Browsing by Author "Mejida, Maiyaki M."
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Item Open Access ANTHROPOLOGICAL AND ETHNOGRAPHICAL WORKS ON BASSA AND HER NEIGHBOURS IN THE NIGER-BENUE VALLEY: A CRITICAL ASSESSMENT OF HISTORICAL RECONSTRUCTION(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2016-01-01) Mejida, Maiyaki M.Following the conquest and subordination of the different polities in the Benue Valley, the British imperialists ensured total control of the area by establishing effective colonial administration. In this direction, the colonial government undertook extensive studies in the area covering many aspects of the peoples' life, including social organisations, economic activities and political systems. The information collected during these studies by the anthropologists, ethnographers and government officials were stored at the National Archives. This paper takes a critical look at these studies, with respect to their reliability or otherwise for reconstructing the history of Bassa and her neighbours in the Niger-Benue Valley. Findings of this study showed that there were series of misrepresentations of facts on the histories of the various polities in the area. This has hugely contributed to the ethnic contestation being witnessed today between and among the polities in the area. Since other disciplines are invaluable to the degree that they provide ancillary data, which help to sharpen historical fact, this study concludes that the histories of the Bassa and their neighbours could best be reconstructed through the combined use of insights from other disciplines.Item Open Access THE BASSA AND EGBURA CONFLICT: CHALLENGES TO DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2007-02-06) Mejida, Maiyaki M.Perhaps the most serious challenge both to the consolidation of new democracies and the health of well-established ones is posed by the problem of ethnic conflicts. In societies where communal contenders predominate, political power at the centre is often based on shifting inter-group coalitions. This has profound effects on the collective identity of the affected community/communities. And from all indications, the post-colonial stales in Africa inherited the most essential features of the colonial state. Thus aspects of these unenviable colonial heritages, like apparitions, rear their heads and intermittently erupt into discordant social, political and even economic upheavals. In Nigeria, the pomp and pageantry that accompanied the Fourth Republic democratic era in May 1999 for instance, have been punctuated by violent conflicts, leaving thousands dead, injured and homeless. Why is the country experiencing such communal violence in a democratic setting in which citizens have avenues for seeking redress and correcting the ills? This is because of the continued reluctance in policy and unwillingness of most post-colonial governments in Africa and indeed in the area of our study to honestly address the ills of the past, thus (he incessant seemingly unintractable conflicts. This paper therefore seeks to unveil the roots of one of such protracted communal conflicts in To to Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria with a view to proffer a lasting resolution of the conflict.Item Open Access THE BASSA CULTURAL VALUES AND CIVILISATION: LESSONS FOR THE 21st CENTURY NIGERIAN YOUTHS.(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2006-07-06) Mejida, Maiyaki M.The Bassa ethnic group from time immemorial has cultural respect not only for constituted authorities but all elderly people, irrespective of age, sex status or position in life. Respect for those in authority leads to a total obedience that the Bassa man or woman has for any authority, be it governmental, religious, social or cultural. Such respect by the average Bassa man or woman is never in doubt. This, in pre-colonial period accounts for the peaceful coexistence of all people in Bassaland as well as the smooth running of any organization in the land, even though, as it is known all over the world, there must be a few recalcitrant elements whose actions and general behavior may run counter to the good and peace of the community. The Bassa man or woman is always conscious of the law and order of the land and is therefore always trying to obey it if it is for the general good of the community, even, sometimes, against odds that may face him or her or may be against his or her personal interest, future progress and development. Antithetically however, things are worrisomely fast falling apart. This is the thrust of this paper.Item Open Access THE BASSA MYSTICAL POWERS- AN EXPLORATION INTO AN AFRICAN INDIGENOUS SCIENCE(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2009-04-04) Mejida, Maiyaki M.Item Open Access THE BASSA TRADITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM IN NIGERIA: A NEGLECTED ASPECT OF NATIONAL SECURITY(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2014-08-08) Mejida, Maiyaki M.The rhythms and rhymes of insecurity have become worrisome to the Nigerian society. The endemic nature of it has produced huge negative intra-and inter-ethnic cum inter-religious consequences among the diverse cultural groups in Nigeria; leading to the emergence of fissures and consequently; communal conflicts between and among ethnic and religious groups. This is a stark evidence for the neglect of the age-long cherished values of pre-colonial societies. In the quest for political space, materialistic ethos was replaced with all-long time values. The political elites, most often than not, harped on inter-ethnic sentiments and differences in order to achieve their subterranean and inordinate motives. This paper, using oral and written sources, shows how valid the old administrative system, values and norms could be used to tackle security challenges in Nigeria. It argues that if the old values are recognised and used, some aspects of security challenges in Nigeria would be brought to its barest minimum and the tones of violence changed for the better. The paper used the Bassa pre-colonial administrative system as a case study; which if utilise with moderation and modernisation, certain aspects of Nigerian National security challenges will be checkmated.Item Open Access THE BASSA TRADITIONS AND TRADITIONAL RELIGION: EPITOMES OF UNITY IN AFRICAN SOCIETIES(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2014-05-09) Mejida, Maiyaki M.The traditions and traditional religion of Pre-Islamic and Pre- Christianity societies in Africa were imbued with a lot of virtues that kept delinquent and other behaviours at bay. The traditions - and traditional religious practices guided and guarded the societies f0f The past. With the- iutrbductioh of alien religions such as 'Cltiistianity and Islam,’theirhytfims'*‘and rhymes‘ofintr'a-and inter ethnic relations became'.substantially obliterated/^Traditions and :' traditional religious practices were viewed as heathen and of no relevance in the post-Islamic and post-Christianity era. Reckless disregard to traditions and traditional religious practices abound. This has produced huge negative intra-and inter-ethnic cum inter religious results among the diverse cultural groups in Nigeria and indeed in most African societies; leading to communal conflicts between and among ethnic and religious groups. A lot of these fissures, which are results of the influence of these new religions, have become worrisome in most African societies. This is a stark evidence for the neglect of the age-long cherished values of pre- colonial societies. In the quest for political space, for instance, materialistic ethos was replaced with all-long time values of most African societies. An important teaching of the Bassa traditions and traditional practices was chosen in this study to show the nature and pattern of Bassa traditions and traditional religious practices which enhanced security and intra-and inter-ethnic co-existence. The paper, using oral and written sources, shows how this old administrative system, values and norms could be used to tackle security challenges and enhance co-existence in Nigeria and other African countries.Item Open Access Beginning the Security Conversation in Nigeria(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2018-01-06) Onoja, Adoyi; Ukase, Patrick; Mejida, Maiyaki M.Item Open Access BRITISH COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION IN THE TOTO AREA OF NASARAWA STATE, 1900-1960: NATURE, IMPACT AND CHALLENGES(2015-02-02) Mejida, Maiyaki M.This paper demonstrates the imposition of British colonial administration among the peoples of Toto area of Nasarawa State. It specifically shows the nature of British rule and how it has impacted on the inter-group relations of the area. As a consequence of indirect rule, Hausa and Fulani domination was confirmed-and in some instances imposed-on diverse ethnic groups in Toto area. The implementation of indirect rule, as it is demonstrated in this paper, ran into problems in Toto area precisely because of an actually existing ethno-cultural difference, a difference deemed unsuited, if not injurious, to the British goals. The paper therefore examines the fraught nature of indirect rule and how it had serious consequences for both colonial power relations and inter-ethnic relations in the area. In fact, as from 1900 to 1917 the British were bent on creating ‘paramount rulers’ and Districts with District Heads to rhyme with the policy of indirect rule. The chiefs, emirs and their political structures were to be incorporated into the colonial administration under the supervision of the British officials. This new political arrangement destroyed the Bassa traditional political organisation, enthroned soured relationship among the Bassa and their neighbours, and as an aspect of the colonial legacy, this continued into the twentieth first century. The paper, using both oral and written sources notes that although colonialism no doubt provided a new platform that deepened contacts and interactions between the Bassa and their neighbours, it also created conditions that increasingly made inter-group relations essentially antagonistic.Item Open Access The British Colonial Policy on Agriculture in Nasarawa Province 1900-1958(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2008-06-06) Mejida, Maiyaki M.Item Open Access The Changing Nature and Patterns of Inter-Group Relations in North Central Nigeria, 1960- 2010(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2013-03-05) Mejida, Maiyaki M.The southern fringe of the former Northern Region and the northern fringe of the former Western and Eastern Regions are referred to as Central Nigeria. This region has metamorphosed severally both in name and geographical expanse. Before now, it is called Middle Belt, covering all the areas northern minorities live. But today the geographical scope has been reduced in size and the region called Middle Region or more appropriately, North Central Nigeria with the geographical space limited to Benue, Kaduna (southern Kaduna), Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Tar aba and FCT. North Central Nigeria area has for centuries been a melting pot for many peoples and cultures. Its strategic location of the area, being sand-wiched between the forest in the south and the open savannah to the north, is significant in several respects. The region lies mid-way between two geographical zones, being a transition from the forest to the wide open grassland vegetation. This accords it the advantage of being in contact with both zones: with societies of the forest in the south and the people of the open savannah to the north. For centuries people have criss-crossed the region from all directions. The zone is home to nearly all the ethnic groups in the country. The ethnic diversity in this region means the diversity of custom, cultural and religious practices. Until the decades of the 1980s North Central Nigeria was known for its peaceful and accommodative nature. As liberal democratic institutions were established, this admixture, which was once the pride of the region became the major source of its seemingly unending problems. This paper focused on the changing nature of this relationship of peaceful coexistence to conflictual existence; what went wrong? In the opinion of this paper, there is failure of successive leadership to construct a united, strong and self-reliant nation.Item Open Access Colonial Taxation and Inter-Ethnic Animosity: A Study of Nasarawa Province, 1900-1960(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2019-02-07) Mejida, Maiyaki M.Item Open Access Conflicts and Peacebuilding in Toto LGA of Nasarawa State, Central Nigeria, 1995-2000(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2017-10-07) Mejida, Maiyaki M.Item Open Access The Ecology and its Implications for the Economy of Toto Area/ North Central Nigeria/ 1800-1000(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2017-03-08) Mejida, Maiyaki M.Human beings from time immemorial are tied to nature foT basic raw materials/ food/ and resources for survival. Natural phenomena of climatic elements such as rainfall/ sunshine/ relative humidity and precipitation determine the extent to which man enjoys sustainable and stable ecosystem for agricultural activities/ sufficient food supply and healthy living in general. The role of ecology and economy in shaping history cannot be over emphasised. Recourse to it would place historical developments in their natural contexts. In the context of this study/ we focus on such features as the soil/ highlands/ the plains and valleys/ the rivers/ climate/ the fauna and flora. All these ecological features are discussed in relation to human activities/ sustainability and development. Using both written and oral evidence/ the paper notes that the relationship between man and the environment is a dynamic one. The physical environment provided both opportunities and challenges for man.Item Open Access ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND RURAL POVERTY IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF TOTO AREA(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2012-01-06) Mejida, Maiyaki M.Human beings from time immemorial are tied to nature for basic raw materials, food, and resources for survival. Natural phenomena of climatic elements such as rainfall, sunshine, relative humidity and precipitation determine the extent to which man enjoys sustainable and stable ecosystem for agricultural activities, sufficient food supply and healthy living in general. Undoubtedly, human activities have the potential to disrupt the balance of this system. And this could have far-reaching and/or unpredictable environmental, social and economic consequences. The depletion of the ecological system in Toto area shows that there is the urgency to checkmate the trend and utilise the natural resources in a more sustainable and stable manner if we have our eyes on future progress and development of the area. This study notes that there is wanton destruction of the fauna and flora of the area either for hunting or mineral excavation and other human activities. The study notes that the duty of gradually adopting effective environmental measures and policies is incumbent upon all. Thus critical and honest questions such as what we have done to conserve, preserve and replenish the environment to avoid poverty must be asked. The objective in this study is thus to critically examine the environmental challenges faced by rural communities in Nigeria, with particular focus on Toto community in Nasarawa State in the context of sustainable environment and eradication of rural poverty. Both primary and secondary sources would be consulted in order to come up with far- reaching research evidence.Item Open Access Ethnic Identity and Nation-Building in Nigeria: A Study of the Bassa and their Neighbours in Toto, Nasarawa State(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2014-01-01) Mejida, Maiyaki M.Nigeria is a multi-ethnic nation with hundreds of diverse cultural groups that are about three hundred and fifty in number and Toto is a replica of these polyglot nationalities in the country. The experience in the area is that rather than harnessing these diversities towards viable national development, it has become entangled in ethnic conflicts, which is to the detriment of nation building. The paper illustrates how and what specific ways the advent of colonialism impacted on the dynamics of group contacts and interactions, and the significance of this in the understanding of the nationality question in post colonial Toto area. This paper highlights some of the factors needed in nation building and how Toto polities have fallen short in meeting them due to competitive ethnicity. The paper uses both library and oral sources to recommend on how diverse groups could co-exist peacefully and bring about virile nation.Item Open Access Ethnicity and the Development of the Toto Area of North Central Nigeria/1980-1000(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2016-02-05) Mejida, Maiyaki M.One of the challenges of independent Niger’a is issue of inter-ethnic integration. Nigeriais a country with oveT three hundred and fifty ethnic nationalities whose post independent relation is characterised by endemic inter-ethnic conflicts/ making intergroup relation difficult. North Central Nigeria ]S 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, Cade 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 precolonial 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.Item Open Access From Security to Insecurity: The Changing Nature of Nigeria Indigenous Security Dynamics(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2018-03) Mejida, Maiyaki M.Item Open Access HISTORY OF POOR FOOD PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION AND ITS THREAT TO FOOD SECURITY IN POST COLONIAL NIGERIA(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2009-12-12) Mejida, Maiyaki M.; Aper, Justin O.Production, distribution and use of food crops determine * the availability of food for the producers and other members of the society in any given formation including Nigeria. Decline in production, poor distribution and ' misuse or abuse of food crops encourage scarcity of food stuff and thus threaten lives of individual producers and other members of Nigerian society who depend basically on food for sustenance of good health, long life and national security in post-colonial Nigeria.Item Open Access INTER-GROUP HOSTILITIES AND THE THREAT TO THE RULE OF LAW: A CASE STUDY OF TOTO CONFLICT, 1995—2000(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2009-01-01) Mejida, Maiyaki M.The geo-ecological of a place has implications (directly and or indirectly) for interacting gi'oups. The Bassa, Gbagyi, Egbura and Gade are the main ethnic gyoups who were attracted to this geographical zone (the present Toto Local Government Area). Like with any other groups, relations between these gi'oups have alternated from peaceful to hostile through the ages. However these hostilities have been kept at a manageable level, until 1995, when hostilities reached a violent level In this conflict both parties adopted maximum cruelty through the use of lethal weapons with attendant destruction of lives and property. This can be considered antithetical to the rule of law. This study wishes therefore to contribute significantly to our knowledge of destructive nature of ethnic militias in relation to inter-group interaction. It would also shed more light on how contending parties use illegitimate weaponry to cause mayhem and insecurity in the area. In this study, the circumstances surrounding the misgivings in the area would be unveiled and solutions would be proffer.Item Open Access AN INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMIC HISTORY FOR STUDENTS IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES(Department of History, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2009-03-08) Aper, Justin O.; Mejida, Maiyaki M.