Articles

Permanent URI for this collection

https://keffi.nsuk.edu.ng/handle/20.500.14448/3412

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 68

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.
Open Access
An Appraisal of Nigeria's Foreign Policy under Olusegun Obasanjo Administration, 1999-2007
(History Department, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-02-01) Bernard, Kangtau James; Danuan, Ayuba Ibrahim
Open Access
Archaeological Reconnaissance of Eggon Land, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
(Department Of History, Faculty Of Arts, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2013-10-18) Ibeanu, A..M.; Dalat, Gershom Danglah
Open Access
Archaeology Of Nok, Benin And Igbo-Ukwu
(Department Of History, Faculty Of Arts, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2014-10-05) Dalat, Gershom Danglah
Open Access
Assessment of Factors Associated with the Use of Herbal Medicine in Plateau State, Nigeria
(Department of Sociology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 2021-07-12) Onu, F. O.; Ogidi, Ambrose Woyengiemi; Badung, Vivian Dalyop
The use of herbal medicine by people is on the increase globally, especially in developing countries. In fact, more than 80% of the populations in developing countries largely depend on herbal medicine Herbal medicine has its benefits but, it's not completely harmless.This explains reason the world Health Organization affirmed that most people living in Africa regularly use herbal medicine for the management an prevention of diseases. It is believed that some of the factors that contribute to the regular use of herbal medicine include cultural or religious belief, social status and educational exposure of the consumers. This study explored some of the factors associated with regular use of herbal medicine. The paper derived its theory on the health belief model. This study adopted the descriptive survey design where secondary data were used. The data were from existing literature from journals, internet sources, and newspaper and government gazettes. The study revealed that there is high rate of herbal consumption in the community which needs government intervention. The study also found that, some factors that contributes to the use of herbal medicines includes cultural practices, religion beliefs, publicity.through media, family and friends. The study recommends the need to educate and counsel people on the harmful effect of herbal medicine use by the health personnel and other appropriate available channels. There is also need to enforce existing regulation on the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of herbal products.
Open Access
An Assessment of the Needs of Nigerian Youth in Conflict1
(Department Of History, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 2012-02-04) Abubakar, Nuruddeen
The Nigerian scene is suffused with conflicts and crises. As some abate (the Niger Delta), some new ones rear their heads. The current crisis is the challenge posed by the Jama"at Ah Sunna Li’da’awati wal Jihad a.k.a. Boko Haram. The crisis in Plateau state is extant. These three are the most serious. An important aspect of stemming the crises has been to focus on the youth. This is a contribution in that respect. The paper drew from a number of conflict researches conducted by the author between 1999 and 2006.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Open Access
A Brief Understanding of Archaeology as a Discipline
(History Department, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-02-01) Aliyu, Muhammad Kabir
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.
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.
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.
Open Access
Cocoa Migrant Farmers and Rural Development in Ondo Division of Southwestern Nigeria, 1940s-1980s
(History Department, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-02-01) Adesola, Adesote Samson
Open Access
Colonial Political Reorganization and the Deepening of Intra-Ethnic Animosity among the Rukuba of the Jos Plateau, 1900-1960
(History Department, Nasarawa State Univertsity, Keffi., 2016-02-01) Kudu, Achadick Amango
Open Access
A Consideration Of The Theory Of Evolution And The Biblical Narrative Of Creation In Genesis One
(Department Of History, Faculty Of Arts, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2009-10-19) Dalat, Gershom Danglah
The age- long conflict between the evolutionist and the creationist schools of thought has remained essentially unsettled. The argument has even lost the admiration of the audience and consigned it to the both mere academic exercise. This discourse may be seen as one of such intellectual prodding’s. It may not necessarily be so. A careful assemblage of facts from Genesis and evidence from archaeology may create a difference as both will speak for themselves. This is the substance of this study.
Open Access
The Creation of the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) and Its Impact on the Gbagyi Ethnic Identity, 1976 to the Present
(Department Of History, Faculty Of Arts, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2020-10-20) Dalat, Gershom Danglah; Amago, A. Kudu
The life of man on the surface of the earth is characterised by experience, both pleasant and unpleasant, involving his relationships with his environment and fellow humans. These experiences, to a great extent impinge negatively or positively upon his socio-cultural and linguistic elements of his ethnic identity. This paper argues strongly that the creation of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and the attendant influx of populations cutting across all socio-cultural horizon of Nigeria created a new sociocultural and linguistic environment around the Gbagyi ethnic group, with almost all different ethnic and linguistic groups in Nigeria represented. Thus, effective communication and cultural harmony among the settlers and between them and their host (Gbagyi) community dictated that language and cultural practice common to all the members of the "new community" be more frequently used. The effects as the study shows, was the coming into contact of these ethnic groups (Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani Igbo, etc) with the Gbagyi indigenous population. Through intermarriages, friendships, cultural borrowing, the Gbagyi original identity has been reduced to a multi-ethnic, society, with hardly any definable socio-cultural and linguistic boundaries.
Open Access
Cultural Factor in Establishing Democracy in Nasarawa State: Eggon and their Neighbours in the 21st Century
(Department Of History, Faculty Of Arts, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2020-10-13) Dalat, Gershom Danglah
Although culture manifests itself differently from one society to another, there is a common meeting point. Every culture seeks to create an orderly society of law-abiding members. Thus, since orderliness, law and order are important components of democracy, a very strong cultural nurturing is important for a successful democracy. This paper argues strongly for effective cultural reorientation among the Eggon and their neighbours in order to facilitate functional democracy in Nasarawa State. The process of achieving the success of this paper was anchored on the adopted methodology. A carefully prepared questionnaire was administered in the field and responses were matched against available written documents for corroboration. The findings show that functional democracy is developed and nurtured by an effective cultural factor.