FACULTY OF ARTS

This study explores the nature and dynamics of diplomatic relations between the Ukwuani and Urhobo people in pre-colonial Nigeria. It examines how both groups, through geographical proximity and shared socio-economic interests, developed systems of interaction that fostered peaceful coexistence, mutual cooperation, and conflict resolution. The study argues that diplomacy in this context was not formalized in the modern sense but was embedded in indigenous institutions such as kinship ties, marriage alliances, trade partnerships, and the use of emissaries and traditional rulers. The research further analyzes the role of trade particularly in agricultural produce and local crafts as a major driver of diplomatic engagement, alongside cultural exchanges that reinforced inter-group solidarity. It also highlights mechanisms for resolving disputes, including the intervention of elders, councils, and ritual practices that maintained balance and order. Despite occasional conflicts, these indigenous diplomatic strategies ensured relative stability and continuity in relations. The study concludes that Ukwuani–Urhobo relations in the pre-colonial era reflect a sophisticated system of indigenous diplomacy rooted in reciprocity, respect, and shared values. It underscores the relevance of these traditional practices as a foundation for understanding inter-ethnic relations and conflict management in contemporary Nigerian society

Narrative Devices are writers tools used in creating stories, events which may be fictional or non-fictional with the aim of teaching and revealing lessons of life and events which are the product of human actions and reactions. In doing this, writers employ various techniques like characterization, themes, tropes and schemes to laugh at and scorn human activities. Thus, it is in view of this The Beauty of Madness and Other Stories is discussed so as to show how the various narrative techniques is deployed in x-raying the themes of jealousy, love, betrayal, forgiveness and superstition in the narrative. Keywords: Narrative Devices, New formalism, tropes, themes, schemes

This study examined language ideology of Igbo feminine praise names in Igbo language. The research relied on the primary method of data collection. Competent speakers of Igbo who are well equipped with the different praise names in Igbo were met, with their ages between 35–50 years, comprising both men and women. The data were extracted using oral interviews with these speakers. Also, the researcher, being born, raised, and a competent speaker of the Igbo language, used her intuitive knowledge of the language to provide some data which complemented those gotten from other sources and was used for data analysis. The data analysis was organized into five key components: praise names for beauty, praise names for leadership/strength, praise names for character/attributes, praise names for wealth/prosperity, and praise names for family and relationships. The analysis was guided using the ideology theory framework. The findings revealed the complex role of women within Igbo society, shaped by different ideologies. Praise names for beauty emphasized the importance of physical appearance, suggesting that a woman’s value is often tied to her attractiveness. In contrast, praise names for leadership and strength highlight the growing recognition of women’s leadership roles, challenging traditional gender norms and celebrating women’s authority and power in both domestic and public spheres. Praise names for character and attributes reinforce the ideal of women as caretakers, nurturing their families and embodying virtues such as respect, loyalty, and responsibility. Praise names for wealth and prosperity acknowledge women as symbols of financial success and generational wealth, highlighting their contributions to economic and familial stability. Lastly, praise names reflecting family and relationships celebrate women as key figures in family structures, emphasizing their roles in maintaining social and moral order.

The study examined the impact of Cold War politics on the struggle against apartheid in South Africa between 1945 and 1991. It explores how the ideological rivalry between the capitalist West and the communist East shaped international responses to apartheid and influenced both support for and opposition to the apartheid regime. The research highlights that Cold War dynamics significantly affected diplomatic relations, economic sanctions, and liberation movements, particularly as global superpowers strategically aligned with or against the apartheid government based on geopolitical interests rather than human rights considerations. It also shows how liberation movements such as the African National Congress (ANC) received varying levels of external support, especially from Eastern Bloc countries, which strengthened their capacity for resistance. However, Western powers’ anti-communist priorities often delayed stronger action against apartheid, thereby prolonging the system’s existence. The study concludes that Cold War politics both complicated and shaped the international struggle against apartheid, influencing the pace and nature of its eventual collapse in 1991, and recommends a more balanced historical understanding that considers global power politics in assessing anti-apartheid efforts.

This study examines the impact of political cross-carpeting on political development in Nigeria between 1999 and 2023. Political cross-carpeting, defined as the defection of politicians from one party to another, has become a recurring feature of Nigeria’s democratic landscape since the return to civilian rule in 1999. The research explores the causes, patterns, and consequences of this phenomenon, with particular attention to its implications for party stability, democratic consolidation, governance, and public trust in political institutions. Using a qualitative approach, the study draws on secondary data, including scholarly literature, media reports, and official records, to analyze trends in political defections across different electoral cycles. Findings indicate that cross-carpeting is largely driven by personal ambition, intra-party conflicts, weak ideological foundations of political parties, and the pursuit of political survival. While some argue that defections can strengthen political participation and realignment, the study finds that frequent cross-carpeting undermines party cohesion, weakens opposition parties, and disrupts policy continuity. Furthermore, the research reveals that the practice contributes to political instability, erodes voter confidence, and hampers the overall process of democratic consolidation in Nigeria. The study concludes that without stronger institutional frameworks, ideological party structures, and enforcement of anti-defection laws, cross-carpeting will continue to pose challenges to Nigeria’s political development. It recommends reforms aimed at strengthening party discipline, promoting internal democracy, and enhancing legal mechanisms to regulate defections.

This study explored the attitudes of female mass communication students toward journalism as a profession using the foundations of Social Categories Theory and Theory of Planned Behavior. The study was prompted by the fact that, despite the large number of female Mass Communication graduates produced each year, there is still a drop in the number of women in journalism practice today. As a result, it became critical to experimentally identify the attitude of female Mass Communication students in Nigeria toward journalistic practice as a job, as this impact could influence their career decision. An eight-item questionnaire was used in the survey design to collect data from 312 female students of mass communication who were chosen through purposive sample procedures to represent and reflect the perspectives of female mass communication students at the University of Benin. The data collected was presented and analyzed using frequency analysis and simple statistics. Female Mass Communication students were discovered to have a negative attitude about journalism as a job, which has impacted the amount of female journalists we have now. The study also found that they have a positive opinion of the career, but this does not reflect into their consideration of the career. Meanwhile, the declining proportion of women in journalism poses a challenge to the industry. As a result, it was established that journalism is critical to the survival and development of any society. As a result, it was suggested that employers make journalism more appealing and rewarding to women, as their position in the profession of journalism remains vital.

The study extensively examined the contributions of the Igbo ethnic group to the growth and development of Lagos State between 1970 and 2015, revealing that the post-Nigerian Civil War migration became a decisive force in shaping Nigeria's foremost commercial capital. The research established that the Igbo presence is deeply economic and structural in nature, profoundly influencing regional commerce and urban expansion. As Igbo entrepreneurs channeled their resilience and capital into Lagos, their dynamism resulted in the establishment of continental commercial hubs, including Alaba International Market, Ladipo Auto Spare Parts Market, and Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, which generate substantial internally generated revenue and employment. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of how the Igbaboi apprenticeship system served as a unique indigenous model for human capital development and upward mobility, sustaining the economic proliferation of the community. However, it demonstrated that despite these indispensable contributions, the Igbo community's role is continually undermined by the indigene-settler dichotomy and exclusionary urban policies. The study recommended, among others, that Lagos State should formally recognize and co-manage migrant-built markets and establish stronger frameworks for civic inclusion to reconcile economic indispensability with political equity for all residents.

Nigeria is located in West Africa bordering on the Gulf of Guinea, and lies between the Benin Republic and Cameroon. The country has a total of 923,770square km, 13,000square km of which is covered by water. The boundaries of Nigeria extended for 4,047 km and countries with co-joining borders include; the Benin Republic (in the South West), Cameroon (in the South East), the Republic of Chad (in the North East) and Niger Republic (in the North West). The three major ethnic groups are Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo. There are, however, other sizable ethnic groups which include Ijaw, Kanuri, Ibibio, Ogoni, Igbira, Jukun, Tiv etc. The major religious groups are Muslim, Christian and indigenous beliefs. The official language is English. This is as result of British colonisation that lasted for more than hundred years; whereas, the other languages associated with the three major ethnics groups are Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo. These socio-cultural differences have separated Nigerians from each other and constitute one of the main factors militating against national integration. National integration is a process of creating a sense of national consciousness, uniqueness of identity and loyalty among people of different socio-cultural identities (racial, ethnic, language, religion, and so on) into a single territorial political society

The purpose of this study is to examine how Ayobami Adebayo’s Stay with Me and Lola Shoneyin’s The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives subvert patriarchal norms and assert omen’s agency through resistance and navigation as displayed by the female characters. This study aims to investigate the various ways in which female characters in these ooks ppose or navigate patriarchal structures imposed on them, as well as how they express control over their lives despite cultural and social restraints.

This study examines the impact of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in combating women trafficking in Edo State between 2003 and 2019. Edo State has long been identified as a major hub for human trafficking in Nigeria, particularly involving the exploitation of women and girls for forced labor and sexual exploitation abroad. The research explores the extent to which NAPTIP’s interventions—through prevention, prosecution, protection, and partnership strategies—have addressed this challenge over the specified period.

Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, the study analyzes policy frameworks, case records, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with local and international stakeholders. Findings indicate that NAPTIP has made significant progress in raising awareness, rescuing victims, and prosecuting traffickers. However, persistent socio-economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, cultural practices, and weak community-level enforcement continue to undermine these efforts.

The study concludes that while NAPTIP has played a crucial role in reducing trafficking activities in Edo State, more sustained efforts are needed, particularly in grassroots sensitization, economic empowerment programs, and stronger inter-agency collaboration. It recommends policy strengthening and increased funding to enhance the agency’s effectiveness in the ongoing fight against women trafficking