| 1 |
Author(s):
Daniel Bo (Ph.D), Gabriel T. Nyitse (Ph.D), Shemenenge Yvonne Atime (Ph.D).
Page No : 1-15
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Objectivity: Why it is Important and How it Can be Realised in Media Practice
Abstract
This study interrogates the growing tendency to assume the impossibility of journalistic objectivity. Specifically, it sieves through the controversies and articulates the way forward. The study adopts a Discourse Analysis approach and anchors its contentions on the Correspondence and Coherence theories. The analysis concludes that journalistic objectivity is distinctively a news function. And that it is not only desirable but possible and realisable if approached within a defined context. Based on this framework, the study provides a standard for achieving journalistic objectivity in media practice.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Agbeye Oburumu.
Page No : 16-26
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Reflections of the Human Psyche: An Intricate Analysis of Motivation, Behavior, and Societal Echoes in Ted Elemeforo’s The Fountain of Betrayal
Abstract
This research presents a comprehensive analysis of human motivation, behaviour, and actions within the context of Ted Elemeforo's novel, The Fountain of Betrayal. Employing a backdrop of social realism, the essay explores how literature draws inspiration from society and acquires functional significance. The study highlights the role of literature in mirroring societal aspects, with characters embodying various forms of consciousness pertaining to the significance of distinctions. By delving into the realm of subconscious mental factors influencing character behaviour, this research employs Maslow's psychological motivation theory of needs as a theoretical framework. The selected novel's characters are intricately examined as integral components of society, revealing how diverse types and levels of needs profoundly impact their decision-making processes. Ultimately, this investigation uncovers the concealed mens rea (mental component) underlying the actus reus (physical component) of human actions, leading to a comprehensive comprehension of the intricacies of human motivation. This study contributes to a broader understanding of human behaviour and the intricate interplay between societal influences and individual actions.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Hamza Mohammed.
Page No : 27-34
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Good Governance and the Role of Legislators in Local Governments in Nigeria
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to explore good governance as it is obtained in the local governments in Nigeria by examining the roles and responsibilities of local government legislators who are in charge of the grassroots offshoot of development in governance. As the closest tier of government to the citizenry, it is expected that good governance should start from the local government. The nature of this paper is primarily descriptive in the sense that it defined broad conceptual issues on the role of the local government, local government legislature and good governance. It is also explanatory as the paper delves into the roles of the local government legislature and the effectiveness of this organ of government in ensuring and sustaining good governance in the Nigerian polity. In doing this, this paper becomes very relevant in assessing and addressing the gaps as well as performance tracking in governance.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Bongani Moyo, Ntobeko Ndlovu.
Page No : 35-53
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Examining the Challenges and Survival Strategies of the Informal Sector During Covid- 19 Induced Lockdowns and Restrictions in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of COVID-19-induced lockdowns and restrictions on the informal sector in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. It assessed the impact, challenges and op-opportunities brought by the restrictions on the movement of people and the closure of in-formal economic activities to contain the spread of COVID-19. The study was carried out in Bulawayo central business district (CBD) and Nkulumane high-density suburb. Being a qualitative study, participants were conveniently and purposively selected to meet the re-search objectives. Data was collected using a questionnaire, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, Key informant interviews and document analysis. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, precautionary measures were taken into consideration. The re-searcher and the participants maintained social distance, wore masks, and always used alcohol-based hand sanitisers where contact was necessary. However, other innovative data collection methods, such as mobile phones, were employed, particularly with key informants. The study results reveal that the Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions brought more harm than good to the informal sector; their incomes and livelihoods were disrupt-ed. However, the informal business operators employed several strategies that enabled them to survive the lockdown periods, although some were against the rules and regulations of lockdown. The study recommends that concerted efforts to cushion informal traders from the adverse effects of lockdowns are imperative as many people depend on them. Some of these interventions include social security packages, availing structures that can help prevent the transmission of viruses from customers and traders, and psycho-social support.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Rebecca Oluwatosin Banjo, Adebayo Ola Afolaranmi.
Page No : 54-61
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Reconsidering the Yorùbá Concept of Omolúàbí and the Peaceful Coexistence in the Society
Abstract
Omolúàbí is a generally accepted character model among the Yorùbá people who are dominantly in the West African sub-region. The virtues of Omolúàbí manifested in character (Ìwà) are such that promote cooperation, solidarity, and interdependence of all interests towards a common goal and harmonious and peaceful relationship among the people. Omolúàbí of African ethics via Yorùbá worldview, though not so watertight, is more humanistic and existentialist in orientation, thereby promoting collective interest, goodwill, and peaceful coexistence. It is from this standpoint that the authors argue that the humanistic basis of Omolúàbí morality is more adequate for achieving Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations which aims at peace and justice in the society. This paper is a descriptive presentation of the concept of Omolúàbí. It argues that since culture, religion, and education play pivotal roles in the lives of African people, these roles should be engaged in reviving the Omolúàbí virtues and qualities in people to ensure peaceful coexistence. The presentation concludes that reviving and imbibing the culture of Omolúàbí can serve as a heuristic device for achieving a well-ordered peaceful society.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Elochukwu A. Nwankwo, Maryrose N. Agboeze, Matthias U. Agboeze, Philips Nnate.
Page No : 62-81
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Gaze and Narratives on Heritage Values: Discarding the Views of Host Communities in Africa
Abstract
There has been a conflict of perceptions on heritage values. This has stalled the development of some natural heritage resources in parts of Africa. This study argues that the host perception is paramount in the responsive development of heritage resources within their localities. However, this study investigated the values of undeveloped natural heritage resources in Abia State, Nigeria, from a rural gaze and narratives. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions and detailed observation were employed for the study. Findings showed that these natural heritage resources have domestic, agricultural, leisure and protective values according to the host, who also supports possible development programmes for these resources. This has posited rural gaze and narrative as focal in understanding the values of undeveloped heritage resources. The study further proposed the concept of the Rural Heritage Approach (RHA). This concept is focused on a prior understanding of the peculiar nature of heritage values in traditional African societies through rural gaze and narratives before development initiatives. This study has implications for responsible rural tourism development in most African communities.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Ainakhuagbor Aimiomode, Arikenbi Peter Gbenga, Ikharo Seluman, Ekhueorohan Osayuwamen Timothy.
Page No : 82-95
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Data Journalism and Its Changing Role in News Gathering and Writing in the 21st Century
Abstract
In the rapidly evolving landscape of journalism in the 21st century, data journalism has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping the way news is gathered and written. In light of the above, this study examines data journalism and its changing role in news gathering and writing in the 21st century. The researcher embarked on this study basically to examine the roles of data journalism in news gathering and writing, examine the extent to which data-driven storytelling has influenced the credibility, engagement, and audience perception of news stories and explore the challenges and ethical considerations faced by journalists in integrating data-driven content into their reporting. This study is anchored on the uses and gratification theory. The researcher adopted the secondary method of data collection. Findings reveal that data journalism plays crucial roles in news gathering and writing, revolutionising how stories are researched, reported, and presented. The study also found that data-driven storytelling has significantly influenced news stories' credibility, engagement, and audience perception, reshaping how information is presented and received. This study concludes that data journalism has emerged as a transformative force in news gathering and writing in the 21st century. With advancements in technology and the increasing availability of data, journalists have begun harnessing their power to uncover meaningful stories and provide accurate and insightful reporting. Based on this study's findings, this study recommends that journalists should prioritise ongoing training and skill development in data analysis, visualisation tools, and storytelling techniques. This will empower them to work with data effectively, create engaging visualisations, and craft compelling narratives that resonate with modern audiences.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Nwachukwu F. Okechukwu (Ph.D).
Page No : 96-102
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History: The Usefulness of the Useless
Abstract
This paper examines the relevance of history. It made use of inter-disciplinary methods specifically: historical approach and ethnography. The study is designed to address the significance of history in the following areas: that history provides identity, promotes and encourages good citizenship, serves as a guide to improve society and avoid past mistakes, and history also fosters national cohesion. This paper discovered that some people believed that history is obsolete or irrelevant. Thus this paper revealed that the study of the past will help us to learn from mistakes that were made before us so that we do not repeat them. It can help us to solve problems that we face today by seeing the solutions that were tried in the past. History provides a sense of identity. However, if we believe that studying history is useless, we admit that we are living lives which will become useless in future. Therefore, studying history should be encouraged at all costs.
