Ogun State in Perspective


Book Description




Emerging Perspectives on Chinua Achebe


Book Description

Chinua Achebe's influence on contemporary African literature is as much in evidence in his art of the novel as his theory of African literature and literary criticism. ISINKA (Igbo term for artistic purpose') establishes Achebe's legacy as a literary theorist and critic. In these essays scholars from around the globe assess and establish how much Achebe's extra-fictional ideas about African literature and literature in general are justified in his own creative works.'




Perspectives on the Legislature and the Prospects of Accountability in Nigeria and South Africa


Book Description

This book examines the problem of accountability in two African political systems, South Africa and Nigeria. Despite the principle of separation of powers and the doctrine of checks and balances among the institutions of governance, a burgeoning governance crisis stifles the potential of accountability and good governance. Legislative oversight in the two countries remains largely ineffective while citizens are left to face the consequences of the mismanagement of public resources by political elites. This book critically assesses how the legislative institutions in South Africa and Nigeria have been unable to harness the requisite constitutional powers to ensure accountability in government and explores the feasibility of their effectiveness. The book begins with a comparative analysis of the principles, tradition, and powers associated with legislative capability in South Africa and Nigeria. The chapters explore constitutional provisions and analyze the capacity of each legislature to function within its respective political environment. The book also examines the process and challenges associated with the various measures and mechanisms available for legislatures to ensure accountability in the two countries. Researchers, scholars and students of African politics will find this book useful in their understanding of the problems associated with the simmering governance crisis in South Africa and Nigeria.




Social Development and Social Work Perspectives on Social Protection


Book Description

Social protection is now considered a development milestone and an important tool in combating poverty. Interventions can include, for example, health insurance, public works programs, guaranteed employment schemes, or cash transfers targeting vulnerable populations groups. This innovative volume is designed to develop understanding about the role and contribution of social protection globally and to share innovative practice and policies from around the world. It explores how to cover an entire population effectively, especially those who are at risk or who are already in a situation of deprivation, and in a sustainable manner. Divided into two parts, the book begins by exploring the theoretical underpinnings of social protection, discussing the social work and social development perspectives and concepts that currently shape it. The second part is comprised of case studies from countries implementing successful social protection initiatives, including Brazil, India, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Indonesia, and reveals how the impact of a successful social protection intervention on poverty, vulnerability and inequality can be dramatic. This volume is an important reference for advanced students and researchers from a range of disciplines including social policy, social work, development studies, geography, planning, economics, sociology, population health and political science.




The Organ Works of Fela Sowande: Cultural Perspectives


Book Description

Nigeria has been blessed with a few well-trained organist-composers since the arrival of Christianity in the most populous African country around the 1840s. The institutions established by European missionaries and the colonial administration had a great impact on the emergence of the 'Nigerian organ school'. The musicians had their formative periods at the mission schools, church choirs, and under organ playing apprenticeships. This book focuses on selected organ works by the most celebrated African art musician, Fela Sowande, a Nigerian organist-composer. Fela Sowande is the first African to popularize organ works by natives of Africa in Europe and the United States. He was one of the pioneer composers to incorporate indigenous African elements such as folksongs, rhythms and other types of traditional source materials in solo works for organ. He is considered the most prolific Nigerian composer for solo organ in Nigeria. The discussion of Sowande's music enunciates the relationship between traditional and contemporary musical processes in postcolonial Nigeria. A cultural and/or ethnomusicological analysis of Sowande's selected pieces for organ solo involves an examination of specific indigenous source materials such as rhythmic organization, melodic constructs/thematic materials (music communication), interrelations of music and dance, and elements of musical conception.




Global Perspectives on the Impact of Mass Media on Electoral Processes


Book Description

The media play active roles in politics with different media channels serving as bridges that link the politicians and citizens together. It is clear that what the media emphasize as important may be seen as such by the public. Hence, it is likely that the media may impact voter decisions during electoral processes and even during the elections. As such, it is imperative that research is collected on the impact of the media and the role it plays in strengthening party loyalty, improving public knowledge on elections, and swaying apathetic citizens to become involved in the electoral process. Global Perspectives on the Impact of Mass Media on Electoral Processes provides relevant theoretical frameworks and research findings that evidence the impact of the media in specific elections in different countries around the world. The book supports professionals who want to improve their understanding of the strategic roles that the media play in electoral politics as well as political candidates who may want to know if their heavy expenditures in paying the media to carry their political messages bring in returns on their investment. Covering topics that include social media, political cartoons, and media influence, this book seeks to provide fresh insights on the media’s impact on elections whether at the national, regional, or local levels. It is ideal for politicians, campaign managers, media analysts, government officials, professionals, researchers, students, academicians, and individuals involved in electoral management, political parties, advertising agencies, and marketing companies.




Perspectives on Career Transitioning of Students with Hearing Impairments


Book Description

Many individuals with hearing impairments face significant challenges when transitioning from education to employment. These challenges are often exacerbated by a lack of understanding, limited support structures, and inadequate resources. As a result, they may struggle to find and maintain meaningful employment, leading to increased societal exclusion and economic hardship. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs and barriers faced by hearing impaired individuals, and evidence-based strategies to support their successful transition into the workforce. Perspectives on Career Transitioning of Students with Hearing Impairments offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges of career transitioning for these students that have had educational resources that may be of reach as they enter the workforce. Drawing on extensive research and practical insights, the book provides a nuanced understanding of hearing impairment and its impact on career development. It explores various topics, including existing knowledge and attitudes, theories and methods, educational and policy issues, intervention studies, and guidelines for supporting these individuals in their career transitions. The book aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice by addressing these topics and offering actionable strategies and recommendations for educators, policymakers, and practitioners.







Biopsychosocial Perspectives and Practices for Addressing Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases


Book Description

While there are a number of clinical practices for treating a variety of diseases, there is an urgent need to integrate bio-psychosocial perspectives and practices in order to promote comprehensive healthcare. Current research reports that diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and heart diseases are a growing threat to the heath and quality of life of individuals across the globe. Considering that nearly all these diseases are directly related to the lifestyle of an individual, prevention and intervention should be devised to address psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual factors. Biopsychosocial Perspectives and Practices for Addressing Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases is a collection of theoretical research that promotes good health and quality of life through psychosocial interventions to address psychosocial problems facing individuals such as discrimination and stigma, stress, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, smoking, lack of physical activity, and many other socio-economic factors. While highlighting topics including mental health, traditional healthcare, and global health, this book is ideally designed for therapists, counselors, psychologists, medical professionals, hospital administrators, researchers, academicians, and students in fields that include public health, nursing, community-based healthcare, health psychology, HIV/AIDS education, human movement education, and sport psychology.




Global Perspectives on the Emerging Trends in Public Diplomacy


Book Description

Since the 20th century, when modern democracies gained more strength, governments have carried out their internal and foreign affairs policies with society's approval. For that reason, all organizations that want to influence governments try to gain a reputation in the eyes of the public. Similarly, states also attempt to build a reputation and trust in the public opinion of a target country or within particular target communities through public diplomacy activities. It is seen that remarkable public diplomacy studies and works have been carried out for more than half a century, and the field has advanced. However, the public diplomacy literature is mainly USA-dominated due to its pioneering role in the emergence of the concept and its institutionalization. Public diplomacy perceptions and practices in other countries also develop under the influence of this experience. With this effect, each country determines its practice areas and actors for public diplomacy considering its power, sphere of influence, opportunities, and risks. Global Perspectives on the Emerging Trends in Public Diplomacy offers insights into the approaches taken by countries in different geographies and how they tailor their public diplomacy activities based on their unique opportunities and risks. By examining the practices of various countries, this book provides a global picture of public diplomacy activities and identifies emerging trends shaping the field. This book is essential for researchers, academicians, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and non-government and government organizations looking to enhance their understanding of public diplomacy. The diverse range of perspectives offered in this book will enable readers to understand how different countries approach public diplomacy and how these activities are evolving in the current global landscape.