Browsing by Author "Osaji, Jacob Olasupo"

Now showing 1 - 16 of 16
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    AFRICAN PENTICOSTALISM CHALLENGES AND EFFECT ON MORAL AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA
    (Kaduna journal of Historical Studies (KJHS), Department of History, Kaduna State University Kaduna Nigeria 2018, 2018-10-10) Osaji, Jacob Olasupo
    Pentecostalism has become an increasingly prominent feature of Africa’s religious and political landscape. The movement’s growth has been particularly dramatic since the era of decolonization in the 1950s and 1960s. With pentecostalism’s demographic explosion has come to the sudden expansion of its efforts to shape politics, moral and public life of Africans. While nationalist movements drove African politics during the era of decolonization in the 1950s and 1960s, and mainline church leaders were deeply involved in the continent’s efforts at democratization in the 1980s and early 1990s (Gifford 1995), pentecostals have become increasingly important political actors in the last 15 years. This political awakening is becoming increasingly visible. Beyond electoral politics, pentecostalism has penetrated into important sectors of African public and moral life. In Uganda and Kenya, for example, pentecostals and other evangelicals control numerous radio and TV stations (Bengali 2006). In Nigeria, also Pentecostals and other evangelicals feature prominently on numerous radio and television stations, for affirmation the pentecostal Redeemed Christian Church of God produces Christian-themed movies that have beaten secular rivals at the box office (Murphy 2006). In 2003, Ghana’s national airline, Ghana Airways, invited a Ghanaian-born, London-based pentecostal evangelist to conduct a “deliverance service” to save the organization from its recurring financial failures (Asamoah-Gyadu 2005). This paper looks into what African Pentecostalism is and its effects on moral and political development in Africa, using analytical and historical methods for its finding
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    Applying Nehemiah’s Biblical Leadership Principles in Entrenching Good Governance in Nigeria
    (the faculty of Arts, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, University of Cape Coast, Ghana and the Department of French, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. August, 2022, 2022-08-10) Osaji, Jacob Olasupo
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    Building the Nigerian Commonwealth through the Perspective of Philosophy
    ((NASR) Nigerian Association of the study of Religions, 2019-01-14) Osaji, Jacob Olasupo
    Nigeria had to battle with crippling institutional and value deficits that had crucially slowed its march towards greatness beyond what ought to have been since independence.The dream of national integration requires the capacity to redirect the people’s loyalties away from their ethnic enclaves to the civil public. The first stage of the Nigerian commonwealth building requires that the Nigerian State begins the process of making life comfortable. This involves making the civic public a space of equity and justice, where the public good is available to every citizen. Once the citizens are convinced of the good intent of the State, then the second phase of national integration begins.To get a citizen to act often arise from the personal belief that the State is worth serving and defending, or dying for. Nigeria needs a crop of followers who have enough faith in the capacity of the state to bring their hopes and aspirations to fruition. Immanuel Kant, the eighteenth century German philosopher, played a huge intellectual role in defining the Enlightenment age in European socio-philosophical history. For him, the slogan of the Enlightenment is sapere aude! (Dare to think!) We can equally say that nation building in Nigeria requires a serious form of political audacity. We can call it the audacity to dream and actualize. Nigeria requires a crop of intellectuals, politicians, statesmen and officials who have the fear of God at heart, bring about justice, patriotism, equity, progress and all the ideals of greatness befitting a nation like Nigeria. A nation is not built on the whims and caprices of fate; rather, it is built on courage fearplay and the strength to will political aspiration into existence through the force of conviction. From a philosophical stance, this paper critically examines Nigerian democracy and identifies corruption as a major leadership problem bedeviling Nigerian nation building. It proposes attitudinal-change-based orientation of leadership for good service and equality.
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    Causes, Implications and Management Techniques of Ethno-Religious Conflicts in Nigeria
    (2015-12) Osaji, Jacob Olasupo; Meleki, Adeniyi Oluwole
    Nigeria, since the beginning of the Fourth Republic has witnessed many conflicts. And of these, ethno-religious conflicts whose centrifugal tendencies potent grave danger for the nation’s corporate existence ranks the most. Generally, people’s belief influences the way they think, feel and see things in relation to people of other religions. Sustainable religious-peace across Nigeria had been aborted countlessly by recurrent cases of religious conflicts. These religious conflicts which have continually weighed-down the nation in different parts of the country continue to direct and influence worldview’s perception of Nigerians. The paper clearly shows that the colonialists could not be totally absolved from the menace as their hands could be found in its foundation. Nigeria since independence has produced a catalogue of ethno-religious conflicts that resulted in an estimated loss of over three million lives and unquantifiable material damages. This paper examines the manifestations of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria, causes, implications and management using both the traditional and modern methods of conflicts management strategies. In the traditional African society, conflict may generally exist whenever or wherever incompatible events occurred and may result in “win-lose character”. The resolution, transformation and management of conflict may however produce win-win situation too.
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    Christian Ethical Values and Their Relations to Sustainable Development in Nigeria
    (Kwasu Journal of Religious Studies, 2018) Osaji, Jacob Olasupo
    Many states in Africa including Nigeria are still living in confusion as a result of the influenced by the Boko Haram insurgency and bankruptcy. In actual fact, today, Nigerians real capital comprises the peasant masses, thousands of jobless youths and graduates, the homeless, the armed robbers, the sick and the destitute who struggle daily for survival. Thus, the majority of the people have remained permanently marginalized by the current vicious cycle of poverty and dependence. Unfortunately however, successive Nigerian leaders have been using religion, culture and ethnicity as an instrument of playing divide-and rule game, rather than as a springboard for the inculcation and improvement of social ethical values which are fundamental to achieving correct human behavior as it relates to productivity and nation-building. This paper, therefore, examines the place of Christian religion in the development of Nigeria with a view to generating new ideas that will contribute meaningfully to the search for democratic principles and ideals that would usher in a well-ordered society, not only in Nigeria, but in Africa as a whole. Analytical method was used by the researcher to carry out this work. This paper is advocating the injection of Christian ethical values into the Nigerian political system for a better sustainable development in Nigeria and can also be advancement for African continent. The paper suggests a wayforward by means of recommendation and conclusion. The paper applied analytical method for its finding.
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    Corruption in Nigeria: Causes, Effects and The Role of the Church at Finding Solutions To The Menace
    (Journal of Philosophy and Christian Studies, Nasarawa State University, 2017) Osaji, Jacob Olasupo
    Corruption is the biggest among the challenges in Nigeria. It is clear to every citizen of Nigeria that the level of corruption in the country is high. It is found in all the entire sectors of the country. It continues to be the bane of development in most African countries to date. Unsuccessful efforts have been made and are still being made by the country’s rulers to tackle this problem especially in contemporary society. The modest attempt in this paper therefore is to examine the philosophical perspective on the role of the church in relation to the anticorruption crusade in Nigeria in the present century. The role of religion in the society showing that most of what goes on in the society has one connection or the other with religion is examined alongside corruption, defined and analysed from various perspectives. How the church can go beyond the individual level to complement government's effort in fighting corruption without compromising corruption in government but by 'speaking truth to power' when occasions demand as we learn from great prophets like Elijah and Nathan in the Old Testament.
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    The Effects of Globalization on Traditional African Religion and Cultural Conflict
    (African Journal of Religion, Culture and Society., 2017-01) Osaji, Jacob Olasupo
    Global culture, a part of globalization, has not only transported the good side of the economic and social development across the globe but has also changed in the culture of host communities. Some change s include the mode of production and the way things are done, while others include the symbolic interaction or the appreciation of how social facts are to be seen and appreciated. Example is the change from collectivism social structure that characterizes African society to individualism structure that characterizes the market-oriented culture of western society. This change is without doubt that "Globalization is one of the most important and developed theories of the twentieth century" (Ritzer, 2008). However, one aspect that justifies the importance of this development is the culture (termed civilization in other areas) that the application of this concept transports from one location to another. This cultural aspect may be economic, marketing oriented, or just a change in logical behaviour of consumption and production. This change nonetheless questions the static existence of rapport, the role that traditional culture plays in the life of African communities, and the impact traditional religions still have on the essence of African culture. These questions are raised as we discuss globalization as an economic culture and a source of conflict due to the imperative change in methods of production and consumption. The chapter also discussed the negative impact of the incoming culture of globalization on traditional religion as well as the traditional role of women in African culture.
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    Indigenous Institutions and Sustainability of African Traditional Communities for Global Competitiveness
    (KWASU Journal of Religious Studies, 2017) Meleki, Adeniyi Oluwole; Osaji, Jacob Olasupo
    In spite of a modern national political organizational system, the majority of the people in Africa especially in most parts of the rural areas are still organized around their indigenous institutions for carrying out the activities that are important for their development and well being. In fact, civil society in rural Africa is embedded within their indigenous institutions, philosophy and systems. These institutions are key to the organization of people at the rural level for their political and socio-economic development. These institutions have however been largely ignored by both colonial and post-colonial governments in the development equation in Africa in favour of western-framed institutions. In spite of all the good attributes that can be accorded western-styled institutions, they do not capture the worldviews and wellbeing aspirations of rural communities. This paper argues that western-oriented institutions are exclusionary and leave out the bulk of Africa’s human resources (indigenous institutions) in the development process. This situation is an important contributing factor to the demise of Africa’s development. This paper seeks to demonstrate the existence and efficacy of indigenous institutions in Africa that could form the basis for organizing rural communities to lead Africa’s development process globally. It places the value of indigenous institutions within the context of endogenous development and describes indigenous institutions in Nigeria and their contributions to community development in the country. It concludes by giving some policy directions on an endogenous approach to development in Africa that is premised on mobilizing, revitalizing and re-valorizing Africa’s indigenous Institutions as the boon for engagement with the global village.
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    INSECURITY IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN LIFE, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
    (in the Humanities, Faculty of Arts, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, University of Cape Coast, Ghana, 2022-03-17) Osaji, Jacob Olasupo
    Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria, is presently engulfed in insecurity crisis which security agents at both local and national levels appear incapable of handling. Insecurity is a multifaceted issue which manifests in different forms including murder, bombing, arson, armed robbery, corruption, injustice, kidnapping, hostage taking, creation of fear and destruction of lives and property. It is in the light of the foregoing that this paper examines terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, the causes, the effect of insecurity on human beings and the Nation’s economy. The article uses social theories, traditional, functionalism and Marxism theories and relative deprivation theories to explain this problem in Nigeria via data from secondary sources. Consequently, the paper proffers moral and religious values as panacea. Using historical and analytical methods, the paper discusses the central role that security. The study further recommends that the business of governance should be taken seriously in a bit to redress issues bordering on injustice, victimization, marginalization, discrimination and insecurity; and to create a safe and enabling environment for investment for sustainable development
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    Jesus Leadership Style According to John 13:1-17 for Nigeria Church Leaders
    (Department of Religion and Cultural Studies, Faculty of Arts, Benue State University, Markudi, Nigeria, 2017, 2017-06-18) Osaji, Jacob Olasupo
    The manifests in greed, avarice, materialism, envy, over-vaulting ambition, power-drunkenness, nepotism and everything that has to do with self. have prevented the political class from managing Africa’s socio-political and economic affairs well. The same that has also prevented the church leaders from managing the church well. The same way politicians have practically failed the people is the same way church leaders have failed the church in Nigeria. Generally, effectiveness of any leader is measured by his ability to gain compromise and dedication to organizational objectives. Leaders must possess the capability to influence the workers to work together willingly with confidence and keenness. These could be learnt, improved and developed. Church leadership is even more demanding and this is why Jesus leadership styleshouldconstitute the qualifications for church leaders. Hence this paper advocates the leadership qualities of Jesus for Nigeria church leaders. In John 13:1-17 Jesus gives a very practical example of what it means to serve others. A leader who uses the power that is entrusted to him to serve others, aservant who, out of love, serves others needs before his own.A teacher who teaches his followers to be self-disciplined and honest. This paper used exegetical method for its research.
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    Ori-Oke and Christian Values: The Panacea for Social Change and Development in Nigeria
    (Langaa Research and publishing common initiative group , BamendaNorth-West Region Cameroon 2018, 2018-08-22) Osaji, Jacob Olasupo
    Ori-Oke is notably known as a higher place; a place above all other levels physically. Spiritually too, one expects to see a level of sound moral and ethical values or spirituality from somebody staying and pleading for himself, or interceding for others at Ori-Oke (Prayer Mountain). The standard of Christianand ethical values expected of one ascending and descending from Ori-Oke should be the type that complied with the biblical standard, in that the Bible is the primary guide to what is ethical and moral. The Bible should be seen as the major or the only source of knowledge of what is right and wrong. Attending Ori-Oke coupled with Christian values of peace, justice, hard work, love for God, love for humanity, love for others as you love yourself, and loving our nation genuinely, are the fundamentals for achieving right human behavior which can lead to a genuine social change Nigerians are craving for. That will also bring to our homes a desired development that would bring food, peace, security and justice to Nigeria.This paper examines Ori-Oke, the right attitude to God, man, and the fear of God that can enhance sustainability and development in our nation.
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    Religion and Human Security: A Christian Perspective
    (the Faculty of Arts,College of Humanities and Legal Studies, University of Cape Coast, Ghana and Department of French, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, July 2022, 2022-07-18) Osaji, Jacob Olasupo
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    Religion, Peace and Security in Nigeria
    (Ilorin Journal of Religious Studies, 2016) Osaji, Jacob Olasupo
    Religion is central to the spiritual upliftment of man; it unites man if its tenets are kept, teaches men to live at peace with one another and to shun greed and corruption. Nigeria has a lot of resources that can boost the economy and improve the living conditions of the people, yet many go about without shelter, while many are dying of hunger and poverty. Travelling in Nigeria is fraught with danger and uncertainties. Even at home, life is not safe because armed robbers, assassins, Boko Haram and murderers can strike at any time of the day. Peace is becoming elusive and is a mirage. The situation cannot change for the better unless the political leaders, men and women, saddled with the leadership of the country have regard and fear of God and thus embrace religion as a fundamental factor for good governance and national security. This paper looks at the security which religion provides the individual, society and to the nation at large. The researcher makes use of historical and analytical methods of research for effective achievement of his goal. Religion‟s involvement in politics will bring political security and blessings of God, since no nation could survive without God and His laws. Religion has a powerful influence on the activities of members of the society, whether they are Christians, Muslims or African Religion‟s worshippers. Religion regulates the conduct and behavior of people in the community and preaches vital virtues needed in the society. After his findings, he suggested some recommendations for a way forward.
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    The Role of Christian Religious Leadership in the Entrenchment of Democracy in Nigeria
    (Journal of African Interdisciplinary, Research and Development (CEDRED), Nairobi, Kenya., 2021-01-10) Osaji, Jacob Olasupo
    The paper examined Christian religious leadership roles in democratic Nigeria. It showed how the political elites (practioners) have at different times subverted the essence of democratic governance in the country since independence and thus, tactically encouraging political instability. The study revealed that, the relative stability being enjoyed in the polity is the application of biblical ethical values and principles. Relevant data were obtained through secondary method and empirically discussed. However, for the purpose of this paper, transactional and transformational theories of leadership are being examined. The paper concluded that sustainable democracy will continue to be a mirage in the country until political power is held and used in the interest of many. Good governance, transparency and accountability as suggested by biblical principles and stickly applied as necessary vitamins that will bring about democratic consolidation in the Nation.
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    Security of lives and properties and the development of the Nigerian populace in the presence of boko haram insurgency
    (Institute of Education and professional Development, University of Uyo, Uyo. Akwa Ibom State 2019, 2018-09-22) Osaji, Jacob Olasupo
    This paper relies on sequential technique of qualitative analysis(analytical method)as it looks at the imminent by Boko Haram in the light of the present onslaught and the extent the insurgence has shape development trajectories in Nigeria. It is the opinion of the paper that security avails the opportunity for development. The paper thus, concludes that Nigeria can achieve sustainable development only through firm prioritization of security in the development agenda.
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    Tackling the Bane of Corruption in Nigeria via Christian ethical values
    (Department of Religious studies, Federal University of Kashere, Christian Studies Unit, 2019, 2019-10-11) Osaji, Jacob Olasupo
    That corruption exists in Nigeria on a very large scale is no more news. Corruption is Nigeria biggest challenge. It is clear to every citizen that the level of corruption in the country is high . its found in every sector of society. Be it a small or big sector,More disturbing certainly are the effects of corruption on the larger majority of the Nigerian populace. The people have been severely impoverished because of the corrupt practices of the nations ruling political elite. It is in response to this alarming and disturbing situation that this paper takes a critical look at the issue of corruption in Nigeria. Looking at the causes of corruption in Nigeria, its damaging effects on the national economy and its negative effect on our development. It examines the concept of corruption and attempts to encapsulate the plausible reasons for the escalating rate of corruption in the country. More fundamentally, it offers tentative suggestions on how the negative trend can be curbed. Particularly the application of Christian ethical values. The paper made use of analytical method for its finding.