Leaders In Nigeria Research Articles

Social media influencers and political influence operations: The Data Boys example in Nigeria

This study examines how ‘Data Boys’ covertly used social media platforms to promote, rehabilitate and sustain the image of political leaders in Nigeria. Data for this study are from an online qualitative survey of 25 social media influencers in Nigeria. Three broad themes (hyping a politician, remuneration and results) emerged from the data. Results reveal that Data Boys promote their political leaders by equivocation of identities, exaggerating the performance of their principals, falsifying corruption allegations against their principals’ competitor and concealing the transgressions of their principals. The paper conceptualises the rise of Data Boys in Nigeria’s political sphere and highlights ways through which they execute their online operations. The study argues that instead of using their networked communicative power for factual debate and respectful dialogues, that the Data Boys have been used as vehicles for covert message dissemination and other sponsored contents which could potentially go against public interest. The study concludes that the posture of Data Boys is inimical to public relations practice as their overtly negative and monolithic view of online influence cheapens the significance of social media influencer praxis and electioneering campaigns in Nigeria.

Ex-Militants as Traditional Rulers/Corporate Heads: Implication on Nigeria National Security

The assimilation of former militants into leadership roles as traditional rulers or corporate leaders in Nigeria presents significant challenges to national security and governance. This article explored these concerns through two case studies: His Royal Highness Ateke Tom, an ex-militant who became the Okochiri monarch, and Dokubo Asari who transitioned into a business leadership role with the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF). The primary objective of this study was to assess their effectiveness in contributing to regional stability, economic development, and governance while addressing issues of legitimacy, reconciliation, and ethical governance. Utilizing a comparative analysis, the study examined the dual roles of these ex-militants in post-conflict leadership and their impact on the Niger Delta region. The research was grounded in conflict resolution and governance theories, providing a theoretical framework to understand the complex dynamics of their leadership roles. The findings revealed that while integrating ex-militants into leadership can foster economic growth and stability, it also raises concerns about the legitimacy of their authority and the long-term sustainability of peace in the region. The study recommended harnessing the potential of ex-militants in leadership positions by promoting inclusive governance, enhancing community participation, and ensuring that their roles do not undermine national security. By retracing their paths from militancy to leadership, this research highlights the need for careful management of such transitions to achieve positive outcomes in post-conflict regions.

A study of Matthew 20:20–28 in relation to Pentecostal churches leadership in Nigeria

Background: Matthew 20:20–28 contains Jesus’ teaching on a leadership model that is anchored on selflessness, love, and servanthood. Today, when this teaching is juxtaposed with some Pentecostal churches’ leadership situation in Nigeria, it is apparent that the opposite is the case. Some Pentecostal church leaders in Nigeria have demonstrated a leadership mentality that is focused on selfishness, materialism, and abuse of power.Objectives: The study provides a re-reading of Matthew 20:20–28 to reveal its implications for Pentecostal churches leadership in Nigeria.Method: This study is a qualitative research conducted through a triangulation of a historical-critical method and in-depth interview (IDI). The historical-critical approach was used to study the pericope, while IDI served as a means of data collection from respondents.Results: Matthew 20:20–28 paints a picture of servant leadership, which entails placing others above self, divine approval above human commendation, responsibility above position, contribution above recognition, and care above ownership.Conclusion: The pericope pierces deeply into the heart of the leadership problems in some Pentecostal churches in Nigeria, and calls for imitation of Jesus’ leadership model.Contribution: Drawing from the pericope, this study unfolds a biblical model of leadership that is crucial to lessening the current leadership problems in Pentecostal churches in Nigeria.

Armed Banditry and Challenges of National Development : Is Nigeria’s Governance System Failing?

The incessant bandits’ activities vis-à-vis kidnapping of people for ransom, robbing them of their possessions, raping and even killing them at will by groups of people officially described as bandits in parts of Nigeria is worrisome. The study examines the nexus between governance and armed bandits’ activities, as well as its effects on the people and national development. The study relies on researchers’ observation of unfolding events in the study areas and secondary data. The study revealed that the poor quality of governance offered by the successive political leaders of Nigeria was the major inducing factor of these bandits’ activities. Other factors include political and economic reasons, a high unemployment rate, and a high level of poverty. The study concluded that bandits’ activities, if not quickly nipped in the bud will continue to inhibit the political, social, and economic development of the country, also, the activities are capable of truncating the evolving democratic governance and the corporate existence of Nigeria.

Have we lost touch with the Prophet Amos's warning? Church leaders and blood money rituals among youths in Nigeria

This article reviews the literature on how religious leaders in Nigeria have become complacent and conspire in thecorrupt activities of members of their congregations. Church leaders, who are meant to be guardians of ethics and morality, have lost it and are now dining with and covering people of dubious character. Some of these young people who engage in money rituals give money to these pastors, who accept it without inquiry. These young people are revered in the church and receive special prayers and honours. Others, who aspire to the same honours, seek ways to generate quick cash. This study investigates the role of church leaders in the growing ritual activities among Nigerian youths. It concludes by admonishing church leaders to emulate the life of Jesus, who was not afraid to speak the truth to the people whomhe was shepherding.

Leadership Question and the Writer’s Style: A Literary Stylistic Analysis of Adaobi Nwaubani’s I Do Not Come to You By Chance

This paper interrogates some artistic positions taken by Adaobi Nwaubani in projecting leadership issues in I Do Not Come to You by Chance. The paper notes that in spite of the enormity of critical attention on leadership in African critical space, bulk of the critical materials center around the ineptitude of African leaders and its consequent underdevelopment of African societies and the suffering of the mass. Literary critics hardly pay attention to those artistic positions through which authors project leadership issues in their texts. It is against this backdrop that this paper is dedicated for interrogation of some aspects of literary techniques, through which Nwaubani addresses leadership issues in her text. The work reveals how the author uses characterization and setting to expose the corrupt nature of most political leaders in Nigeria, their gluttony, and the deteriorating nature of some public institution. It has also revealed the complicit roles played by former colonial masters, and world institutions in entrenching criminality in Africa, especially in the Nigerian leadership. The paper concludes that both contents and form are very critical in understanding a literary work and so, an analysis of one at the expense of the other may scuttle the totality of the import of the issues authors raise in their texts.

Male engagement in family planning: the role of faith leaders in urban West Africa.

Sustainable Development Goal 3 aims to improve access to modern contraceptives and inform and educate people on family planning (FP). However, contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in West Africa is low at approximately 20%. One related factor is the limited engagement of males in FP decision-making. Addressing this issue requires a multiplicity of approaches, including the engagement of faith leaders. Faith leaders are often trusted by their congregants and could be an avenue to promoting male involvement in FP. In this report, we discuss the role of faith leaders in two West African countries, Nigeria and Ghana. We conducted 11 in-depth interviews with faith leaders in Nigeria and Ghana. Our exploratory findings indicate that faith leaders seem to have adequate knowledge and a positive perspective on male engagement and FP. In addition, the relationship of trust faith leaders maintain with their congregants is valuable in educating or counselling congregants on male engagement and FP.

Pragmeme of political humour in selected political cartoons in Nigerian newspapers

Several studies have been conducted regarding the object of humour based research but few attention has been given Cartoon Motivated humour (CMH) in Nigerian discourse. Thus, this study explores a pragmatic study of political humour in selected political cartoons. It investigates humour that reflect the corruption, embezzlement, economic and health challenges in Nigeria shared through the selected political cartoons. The theoretical framework adopted is Jacob Mey's Pragmatic Act Theory. A total of Twelve (12) data were purposively selected from three different newspapers (The Punch, The Daily Trust and The Vanguard). The paper found out that the humour in political cartoon is to evoke laughter with the intention to correct the societal ills of the political leaders. This is achieved through the practs of informing, castigating, ridiculing, exposing, blaming, etc. The paper also revealed that pragmatic elements such as inference, (INF), Relevance (REL), Reference (REF) and Shared Situational Knowledge (SSK) were used to expose the hidden messages in the selected political cartoons. The study also examines the use of language in political humour and the study employs qualitative method of research. The study reveals the inference, reference, inferred alongside the Shared Situational Knowledge meaning of the data used which played a crucial role in understanding the interpretation of the pract performed in political cartoon. The paper concludes that the humour in political cartoon doesn't only evoke laughter but correct societal ills and the way language is used by political leaders in Nigeria.

Masking as a Metaphor for Leadership Crisis in Mike Asukwo’s Opaque Style and Oracle on Lockdown

The presence of metaphors in political cartoons offers insightful pathways for communicating information about societal experiences. This article examines how masking is used as a metaphor to critique Nigeria's leadership crisis using a semiotic analysis of the verbal-visual messages contained in two political cartoons, Opaque Style and Oracle on Lockdown, by prominent Nigerian cartoonist Mike Asukwo. Operating within the contextual frames of opacity and oracular silence, masking is metaphorically applied in the cartoons to show the apparent disconnect between the ruling class and the masses. A connotative reading of the verbal and visual messages employed in the cartoons constructs images that portray political leaders in Nigeria as people who are secretive, deceptive, indifferent, and lacking in empathy. While a comparative view of fashion styles is used to humorously anchor the message and satire in Opaque Style, in Oracle on Lockdown, these are expressed through the use of the oracular practice.

The political lives of ex-militant leaders in Nigeria’s Niger Delta

ABSTRACT This article analyzes the post-amnesty politics in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. We argue that ex-militant leaders have risen to become influential political and economic actors since the implementation of the Post Amnesty Programme (PAP) for armed groups in the Niger Delta. Our argument suggests that the rise of ex-militant leaders as ‘new big men’ in the Niger Delta is a direct – yet unintended – outcome of the design and implementation of the PAP. We explain how ex-militant leaders were co-opted economically through the award of lucrative security contracts. Our findings show that ex-militants gained more power in their communities as they were given control over the access to the PAP programme. Ex-militant leaders subsequently used their positions of economic influence and power to become and remain influential political actors as well, thereby fundamentally changing politics at the community as well as state-level in the Niger Delta Region. This article also seeks to build on theories of neopatrimonialism, especially how patronage politics manifest in the context of peacebuilding in societies emerging from armed conflicts.

Role of Leadership in Strategic Management in Nigeria

Purpose: The study sought to analyze the role of leadership in strategic management in Nigeria
 Methodology: The research was conducted entirely on desktop review methoods. Secondary data, or data that doesn't require actual observation in the field, are the focus of desk research. Because it requires little more than an executive's time, telephone rates, and directories, desk research is generally seen as a low-cost strategy in comparison to field research. As a result, the research used data that had already been collected and reported. Secondary sources such as internet journals and libraries made this information readily available.
 Findings: The results show that Leadership is a critical element of strategic management. Leaders are responsible for setting the direction, vision and culture of the organization. They must also be able to develop and execute plans to achieve the organization’s objectives. Leaders in Nigeria must be able to anticipate, plan, lead, motivate and manage change. They must be able to develop strategies that are aligned with the organization’s objectives, and that will enable the organization to achieve a competitive advantage. They must also be able to effectively manage risk, create an environment of performance and excellence, and create a culture of trust and collaboration.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Future research in the field of strategic management may employ the transformational leadership theory and the contingency leadership theory as a foundation. Policymakers, researchers, and academics from all across the world will all stand to gain from this study's findings. The study's findings will also be used by the country's top strategic management executives to boost the effectiveness of their teams' leadership across the board. Effective strategic management policies in the leadership are advocated for in the study as a means to boost efficiency across key operations and activities.

A THEORETICAL ASSESSMENT OF SUCCESSION POLICY AND GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA

The study assessed succession policy and governance in Nigeria, with particular focus on challenges and prospects. The objective of the paper was to ascertain the effectiveness of succession policy in Nigeria. The paper assumed that succession issues have generated several controversies not only in Nigeria but globally. The system theory was utilised as the theoretical framework for the paper. Data was obtained from secondary sources from journals, books, newspapers and other relevant materials. The study adopted the descriptive method of analyses. It argued that in spite of the existence of succession policy, some Nigeria leaders are reluctant to hand over power and responsibilities at the expiration of their tenure to a successor. The finding revealed the following as challenges of succession policy in governance; weak institutions, sit-tight syndrome, and politricking among others. The paper concluded that much is still expected of government in tackling succession challenges; however, there is prospect for improvement in succession processes with the prevalent awareness of the gains of succession policy processes. The study therefore recommends building strong institutions, and shunning sit-tight syndromes among others to mitigate the challenges of succession issues.

Re-examining John 13:1–17 in the context of Nigerian political leadership

John 13:1–17 presents a style of leadership that is quite different from the traditional understanding and practice of leadership. This model of leadership in John’s Gospel is manifested in Jesus’ symbolic example of servant leadership, also known as the feet-washing. Feet-washing, generally the responsibility of servants, was seen as a degrading job that even the disciples could not do for their own leader. For Jesus, however, feet-washing is an illustration of humility, genuine love, and service. This article, therefore, is an attempt to critically examine this symbolic act of leadership in the context of John 13:1–17, and its implication on the development of Nigeria. Using the historical-critical exegetical method of analysis, it was discovered that this symbolic act of leadership by Jesus as presented in Johaninne pericope is a challenge to political leaders in Nigeria today. The hermeneutics of the study showed that Nigerian political leaders have displayed leadership styles that are based on selfishness, tyranny, nepotism, and tribalism that are an impediment to peace, stability, and national development. From the findings above, it is recommended, among others, that Nigerian political leaders should see leadership as an opportunity to serve and not as a do-or-die affair. This will improve the attitude, quality of life and inclusive growth in Nigeria. Contribution: This work critically investigates Jesus’ exemplary act of servant leadership narrated in John 13:1–17 in juxtaposition with Nigerian political leadership. Such an exegetical work is designed so that the present and upcoming political leaders in Nigeria could learn and emulate Jesus’ core qualities, strategies and attitudes that resulted in transforming and improving the lives and well-being of his followers.

Re-examining John 13:1–17 in the context of Nigerian political leadership

John 13:1–17 presents a style of leadership that is quite different from the traditional understanding and practice of leadership. This model of leadership in John’s Gospel is manifested in Jesus’ symbolic example of servant leadership, also known as the feet-washing. Feet-washing, generally the responsibility of servants, was seen as a degrading job that even the disciples could not do for their own leader. For Jesus, however, feet-washing is an illustration of humility, genuine love, and service. This article, therefore, is an attempt to critically examine this symbolic act of leadership in the context of John 13:1–17, and its implication on the development of Nigeria. Using the historical-critical exegetical method of analysis, it was discovered that this symbolic act of leadership by Jesus as presented in Johaninne pericope is a challenge to political leaders in Nigeria today. The hermeneutics of the study showed that Nigerian political leaders have displayed leadership styles that are based on selfishness, tyranny, nepotism, and tribalism that are an impediment to peace, stability, and national development. From the findings above, it is recommended, among others, that Nigerian political leaders should see leadership as an opportunity to serve and not as a do-or-die affair. This will improve the attitude, quality of life and inclusive growth in Nigeria.Contribution: This work critically investigates Jesus’ exemplary act of servant leadership narrated in John 13:1–17 in juxtaposition with Nigerian political leadership. Such an exegetical work is designed so that the present and upcoming political leaders in Nigeria could learn and emulate Jesus’ core qualities, strategies and attitudes that resulted in transforming and improving the lives and well-being of his followers.

The SIM Mission in Nigeria between 1893-1950: The Enduring Legacies from SIM Ministry for ECWA Leaders in Nigeria

The SIM Mission in Nigeria between 1893-1950: The Enduring Legacies from SIM Ministry for ECWA Leaders in Nigeria

The SIM Mission in Nigeria between 1893-1950: Lessons from the Strenghts and Weaknesses of SIM Ministry for ECWA Leaders in Nigeria

The SIM Mission in Nigeria between 1893-1950: Lessons from the Strenghts and Weaknesses of SIM Ministry for ECWA Leaders in Nigeria

LANGUAGE, VISUAL IMAGERY AND CORONAVIRUS MOTIVATED HUMOUR ON THE SOCIAL MEDIA: A CRITICAL- SEMIOTIC STUDY

The social media has witnessed a frenzy and influx of discourses from the broad street and world street because of the novel Coronavirus which has infected and killed many people world over. In Nigeria, the ways in which news of the virus is framed communicate ideological meanings which have a range of effects on the readers particularly on social media. Nigerians have taken the issue of Covid-19 pandemics as a form of humour so as to release their stress and tension of the agony which is relatively new. This paper therefore investigates humour that reflect the social, economic and health challenges in Nigeria shared through the social media in order to identify CMH as a form of humour through which real-life experiences of other people can be understood. Insights are drawn from Kress’ Critical Semiotic theory to analyse a total of ten (10) purposively selected humour on Coronavirus from social media, specifically Whatsapp and Facebook. The study found that the pictures are framed using both episodic and thematic framing. These frames are interlarded with pregnant ideological meaning(s) as to warn corrupt and inefficient leaders in Nigeria, particularly on health facilities in the country. Also, the paper concludes that humours do not only make people laugh, but also comment on certain societal maladies that finger the minds of Nigerian citizens.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM IN DEVELOPING SELFLEADERSHIP STRATEGIES FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE (SME) LEADERS IN NIGERIA: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF SME SELF-LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Self-leadership has the potential for more efficient and productive individuals and organization accomplishments however, the ideal training practices to impart self-leadership skills among individuals have been a controversial issue lately as there is no universally accepted training model in this regard. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the importance of the apprenticeship system in the training and development of self-leadership strategies for SME leaders in Nigeria, as a process of acquiring self-leadership skills and implementing them for effectiveness and growth of their businesses. The researchers carried out this study through exploratory qualitative research. A total of 16 SME leaders were sampled and data was collected and analyzed from in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis which were transcribed and analyzed using Nvivo software. The interview sessions were divided into two sessions and lasted over 20 hours in total. The findings indicated that the apprenticeship system could be a training method through which the strategies of self-leadership could be imparted, going by the positive feelings and greater confidence expressed by the SME leaders concerning the training they received and its effectiveness in improving their individual and organizational performance. Consequently, the government and other stakeholders are therefore encouraged to develop an acceptable model of training that incorporates self- leadership and the apprenticeship system into a uniform standard for training business leaders across the country.

Factors influencing compliance with public health directives and support for government's actions against COVID-19: A Nigerian case study

Because COVID-19 is a novel viral pandemic, there is a dearth of research in the body of evidence that explore factors that can influence compliance with public health recommendations and Nigerian government's actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Hence, this study's aim is to address this gap to help inform policymakers and the actions of public health leaders in Nigeria. The study included a sample of 336 adult Nigerians who responded to an online Qualtrics survey. Descriptive and linear regression analyses were conducted to determine the predictors of compliance with COVID-19 public health directives and support for government's action against COVID-19 spread. Perceived risk of stigmatization, perceived threat of COVID-19, town/city, gender, and confidence in government's ability to curb the spread and impact of COVID-19 were found to be significantly associated with compliance with COVID-19 public-health directives, and support for governments action against COVID-19. Given Nigeria's weak health system and high level of poverty, there is need to ensure the public health responses to the pandemic are effective and contextually relevant. Nigerians and other concerned global health stakeholders will benefit from research that provides more information on issues of non-compliance with COVID-19 public health directives and government actions.

The Over-Emphasis on the Paying of Tithe and the Quest for Materialism among Religious Leaders: An Evaluation of the Biblical Teaching on Tithe

The concept of tithe and tithing is a biblical concept. Tithing was a hieratic tax instituted as a means to support the Levites who ministered at God’s sanctuary. The Levites were to receive the tithes offered by Israel to Yahweh, because of the service they rendered at God’s sanctuary, and because they had no landed inheritance. The tithe system was enacted as a hieratic tax meant to provide support for the priests and Levites “for the service that they perform at God’s sanctuary (Num 18:21f). The tithes are voluntary; tithable things were products from the land or the herd. The tithe was basically for the support of the Levites who served at God’s Sanctuary. However, it has been observed and sadly so, that some contemporary Church leaders, especially in Nigeria, seem to be laying undue emphasis on tithing to their own financial advantage. This study was, therefore, conceived as a re-evaluation of the concept of tithing and the context under which it developed. The goal is to use the findings of this reevaluation to mirror the over emphasis on tithing by contemporary Church leaders in Nigeria. Findings reveal that there is a deviation from the context under which tithing was developed to somewhat exploitation of unsuspecting members of the Church to the advantage of prosperity preachers in Nigeria. This raises the question as to whether Christians of the contemporary era should still tithe since the context in which the tradition developed has changed.