The international arena where the intercourse between and amongst sovereign states occur accommod... more The international arena where the intercourse between and amongst sovereign states occur accommodates cooperation and competition but most often, it is characterized by conflicts. The ‘zero-sum’ nature of the international system actuates states to always design strategies and policies which ensure that their interests are protected at all times. It has always been that the state(s) with the preponderance of clout always sets the agenda on security hence, the ‘Bush Doctrine’ formally known as “the National Security Strategy of the United States” is therefore nothing other than a foreign policy design of the United States which seeks to sustain American global hegemony by obliterating all obstacles - of which terrorism is topmost. The Bush Doctrine, in order to achieve its set goals, makes use of pre-emption, unilateralism and the so- called extension of “freedom”. The Bush Doctrine was essentially a reaction to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the U.S, and it has sin...
Nigeria marks the centenary anniversary of its creation by the British colonial government in Jan... more Nigeria marks the centenary anniversary of its creation by the British colonial government in January, 2014. The amalgamation of Northern and Southern Protectorates on 1 st January 1914 officially signaled the political creation of Nigeria. This British creation continued its existence as one nation-state throughout the years of colonial administration, which ended on 1 st October, 1960. With attainment of political independence, Nigeria was seen as a promising nation due to its abundant natural and human resources. However, post-independence management of its economy by successive political leaders left much to be desired, and gave credence to the contention among many observers that Nigeria will celebrate its centenary as an under-developed country. Against this background, this paper examines the issue of “economic dependency” as a major challenge to sustained growth and enduring economic development in Nigeria. By the adoption of the eclectic Research method, the essay argues th...
Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, Feb 27, 2015
ABSTRACT Poverty has been a recurring problem in Africa, especially as from the last quarter of t... more ABSTRACT Poverty has been a recurring problem in Africa, especially as from the last quarter of the twentieth Century. The international community has equally shown concern to the problem. For instance, following the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the international community in 2000, official development assistance (ODA) to sub-Saharan African countries continued to increase. Thus, it was estimated that by 2010, about twenty-five billion dollars ($25 billion) worth of official development assistance would be allocated to Africa (UNECA, 2005). The principal aims, being to enable the continent solve its recurring poverty. However, despite these assistances, the poverty trap continues to bedevil Africa. Against this backdrop, adopting diverse forms of secondary data, this essay examines the human factor to the problem of poverty in Africa. It argues that numerous political crises inherent in the region have continued to pauperize the African population. In the course of analysis, the essay stresses that the political economy approach adopted by successive African political leaders from the mid 1970s till date has led to political upheavals in different sections of sub-Saharan Africa that instituted the poverty trap. The paper concludes by outlining some measures that could reduce poverty in Africa such as favorable socio- political environment and equitable distribution of resources to the populace. A major way to accomplish this would be the application of true democratic principles that would lead to the emergence of purposeful political leaders who would adopt proactive socio-economic policies that could favor the masses, thereby address the ‘poverty trap’ in the continent before the end of the 21 st Century.
Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, Mar 28, 2015
ABSTRACT This essay attempts to reassess the colonial economies of East and West Africa under Bri... more ABSTRACT This essay attempts to reassess the colonial economies of East and West Africa under British and French administrations. An appraisal of vital sectors of colonial economies forms the basis of analysis; and this shows that the two regions of Africa were ‘open economies’, as aptly observed by A.G. Hopkins. For instance, while agriculture and mining sectors attracted ‘special attention’, no concerted effort was made in the vital industrial sector that could have laid the foundation for the desired post-independence economic growth and sustained development of the two regions of Africa. Relying on diverse sources of data, the essay argues that contrary to the portrayal of the colonial enterprise by Lord F.D. Lugard as a ‘Dual Mandate’, it was rather a ‘Lopsided Mandate’ solely undertaken by colonial officials and their agents. The paper concludes that the purported benefits to East and West Africa manifested in socio-economic exploitations, which effects lingers till date and have contributed to the current low level of economic growth and underdevelopment witnessed in this two regions of Africa.
Multilateral development banks as international donor institutions, oftentimes, are wholly blamed... more Multilateral development banks as international donor institutions, oftentimes, are wholly blamed for the failures they encounter in their operational activities in African society. Many scholars have harped on the bourgeois development approach of such banks to fault everything about their operation in Africa. However, a cursory look at the problems that confronted those multilateral development institutions in some African societies tended to present a different scenario. This paper, therefore, examines the challenges of the African Development Bank as one of the international donor-development institutions in Nigeria. Methodology wise, it adopted the qualitative method of research but, as a study in economic history, relevant data were presented and analysed. The writer drew his sources of information mainly from oral respondents, official policy documents and reports. Also, books, newspapers and magazines served as sources. The paper having adopted the structural functionalist t...
The decolonization process in the last century led to the emergence of nationalists in many Afric... more The decolonization process in the last century led to the emergence of nationalists in many African states. In Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe emerged as a foremost nationalist, and later became the first indigenous Governor-General, first indigenous President/ head of State and Commander in-Chief of the Armed forces of immediate post-independent Nigeria, and participated in active politics up till the Presidential elections of 1983. Although, Nnamdi Azikiwe was a Nigeria by birth, but his contributions during the anti-colonial struggles was beyond Nigeria. He acquired his higher education laurels in the United States, began his journalism career in Ghana, while his intellectual contributions during the anti-colonial struggles positively influenced many people in Africa, especially in the Anglophone states. Against this backdrop, with the use of diverse secondary sources, this paper appraises the contributions of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe to African socio-political and economic growth during the twentieth century. The paper concludes after a thorough appraisal that emerging African leaders should understudy the socio-political and economic philosophy of the late sage, which if well implemented could bring about the much desired good governance and sustainable socio-political growth in the continent before the end of the 21 st century.
ABSTRACT
Poverty has been a recurring problem in A... more ABSTRACT
Poverty has been a recurring problem in Africa, especially as from the last quarter of the twentieth Century. The international community has equally shown concern to the problem. For instance, following the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the international community in 2000, official development assistance (ODA) to sub-Saharan African countries continued to increase. Thus, it was estimated that by 2010, about twenty-five billion dollars ($25 billion) worth of official development assistance would be allocated to Africa (UNECA, 2005). The principal aims, being to enable the continent solve its recurring poverty. However, despite these assistances, the poverty trap continues to bedevil Africa. Against this backdrop, adopting diverse forms of secondary data, this essay examines the human factor to the problem of poverty in Africa. It argues that numerous political crises inherent in the region have continued to pauperize the African population. In the course of analysis, the essay stresses that the political economy approach adopted by successive African political leaders from the mid 1970s till date has led to political upheavals in different sections of sub-Saharan Africa that instituted the poverty trap. The paper concludes by outlining some measures that could reduce poverty in Africa such as favorable socio- political environment and equitable distribution of resources to the populace. A major way to accomplish this would be the application of true democratic principles that would lead to the emergence of purposeful political leaders who would adopt proactive socio-economic policies that could favor the masses, thereby address the ‘poverty trap’ in the continent before the end of the 21st Century
This essay attempts to reassess the colonial economies of East and West Africa under British and ... more This essay attempts to reassess the colonial economies of East and West Africa under British and French administrations. An appraisal of vital sectors of colonial economies forms the basis of analysis; and this shows that the two regions of Africa were 'open economies', as aptly observed by A.G. Hopkins. For instance, while agriculture and mining sectors attracted 'special attention', no concerted effort was made in the vital industrial sector that could have laid the foundation for the desired post-independence economic growth and sustained development of the two regions of Africa. Relying on diverse sources of data, the essay argues that contrary to the portrayal of the colonial enterprise by Lord F.D. Lugard as a 'Dual Mandate', it was rather a 'Lopsided Mandate' solely undertaken by colonial officials and their agents. The paper concludes that the purported benefits to East and West Africa manifested in socio-economic exploitations, which effects lingers till date and have contributed to the current low level of economic growth and underdevelopment witnessed in this two regions of Africa.
The international arena where the intercourse between and amongst sovereign states occur accommod... more The international arena where the intercourse between and amongst sovereign states occur accommodates cooperation and competition but most often, it is characterized by conflicts. The ‘zero-sum’ nature of the international system actuates states to always design strategies and policies which ensure that their interests are protected at all times. It has always been that the state(s) with the preponderance of clout always sets the agenda on security hence, the ‘Bush Doctrine’ formally known as “the National Security Strategy of the United States” is therefore nothing other than a foreign policy design of the United States which seeks to sustain American global hegemony by obliterating all obstacles - of which terrorism is topmost. The Bush Doctrine, in order to achieve its set goals, makes use of pre-emption, unilateralism and the so- called extension of “freedom”. The Bush Doctrine was essentially a reaction to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the U.S, and it has sin...
Nigeria marks the centenary anniversary of its creation by the British colonial government in Jan... more Nigeria marks the centenary anniversary of its creation by the British colonial government in January, 2014. The amalgamation of Northern and Southern Protectorates on 1 st January 1914 officially signaled the political creation of Nigeria. This British creation continued its existence as one nation-state throughout the years of colonial administration, which ended on 1 st October, 1960. With attainment of political independence, Nigeria was seen as a promising nation due to its abundant natural and human resources. However, post-independence management of its economy by successive political leaders left much to be desired, and gave credence to the contention among many observers that Nigeria will celebrate its centenary as an under-developed country. Against this background, this paper examines the issue of “economic dependency” as a major challenge to sustained growth and enduring economic development in Nigeria. By the adoption of the eclectic Research method, the essay argues th...
Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, Feb 27, 2015
ABSTRACT Poverty has been a recurring problem in Africa, especially as from the last quarter of t... more ABSTRACT Poverty has been a recurring problem in Africa, especially as from the last quarter of the twentieth Century. The international community has equally shown concern to the problem. For instance, following the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the international community in 2000, official development assistance (ODA) to sub-Saharan African countries continued to increase. Thus, it was estimated that by 2010, about twenty-five billion dollars ($25 billion) worth of official development assistance would be allocated to Africa (UNECA, 2005). The principal aims, being to enable the continent solve its recurring poverty. However, despite these assistances, the poverty trap continues to bedevil Africa. Against this backdrop, adopting diverse forms of secondary data, this essay examines the human factor to the problem of poverty in Africa. It argues that numerous political crises inherent in the region have continued to pauperize the African population. In the course of analysis, the essay stresses that the political economy approach adopted by successive African political leaders from the mid 1970s till date has led to political upheavals in different sections of sub-Saharan Africa that instituted the poverty trap. The paper concludes by outlining some measures that could reduce poverty in Africa such as favorable socio- political environment and equitable distribution of resources to the populace. A major way to accomplish this would be the application of true democratic principles that would lead to the emergence of purposeful political leaders who would adopt proactive socio-economic policies that could favor the masses, thereby address the ‘poverty trap’ in the continent before the end of the 21 st Century.
Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, Mar 28, 2015
ABSTRACT This essay attempts to reassess the colonial economies of East and West Africa under Bri... more ABSTRACT This essay attempts to reassess the colonial economies of East and West Africa under British and French administrations. An appraisal of vital sectors of colonial economies forms the basis of analysis; and this shows that the two regions of Africa were ‘open economies’, as aptly observed by A.G. Hopkins. For instance, while agriculture and mining sectors attracted ‘special attention’, no concerted effort was made in the vital industrial sector that could have laid the foundation for the desired post-independence economic growth and sustained development of the two regions of Africa. Relying on diverse sources of data, the essay argues that contrary to the portrayal of the colonial enterprise by Lord F.D. Lugard as a ‘Dual Mandate’, it was rather a ‘Lopsided Mandate’ solely undertaken by colonial officials and their agents. The paper concludes that the purported benefits to East and West Africa manifested in socio-economic exploitations, which effects lingers till date and have contributed to the current low level of economic growth and underdevelopment witnessed in this two regions of Africa.
Multilateral development banks as international donor institutions, oftentimes, are wholly blamed... more Multilateral development banks as international donor institutions, oftentimes, are wholly blamed for the failures they encounter in their operational activities in African society. Many scholars have harped on the bourgeois development approach of such banks to fault everything about their operation in Africa. However, a cursory look at the problems that confronted those multilateral development institutions in some African societies tended to present a different scenario. This paper, therefore, examines the challenges of the African Development Bank as one of the international donor-development institutions in Nigeria. Methodology wise, it adopted the qualitative method of research but, as a study in economic history, relevant data were presented and analysed. The writer drew his sources of information mainly from oral respondents, official policy documents and reports. Also, books, newspapers and magazines served as sources. The paper having adopted the structural functionalist t...
The decolonization process in the last century led to the emergence of nationalists in many Afric... more The decolonization process in the last century led to the emergence of nationalists in many African states. In Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe emerged as a foremost nationalist, and later became the first indigenous Governor-General, first indigenous President/ head of State and Commander in-Chief of the Armed forces of immediate post-independent Nigeria, and participated in active politics up till the Presidential elections of 1983. Although, Nnamdi Azikiwe was a Nigeria by birth, but his contributions during the anti-colonial struggles was beyond Nigeria. He acquired his higher education laurels in the United States, began his journalism career in Ghana, while his intellectual contributions during the anti-colonial struggles positively influenced many people in Africa, especially in the Anglophone states. Against this backdrop, with the use of diverse secondary sources, this paper appraises the contributions of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe to African socio-political and economic growth during the twentieth century. The paper concludes after a thorough appraisal that emerging African leaders should understudy the socio-political and economic philosophy of the late sage, which if well implemented could bring about the much desired good governance and sustainable socio-political growth in the continent before the end of the 21 st century.
ABSTRACT
Poverty has been a recurring problem in A... more ABSTRACT
Poverty has been a recurring problem in Africa, especially as from the last quarter of the twentieth Century. The international community has equally shown concern to the problem. For instance, following the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the international community in 2000, official development assistance (ODA) to sub-Saharan African countries continued to increase. Thus, it was estimated that by 2010, about twenty-five billion dollars ($25 billion) worth of official development assistance would be allocated to Africa (UNECA, 2005). The principal aims, being to enable the continent solve its recurring poverty. However, despite these assistances, the poverty trap continues to bedevil Africa. Against this backdrop, adopting diverse forms of secondary data, this essay examines the human factor to the problem of poverty in Africa. It argues that numerous political crises inherent in the region have continued to pauperize the African population. In the course of analysis, the essay stresses that the political economy approach adopted by successive African political leaders from the mid 1970s till date has led to political upheavals in different sections of sub-Saharan Africa that instituted the poverty trap. The paper concludes by outlining some measures that could reduce poverty in Africa such as favorable socio- political environment and equitable distribution of resources to the populace. A major way to accomplish this would be the application of true democratic principles that would lead to the emergence of purposeful political leaders who would adopt proactive socio-economic policies that could favor the masses, thereby address the ‘poverty trap’ in the continent before the end of the 21st Century
This essay attempts to reassess the colonial economies of East and West Africa under British and ... more This essay attempts to reassess the colonial economies of East and West Africa under British and French administrations. An appraisal of vital sectors of colonial economies forms the basis of analysis; and this shows that the two regions of Africa were 'open economies', as aptly observed by A.G. Hopkins. For instance, while agriculture and mining sectors attracted 'special attention', no concerted effort was made in the vital industrial sector that could have laid the foundation for the desired post-independence economic growth and sustained development of the two regions of Africa. Relying on diverse sources of data, the essay argues that contrary to the portrayal of the colonial enterprise by Lord F.D. Lugard as a 'Dual Mandate', it was rather a 'Lopsided Mandate' solely undertaken by colonial officials and their agents. The paper concludes that the purported benefits to East and West Africa manifested in socio-economic exploitations, which effects lingers till date and have contributed to the current low level of economic growth and underdevelopment witnessed in this two regions of Africa.
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Poverty has been a recurring problem in Africa, especially as from the last quarter of the twentieth Century. The international community has equally shown concern to the problem. For instance, following the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the international community in 2000, official development assistance (ODA) to sub-Saharan African countries continued to increase. Thus, it was estimated that by 2010, about twenty-five billion dollars ($25 billion) worth of official development assistance would be allocated to Africa (UNECA, 2005). The principal aims, being to enable the continent solve its recurring poverty. However, despite these assistances, the poverty trap continues to bedevil Africa. Against this backdrop, adopting diverse forms of secondary data, this essay examines the human factor to the problem of poverty in Africa. It argues that numerous political crises inherent in the region have continued to pauperize the African population. In the course of analysis, the essay stresses that the political economy approach adopted by successive African political leaders from the mid 1970s till date has led to political upheavals in different sections of sub-Saharan Africa that instituted the poverty trap. The paper concludes by outlining some measures that could reduce poverty in Africa such as favorable socio- political environment and equitable distribution of resources to the populace. A major way to accomplish this would be the application of true democratic principles that would lead to the emergence of purposeful political leaders who would adopt proactive socio-economic policies that could favor the masses, thereby address the ‘poverty trap’ in the continent before the end of the 21st Century
Poverty has been a recurring problem in Africa, especially as from the last quarter of the twentieth Century. The international community has equally shown concern to the problem. For instance, following the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the international community in 2000, official development assistance (ODA) to sub-Saharan African countries continued to increase. Thus, it was estimated that by 2010, about twenty-five billion dollars ($25 billion) worth of official development assistance would be allocated to Africa (UNECA, 2005). The principal aims, being to enable the continent solve its recurring poverty. However, despite these assistances, the poverty trap continues to bedevil Africa. Against this backdrop, adopting diverse forms of secondary data, this essay examines the human factor to the problem of poverty in Africa. It argues that numerous political crises inherent in the region have continued to pauperize the African population. In the course of analysis, the essay stresses that the political economy approach adopted by successive African political leaders from the mid 1970s till date has led to political upheavals in different sections of sub-Saharan Africa that instituted the poverty trap. The paper concludes by outlining some measures that could reduce poverty in Africa such as favorable socio- political environment and equitable distribution of resources to the populace. A major way to accomplish this would be the application of true democratic principles that would lead to the emergence of purposeful political leaders who would adopt proactive socio-economic policies that could favor the masses, thereby address the ‘poverty trap’ in the continent before the end of the 21st Century