DIASPORA IS NOT LIKE HOME

A SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC HISTORY OF YORUBA IN KANO, 1912-1999

Rasheed Olaniyi
University of Ibadan

Diaspora Is Not Like Home illuminates the social and economic dynamics of Yoruba experience in Kano and how diaspora identity valorised in the uncertainties of colonial and post-colonial contexts. The book articulates the construction of Yoruba diaspora identity as a corollary of the regulated ethnic relations fostered by colonialism and the tension that the dualism of citizenship has continued to generate in the transformation of modern Kano.

Through in-depth oral interviews, and archival research, it was found that the commercial history of Yoruba in Kano constitutes an account of niche establishment in trading, technical industries and urban services in which competition and outright displacement have been encountered. This analysis of diaspora identity contributes to our understanding of patterns of migration, entrepreneurship in both formal and informal sectors, gender and inter-group relations in Nigeria. The perspectives expressed in the book are well illustrated with maps, photographs and tables.

Contents:

CH. ONE
GENERAL INTRODUCTION

CH. TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW

CH. THREE
KANO ECONOMIC SETTING AND YORUBA MIGRATORY TRENDS

CH. FOUR
YORUBA COMMERCE IN KANO C. 1912-1999

CH. FIVE
YORUBA ENTERPRISE IN TECHNICAL SKILLS AND URBAN SERVICE INDUSTRIES IN METROPOLITAN KANO C. 1945-1999

CH. SIX
YORUBA ENTREPREURS IN KANO, 1918-1999

CONCLUSION

APPENDICES

BIBLIOGRAPHY

ISBN 9783895861109. LINCOM Cultural Studies 02. 334pp. 2008.

ON THE LONG ROAD… LIFE WITH THE OTHERS

History, ethnosocial structure, life-style and culture of gypsy groups

Evgeniya I. Ivanova
and Velcho Krustev

The monograph "On the long road... Life with the others" presents an authentic view of the history, life-style, ethno-social and ethno-cultural structure of certain Romani groups, based on numerous resources. These Romani groups have a lasting presence in a specific geographic region in Bulgaria - large areas of the Upper Thracian Plains and the Maritza river valley - a region preferred by Romani groups. The authors show their presence in the socioeconomic life, intellectual and material culture, and the historical geography of the area from XVI century to present days. In this study previously unpublished documents, memoirs, photographs, periodic press, archaeological and ethnographic terrain material have been used.

By presenting the common and the different, by working out in details the characteristic features of their lifestyle, traditions and customs, Ivanova and Krusev show the positive as well as the negative changes in the chosen Romani groups. The authors aim at showing their nature from the inside. In order to accept the other, the different one, to live in consonance with them, one has to get to know them in the first place.

ISBN 978 895861130. LINCOM Cultural Studies 03. 200 pp. 40 photographs. 2008.

Yusuf Saad Omoiya
University of Ilorin

The history of Ilorin can be said to be a microcosm of Nigerian history because of its diverse ethnic population. The presence of two of the three major linguistic groups in Nigeria, Hausa and the Yoruba in Ilorin, among other linguistic groups of minor status, Fulani, Kanuri and the Nupe, has continued to make the history of Ilorin relevant to the reconstruction of both the Yoruba and Caliphate history.

A good number of academic works have been undertaken in various aspects of Ilorin history. This has generated controversy among scholars of Yoruba and Caliphate history, in locating Ilorin within Nigerian contest. This book intends to provide more information to illuminate the gray areas, to enhance the understanding of Ilorin history.

Located about 300 kilometres north of Lagos, on latitude North 80-30’ and longitude East 40-35’, its topography, vegetation and climate provided it opportunity of attracting settlers from the 17th Century. Ilorin has evolved a distinct culture that is an hybrid of many Nigerian ethnic groups.

The establishment of the British colonial rule in the area from 1900, initially disrupted the socio-political system that had sustained the polity before then, where the Balogun-Agba rather than the Emir was the de-facto authority. Later accommodation of ethnic balancing in the administration of the area, represented by the Balogun and other institutions such as Aare and Baba-isale by the British, through the implementation of the1913 Palma’ Commission Report, helped to consolidate the social, economic and political Institutions that sustained the unity of Ilorin.

ISBN 9783895862885. LINCOM Cultural Studies 04. 316pp. 2008.

PERSPECTIVES ON AFRICAN STUDIES

ESSAYS IN HONOUR OF TOYIN FALOLA

Edited by

Akin Alao
Rotimi Taiwo

Perspectives on African Studies: Essays in Honour of Toyin Falola is a multi-disciplinary book that covers a wide range of topics within the purview of African Studies. The book is published in honour of Toyin Falola, a distinguished African scholar at the University of Texas at Austin, USA. Toyin Falola is known to be the most prolific and versatile Africanist of our time. He is the author and editor of over 50 books and several articles on virtually every aspect of African pre-colonial and contemporary history.

The book consists of thirty-four chapters written by scholars from different disciplines, but with focus on African issues. It is divided into seven sections, each section containing chapters that address specific thematic issues. Section One contains seven chapter that address issues on past and contemporary History and Politics of Nigeria. Section Two also has seven chapters which focus on social issues. Section Three deal with language and communication in Nigeria, while Section Four handles chapters with perspectives on religion and culture. Section Six contains three papers that present perspectives on literature. The last section presents is on presents perspectives on African philosophy.

The book is edited by two Nigerian scholars, Akin Alao and Rotimi Taiwo, both of Obafemi Awolowo Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents Page
Table of Contents ii
Introduction viii
Acknowledgements xviii
About the Editors xix
Notes on Contributors xx

SECTION 1: PERSPECTIVES ON HISTORY AND POLITICS 1

CHAPTER ONE
Oil Multinationals and the Politics of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Niger Delta 2
Iwebunor Okwechime

CHAPTER TWO
The Dilemma of Traditional Rulers in Modern Governance: A Comparison of South Africa and Nigeria 39
F. A. Olasupo

CHAPTER THREE
Sovereign National Conference, National Conference or Constitutional Review: Which Option for the Beleaguered Nigerian State? 77
Ajayi Gboyega

CHAPTER FOUR
The 1940 Colonial Development and Welfare Act in Nigeria: An Assessment of its Socio-economic Impact 89
Bolade Adeniji

CHAPTER FIVE
Ecology of Election and Quality of Nigerian Democracy 104
Animashaun, Mojeed Adekunle

CHAPTER SIX
Deconstructing Civil Society: A Critical African Perspective 119
Kehinde O. Olayode

CHAPTER SEVEN
Palm Oil, Crude Oil and Foreign Enterprise in the History of Warri 1891 – 1991 144
Anthony Oritsegbemi Ifediora

CHAPTER EIGHT
The Roots of Ethno-religious Concflicts in Nigeria: The Arabo-Islamic/Judeo-Christian Factor 158
Adedeji Charles Ogidan

SECTION 2: PERSPECTIVES ON SOCIAL ISSUES 177

CHAPTER NINE
The Deepening Crisis of Corruption in Nigeria: A Critical Analysis of Policy Options 178
A. Sat Obiyan

CHAPTER TEN
The Emerging Network of Support for Retirees in Osun State, Nigeria 195
Adisa Ademola Lateef & Owoeye, Idowu Omotayo

CHAPTER ELEVEN
Effect of Modernisation on Obligations of Extended Family in Osun State 207
Akanmu, Olusola Esther

CHAPTER TWELVE
Community Self-governance as a Panacea for Environmental and Social Injustice in the Niger-Delta of Nigeria 220
S. R. Akinola

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Towards an Alternative Paradigm for National Security Discourse in a Globalizing World: A View for Africa 249
Chris S. Orngu

CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The International Financial Institutions and Africa: Profits or Losses? 259
Joseph Olukayode Akinbi Dolapo Zacchaeus Olupayimo

CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Globalization, Migration and Sub-ethnic Conflicts in Nigeria 272
Olajide Olayemi Akanji

SECTION 3: PERSPECTIVES ON LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION 294

CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Ideology and Power in News Reports on the 2007 Nigerian Presidential Elections in some Western Online Media: 295
Rotimi Taiwo

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
The Syntax of Pronouns and Interrogative Markers in Mòfòlí Dialect of Yoruba ` 311
Felix Abídèmí Fabunmi

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Campaign Manifesto Headings as Text in Campus Politics 324
Taofik O. Adesanmi Moji Olateju

CHAPTER NINETEEN
Language and Persuasive Ideology in President Shehu Shagari’s Maiden Speech 341
M. O. Ayeomoni

CHAPTER TWENTY
The Press and the Multi-stage Determination of Public Interest in a Developing Society 358
Oladokun Omojola

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
The Place of Indigenous Languages in the Technological Development of Nigeria 374
Faleye, James Oladunjoye

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
Some Manipulative Dimensions of Newspaper Reporting of the Niger-Delta Conflict in Nigeria 388
Kehinde A. Ayoola

SECTION 4: PERSPECTIVES ON RELIGION AND CULTURE 405

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
Theology of Blessing: A New wave in Nigerian Christianity 406
Olufemi Samuel Alofe

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
Contemporary Islamic Music among the Yoruba: The Effect of Cultural Diffussionism 422
‘Yomi Daramola

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
Shari’ah: An Instrument for Arresting Global Terrorism 437
Makinde, A. K.

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
The Interconnectivity between Islam and Ifa 452
M.O. Adeniyi

SECTION 5: PERSPECTIVES ON EDUCATION 462 CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
Creating Learning Communities: A Strategy for Expanding Opportunities for all in Nigeria 463
Akande, J. O.

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
Confronting HIV/AIDS in Nigeria through Education and Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) 477
B. A. Omoteso

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
Development of Civic Education Curriculum for the Lower Basic Education in Nigeria 491
D. A. Falade

CHAPTER THIRTY
Religious Intolerance and the Social and Educational Implicationsfor the Developing World: The Nigerian Scenario 503
Kobiowu, S. V.

SECTION 6: PERSPECTIVES ON LITERATURE 515

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE
Yoruba Gods on Brazillian Stage: A Thematic and Structural Purview of Plays Sponsored by Teatro Experimental do Negro 516
Ebenezer Adedeji Omoteso

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO
Narrating the Hidden Virtues of Africa: J. M. Coetzee’s Life and Times of Michael K and the Empowerment of the Disabled 539
Ayo Kehinde

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE
Split Ends: Literature and Politics in Habila’s Waiting for an Angel, Saro-Wiwa’s A Month and a Day and Okpewho’s Tides 561
Remi Akujobi

SECTION 7: PERSPECTIVES ON PHILOSOPHY 574

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR
Between Puritanism and Contextualism: Authenticity, Spirituality and the Normative Basis of African Identity 575
Idowu William

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE
African Conception of Time, the Tensed Theory of Time and the Question of Truth makers 594
Fasiku Gbenga

ISBN 9783862885008. LINCOM Cultural Studies 05. 640pp. 2011.

Medieval and Modern Concepts of Creation in the Abrahamic Faiths

Abdul B. Shaikh
University of Leeds

Comparative religion to a large extent still remains an under developed field in Western academia even to this day. Medieval and Modern Concepts of Creation in the Abrahamic Faiths aims to provide a better understanding of the Abrahamic religions namely, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It should be remembered that Abraham is widely revered and respected by the adherents of the faiths so much so that he has been bestowed the title ‘Father of Monotheism’. Studies in comparative religion have the ability to stimulate discussion and advance research with the main aim of fostering dialogue and mutual respect between the faiths. It is essential that the children of tomorrow see a bright future where mutual respect, tolerance and understanding is the order of the day rather than witnessing an environment dominated by suspicion, conflict and contempt based on misunderstandings.

This book is unique in many ways more than one that will come apparent in due course. One might at this point be inclined to ask why conduct such a study involving medieval and modern concepts of creation. One is of the view that such a study was required for a number of reasons that we shall outline in due course. Recent modern scholarship in the last fifty years has tended to focus upon the medieval concepts of creation and emanation in Judeo-Christian and Islamic philosophy and theology and as a result we find a plethora of treatises and works devoted to the above subjects. For example, writers such as Herbert Davison and Harry Austyn Wolfson as well as other academics devoted a great deal of time and energy in giving us access to knowledge about theology and philosophy that was previously only available to those who had a mastery of the Greek and Arabic language. Despite this significant contribution made by the aforementioned scholars, we find that the heirs to Wolfson and Davison have not emerged in the world of Western academia that are prepared to explore the new relationship between religion and modern science in the 21st century.

The author specialises in the field of comparative religion with particular attention placed on the Abrahamic faiths. He is presently lecturer in Islamic Studies in the Department of Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Leeds.

ISBN 9783862880966. LINCOM Cultural Studies 06. 302pp. 2011.

Constructing Gender through Proverbs and Folktales in Tazrwalt (South of Morocco)

Khadija Sekkal
Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco

This book focuses on the social construction of gender in folklore. Based on culture-reflector approach and critical ethnography, the investigation scrutinizes the social message of folklore. It examines the portrayal of women in two forms of folk literature, proverbs and folktales. It aims at showing whether folk tradition is biased against women or not.

The study is organized into five chapters with different subjects. While the first and second chapters constitute the theoretical part, the fourth and the fifth chapters are concerned with the empirical part. The third chapter is about the methodology adopted in this book. As the study is associated with ethnography, it adopts different data collection techniques, namely participant and non-participant observation, the interview and questionnaire. In fact, it uses methodological pluralism by combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to have a profound knowledge of Tazrwalt people.

The study concludes that in addition to the function of folklore in providing information about a culture, it has also other functions, namely indoctrination, socialization and enculturation. The book reveals that there are many stereotypes attached to women in folklore. The latter inevitably stresses their subordination and inferiority. Therefore, it is biased against women regardless of their social status. The study also unfolds that folk tradition enshrines the values of patriarchy. It also unveils that besides misrepresenting women, folklore is also a scope for the subversion of gender-related stereotypes.

The book suggests that an all-inclusive study should not only focus on gender but also on other variables such as age, social class and level of education. It also suggests that there should be more research on rural women and proposes that it’s high time to take into consideration their economic, social and individual differences. It also puts forward that, though women are negatively portrayed in folklore, their potential should not be underestimated; yet, it should be overemphasized. In fact, the present book shows that women are ready to improve their situation but the government should help them by establishing more schools, organizations and associations to ensure social equity. Their situation can also be improved but with the help of men who should encourage women.

ISBN 9783862882557. LINCOM Cultural Studies 07. 338pp. 2012.

REFLEXÕES SOBRE RAÇA E RACISMO EM SALA DE AULA

UMA PESQUISA COM DUAS PROFESSORAS DE INGLÊS NEGRAS

Paula de Almeida Silva
Federal Governo de Goiás

Este estudo é uma pesquisa-formação, realizada por duas professoras de inglês negras em formação universitária, com o apoio de uma pesquisadora. Com este estudo, buscou-se investigar a concepção de raça e racismo das professoras e como esses dois temas são abordados em suas aulas. Além disso, buscou-se investigar as consequências da pesquisa para a vida pessoal e profissional das professoras. Para a sua realização, foram utilizados como referenciais teóricos estudos sobre: raça e racismo (CARNEIRO, 2002; FOUCAULT, 1999; GUIMARÃES, 1999; hooks, 1992; MOORE, 2007; MUNANGA, 2004; STEPAN, 2005; SALES JR., 2006); língua e linguagem (AUSTIN, 1975; WEEDWOOD, 2002; RAJAGOPALAN, 2003; BAKHTIN, 1888); ensino crítico e formação docente (GOMES, 1995; GONÇALVES E SILVA, 2006; FREIRE, 1993; MOITA LOPES, 2002); e pesquisa-formação (JOSSO, 1999; 2000; 2004). Os resultados indicam que, ao participar dos encontros promovidos pela pesquisa, que tinham como foco os relatos de vida compartilhados e reflexões sobre as aulas, as professoras refletiram mais profundamente sobre raça e racismo no Brasil, evidenciando, assim, que a pesquisa-formação com base em histórias de vida ajudou a proporcionar maior entendimento sobre como as relações pessoais e profissionais estão interligadas pela raça e pelo racismo.

Com base em suas reflexões, as professoras elaboraram atividades sobre os dois temas para suas aulas de inglês de forma que a reflexão com estudantes também fosse empreendida. A análise dos dados evidencia que as professoras se tornaram pesquisadoras do assunto, adotaram a abordagem dos temas como agenda permanente em suas aulas e mudaram suas percepções como mulheres negras.

ISBN 9783862882601. LINCOM Cultural Studies 08. 164pp. 2012.

Beyond the Lines :  Fabien Eboussi Boulaga, A Philosophical Practice  Au-delà des lignes : Fabien Eboussi Boulaga, une pratique philosophique

Lidia Procesi (Università degli Studi Roma 3) & Kasereka Kavwahirehi (University of Ottawa)

Rendant hommage à Fabien Eboussi Boulaga, l’une des figures les plus marquantes et originales de la philosophie africaine, ce livre constitué des contributions des universitaires venant des horizons géographiques, linguistiques et culturels divers, examine la pratique philosophique de Fabien Eboussi Boulaga pour en faire ressortir la spécificité, les enjeux et, surtout, pour montrer les perspectives qu’il ouvre à la philosophie en tant que discipline qui doit se trouver place et fonction dans le monde postcolonial après avoir été au cœur du projet impérial et colonial de l’Europe bourgeoise.

Deux questions intimement liées animent le projet de Fabien Eboussi Boulaga : d’une part comment le sujet postcolonial peut-il inscrire la philosophie qui a contribué à le nier dans son humanité dans l’historicité singulière de son expérience vécue et en faire une pratique concrète de sa liberté? D’autre part, quel réaménagement doit subir la philosophie dès lors qu’elle s’énonce à partir des lieux naguère rejetés dans les ténèbres de la nuit de l’Esprit et se trouve ainsi contrainte à rendre compte de ce qu’elle avait alors qualifié de non-philosophique? C’est à examiner les réponses que Eboussi Boulaga donne à ces questions à travers sa pratique philosophique que les textes ici réunis s’attèlent. Une manière aussi de répondre la question posée par V.Y. Mudimbe : « Que signifie-t-il d’être Africain et philosophe aujourd’hui » K. K.

Lidia Procesi is Professor of the history of philosophy in the Department of Philosophy at the Università degli Studi Roma 3, and is a specialist of the German philosophical tradition, with publications on the work of F.W. Schelling, and the philosophy of religion in the work of Karl Gustav Jung. She is also the Italian translator of Fabien Eboussi Boulaga’s La Crise du Muntu (1977): Autenticità africana e filosofia. La crisi del Muntu: intelligenza, responsabilità, liberazione (2007).

Kasereka Kavwahirehi is Professor of French at the University of Ottawa. He is a speciliast of francophone literature with interests in postcolonial studies and African philosophy. His recent publications include: L'Afrique entre passé et futur: l'urgence d'un choix public de l'intelligence (2009), and Dire le social dans le roman francophone contemporain (2011), co-edited with Justin K. Bisanswa.

TABLE DES MATIÈRES

I. Préface

Célestin Monga (Banque mondiale) : The Third Half / La troisième moitié.

II. Dessein

Lidia Procesi (Univ. Roma Tre) : Premessa. Fabien Eboussi Boulaga e la sconfitta del feticismo linguistico.

Trip Attaway (Duke Universty) : Bibliography of Works by and on Fabien Eboussi Boulaga.

III. Profils

Kä Mana (Bénin) : Culture africaine et avenir du monde. Comment Eboussi Boulaga, Paulin Houtondji et Marcien Towa posent le problème de la culture africaine.

Filomeno Lopes & Severino Elias Ngoenha (Università Urbaniana) : Homenagem a Fabien Eboussi Boulaga.

MarcoMassoni (Univ. Roma Tre) : Fabien Eboussi Boulaga : Creolizzazione E/O Reinvenzione dell’Identita?

IV. Circuits

Kasereka Kavwahirehi (Université d’Ottawa) : Le fétichisme et le devenir pour-soi du Muntu.

Gervais Désiré Yamb (Université d’Ottawa) : Philosopher au présent. Anthropologie, philosophie et politique.

Silvia Riva (Università degli Studi di Milano) : Pour une « topologie différentielle » : Le diagnostic du présent dans la pensée d’Éboussi Boulaga.

Donatien M. Cicura (Salem State University) : Reclaiming African Authenticity through Science and Technology.

V. Spaces

Barry Hallen (Morehouse College) & J. Olubi Sodipo (Obafemi Awolowo University) : The House of “Inú.” Keys to the Structure of a Yoruba Theory of the Self.

Wim van Binsbergen (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam) : The Eclectic Scientism of Félix Guattari.

Luchien Karsten (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen) & Honorine Illa (Université de Ouagadougou) : Ubuntu as a Management Concept.

VI. Contours

Leonhard Praeg (Rhodes University) : An Answer to a Question : What is [ubuntu] ?

Melchior Mbonimpa (Université Laurentienne) : La dimension éthique de l’œuvre d’Éboussi.

V.Y. Mudimbe (Duke University) : A propos d’un passe-vue conceptuel. Une méditation sur « le tiers » et des histoires conceptuelles d’un monde. En l’honneur de F. Éboussi Boulaga.

VII. Traits

Kasereka Kavwahirehi (Université d’Ottawa) : Le courage philosophique.

Liste des contributeurs

ISBN 9783862882830. LINCOM Cultural Studies 09. 465pp. 2012.

Les rapports du christianisme avec l’Empire romain au IIe siècle : contribution de Justin Martyr

Pierre Ndoumaï
Saint Paul University

Les spécialistes du christianisme ancien s’accordent pour reconnaître que Justin Martyr est le plus grand des apologistes du IIe siècle. Ayant vécu à une époque où la survie du christianisme était incertaine, ses réflexions sur les rapports du christianisme avec l’Empire romain revêtent une importance particulière. La manière selon laquelle il a perçu ces rapports peut être une source d’inspiration pour les minorités religieuses qui vivent dans un contexte dominé par une idéologie ou une religion d’État. L’intégration de son discours dans le topos de la rhétorique de son époque, la mise en relief de la valeur intrinsèque du christianisme, l’insistance sur l’utilité sociale des chrétiens et l’identification du christianisme comme le pivot de la société sont autant d’arguments que Justin a avancés qui peuvent servir de pistes d’orientation aux minorités religieuses en quête d’identité et de droit de cité.

L’auteur de ce livre enseigne le christianisme ancien à l’Université Acadia (Campus de Montréal). En plus, il est chercheur associé au Laboratoire des médias audiovisuels pour l'étude des cultures et des sociétés multiculturelles (Université d’Ottawa). Il est l’auteur de plusieurs publications dont On ne naît pas Noir, on le devient et Indépendance et néocolonialisme en Afrique.

ISBN 9783862882823. LINCOM Cultural Studies 10. 186pp. 2012.