| 1 |
Author(s):
Adeoye O. Oyewole.
Page No : 1-10
|
Disability and Mental Ill-Health-Implications for Social Policy and Recommendations in Nigeria
Abstract
The conceptual definition of disability has been predicated on the quest to balance the medical paradigm with the equally relevant social paradigm of disability. In this paper, I review current models of disability and their impact on interrelationships between disability and mental health disorders within the context of African socio-cultural concepts. I also propose a mental health paradigm through the biopsychosocial model in the management of the complex issues associated with disability. Health workers collaborating with religious and socio-cultural institutions can identify those at risk of grave mental health consequences and offer support to the individual and the family through proper counselling and guidance.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Mohammed El-Nasir Al-Amin.
Page No : 11-18
|
Aesthetic of Video Poetry in Chuma Nwokolo’s “Sudan Sudan” by Al-amin El-nasir
Abstract
Video poetry is an embodiment of literature called 'mediature'. This paper focuses on the new forms of poetry based on virtual reality. This is located in the fields of critical hypothesis, hermeneutics, semiotics, semantics of the text and digital culture. These new forms emerging from the expedition of literature (poetry) and new media are collectively called Digital Poetry. Digital poetry is referred to as E-poetry, short for electronic poetry, meaning a wide range of approaches to poetry that have in common the prominent and crucial use of computers or digital technologies and other devices. This work studies only video poems created to be read on the media accessible online or any video player such as electronic gadget. The paper offers the close-readings of Nwokolo’s “Sudan Sudan”one of numerous video poems available on the internet. This paper has been organized around two deeply interconnected approaches: aesthetic and analytic. The first approach judges the “novelty” of the phenomenon within a historical context. The aesthetic approach that is examined on the corpus is fundamental in order to establish a sort of typology of e-poetry and, consequently, to be able to start the analytic work. The aim of the study is on the one hand to highlight the basic features of video poems in order to make them more approachable and understandable as objects of study; and on the other it is to provide those who are interested in this new area of study with a sort of critical analysis of video poetry.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Okonkwo Denisia Ijeoma.
Page No : 19-24
|
Women Leadership and Political Participation in Africa (A Study of Nigeria and Ghana)
Abstract
This study carried out an empirical analysis of women leadership and political participation in Africa with an empirical focus in Nigeria and Ghana. Data for the study were generated through secondary sources which includes Worldbank, World Development Index (WDI) and Political Reports (PR). The methodology used in the study is a documentary comparative analysis. The theoretical framework employed for this study is Kanter’s “Glass-Ceiling Theory” (1977). The major findings of the study is that despite the relevance of women in the politics of Africa, women in this continent are still grossly underrepresented. It is worth noting that Ghanaian and Nigerian women are still disenfranchised as a result of the country's leadership style. It is therefore the recommendation of this study that political parties in Nigeria and Ghana should establish a support network for aspiring female politicians by pairing them with experienced female politicians who will serve as mentors and provide capacity building for young or aspiring female politicians in order to enhance and develop them ahead of future elections and secondly, to develop an environment that empowers African women to participate actively in decision-making in a sustainable and effective manner that is free of all forms of violence and harassment.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Everson Ndlovu, Richard Tigere.
Page No : 25-45
|
Life in the Streets, Children Speak Out: A Case of Harare Metropolitan, Zimbabwe
Abstract
The number of children living in the streets of Harare Metropolitan, Zimbabwe, continues to increase. Street children comprise both boys and girls who have run away from home for one reason or another, to pursue a livelihood in the streets. Responses from the general public have been that of discrimination and stigmatisation, accusing street children of crime and prostitution. Children in the streets have responded with suspicion, frustration, anger and fights to their treatment by the general public, thus, the vicious cycle of ‘blame game and vulnerability’ continues unabated. A lasting solution to the challenge has eluded both government and partners. Major interventions have included the forcible commitment of street children to children’s homes. However, children soon trickle back to the streets, their usual source of livelihood. The study sought to examine street children’s way of life and challenges, with a view of proffering more sustainable solutions to the street children hazard in Zimbabwe. This study employed a qualitative case study design and used non-random sampling techniques to select participants. Semi structured interviews and questionnaires were used to solicit data from research participants. Manual thematic data analysis was used to deduce meaning from the set of data gathered. Extreme poverty, parental child abuse and maltreatment tend to drive children out of their homes to seek solace in the streets. Child abuse by step parents and guardians were particularly to blame. Ironically, street life continues to expose children to situations that endanger their lives. Children, particularly girls, were at more risk of sexual abuse and contracting COVID-19 in the streets, while young and weaker boys were at risk of physical abuse by older children. Parenting education should be integrated in all programmes targeting parents and communities, be they developmental or humanitarian. A case by case approach, as compared to the one size fits all, should be the basis for the designing of interventions to address the street children challenge.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Uche Nnyagu (PhD), Udogu Christiana Obiageli (PhD), Onunkwo Benedette Ngozi.
Page No : 46-54
|
The Role of Literature in Curbing the Spread of COVID-19
Abstract
Coronavirus is one pandemic that has thrown the entire world into misery, fear and untold hardship. It has caused the death of many people all over the world. Unlike the dreaded HIV, coronavirus has no definite cause and its mode of spread is almost mystery. When contacted, HIV can be managed by those living with the virus and they can go about their normal businesses without fear of transmission. Coronavirus brought panic into the world, leading to total lockdown all over the world. The entire world was thrown into confusion and since 2020, efforts have been on top gear to demystify the virus as well as stop the spread. The researchers are of the view that literature is the effective means of fighting the virus and in this article, they have chronicled the dangers of the illness and proffered solution on how the spread of the virus could be tackled using Literature.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Laurent Joseph.
Page No : 55-79
|
Impacts of Traditional Extraction of Building Materials on Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihoods of Residing Communities in Mwanza City- Tanzania
Abstract
Traditional extraction of building material is one of the economic activities in Mwanza City that supplies aggregates, sands, gravels, and stones. This study aimed at investigating the impacts of traditional extraction of building materials on biodiversity conservation and the livelihood of residing communities. Purposive sampling was used to obtain mining sites. Data were collected using households survey, focus group discussions, field visits, and the experiment. The sample size was 180 respondents. The sampling unit was people near mining sites, miners and ward leaders. The study revealed positive and negative impacts on biodiversity conservation and residing communities. The noted positive impacts included a source of income and a strategy for levelling building sites. On another hand, the perceived negative impacts were found to be land degradation, the disappearance of biodiversity, air pollution, uncovered areas/lands, effects on human health, and is the source of conflict. The study concluded that traditional extraction of building materials in residential has impacts on biodiversity and livelihoods of residing people. The study recommends that the government should develop an efficient and effective legal framework with strict laws. In addition, ward and wards leaders should be involved in the inspection and verification of genuine permits.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Eluke Daniel Henacho, Isaac Eyi Ngulube.
Page No : 80-98
|
Proverbs in the Battle Against Covid 19 and Insecurity in the Niger Delta
Abstract
It is difficult to see any correlation between proverbs, songs, chants and COVID 19. It will take only an avid researcher to observe the surreptitious and subtle correlation observed here. The world of science has produced various vaccines to tackle the menace that is COVID 19 and governments the world over are doggedly fighting insecurity. No sooner have we found a vaccine than mutation and difficult strands of the COVID are springing up here and there, telling us that the battle is only half won. From the medical point of view the solution remains in distancing, washing of hands, wearing masks and observing COVID 19 protocols. Another area that is most effective in curbing this dreaded disease is in creating sufficient awareness. The people that are enlightened will not fall prey to the dreaded monster. This is where proverbs, songs, chants, myths, folklore, folktales, legends, traditional stories, and received wisdom become very powerful tools for checking this global pandemic. In the first instance, there is no nation in Africa without this troika (proverbs, songs and folktales). All we need to do is deploy them in creating sufficient awareness in handling loved ones affected by this death. The western world is depending on the television, radio, newspaper, magazine, social media outlets and other means of mass communication to disseminate information on how to deal and relate with this hydra headed monster. But these are luxuries that we in the developing world cannot afford, and even the few that can afford them, there is no constant light to power the instruments and enable us to get the message. Illiteracy is another big hindrance, a lot of us cannot use English effectively, and a lot more cannot understand messages spread via the medium of English. The most reliable means of communication with the people remains their mother tongue. Therefore, this paper argues that governments and agencies of government must embark on translating their messages into songs, chants and proverbs. These will resonate with the rural populace more easily than radio or TV adverts. The data collected and analysed in this paper prove the claim that language is a powerful tool in tackling insecurity and generating sufficient awareness for COVID 19.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Onisile Deborah Foluke, Akinnawo Ebenezer Olutope, Akpunne Bede Chinonye, Bello Ibukunoluwa Busayo.
Page No : 99-105
|
Validation of Burnout Questionnaire among Automobile Apprentice Artisans in Osun State Nigeria
Abstract
A cross-sectional survey design was adopted to validate the Burnout Questionnaire (BQ) on Nigerian automobile apprentice artisan. A multistage sampling technique was used to purposively select 150 (mean age ± SD 21.4±3.6). A total of 150 male participants were drawn from selected communities in Ede metropolis Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria. The participants responded to the Burnout Questionnaire, and the Mashlash Burnout Inventory (MBI). Internal consistency of Burnout Questionnaire showed a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of .83, a Spearman-Brown coefficient of .87 and a Guttman Split-Half coefficient of .74. A significant positive correlation was observed between Burnout Questionnaire and MBI, revealing a correlation coefficient validity score of (r = .690, p= .001). The Burnout Question has acceptable psychometric properties for the Nigerian population. The observed group based norm was ≥ 48.16. Based on the findings, the 17-item of Burnout Questionnaire showed good internal reliability and a valid measure of symptoms of burnout. The authors concluded that Burnout Questionnaire has acceptable psychometric properties for the Nigerian population as it fits well to the Nigerian socio-cultural setting as a measure of burnout symptoms.
