https://enyojonal.com.ng/index.php/igirigi/issue/feed 2026-08-04T17:29:41+00:00 Prof. Thecla Ngozi Udemmadu (Editor-In-Chief) thecla.udemmadu@gmail.com Open Journal Systems <p><em>Igirigi : A Journal of African Studies</em>, is a multidisciplinary peer-reviewed, original researches that focus on African issues relating to: arts, humanities, medicine, science, technology, geography, education. This annual journal accepts well researched and original submissions from: languages, linguistics, history, religion, philosophy, creative and performative arts, mass communication, sociology, anthropology, education, sciences, political science, information technology, and any study that relates to Africa.</p> https://enyojonal.com.ng/index.php/igirigi/article/view/281 2026-07-31T03:09:37+00:00 Ridwan Akinkunmi RABIU ridwan.rabiu@kwasu.edu.ng Saheed Oluwafemi AYELABOLA ayelabolasaheed12@gmail.com AWUJOOLA, Adewumi awujoolaadewumi@gmail.com

The main thrust of this work is to examine the syntactic process of relativization in two sub-dialects of the central Yoruba dialect cluster. This research aims to examine and analyse the areas of convergence and divergence in these two speech forms. The theory adopted for this research is the Principles and Parameters theory, propounded by (Chomsky 1981) in his Book tittled: Lectures on Government and Binding Theory and the model adopted under this theory is the move alpha rule, which maps the deep structure to the surface structure and unifies all transformation rules. Many basic and derived sentences (relativised sentences) were drawn from the two speech forms: Ùsì-Èkìtì and Ìkeji-Arákeji Ìjẹ̀ṣà sub-dialects of Yorùbá Language. Some of the researchers' findings show that while the process of relativization of constituents in Ìkeji-Arákeji Ìjẹ̀ṣà dialect and Ùsì-Èkìtì involve the movement of the relativized NP from the Spec of the IP to the Spec of the RelP, it was discovered that while Ìkeji-Arákeji Ìjẹṣa dialect makes use of an overt resumptive pronoun in Subject NP relativization, the resumptive pronoun is covert in Ùsì-Èkìtì sub-dialect. This is because the resumptive pronoun is embedded in the relative marker kó through the phonological processes of vowel elision and contraction. It was also discovered that both sub-dialects have two distinct relative markers which are used to relativized different constituents. For example, while in Ùsì-Èkìtì, kó is used for subject NP relativization and kìí is used to relativize Object NP and a nominalised verb that is a verbal noun. In Ìkeji-Arákeji Ìjẹṣa sub-dialect, the relative marker yèé is used to relativize the subject NP and the object NP, while the relative marker kìi is used to relativise the nominalised verb in the sub-dialect. In conclusion, it was discovered that analysing the internal structures of Yoruba dialects and sub-dialects will promote the documentation of lesser-known Yoruba dialects and sub-dialects, which will help open new frontiers of knowledge and protect these speech forms for posterity. Keywords: Relativization, X-bar, Movement theory, Ìkeji-Arákeji, Ùsì-Èkìtì

2026-07-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 IGIRIGI https://enyojonal.com.ng/index.php/igirigi/article/view/282 2026-07-31T03:18:53+00:00 ADEYANJU, Adesola Ismaila adesola_adeyanju@uniport.edu.ng AYOKUNMI, Olaoluwa Marvelous ayokunmi@mail.ui.edu.ng

The new normal in technology, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and digital media, is changing educational practices worldwide. These include music teaching in Nigeria. Inadequate infrastructure, limited teaching resources, and insufficient exposure to new digital tools have constrained traditional music education in Nigeria. These issues have reduced learner engagement and restricted access to modern music production and performance skills. This study examines the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework and the Constructivist learning theory. The research uses a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, classroom observations, and semi-structured interviews with music educators and students from selected Nigerian institutions. This method allows for assessing current levels of AI and digital media integration, perceived barriers, and teaching outcomes. Findings show that AI-supported tools, such as adaptive learning platforms, virtual instruments, and digital audio workstations, greatly improve lesson delivery, personalized learning, and practical musicianship. Digital media platforms also support collaborative learning, content creation, and remote teaching. However, challenges remain, including poor internet access, inadequate teacher training in AI, and gaps in policy. The study suggests a framework focusing on building digital skills, redesigning the curriculum, and adopting AI-driven teaching technologies. Its implementation model shows how music researchers can integrate AI and digital media research into music education to improve teaching effectiveness, boost learner motivation, and enhance global competitiveness.

2026-07-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 IGIRIGI https://enyojonal.com.ng/index.php/igirigi/article/view/283 2026-07-31T03:26:17+00:00 Success Ebipade Perefagha perefaghasuccess58@gmail.com Kingsley I. Ineritei PhD kingsleyineritei@ndu.edu.ng Oghenerume E. Okitiakpe Nebru9@gmail.com

Drama has long served as a medium through which societies interrogate dominant ideologies, challenge oppressive traditions, and advocate social transformation. While existing scholarship has extensively examined the social functions of African drama, limited scholarly attention has been devoted to the representation of social change in S.N.A. Agoro's Something to Die For. This article therefore examines how Agoro employs dramatic conflict, characterisation, and dialogue to critique discriminatory cultural practices and promote social reform within the Epie cultural setting. The study adopts a qualitative literary research design based on textual analysis of the selected play, complemented by the consultation of relevant books, journal articles, and other secondary sources. Drawing on close textual analysis, the study argues that the playwright constructs drama not merely as a vehicle for entertainment but as an instrument for confronting entrenched cultural prejudices, particularly the stigmatisation and social exclusion associated with individuals from leprous lineages. Through the experiences of Tokieme and Asueme, the play demonstrates that love, courage, and individual resistance can challenge inherited traditions that undermine human dignity and social justice. The study further establishes that Agoro presents drama as a catalyst for critical reflection and social transformation by encouraging audiences to question obsolete customs and embrace more inclusive social values. It concludes that Something to Die For reinforces the enduring role of African drama as a powerful agent of cultural reformation, social consciousness, and progressive societal development.

2026-07-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 IGIRIGI https://enyojonal.com.ng/index.php/igirigi/article/view/284 2026-07-31T03:34:43+00:00 Godswill Ome UFERE uferegodswillmatthias@gmail.com

The rapid expansion of digital technology across Africa has restructured communication, identity formation, social interaction, and moral life. Social media platforms, artificial intelligence systems, and digital economies now fundamentally shape how individuals understand themselves and relate to others. While these modern technological developments have created new opportunities for expression, education, and social mobility, they have also produced moral fragmentation, online aggression, performative identity, and the decline of communal bonds that have historically been central to African ethical life. The aim of this paper is to examine the contemporary crisis of identity and dignity in Africa through the framework of African personhood. This article uses a conceptual-philosophical methodology. The paper argues that African conceptions of personhood—specifically, personhood as moral achievement, dignity as relational and identity as communally constituted—provide substantive ethical resources for responding to four specific crises produced by digital modernity: performative identity, online dehumanization, algorithmic injustice, and digital colonialism. The study further engages emerging scholarship on African AI ethics, particularly the relational ethics framework developed by Abeba Birhane, and situates the argument within postcolonial critiques of digital power advanced by Sabelo Ndlovu-Gatsheni and Nick Couldry. In response to these crises, the paper recommends a renewed African humanism, grounded in relational ethics, communal responsibility, and moral recognition, as a framework for human flourishing in a digital age. It also recommends that religious communities, families, and cultural institutions develop strategies for using digital technologies in ways that strengthen, rather than dissolve, the relational bonds through which persons are formed.

2026-07-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 IGIRIGI https://enyojonal.com.ng/index.php/igirigi/article/view/285 2026-07-31T03:38:47+00:00 Cecilia Amaoge Eme ca.eme@unizik.edu.ng Joy N. Okeke jn.okeke@coou.edu.ng

Ụmịedemede Nchọcha a na-atụle asụsụ epum Igbo dịka ihe nketa na oke ndị Igbo. Ọ bụ iji gosịpụta mkpa ọ dị ka ndị Igbo hapụ ịgbakụta asụsụ Igbo azụ, kama ka ha kpọọ ya mkpa, na-echukwa ma na-akwalite ya n’ụzọ niile iji gbochiere asụsụ Igbo ọdachi ọnwụ. Ndị nchọcha mere nchọcha ha site n’ịkọwami ka ọnọdụ asụsụ Igbo dị n’ụlọ akwụkwọ praịmarị dị na Steeti Anambra nakwa ọrụ ndị ntorobịa Igbo n’iwulite Igbo. Ha sitere n’ịgba ajụjụọnụ na ihe ha hụtara ma gụtakwa nweta ngwa a tụlere maka nchọcha a. A gbara ndị isi ụlọ akwụkwọ iri abụọ na otu ajụjụọnụ iji mata ọnọdụ asụsụ Igbo n’ụlọ akwụkwọ ha, pụtara otu maka ụlọ akwụkwọ dị n’okpuru ọchịchị gọọmenti iri abụọ na otu e nwere na Steeti Anambra. E nwetakwara ọnụ mmiri ndị ntorobịa iri na ndị ọchịchị obodo iri iji mata echiche ha maka enyemaka ha n’ịkwalite asụsụ Igbo. A chọpụtara na Igbo nọ n’ajọ nsogbu nke ndị nne na nna ahafezighiri ụmụ ha asụsụ Igbo dịka asụsụ epum ha, bụ ajọ agwa ga-ebute ọnwụ ya bụ asụsụ ma ọ bụrụ na ndị Igbo emeghị ngwa ngwa meghara ya bụ ọdachi. A hụtara olileanya mwulite asụsụ Igbo na mbọ gọọmenti ịkwalite ọnọdụ Igbo n’ụlọ akwụkwọ, nakwa mbọ otu Igbo dị iche iche, ndị ọchịchị ndị obodo Igbo na ụka dị iche iche bụ nke mere ka ohere ịbụ asụsụ kwụ chịm dịkwara asụsụ Igbo. Ndị nchọcha wee na-akpọ ndị ntorobịa Igbo oku ka ha tinyewanye amamihe ha nwere na kọmputa na Atịfishal Intelịgens (AI) n’ọrụ iwulite ọnọdụ asụsụ Igbo.

2026-07-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 IGIRIGI https://enyojonal.com.ng/index.php/igirigi/article/view/286 2026-07-31T03:43:49+00:00 VEN Jonathan Onyebuchi DIMOBIKA Ph.D Venojdim@Gmail.Com

This paper is on the church as a historical agent of peace-building and conflict resolution in Nigeria. The Nigerian nation, being a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation, is often ridden with various conflicts, divisions and violence, in which one religious group is pitted against the other and one ethnic group against another. The church by her nature, is a veritable instrument for peace-building and conflict resolution, which it has pursued world-wide and has also been evident from the time of her entry into Nigeria. Considering the ongoing crisis, disagreements and conflicts in Nigeria, both in the political, socio-economic, security and religious spheres, the church has to step up her peace-building and conflict resolution roles by re-strategizing and re-awaking herself to the task at hand and ahead. This paper is therefore a wake-up and stand-firm call on the church in Nigeria and her leaders, to maintain the path of peace-building and conflict resolution in order to ensure the attainment of the much-needed sustainable development of the nation. It is already obvious that peace is always a sine qua non for development of any nation or region – without peace there will be no development. The church thus has to play both mediatory and reconciliatory roles while also being ready to engage in negotiations, arbitration and diplomatic roles to ensure and achieve the much-needed peace in the land. Historical and phenomenological methodologies were utilized in this investigation. It was found that the Nigerian nation, though in dire need of sustainable development, is often ridden and plagued with conflicts, divisions and insecurity, which have been long-running problems even from the period of the country’s independence. In the midst of these problems and conflicts, the nation is faced with the task of searching for solutions to its multiple problems, as well as seeking for possible partners who will serve as agents of peace-building and conflict resolution. One of such partners is the church. The Church should therefore maintain and even increase her momentum of the task of peace-building and conflict resolution in the face of increasing threats to life and property and multiple security challenges in the land, the paper recommends.

2026-07-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 IGIRIGI https://enyojonal.com.ng/index.php/igirigi/article/view/287 2026-07-31T03:47:53+00:00 Ebikabowei Musah ebikabowei.musah@uat.edu.ng

The increasing prevalence of psychological distress among university students has become a significant concern across higher education institutions in Nigeria. Academic pressure, economic uncertainty, social instability and personal challenges have contributed to heightened levels of stress, anxiety and depression among students. Within the African context, indigenous philosophical traditions and religious beliefs continue to play important roles in shaping coping mechanisms and psychological well-being. The paper examines the Ubuntu philosophy, religious coping and psychological resilience among university students in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Ubuntu, an African philosophical worldview emphasizing interconnectedness, communal responsibility, compassion and human dignity, provides a culturally relevant framework for understanding resilience and mental health. Similarly, religious coping practices such as prayer, worship, faith-based social support and spiritual meaning-making offer psychological resources that enable individuals to manage adversity. Drawing on the existing literature in counselling psychology, African philosophy and the psychology of religion, the study explores how Ubuntu values and religious coping strategies contribute to resilience among students facing contemporary challenges. The paper argues that integrating Ubuntu principles and culturally sensitive religious resources into counselling interventions can enhance mental health outcomes and strengthen resilience among university students. Furthermore, the study contributes to ongoing efforts to decolonize counselling psychology by highlighting indigenous African perspectives on psychological well-being. Recommendations are offered for counsellors, educational institutions and policymakers seeking to promote culturally responsive mental health services in African higher education settings.

2026-07-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 IGIRIGI https://enyojonal.com.ng/index.php/igirigi/article/view/288 2026-07-31T03:57:13+00:00 VEN Jonathan Onyebuchi DIMOBIKA Ph.D Venojdim@Gmail.Com

This article is on the church, migration and social advancement in Africa. Migration though, is seen to be a normal human activity, in which humans have always moved from one country, locality or place of residence to settle in another, which has also affected the church in its mode of propagation through mission and evangelism. However, in recent times, it has been observed that irregular migration from Sub-Saharan Africa has been under the spotlight. Western media and politicians often use doomsday scenario to describe the supposedly millions of desperate people knocking at the gates of European Eldorado to escape poverty and warfare at home. Such a stereotypical conception of sub-Saharan African migration is not only overlooking its root causes, but it is also far from its real dynamics. This paper investigates how migration has affected both the church and social advancement in Africa, as well as how the church has handled the present trend of migration and its effects on social advancement in Africa, with Nigeria as the focal point. Historical and sociological methodologies are utilized in this research to assess the influence of migration on the church and social advancement in Africa. It was found that migration generally is often associated with better human capital development at both individual and household levels. On the inter-relationship between the church, Africa and social advancement, it was found that though the church in Africa have experienced an astronomical growth since its inception, the same could not be said about the rate of growth in social advancement in African societies, which in most cases have rather deteriorated. It was recommended that the church should step up its advisory role to the government, while the African governments themselves should show responsibility and integrity in their duties to ensure overall improvement in the social advancement of their land and people to discourage the current rate of migration and emigration.

2026-07-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 IGIRIGI https://enyojonal.com.ng/index.php/igirigi/article/view/289 2026-07-31T04:00:47+00:00 Augustine Obiajulu EZIECHINE, PhD augustine.eziechine@unidel.edu.ng Joy O. ODEWUMI, PhD joy.odewumi@gmail.com

This paper examines the themes of power, oppression, and the politics of survival in Tess Onwueme’s The Desert Encroaches. The study explores how the playwright employs allegory, symbolism, satire, and animal characterization to expose systems of domination, exploitation, and ecological destruction in postcolonial African society. Although scholarship on environmental issues in African literature has expanded in recent time, there remains limited critical attention specifically devoted to the interconnectedness of power, oppression, and the politics of survival in The Desert Encroaches. Most existing studies focus either on feminist concerns, ecological issues, or general socio-political criticism without thoroughly interrogating how structures of power shape survival strategies among oppressed groups. Addressing this gap, this study undertakes a critical analysis of The Desert Encroaches by examining how Onwueme constructs survival as both a political and existential struggle within oppressive socio-economic systems. Drawing on the Marxist and sociological approaches as theoretical frameworks, the paper argues that the play reflects the socio-political realities of inequality, authoritarian leadership, neo-imperialism, and the suffering of marginalized groups. The study further reveals that survival in the play transcends physical existence to include political resistance, collective solidarity, and revolutionary consciousness. Through the metaphor of the encroaching desert, Onwueme dramatizes the gradual destruction of human dignity and societal stability caused by greed and abuse of power. The paper concludes that The Desert Encroaches remains a significant socio-political drama that advocates resistance against oppression and calls for justice, unity, and social transformation in contemporary African society.

2026-07-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 IGIRIGI https://enyojonal.com.ng/index.php/igirigi/article/view/290 2026-07-31T04:17:37+00:00 OLOWU Kemi B A (Hons) MLS, MILD kemiking@yahoo.com OLULOWO Segun Ayotunde, PhD segunolulowo@gmail.com

The rapid expansion of religious movements in Nigeria has reshaped the country’s spiritual and socio-economic landscape. While this growth reflects an increasing search for meaning, it has also generated concerns about abuse, commercialization, and weak accountability structures. This study examines the interplay between power, prophecy, and profit in contemporary religious practice, focusing on leadership dynamics, the psychological dimensions of prophetic practices, and the commodification of spirituality through financial demands on adherents. Adopting an interdisciplinary theoretical approach grounded in theories of charismatic authority, power, and religious economy, the paper employs critical thematic analysis to interrogate these developments. The findings reveal that weak check-and-balance systems enable financial extraction, prophetic manipulation, and coercive control within religious spaces. The study contributes to ongoing scholarly and policy debates by proposing a multi-level ethical and regulatory accountability framework that preserves religious freedom while addressing systemic abuse. It underscores the need to recalibrate the relationship between faith, authority, and responsibility in order to safeguard adherents and strengthen the integrity of religious practice in Nigeria.

2026-07-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 IGIRIGI https://enyojonal.com.ng/index.php/igirigi/article/view/291 2026-07-31T04:31:51+00:00 Okechukwu Orah, MDiv orahokechukwu@gmail.com Nwafenna, Ann Chioma annchoomy96@gmail.com

Religious pluralism, defined as the coexistence of diverse faith traditions within a shared social and political space, presents both formidable challenges and transformative prospects for peacebuilding in contemporary multi-faith societies. This study examines the complex intersections between religious diversity and the pursuit of sustainable peace, focusing on how different religious communities can either exacerbate or mitigate socio-political tensions. Drawing on an integrative review of theoretical frameworks, including John Rawls's theory of overlapping consensus, Johan Galtung's structural peace model, and Hans Küng's global ethic paradigm, alongside qualitative case study data drawn from Nigeria, India, and the United Kingdom, this paper argues that religious pluralism, when managed through inclusive governance structures, interfaith dialogue mechanisms, and shared civic values, can serve as a powerful catalyst for peacebuilding rather than a source of conflict. This study identifies five principal challenges: theological exclusivism, political instrumentalization of religion, socioeconomic marginalization along religious lines, weak institutional frameworks for interfaith engagement, and the proliferation of radical religious ideologies. Conversely, it highlights prospects rooted in shared ethical principles across traditions, the role of religious leaders as peace brokers, community-based reconciliation programs, and policy frameworks that affirm pluralism without imposing secularist uniformity. The findings contribute to both the academic discourse on religion and peacebuilding and to practical policy formation in plural societies. Recommendations are offered for governments, religious organizations, civil society, and international bodies seeking to harness religious diversity for constructive social cohesion.x

2026-07-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 IGIRIGI https://enyojonal.com.ng/index.php/igirigi/article/view/292 2026-07-31T10:30:55+00:00 Olaoluwa Marvelous AYOKUNMI om.ayokunmi@mail.ui.edu.ng George Abiodun Temitope biodungeorge8@gmail.com

This study investigates the persistent underrepresentation of female organists in Nigeria, analysing the complex interplay of challenges and opportunities confronting women in a field long dominated by men. Organ performance remains integral to worship and cultural expression in Nigerian churches, yet aspiring female musicians routinely encounter barriers such as restricted access to systematic training, scarcity of sustained mentorship, and pervasive societal expectations that confine musical leadership to male practitioners. Informed by theories of gender inclusivity and cultural capital, the research centres on the contributions of the Association of Nigerian Female Organists (ANFO) in fostering greater participation and professional advancement. It evaluates the association’s mentorship schemes, specialised training workshops, and public performance platforms, while assessing their tangible effects on the skill development, confidence, and career trajectories of female organists. Particular attention is given to the rationale for establishing a dedicated body like ANFO, the prospects it creates alongside enduring obstacles rooted in patriarchal structures and resource limitations, and the wider consequences for gender equity within Nigerian sacred music traditions. Through this examination, the study underscores how targeted organisational interventions can mitigate historical exclusions and promote broader representation. It concludes by offering strategic recommendations for bolstering institutional alliances, heightening public awareness, and amplifying the visibility of accomplished female performers, thereby advancing scholarly conversations on equity in the musical arts and the empowering function of professional networks in transforming gendered cultural practices.

2026-07-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 IGIRIGI https://enyojonal.com.ng/index.php/igirigi/article/view/293 2026-07-31T10:45:05+00:00 Onwuakpaoke Ogenna Chris ogechris49@gmail.com Jerry-Nduka Ogechi Eunice ogechi.eunice.jerry-nduka@gmail.com

Undoubtedly, Nigeria's security architecture has been marred by various challenges, particularly insecurity. These activities range from insurgency, kidnapping, armed robbery, and conflicts between herders and farmers. This paper examined how insecurity has adversely affected the processes of data collection and gathering in Nigeria, together with its overall negative implications for socioeconomic development. Through an in-depth examination of secondary sources of data, including books, journal articles, and online materials, the study sheds light on critical issues affecting data collection while adopting the Revisionist Theory of National Security as its theoretical framework. This framework was used to holistically and comprehensively analyse the prevailing security challenges and their far-reaching impact on data collection and gathering in social science research. Locally, socioeconomic interactions have remained under siege as direct consequences of insurgency, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. Internationally, Nigeria's image has been negatively portrayed through various media reports on insecurity, thereby discouraging foreign investors and reducing foreign direct investment into the country. The findings established that the process and quality of data collection have been significantly affected by insecurity, making it difficult for committed researchers to access relevant research sites and physically reach locations where firsthand and reliable data can be obtained. Consequently, this situation undermines the credibility of research findings and weakens evidence-based conclusions in the social sciences. The study emphasizes the need for the Nigerian Government to adopt a non-politicized approach to addressing the country's persistent security challenges. It also recommends stronger collaboration among the various security agencies while demonstrating greater commitment to eliminating corruption in the fight against insecurity. Such measures will go a long way in creating a conducive research environment where valid and reliable data can be collected to support sound socioeconomic policies and national development.

2026-07-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 IGIRIGI https://enyojonal.com.ng/index.php/igirigi/article/view/294 2026-08-02T17:08:41+00:00 Stanley C. Mgbemena sc.mgbemena@unizik.edu.ng Mbewu, Ezinne Scholastica ezischolastica@gmail.com

This study examines quick wealth syndrome and the emergence of staged kidnapping among youths in Anambra State, with particular attention to the role of religion in addressing the phenomenon. The study adopted a qualitative research approach. Both primary and secondary sources were used for data collection. Primary data were obtained through personal communication and interviews conducted across the three major commercial and administrative centres of Anambra State; Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi. Secondary data were drawn from books, academic journals, magazines, lecture notes, credible online publications and other relevantsources. Findings reveal that the increasing desire for sudden wealth, unemployment, peer pressure, social media influence, and the decline of traditional moral values have contributed significantly to the rise of staged kidnapping among youths. The study further observes that the phenomenon undermines family relationships, weakens social trust, promotes insecurity, and disrupts communal harmony. It argues that Christianity and African Traditional Religion provide valuable ethical resources for confronting the problem through moral instruction, character formation, and communal accountability. The study therefore recommends ethical reorientation, youth empowerment, responsible religious leadership, and stronger collaboration among religious institutions, families, traditional authorities, and policymakers. It concludes that the restoration of moral values and responsible wealth creation is essential for curbing staged kidnapping and promoting social stability in Anambra State.

2026-08-02T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 IGIRIGI https://enyojonal.com.ng/index.php/igirigi/article/view/295 2026-08-02T17:17:29+00:00 Mgbemena, Stanley C. PhD sc.mgbemena@unizik.edu.ng Odimegwu, Precious Uchenna preciousodimegwu869@gmail.com

This study examines the rise of Uka di n’obi among Igbo Christians, examining its implications for the growth of the church and the best approach to curb its rise to ensure adequate Church life. The study adopted a qualitative research approach; both primary and secondary sources were used for data collection. Primary data were obtained through personal communication and interviews conducted across two Igbo states: Anambra and Imo states respectively. Secondary data were drawn from books, academic journals, magazines, lecture notes, credible online publications and other relevant sources. Findings reveal that the rise of Uka di n’obi has been influenced by a range of factors, including urban migration, economic challenges, disillusionment with institutional church, church politics, and the growing appeal of grassroots spirituality. This study observes that Uka di n’obi undermines the biblical and social relevance of the church, threatens the unity, continuity, and developmental mission of the church. It argues that although individualized spirituality reflects the Igbo capacity for adaptive religiosity, on its own, it lacks the structural capacity necessary to sustain long-term church life. It proposes contextual ecclesial renewal through inculturation, small Christian communities, pastoral accountability, and renewed theological education this study therefore recommends dynamic integration of individualized spirituality and institutional worship in which institutions are reoriented toward nurturing personal spiritual journeys within shared practices, doctrines, leadership, and accountability. It concludes that the fusion of both Uka di N’obi and institutional church practices offers a compelling and sustainable vision for church development in an increasingly complex and pluralistic religious world.

2026-08-02T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 IGIRIGI https://enyojonal.com.ng/index.php/igirigi/article/view/296 2026-08-02T17:33:58+00:00 Obielosi, Dominic C. PhD dobielosi@yahoo.com Orakwe, Maduabuchi Emmanuel m.orakwe@pg.unizik.edu

Intra-ministerial rivalry among contemporary clergy in the Anglican Communion (Church of Nigeria) represents a significant ecclesiological and pastoral challenge that undermines the unity and mission of the Church. Unhealthy competition for recognition, influence and power among contemporary Anglican clergy have become prevalent in the Church of Nigeria, threatening the church’s spiritual, administrative, and missionary health. This research seeks to examine intra-ministerial rivalry among contemporary Anglican ministers and proposes a biblical-theological response through an exegetical appraisal of John 21:20-22, where Peter was contentiously concerned of what becomes of John (the beloved apostle) in competition for influential position of primacy. The research work adopts a qualitative research method, combining biblical exegesis, theological analysis, oral interviews, personal observations and empirical insights from scholarly works. The findings of the study demonstrate that the root of rivalry lies in comparison and the desire to measure one’s ministry against that of others. A critical analysis of the text John 21:20-22 reveals its theological implications for ministerial conduct. The researcher argues that Jesus’ response to Peter – “What is that to you? You follow me” in John 21:22 provides a timeless corrective framework that emphasizes personal vocation, servant leadership and non-competitive but collaborative ministry; calling Church leaders back to faithfulness, humility, and focused obedience to their divine call. The research recommends that a healthy response to intra-ministerial rivalry in the Anglican Diocese of Umuahia requires transparent leadership, fair preferment, clear communication, prayerfulness, humility in service, collaborative ministry and a renewed commitment to servant leadership. Hence, ministry is not a competition for superiority but a vocation of service.

2026-08-02T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 IGIRIGI https://enyojonal.com.ng/index.php/igirigi/article/view/297 2026-08-04T17:29:41+00:00 Eze, Roseline Ifeoma PhD eze.roseline@unn.edu.ng Ebubechineke, Ifeyinwa Benedette PhD ifeyinwa.ebubechineke@unn.edu.ng Abonyi, Augusta Ngozi PhD augusta.abonyi@unn.edu.ng

Ụmị Nchọcha a nyochara ikụzi mmụọ ịrụsị ọrụ ike n'ime ndị ntorobịa Igbo site n'ịbufe nkwenye omenaala aka aja aja na-ebute ọnụ mmanụ mmanụ, n'ihi na mmụọ a na-ada ada n'etiti ndị ntorobịa taa; nke a kpaliri mụọ ndị nchọcha ime nchọcha a. Ebumnobi bụ ilekwasị anya na omenaala Igbo, agụmakwụkwọ, akụkọ ifo, ilu, akpalaokwu, abụ, na ọrụ aka dị ka ụzọ ime ka mmụọ ịrụsị ọrụ ike too n'ime ụmụ ntorobịa agba ọhụrụ. Usoro kwọlitativu na kọnsepụchual ka a gbasoro mee nchọcha a, nke pụtara na e ji nkọwa okwu (ọ bụghị ọnụọgụgụ) tụle akwụkwọ e dere ede, nchịkọta omenaala, na ihe atụ si n'ime obodo kọwaa nkwenye omenaala na agwa ndị na-eto eto. Dịka ihe atụ, akpalaokwu dị ka "onye rụsiri ọrụ ike anaghị anwụ n'ụkọ," abụ ndị a na-abụ n'oge ọrụ ubi, akụkọ ifo gbasara ndị dara ogbenye n'ihi ịrụsị ọrụ ike, na ilu dị ka "aka dị nro adịghị eri nri," gosipụtara omume ịrụsị ọrụ ike. Nchọpụta gosiri na iji nkuzi, mkparịtaụka, ọrụ aka, egwu na akụkọ ifo ga-eme ka mmụọ ịgba mbọ na-etowanye n'ime ndị ntorobịa n'ụzọ ga-akwalite mmụọ ndidi na mgbalị n'ime onwe ha. Ndị nchọcha kọwara na usoro tịọrị Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (nkuzi dabere n'omenaala ndị mmadụ) na Cultural Transmission (nnyefe omenaala) bara uru n'ịkụzi mmụọ ịrụsị ọrụ ike na nnyefe nkwenye omenaala. Nchọpụta a kwadoro ka ụlọ akwụkwọ, ndị nkuzi, na ndị okenye jikọọ aka inye ụmụ ntorobịa mmụta bara uru, kpalie ha ikike ịgba mbọ n'onwe ha bụ ihe e ji mara nwa amaala Igbo n'ụwa bido n'oge mgbe ochie. Keywords: ịrụsị ọrụ ike, omenaala, aka aja aja, ọnụ mmanụ mmanụ, ụmụ ntorobịa Igbo, sekọndịrị. Abstract Teaching the Spirit of Hard Work to Igbo Youths: Transmitting the Cultural Belief of Aka Aja Aja Na-Ebute Ọnụ Mmanụ Mmanụ among Secondary School Students This study examined how the spirit of hard work can be taught to Igbo youths through the transmission of the cultural belief aka aja aja na-ebute ọnụ mmanụ mmanụ, prompted by the observed decline of this spirit among youths today. It focuses on Igbo culture, education, folktales, proverbs, oral poetry, songs, and community work as avenues for cultivating hard work among secondary school students. The study adopts a qualitative and conceptual approach, analyzing literature, cultural archives, and community practices (rather than numerical data) to explain the influence of cultural beliefs on the moral and character education of youths. For example, expressions such as "a hardworking person never dies in want," farm-work songs, folktales about those who suffered for neglecting hard work, and proverbs such as "the lazy hand does not eat" illustrate the value placed on hard work. Findings indicate that incorporating teaching, discussion, community work, songs, and storytelling effectively instills the spirit of hard work in youths, fostering diligence, perseverance, and personal development. The study also highlights the relevance of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and Cultural Transmission Theory in teaching hard work and transmitting cultural beliefs. The study recommends that schools, teachers, and community elders collaborate to provide youths with meaningful learning experiences and encourage practical engagement, in order to preserve Igbo cultural values in contemporary society.

2026-08-04T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 IGIRIGI