FACULTY OF ARTS,

This study conducted a lexicostatistical comparison of the Ngwa dialect of Igbo and Standard Igbo to determine how related they are and their level of mutual intelligibility. Using the Ibadan 400-word list and further applying the language assessment criterion of 1990, this criterion which places the level of mutual intelligibility at 70%, the analysis in this project work showed that 57.5% of the basic vocabulary items are cognates shared between the two languages This shows that while Ngwa and Standard Igbo share a considerable number of common words, their level of mutual intelligibility falls below the 70%, this suggest that speakers of one variety may experience some difficulty fully understanding the other without prior exposure. Also,the study found that 42.5% of the compared lexical items show clear differences in form or meaning, reflecting areas of lexical differences that contribute to the reduced intelligibility between the two varieties. In all, the 57.5% similarity shows moderate linguistic relationship, while the 42.5% difference show distinctive lexical developments in the Ngwa dialect compared to Standard Igbo. Therefore, although both belong to the same linguistic group, the findings suggest that Ngwa is a different dialect rather than fully intelligible with Standard Igbo

This study conducted a lexicostatistical comparison of the Ngwa dialect of Igbo and Standard Igbo to determine how related they are and their level of mutual intelligibility. Using the Ibadan 400-word list and further applying the language assessment criterion of 1990, this criterion which places the level of mutual intelligibility at 70%, the analysis in this project work showed that 57.5% of the basic vocabulary items are cognates shared between the two languages This shows that while Ngwa and Standard Igbo share a considerable number of common words, their level of mutual intelligibility falls below the 70%, this suggest that speakers of one variety may experience some difficulty fully understanding the other without prior exposure. Also,the study found that 42.5% of the compared lexical items show clear differences in form or meaning, reflecting areas of lexical differences that contribute to the reduced intelligibility between the two varieties. In all, the 57.5% similarity shows moderate linguistic relationship, while the 42.5% difference show distinctive lexical developments in the Ngwa dialect compared to Standard Igbo. Therefore, although both belong to the same linguistic group, the findings suggest that Ngwa is a different dialect rather than fully intelligible with Standard Igbo

This study examines the historical relationships between Egbaen and its immediate neighboring communities during the pre-colonial period. The research explores the political, economic, social, and cultural interactions that shaped intergroup relations and contributed to the development of the communities within the region. Particular attention is given to patterns of migration, settlement, trade, diplomacy, intermarriage, and conflict resolution mechanisms that characterized the relationship between Egbaen and its neighbors before the advent of colonial rule.
The study adopts a historical research methodology, relying on both primary and secondary sources. Oral traditions, interviews with community elders, archival records, and relevant scholarly literature were utilized to reconstruct the historical experiences of the people. Findings reveal that Egbaen maintained extensive contacts with neighboring communities through trade networks, cultural exchanges, and kinship ties, which fostered peaceful coexistence and mutual development. The study also identifies occasional disputes over land, resources, and political influence; however, indigenous institutions and traditional leadership structures played significant roles in managing conflicts and preserving regional stability.
Furthermore, the research demonstrates that interactions between Egbaen and its neighbors facilitated the exchange of ideas, customs, and technologies, contributing to social cohesion and economic growth within the area. The study concludes that the history of Egbaen and its immediate neighbors reflects a dynamic pattern of cooperation and competition that shaped the socio-political landscape of the region in the pre-colonial era. It recommends further documentation of oral traditions and local histories to preserve indigenous knowledge and enhance understanding of intergroup relations in Nigerian histor

NIL

This study explores the role of Nigerian English in defraying tension within online social media interactions, focusing on humour, particularly satire, irony, wordplay, and the use of indigenous Nigerian languages on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. The research examines how humour functions as a coping mechanism, providing emotional relief and fostering social solidarity among Nigerians during politically charged discussions, socio-economic challenges, and national debates. Utilizing Relief Theory, Superiority Theory, and Socio-Cognitive Theory (Critical Discourse Analysis), the study analyzes humour strategies that help manage conflict and critique political systems. Data was gathered through purposive sampling of posts, comments, and memes, spanning from 2018 to 2025. The findings reveal that humour in Nigerian English, when combined with indigenous languages such as Yoruba, Igbo, and Pidgin, serves as a powerful tool for both emotional release and social bonding. This humour allows Nigerians to laugh at their political and socio-economic frustrations, asserting a sense of superiority over the political elite while promoting a collective identity. Additionally, the study underscores the psychological and social functions of humour as a discursive strategy for alleviating tension and fostering resilience. The research contributes to the understanding of Nigerian English as a dynamic linguistic tool in digital communication, offering new insights into the intersection of language, humour, and social solidarity in the context of Nigeria's socio-political landscape.

Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry, has grown to become the second-largest film industry in the world in terms of volume, producing thousands of movies annually and distributing them across Africa and beyond. Its rapid expansion, since the 1990s, has transformed it into a cultural powerhouse, contributing not only to the Nigerian economy but also to the global perception of Nigeria. This transformation has sparked significant interest in Nollywood’s potential as an instrument of cultural diplomacy, whereby films act as tools for communicating national values, traditions, and identity to international audiences¹. The concept of cultural diplomacy involves the strategic use of a nation’s cultural assets to promote mutual understanding, enhance its image, and strengthen diplomatic relations with other countries. Historically, nations have deployed art, music, literature, and cinema as tools to achieve soft power objectives. In Nigeria’s case, Nollywood represents a powerful cultural export capable of influencing international opinion and projecting a positive image of the country. By depicting everyday life, cultural traditions, and societal challenges, Nollywood offers global audiences nuanced insights into Nigerian society²

This study examines the influence of women in politics in the pre-colonial Benin Kingdom, with particular focus on Queen Idia as a case study. The research explores the political, social, and military roles played by women within the traditional governance system of the Benin Kingdom, challenging the common perception that leadership in pre-colonial African societies was exclusively male-dominated. Using a historical and qualitative approach, the study draws on oral traditions, archival materials, and existing literature to analyze the contributions of Queen Idia, the Iyoba (Queen Mother), to statecraft and power dynamics.

Findings reveal that Queen Idia wielded significant political authority, serving as an advisor to the Oba, influencing decision-making processes, and playing a pivotal role in military strategy, particularly during the reign of her son, Oba Esigie. Her leadership during periods of conflict and consolidation contributed to the stability and expansion of the kingdom. The study further highlights the institutional recognition of the Iyoba title as evidence of women’s formal participation in governance.

The research concludes that women, exemplified by Queen Idia, held substantial influence in the political structure of the pre-colonial Benin Kingdom. It recommends a re-evaluation of African historical narratives to more accurately reflect women’s contributions to governance and leadership, thereby enriching contemporary discussions on gender and political participation.

The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases of international concern has underscored the critical role of international institutions in global health governance. This study examines the role of institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations (UN), and other global health partners in managing the outbreak of Mpox in Nigeria. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research analyzes the strategies, interventions, and collaborative efforts employed to prevent, detect, and respond to the spread of the disease. Data were obtained from secondary sources, including official reports, policy documents, and scholarly publications.
The findings reveal that international institutions have played a significant role in strengthening Nigeria’s public health response through technical support, funding, disease surveillance, capacity building, and public health awareness campaigns. These organizations have also facilitated coordination between national agencies and global partners, ensuring timely information sharing and resource mobilization. However, the study identifies challenges such as limited infrastructure, funding gaps, and occasional delays in response implementation, which hinder optimal outcomes.
The study concludes that while international institutions are indispensable in managing diseases of international concern, greater emphasis must be placed on strengthening local health systems, improving inter-agency coordination, and promoting sustainable health policies. It recommends enhanced collaboration between international bodies and domestic health authorities to ensure effective disease control and preparedness for future outbreaks.

This study examines the moral implications of trans-sexuality in Nigerian society, where traditional, religious, and cultural beliefs strongly influence moral judgments about gender and sexuality. Trans-sexuality challenges the conventional notion that gender is
fixed and biologically determined, proposing instead that it is fluid and deeply personal. In Nigeria, however, trans-sexual individuals often face moral condemnation, social rejection, and legal discrimination due to prevailing religious doctrines and cultural
norms that regard such identities as immoral or unnatural. The study reveals that Nigerian moral reasoning is largely communal, emphasizing collective values over individual autonomy. Consequently, trans-sexuality is perceived as a moral deviation that
threatens social harmony and divine order. This perception limits open moral discourse and perpetuates intolerance and stigmatization. The research further explores the ethical tension between cultural morality and universal human rights, raising questions about whether morality should evolve with changing understandings of human identity.

This paper examines the performance poetry of Nigerian Performance Poet, Dike Chukwumerije, arguing that it functions as a significant site for socio-economic resistance and constructive national advocacy. Framed within the dual lenses of Postcolonial theory and Marxist theory, the study analyzes his selected poems, which are "The Beautiful Ones Are Born", "Okwesilieze", "The Roads Are Broken", "Development Is", "The Wall and The Bridge", "The Revolution Has No Tribe", "We Are One Nation", "Belly Politics" and "Fix The Politics".