DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Here is an abstract based on your title, using Trade, Religion, and Intergroup relations as the core keywords to structure the study's scope, methodology, and findings.

Abstract
This study examines the intersection of economic activities and religious dynamics in shaping intergroup relations in Nigeria, using a historical case study of Auchi before 1894. Prior to British colonial imposition, indigenous communities in the Niger-Benue confluence and the northern fringes of Edoland engaged in complex socio-political and economic interactions. Adopting a historical and analytical methodology—drawing on qualitative primary sources, including oral traditions, and secondary historical literature—this research explores how commerce and belief systems served as dual engines of integration and friction.

The findings reveal that trade functioned as a primary vehicle for initial intergroup contact, establishing vibrant market networks that linked Auchi with neighboring Nupe, Hausa, and various Etsako communities. Concurrently, the introduction and expansion of Islam during the nineteenth century fundamentally altered the socio-cultural landscape, redefining local identities and restructuring external diplomatic ties.

The study demonstrates that rather than acting in isolation, trade and religion mutually reinforced one another; trade routes facilitated religious diffusion, while shared religious networks subsequently secured and expanded commercial frontiers. Ultimately, this work underscores that pre-colonial intergroup relations in Auchi were characterized by a sophisticated degree of interdependence, offering vital historical insights into the peaceful coexistence and structural adaptations of pre-colonial Nigerian societies.

Soft power is a term that has gained prominence in the study of international relations and diplomacy over the past few decades. Coined by political scientist Joseph Nye in the late 1980s, soft power refers to the ability of a country to shape the preferences and behaviors of other countries through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or payment. Unlike hard power, which relies on military might or economic leverage, soft power draws upon cultural appeal, values, and diplomacy to foster goodwill and build lasting relationships between nations. In today's globalized and interconnected world, the role of soft power in diplomacy has become more crucial than ever. It shapes international perceptions, influences global public opinion, and helps countries advance their interests without resorting to force 3 . Soft power derives its legitimacy from a country’s values, institutions, and foreign policy. The instrument for mobilizing a country’s soft power abroad is public diplomacy, and therefore the state features prominently in projecting soft power abroad. This power of persuasion is based on intangible resources such as the attractiveness of an international actor’s culture and values.

Here is an academic abstract tailored for this research topic, structured to meet standard institutional guidelines (Background, Objective, Methodology, Findings, and Significance). Abstract This study examines the socio-economic effects of the Boko Haram insurgency on the Nigerian economy, tracking its evolution from the administration of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua to that of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (2009–2015). This period marks the transformation of the group from a localized sectarian movement into a highly destructive, transnational terrorist network. Utilizing a historical and descriptive analytical framework reliant on secondary data sources—including institutional reports, national statistical archives, and academic literature—the study evaluates how the escalation of violence disrupted both regional and macroeconomic stability. The findings reveal that the insurgency acted as a severe structural shock to the Nigerian state, particularly within the Northeast geopolitical zone. At the microeconomic level, systemic attacks on farming communities, agrarian supply chains, and border corridors paralyzed the local agricultural economy, decimated regional trade with neighboring Sahelian nations, and precipitated a severe humanitarian and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) crisis. Regionally, the deliberate destruction of educational, healthcare, and telecommunications infrastructure crippled human capital development. At the macroeconomic level, the study demonstrates that the rising tide of insecurity forced a massive, non-developmental reallocation of public funds, as successive federal budgets heavily prioritized defense spending over critical infrastructure and social services. Furthermore, the heightened sovereign risk premium during the Jonathan administration slowed down Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in non-oil sectors. The study concludes that while Nigeria’s economy underwent a historic GDP rebasing in 2014, the insurgency deeply decoupled the Northeast from national growth, intensifying regional economic disparities. It recommends a policy shift that balances counter-insurgency military operations with aggressive economic rehabilitation, infrastructural reconstruction, and youth employment programs targeting vulnerable regions.

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This study examines the persistent challenge of bad governance in Nigeria, tracing its roots from the colonial era through the post-independence period. It argues that many of the structural weaknesses evident in governance today such as corruption, weak institutions, and lack of accountability have historical foundations in colonial administrative practices that prioritized exploitation over development. Following independence in 1960, successive governments struggled to dismantle these inherited systems, often perpetuating inefficiency, political instability, and elite dominance. The study critically analyzes both pre- and post-independence governance frameworks, highlighting key failures while also identifying moments of reform and resilience. It further explores the socio-economic consequences of bad governance, including poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment. In response, the study proposes a framework for revamping governance in Nigeria through institutional strengthening, ethical leadership, citizen participation, and policy reforms aimed at transparency and sustainable development. Ultimately, it concludes that overcoming the legacy of bad governance requires a deliberate break from past practices and a commitment to inclusive and accountable governance systems

This study examines the persistent challenge of bad governance in Nigeria, tracing its roots from the colonial era through the post-independence period. It argues that many of the structural weaknesses evident in governance today such as corruption, weak institutions, and lack of accountability have historical foundations in colonial administrative practices that prioritized exploitation over development. Following independence in 1960, successive governments struggled to dismantle these inherited systems, often perpetuating inefficiency, political instability, and elite dominance. The study critically analyses both pre- and post-independence governance frameworks, highlighting key failures while also identifying moments of reform and resilience. It further explores the socio-economic consequences of bad governance, including poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment. In response, the study proposes a framework for revamping governance in Nigeria through institutional strengthening, ethical leadership, citizen participation, and policy reforms aimed at transparency and sustainable development. Ultimately, it concludes that overcoming the legacy of bad governance requires a deliberate break from past practices and a commitment to inclusive and accountable governance systems.

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Cybercrime has emerged as one of the most significant challenges facing Nigeria in the digital age, with its effects being particularly evident among youths. This study examines the impacts of cybercrime in Nigeria, using youths in Benin City as a case study. The research investigates the social, economic, and psychological consequences of cybercrime on young people, as well as its influence on societal values, employment opportunities, and the reputation of Nigeria both locally and internationally. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and relevant secondary sources involving youths within Benin City. The findings reveal that while cybercrime provides short-term financial gains for some individuals, it contributes significantly to moral decadence, youth unemployment, loss of trust in online transactions, financial losses to victims, and the stigmatization of Nigerian youths in global digital spaces. The study further identifies factors such as unemployment, poverty, peer influence, and the quest for quick wealth as major drivers of cybercrime among youths. The research concludes that cybercrime poses serious threats to sustainable development and social stability in Nigeria. It recommends increased employment opportunities, digital literacy programs, stricter law enforcement, and youth empowerment initiatives as effective measures to curb cybercrime and promote responsible use of information and communication technologies among young people in Benin City and Nigeria at large.

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Social media has emerged as one of the most transformative forces shaping the landscape of entrepreneurship in the contemporary digital economy. Between 1997 and 2024, the rapid evolution of internet-based platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok has redefined how businesses are created, managed, marketed, and scaled globally. This study examines the relationship between social media and digital entrepreneurship over this period, with emphasis on how digital platforms have influenced entrepreneurial development, business innovation, customer engagement, and market expansion. The study adopts a qualitative research approach, relying on secondary sources such as scholarly journals, textbooks, policy reports, and credible online publications. It traces the historical development of social media from early online networking systems to modern algorithm-driven platforms that support real-time communication, targeted advertising, and data-driven decision-making. The research explores how entrepreneurs leverage social media tools for branding, digital marketing, product promotion, customer relationship management, and e-commerce transactions. Findings from the study indicate that social media has significantly lowered the barriers to entry for entrepreneurship by reducing startup and marketing costs while increasing access to global audiences. It has also enhanced innovation by enabling entrepreneurs to test ideas quickly, gather feedback, and adapt to market demands in real time. However, the study also identifies key challenges such as cyber insecurity, online fraud, misinformation, algorithm dependency, and intense market competition, which may hinder sustainable business growth. The study concludes that social media is a critical driver of digital entrepreneurship in the 21st century, reshaping traditional business models and creating new economic opportunities. It recommends that entrepreneurs develop digital literacy skills, adopt strategic online engagement practices, and implement cybersecurity measures to maximize the benefits of social media while minimizing its risks.