Table of Contents

 A Cursory Look at Some of the Speeches and Practices of the First Four

Rightly Guided Khalifs of Islam: Lessons for Nigerian Politicians

Aliyu Ibrahim Kofar Sauri                                                                                                        1 – 13

Schism and Ecumenical Initiatives in Nigeria 11^th – 21^st Centuries:

An Illusion or Reality

Emmanuel O.E. and Ikechi C.E.                                                                                               14 – 27

Lighting the Image: An Exploration of the Creative Use of Light on

Nigerian Screen

S. Joseph Bankola Ola –Koyi                                                                                                   28 – 47

Artistic Mediation, Africa’s Socio-political Trends and Globalisation

Reuben Kehinde Akano,                                                                                                           48 – 56                                                

Ordinary Readers’ Hermeneutics of Matthew 21:33-46: An Interplay

between Violence and Greed in Modern Nigeria

John Arierhi Ottuh                                                                                                                   57 – 82

Ordinary Readers’ Hermeneutics of Matthew 21:33-46: An Interplay between Violence and Greed in Modern Nigeria

John Arierhi Ottuh

Lecturer at Nehemiah Bible College, Okwokoko and

Vicar, Winners Baptist Church, Effurun, Delta State

E-mail: wibachef90@yahoo.com, wibachef90@gmail.com

Abstract

Violence due to greed and ethno-religious dichotomy is dividing Nigeria more than ever before. Therefore, using the ordinary readers hermeneutics methodology to read Matthew 21:33-46, this paper showed that the periscope was a critique of violence and intrigue resulting from Greed, hatred, bitterness and selfishness, the aim of this paper was to examine the interplay between violence and greed in Nigeria. The paper also showed that a great relationship exists between ethnicity and violence in Nigeria. This paper argued that the Greed associated with selfish and cooperate individuals is dangerous to inter-human relationship in the society and as such it is capable of disintegrating the church and the Nigerian nation in general. The study was concluded on the presupposition that those who allow their ethno-religious divides and greed to drive them in perpetrating violence in the Nigerian society will provoke the wrath of God and human society. 

Artistic Mediation, Africa’s Socio-political Trends and Globalisation 

Reuben Kehinde Akano,

Department of Languages and Literary Studies,

Kwara State University, Malete,

E-mail: omotwins@gmail.com

Abstract

The world is a global village so the saying goes. But in actual sense the aura of globalisation is pervading and insidious in some respects. Africa is an integral part of the globe and so her opportunities and challenges. Here comes the role of the art   as a superstructure in its critical and universal mode.  Literature remains the tool of illumination on the baleful or benevolent social trends in Africa’s onward march in the global sphere. This paper takes a look at the status and place of Africa in global spheres- politics, economy, religion and health. Using literary sociological tenets as the tool of appraisal, the paper x-rays the impact of literature in exploring Africa’s global opportunities and challenges. It submits that with the right attitude, Africa is in global competition for development inspite of her colonial memories.

Lighting the Image: An Exploration of the Creative Use of Light on Nigerian Screen 

S. Joseph Bankola Ola –Koyi

Department of Performing Arts

Olabisi Onabanjo  University

Ago Iwoye, Ogun State

E-mail: sundayolakoyi@yahoo.com

Abstract:

Of all the components of mise-en-scene, cinematographic lighting is one of the most important features which can make or mare any production. Unfortunately, when it comes to theorizing film from the Ivory Tower, this important feature of cinematic components had received little attentions from most Nigerian film scholars and critics.  Often times, this aspect is only used to explain or buttress relevant points on film theory and discourse.  However in this study, light shall occupy the centre stage. In carrying out this theoretical exploration on the creative use of light on Nigerian screen, the researcher employed structuralist approach, observation, and studio/film diagnosis and library study. In structure, this paper is designed with a conceptual framework on light, review the videographic lighting set up and highlights /shadows before looking at the four features of lights: quality, direction, source, and colour. In theorizing this unique component of film from the Ivory Tower, efforts are made in this paper, not only to identify the relevance of these features of light to Yoruba films but to include detail examination and the various usages of these filmic elements in productions.

Schism and Ecumenical Initiatives in Nigeria 11th – 21st Centuries: An Illusion or Reality 

¹Emmanuel O. Eregare. and ²Ikechi C.Ekpendu.

¹History & International Studies Department Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria

²Religious Studies Department, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria

E-mail: dr.eregare@gmail.com, Iykeekpendu@yahoo.com

Abstract

The procession for schism in church history in the eleventh century remains unresolved over Theology biases.  The advent of ecumenical initiatives in the early 19^th century became a notable attempt to put away schism in Nigerian Christian churches. However, this laudable attempt in the early 19^th Century was primarily based on theological and non theological variation. Though it is generally acceptable fact that the children of God all over the world were to be one family, it has rather over the years created conformists and non-conformists to the issue of oneness. It appears the study and practice for oneness of the Christendom in the classical text of the Lord’s Prayer, John 17: 11 are mystic-centric. Can the recent thrust for unity of the Christian churches in Nigeria be based on conformists or non-conformist views on ecumenism?  This paper attempts to do a critical African biblio-historical evaluation of church schisms and ecumenical concept in Nigeria in a little over ten centuries milieu. This paper will as well attempt to painstakingly make possible suggestions to make the prayer of the Master referred to at the beginning to its fulfillment.

A Cursory Look at Some of the Speeches and Practices of the First Four Rightly Guided Khalifs of Islam: Lessons for Nigerian Politicians 

Aliyu Ibrahim Kofar Sauri,

Department of Islamic Studies,

School of Arts and Social Sciences,

Isa Kaita College of Education,

Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria.

E-mail: aliiyui.ksauri@gmail.com/aliyui.ksauri@yahoo.com

Abstract

Islam is a comprehensive way of life.  It is more than being only a religion, because there is no aspect of life, which is vital for human development that Islam did not cover, such as economy, worship, culture and politics.  The Khulafa’urrashidun (Rightly guided Caliphs) believed in the prophet (SAW) from the beginning of his message and they were his first successors after his demise.  The experience they had on the concept of the ideal government of Madinah assisted them to demonstrate practical leadership of the Caliphate and how governance in Islam should be. This is done by actions and speeches they delivered when people elected them. The issue of justice “al-Adalah” to all citizenry is given priority in administering the affairs of the people of their own time as could be seen in the speech of Abubakr. He considered the week to be strong on the basis of his truth, while the strong to be weak if he is at wrong.

This paper intends to examine some statements of the Caliphs Abubakar, Umar, Uthman and Aliyu may Allah be pleased with them regarding governance.  Their demonstration of dedication, selflessness, trust, and so on in administering the society will also be highlighted in the paper for Nigerian politicians to emulate for a better Nigeria.  At end, the paper recommends that government has a role to play in ensuring better political leadership in Nigeria by compiling and teaching to the Nigerian Students some political write-ups and speeches of the past Muslims scholars.