Category Archives: International Journal of Social Sciences and Conflict Management 2016

CONTENT

Flood Hazard Assessment and Control in Yola, Adamawa State of Nigeria

Friday Adejoh Ogwu

Department of Urban and Regional Planning,

Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Email: fridayogwu@hotmail.com, fridayogwu@mautech.edu.ng

ABSTRACT

The hazard and damage caused by flood cannot be overemphasized in terms of loss of life, properties, displacement of people and disruption of socio-economic activities as well as the loss of valuable agricultural land due to the attendant inundation of flood plains. Urban flooding is gradually becoming a serious ecological problem in Yola. Several areas in Yola along major river valleys are affected by floods every year. To gain better understanding of the flood problem especially for planning purposes, the paper uses a combination of recent data on flood plains such as land use/cover, river/ flood stage and historical to assess and predict future flood and likely impacts. In addition, extreme description statistical tools such as tables and pie charts distribution are used to analyze data on causes of flood, impacts and flood frequency in different return period of flood hazards of certain magnitude as well as the extent of flood inundation to determine areas under high risk. The paper employed the use of physical planning tools with a view to assess flood hazard in selected areas of Yola North (Doubeli, Jambutu, Limawa, Gwadabawa and Rumde) and made recommendations for effective hazard control and management in the study area.

Keyword: Flood hazard, Assessment and Control, Yola, Adamawa State.

Working Mothers and Coping Strategies: A Study of Working Women in Port Harcourt City

¹Nduonofit, Larry-love Effiong, PhD & ²Oyebade, Somina Cromwell, PhD

¹Department of Sociology, University of Port Harcourt

²Department of Guidance & Counselling, University of Ibadan,

Email: larrylove.nduonofit@gmail.com; sominaoyebade@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Women’s entrance into the labour market over time has been a steady state graduation. New policies and global movement for women’s right to a large extent has enhanced this situation as the gender gap between male and female labour force participation has narrowed over time. Recently, there has been an influx of married working women with children into the employment space. These women are qualified as “working mothers”. The entrance of this group of people into the labour market is however confronted with a number of challenges that undermines work efficiency on the one hand and family on the other. The paper is therefore an examination of the coping strategies adopted by working mothers in bridging the gap between the family and work domains in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The study is a qualitative design. The population consisted of 30 working mothers in diverse professions randomly selected from a cluster of 5 zones. The instrument for data collection was a semi-structured interview (SSI) questionnaire, and data was analysed using descriptive statistics, such as percentage and frequencies. The results of the study shows that Day Care/Crèche services, Housemaids, as well as relatives/siblings are the most effective coping strategies adopted by working mothers in Port Harcourt Metropolis for mitigating work-family conflicts. It shows further that social dynamics in Africa and Nigeria in particular has given rise to a more payment-related approach to striking a balance between work and family compared to previous times when family/siblings was a rather more preferable approach. It is recommended here that organizational policies should pay more attention on providing supportive services such as day-care facility to assist working mothers to manage their multiple social roles. Organizations can evolve flexi-time for working mothers and even approach work for them on a part-time basis.

Keywords: coping strategy, working mothers, working married women, role-conflict, decision gates, labour market participation.

Variations in the Civil Engineering Construction Projects: Knowledge Management as an Antidote

Kasimu M.  A¹; Saba. Liman²; & Jibrin Ibrahim M³

¹Department of Quantity Surveying,

²Department of Architecture & ³Department of Building Technology

Federal polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria

Email:kasimumohammmed@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The Civil Engineering (CE) construction sector in Nigeria has been facing the challenges of management of knowledge and professionals’ experiences to reduce the variations and other claims problems during the course of construction project. Therefore, the aim of the paper is to establish the benefits of knowledge management (KM) practice in moderates the causes of variations in the CE construction projects in Nigeria. To accomplish this aim, the quantitative research approach through the uses of survey method was employed as a result of quality and type of data required, in line with complexity, fragmentation and diversification of CE construction firms.  A total of 350 numbers of questionnaires were distributed to Engineers, Quantity surveyors, Project Managers, Construction Managers, Foremen and other professionals across the selected CE construction companies in Nigeria.  The average index was used to analyse the data obtained from the responses of the respondents. The result obtained from the analysis shows that the practice of KM improves project delivery in term of cost, time and quality, reduce unnecessary costs; reduce construction rework problems and demolitions; reduce errors and omissions in design; improvement in problems solution; improves labour skills and integrate knowledge in the construction company etc. Therefore the management of the CE construction firms should develop proactive management strategies that would facilitate the KM practice by organizing workshops and seminars to create awareness of the benefits of KM practice.

Keywords: Variations, Knowledge, Knowledge management, Construction projects, and Construction cost

Ethnic Conflicts and National Security (A Study of Nasarawa South Senatorial District)

¹Ojo, S. Stephen PhD & ²Idris, Ramatu

¹Department of Social Development Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia, Nigeria

²Department of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja

Email: steve234_1@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

In Nigeria, there have been incessant cases of ethnic conflicts in recent time. It has become a recurrent decimal in the quest for national integration and unity. Ethnic conflicts have constituted serious security challenge in the country. There is no part of the country that is spared from its ugly deficiencies. This study set out to identify various causes of ethnic conflicts and how it threatens national security using Nasarawa South Senatorial District as a case study. The study employed the use of survey design to obtain the relevant information. 250 respondents were systematically selected from the study area and questionnaire was used as a tool for collecting data. The findings revealed that there has been a frequent occurrence of ethnic conflicts in the area which have adversely affected its development. The study concludes that ethnic conflicts have resulted into enmity and hatred between the people who have lived together in peace for years in the area. The resultant consequences of the above were the gross loss of lives and destruction of millions of Naira worth of properties which had adversely affected the activities in the area. It therefore recommends among others that efforts should be geared towards peaceful co-existence in the area by all stakeholders if sustainable development is to be achieved and national security guaranteed.

Keywords: ethnic, conflicts, national security

Ethnicity and the Development of the Toto Area of North Central Nigeria, 1980-2000

Maiyaki M. Mejida (PhD)

Department of History

Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria

E-mail: maiyaki2006nsuk@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

One of the challenges of independent Nigeria is the issue of inter-ethnic integration. Nigeria is a country with over three hundred and fifty ethnic nationalities whose post independent relation is characterised by endemic inter-ethnic conflicts, making intergroup relation difficult. North Central Nigeria is home to two-third of different nationalities making inter-ethnic challenge centred on mutual distrust and intense antagonism rife. In Toto area, Nasarawa State, relation between ethnic groups such as the Bassa, Gbagyi, Gade and Egbura has produced persistent violent agitations. The main agitation inherent among the majority of the peoples of the area is agitation for more political space in the traditional administration and in the modern political arrangements of the area. As consequence of this, institutional arrangements which appear to have functioned smoothly in maintaining unity and peaceful co-existence among different groups that constituted the area in the pre-colonial period are increasingly being called into question.This, for instance, continues to aggravate inter-ethnic animosity between the Bassa and their Egbura neighbours. The current growing clamour for self-determination and demand for the right to greater participation in governance is therefore a reaction to the marginalisation problem. This paper using multi-disciplinary approach shows that ethnicity and its attendant problems in Africa, as shown in the Toto Local Government Area, Nasarawa State and as in many other parts of the North Central Nigeria, which is defining inter-group relations have been constructed and not in any way, natural. Its recourse to discrimination and violence is therefore a product of its nature. And this has panned out prominently as part of the national question of the area. The paper shows that as ethnicity has become a central theme in the analysis of Toto politics, political behaviour is driven by ethnic solidarity and this is antithetical to both human and non-human development. The paper concludes that unless ethnic groups in the area appreciate their history, redefine their socio-economic and political relations, and develop a sense of nationality to resolve conflict through non-violent means; the problem will continue to undermine peaceful co-existence and development in the area.

Keywords: Development, Ethnicity, Toto, North Central Nigeria 

Exploring Religious Networks for Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Economic Development in Nigeria: Conceptual analysis

Dr. Isa M. Adamu¹ &Ibrahim M. Awwal²

¹Department of Economics, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Nigeria

 ²Department of Business Administration, CBMS, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna

Email: isaardo@ymail.com; ibrahimawwal1@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The role of personal and professional networks in the practice of entrepreneurship is a well-established and much researched area. However little is actually known about the roles played by religious networks in Nigeria in the promotion of entrepreneurship. This paper seeks to offer an overview of the potential of harnessing religious networks for improved entrepreneurial performance and to develop conceptual framework for future research. After synthesizing literature from economics, management and entrepreneurship, the paper concludes that if properly harnessed, religious networks in Nigeria can positively impact on entrepreneurship development. Implications of these findings for theory and practice are discussed and recommendations for future research outlined.

Religious Freedom and Jesus’ Use of “Turn the other Cheek”: The Implication of the Language of Violence for Nonviolent Peace-Building in Northern Nigeria

Cosmos B. Wule, Priscilla Queen Kparevzua

Department of Religion and Philosophy, University of Jos, Jos

Department of English, University of Jos, Jos

ABSTRACT

Sharing God’s world within the structures of cultures, beliefs, values, language expression and traditions of men is an interesting area of study despite the complexities involved in the diverse nature of human perceptions and operations. The enigma of life is that there is a world all around us that is visible to the eyes, but which the human senses cannot completely comprehend, as it is only with the heart that one can truly see. Yet we live and we learn from the experiences we share with humans and nature. The harsh tension of growing intolerance and hostility among peoples of living faiths, especially Christians and Muslims, on the global level is part of the worrisome experiences which we all share today, aggravated by the use of despicable and uncouth language and incitement. The situation has built a tragic and difficult phenomenon within the religious world to fully comprehend and resolve. It is not uncommon therefore that the quest for religious freedom and tolerance is basically necessitated by these ruthless conditions of life. However, at the very foundation of a truly secured life is religious freedom characterized by the principle of tolerance, forbearance, encouraging language, justice and peace. It is therefore contradictory that against all kinds of arbitrariness, the tide of sporadic violence has arisen from the human desire to discriminate against or compel others to accept other persons’ faith hence marring religious freedom. It is many such complex dynamics of religious hostilities prevalent in Northern Nigeria that calls for urgent attention and intervention. Thus we have carefully selected a biblical passage “Turn the other cheek” as reflection of the Christian imperative for encouraging religious nonviolent tolerance and freedom in a hostile society. The research is therefore undertaken to fast track attitudinal change and encouraging benign language as a necessity for cultivating fresh fields of peace. The goals of the research are strengthened by the strong conviction that the atmosphere for the promotion of peace and stability in Nigeria could be further enhanced if individuals or communities are allowed to exercise their conscience and express their faith freely without undue interference or coercion. When this is achieved the social, political and spiritual environment would be equipped with the right scheme and orthopraxis for national innovation, development, prosperity, security and progress.

Keywords: Religious Freedom, “Other Cheek”, Language, Violence, Nonviolence, Nigeria

The Niger Delta Militancy and the Boko Haram Terrorism: A Comparative Analysis

Philip I. Imokhai

Department of Political Science,

Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State

ABSTRACT

This paper compares the Niger Delta militancy and the Boko Haram terrorism.  The reason for comparing the two groups is due to the growing demand from some prominent groups and individuals, mainly from the Northern part of Nigeria.  A brief history of the two groups shows that they are spatially and ideologically differentiated.  While, the Niger Delta militants were fighting against the state for developmental neglect and degradation of their land, the Boko Haram terrorist group is fighting to Islamise the country.  It is the opinion of this paper, that both groups (Niger Delta militants and Boko Haram terrorists) pose the greatest security threat to the country since the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970.  In granting amnesty for the Niger Delta militants, the paper disagreed with those calling for amnesty for the Boko Haram terrorists on the ground that Niger Delta militants were granted Amnesty, because the two groups were not propelled by the same reasons as stated above.

Keywords: Niger Delta Militancy, Boko Haram, Terrorism, Insecurity, Amnesty.

Poverty and Terrorism in Nigeria: Boko Haram Revisited

Olanrewaju, John. S. & A. M. Letswa

Department of Political Science and International Relations, Landmark University,  Omu-aran. Kwara State

Department of Political Science, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State Nigeria

Email: srawsolly@gmail.com; ahmadletswa@gmail.com                

ABSTRACT

Boko Haram is well discussed in the extant literature but the root causes of the crisis are grossly under discussed. Beyond the template of religion, Boko Haram took advantage of massive poverty in the region to recruit members to its folds. Also, Terrorism flourishes in Nigeria due to economic ills. It also constitutes a fundamental factor fueling Boko Haram in Nigeria. Correspondingly, when terrorism broke out in Nigeria very few people observed the nexus between poverty and terrorism. However, the intensity of poverty and its manifestations have assumed unprecedented magnitudes in Nigeria with negative implication on the security architecture of the state. The Maitatsine crisis of 1980 and the recent Boko Haram crisis in Nigeria established a strong nexus between poverty and terrorism. In the light of poverty that have ravaged the country for several decades, Nigeria has become vulnerable to all manner of violence. This paper examines the nexus between poverty and terrorism in Nigeria using Boko Haram as a point of departure. It argues that galloping poverty has inspired terrorism in Nigeria coupled with the negligence on the part of government to provide greater happiness for the greater number of people most especially in the northern parts of the country. Worse still, during 1999 electioneering campaigns, politicians in the north were desperate to win elections by dishing out campaign promises which were later unfulfilled. Also, politics that characterized the implementation of Sharia law was not deniable in the North. In line with this complicated scenario, this paper infers that Nigeria is a giant experiment in the genesis of terrorism in the continent because of the pervasiveness of poverty. The paper adopts bibliographical and descriptive methods of research with recommendations on how Nigeria can escape the boredom; the paper argues that holistic measure has to be taken against poverty for the country to be freed from Boko Haram conundrum.

Keywords: Poverty; Terrorism; Boko Haram; North East, Nigeria.