism in Nigeria. This approach is relevant as it captures the life experiences and cultural contexts essential for understanding the interplay between persistent colonial capitalism and its implications in Nigeria. The paper illustrates how the combination of capitalist exploitation and cultural erosion has led to significant environmental and social challenges. The monetization of natural resources undermines traditional ecological ethics, intensifying climate vulnerability and community disenfranchisement. With a focus on the need for sustainable and culturally inclusive answers to the continuing global discussion on climate change, this study provides vital insights into the wider consequences of cultural displacement within postcolonial settings.

A Re-Evaluation of Power, Discourse, and Leadership Responsibilities in Anthills of the Savannah

Wisdom Ezenwoali, PhD — 2025-07-25

This paper examines Chinua Achebe’s Anthills of the Savannah through the lens of political discourse and the ambiguities of power and leadership responsibilities. It interrogates how language, both as a medium of control and a site of resistance, shapes the exercise and perception of power in the fictional state of Kangan. Drawing from critical works and contextual insights, the study reveals how Achebe constructs a narrative in which leadership collapses under the weight of moral ambiguity, rhetorical performance, and institutional decay. Using discourse analysis, the paper explores how Achebe’s characters engage with and distort language to assert or undermine authority. While existing scholarship addresses dictatorship and post colonialism, few interrogate the linguistic and ethical complexities of leadership responsibility in the novel. This re evaluation foregrounds Achebe’s warning against the theatricality of power and the failure of leaders to speak or act with moral clarity.

Nollywood Movies and Academic Performance of the Youths of Nnewi: A Socio-Religious Discourse

Obinna Uche Obaa — 2025-07-25

Every human society has set of rules of behavior to which every member is expected to adhere. This code of conduct guides their behavior in both public and private situations for peaceful coexistence. Nollywood movies, one of the most popular instruments of entertainment for the society, are expected to uphold these principles and to inculcate morality in the lives of students but, unfortunately, it has not only failed to uphold the moral standards of the society but also led to the poor academic performance of students at all levels of education and has neglected the biblical instruction: "Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes … And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee" (Deut.6:17-18; KJV). This is so bad that it has spurred this writer to draw attention of the government, church leaders and the population to this menace with a view to proffering solutions. Data for this article was drawn from primary and secondary sources. The primary source was based on survey carried out at the Living Word Comprehensive Secondary School, Umudim, Nnewi, Anambra State. The secondary sources included newspaper, magazine and journal articles, books and Internet resources. Based on social learning theory, the article concluded that some actions should be taken urgently to arrest this situation and preserve Nnewi’s posterity.

The Quest for Self-Governance: Rethinking the Igbo Identity in Nigeria

Boypa O. Egbe — 2025-07-25

The study interrogated post war interethnic relations in Nigeria with particular focus on the fate of the Igbo ethnic nationality. It is also predicated on the fact that despite the past war policies implemented by the successive administrations since the end of the Nigeria Biafra war to drive national integration, the Igbo has persistently agitated for a separate nation. The objective of the study therefore is to address the causes of Igbo agitation. The work utilizes qualitative method with data gleaned essentially from secondary and primary sources. It also adopted the Relative Deprivation theory to justify the reason the Igbo took to agitation for independence. Findings showed that systemic exclusion of the Igbo has defined governance since the end of the Nigeria-Biafra war in 1970. This is manifested in a carefully orchestrated political structure that denied the Igbo the Nigerian presidency or any substantial federal presence compared to the Hausa-Fulani and the Yoruba. The study concludes that the unjust marginalization of the Igbo has foisted a sense of alienation in them, hence the clamour for separate existence. And that the exclusion of the Igbo in the Nigerian political economy has hindered national integration. The work recommended among others that for the sake of equity, national integration and stability of Nigeria, the Igbo should be conceded the Nigerian presidency in 2031

Beyond Patriarchy: A Contextual Theoretical Exploration of Gender Discrimination Among Women in Yoruba Society

Segun Ayotunde Olulowo, PhD — 2025-07-25

Dominant feminist narratives often conceptualize gender discrimination primarily as male-dominated oppression. This paper challenges such unidirectional frameworks by theorizing how gender-based hierarchies also operate among women within Yoruba society in Nigeria. Drawing on intersectionality, African womanist thought, and postcolonial feminist theory, the study offers a critical examination of intra-gender discrimination—how women participate in the marginalization of other women based on age, marital status, fertility, economic capital, and social positioning. Employing a critical-interpretive methodology rooted in qualitative cultural analysis, the paper interrogates Yoruba kinship structures, religious practices, and gendered norms to reveal how symbolic and socio-economic hierarchies are internalized and reproduced by women themselves. Findings illustrate that seniority, motherhood, and material privilege serve as tools through which women exert exclusionary power over other women, particularly in domestic, religious, and market spaces. These practices not only fracture female solidarity but also sustain patriarchal orders through divided and competitive female agency. By repositioning the lens of gender analysis to include intra-female relations of power and exclusion, the paper contributes to broader feminist conversations on intersectionality and the politics of difference. It concludes by advocating for indigenous feminist approaches that prioritize collective healing, intergenerational dialogue, and solidarity across the diverse lived experiences of women.

Design Elements of the Omu-Aro: Towards A Semiotic-Hermeneutic Approach

Ikechukwu Anthony Kanu, PhD — 2025-07-25

Beyond being a visual aesthetic, the Omu-Aro is a visual language. As a cultural symbol, and a visual element, it communicates profound meaning peculiar to the historical and cultural experiences of the people of Arochukwu. Understanding visual language helps decode and interpret visual messages. The Omu-Aro is understood in the context of this study as a visual language that transcends linguistic barriers, encompassing symbolic meanings, preserving history and traditions, artistry, identity, and community representation. A cursory glance at available literature on the Omu-Aro reveals that there are no scientific studies on this symbol. This work, therefore, fills a gap by engaging in a study of the design elements in the Omu-Aro for a communication of the nuances of the component parts. The study adopts the semiotic doctrine of Charles Sanders Peirce for the interpretation of the Omu-Aro. Through a critical and semiotic analysis of its symbolic motifs, this research reveals the intricate narratives and cultural values embedded in the Omu-Aro.

Drug Crime and Societal Instability in Nigeria: A Historical Examination of the Relationship Between Drug Trafficking and Social Disorder, 1989- 2022

Felix Uju Dike, Ph.D. — 2025-07-27

This research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between drug trafficking, social disorder, and state stability in Nigeria. By examining the historical context of the drug problem in Nigeria, this study seeks to identify the key factors that have contributed to the country's vulnerability to drug trafficking and abuse. The study will employ a qualitative historical research approach, utilizing primary and secondary sources, including archival records, newspaper articles, and interviews with key stakeholders. The research will focus on the period from 1989 to 2022, which coincides with the establishment of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in 1989. This research is significant because it will contribute to the existing literature on drug crime and societal instability by providing a historical perspective on the drug problem in Nigeria. The study's findings will have implications for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and public health officials seeking to address the drug problem in Nigeria. By examining the historical relationship between drug trafficking and social disorder in Nigeria, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors that have contributed to the country's vulnerability to drug crime. Finally, the study will inform the development of effective strategies for addressing the drug problem in Nigeria and promoting societal stability.

Ageing and Religious Participation in Nigeria

Peter Akpo Adams, Ph.D — 2025-07-25

This study titled: ‘Ageing and Religious Participation in Nigeria’ examined the relationship between ageing and religious participation in Nigeria, focusing on the role of religious communities in addressing the spiritual, social, and emotional needs of older adults. In Nigeria, religious participation is a significant part of daily life, with many individuals engaging in religious activities as a source of strength, community, and purpose. As the population of older adults grows, it is essential to explore how religious involvement affects their mental and physical well-being, as well as how religious institutions adapt to cater to this population of adults. The study reviewed the traditional role of religion in Nigerian society, the changing patterns of religious participation among the elderly, and the challenges they face in accessing religious services. Using qualitative research design, participants were randomly selected and interviewed to obtain data. The findings suggested that the elderly are often more religious and also that religious participation offers a coping mechanism for older Nigerians, promoting social integration and mental health. Leaning on the activity theory as the dominant theoretical framework, the study concluded and strongly recommended that there is need for more inclusive and accessible practices within religious communities to better serve this growing segment of the population.

Ibibio Socio–Ethical Approach to the Reality of Evil: A Panacea for Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria

Elijah Essang Udofia — 2025-07-25

For decades, successive governments in Nigeria have initiated policies and programmes targeted at poverty reduction or eradication in the country. The current state of things in the country is a testimony to the fact that these policies and programmes have not adequately achieved the purpose for which they were formulated. While scholars continue to explore how poverty can be alleviated in Nigeria, it seems much has not been done concerning how Afro–traditional ethical approaches may assist in ensuring poverty alleviation. It is this gap that this paper sets out to address. The paper tenders how Ibibio approach to the problem of evil can serve as a tool for poverty reduction in Nigeria. Examined through a combination of the analytical, speculative and pragmatic philosophical methods, the paper aims to elucidate the Ibibio idea of the root cause of poverty, the reason for the failure of poverty alleviation programmes in Nigeria and the importance of Ibibio ethical values and her response to the reality of evil in ensuring poverty reduction in Nigeria. It was discovered that Ibibio’s belief in the Supreme God (Akwa Abasi Ibom); her principle of moral obligation to one another (Owo ediinyene); principle of good reputation (Eti Enyinofonakan imo); and the principle of hard work and dignity of labor (Owo isiinohoifuudia), if properly channeled, can serve as effective tools in reducing poverty in Nigeria. The paper concludes that reviving and re-establishing cultural value and traditional ethical values can serve as guiding principles for effective poverty alleviation. It is therefore recommended among others, that government at all levels should revive fundamental traditional ethical ideals for the grooming of substantial moral behavior necessary for the growth of Nigeria.

Reimagining Nigeria’s Infrastructure of Peace: A Critical Analysis and Contextual Framework for Sustainable Peacebuilding in Anambra State

PhilipMary Emenike Ayika — 2025-07-25

Nigeria’s recurring security crises—ranging from communal violence and political unrest to secessionist agitations—highlight the absence of a coherent and institutionalized infrastructure for peace (I4P). This study critically assesses the state of Nigeria’s existing peace architecture, identifying key weaknesses such as fragmentation, elite dominance, lack of legal mandate, and poor integration of traditional and grassroots peace mechanisms. Using Anambra State as a case study, the paper explores localized conflict dynamics, including youth violence, cultism, political thuggery, IPOB-related insecurity, and land disputes. It argues that while various actors—traditional rulers, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and vigilante groups—are involved in informal peace building, the absence of a structured, coordinated, and legally backed infrastructure hinders sustainable conflict prevention. guided by conflict transformation theory, systems thinking, and multi-track diplomacy, the paper draws on comparative insights from countries such as Ghana and Kenya to develop a context-specific I4P model for Anambra State. The proposed framework includes the establishment of a State Peace Council, Local Government Peace Committees, a Conflict Early Warning and Rapid Response Unit, and Youth and Women Peace Hubs. It emphasizes the need for legal foundations, integration with national and global development goals (e.g., SDG 16), and the use of ICT, media, and education to foster a culture of peace. A five-phase implementation roadmap is presented, covering legal adoption, institutional setup, capacity building, community engagement, and monitoring and evaluation. The paper concludes by offering comprehensive policy recommendations for the Anambra State government, Nigeria’s federal authorities, civil society, and development partners. It calls for a deliberate shift from ad hoc interventions to institutional peace governance that is inclusive, participatory, and adaptive. The Anambra model, if implemented, could serve as a scalable blueprint for peace infrastructure across Nigeria’s federating states.

Christian Ethical Foundations of Work in Public Life: A Theological and New Testament-Based Exploration

Alaba Bukola Ifabiyi — 2025-07-25

This theoretical study explores the ethical foundations of Christian attitudes toward work in public life, using New Testament teachings as its primary lens. In increasingly secular professional environments, Christians often navigate tensions between personal faith and workplace expectations. This paper investigates how New Testament ethics—particularly the teachings of Jesus and Paul—provide a normative moral framework for virtues such as integrity, diligence, humility, stewardship, and truthfulness in public workspaces. Methodologically, the study employs a normative theological approach, combining biblical exegesis of key New Testament passages (e.g., Colossians 3:23, Matthew 5:13 16) with systematic theological reflection and conceptual analysis. It integrates insights from Christian moral theology and contemporary theological thinkers to critically assess the role of ethical presence as a form of public Christian witness. The paper also engages scholarly views, including Mark Greene’s whole-life discipleship model and Miroslav Volf’s critique of simplistic faith-work integration. While these perspectives are valuable, the study identifies a gap: limited theological inquiry connecting specific New Testament ethical frameworks to the nuanced realities of modern public and digital workplaces. The research offers a biblically grounded, context-aware model for understanding the workplace as a space of Christian vocation, moral engagement, and silent witness. It concludes by suggesting future directions in digital ethics, pneumatology, and workplace theology.