Faculty of Arts

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A critical discourse analysis of Michelle Obama's send forth speech
(International Journal of Foreign Languages and Literatures, Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria., 2025) Babagogata, A. H.
Language is a pivotal instrument in political speeches. This study critically explores how Michelle Obama used interactional control, including wording. connectives, and argumentation (cohesion-lexical and grammatical-modality, word meaning, and metaphor) to communicate in her "Send Forth"speech. The study adopted Norman Fairclough (2001) Critical Discourse Analysis as its theoretical foundation. Findings showed that elements of critical discourse analysis, such as anecdote, deixis, name-calling, the reader, and honorific terms, were used to reveal the social relationship of the writer/speaker to their thoughts or subject matters and their readers/listeners. The findings also indicated that ideologies influence the structure of language, as every choice a writer/speaker makes is strategic. Finally, the elements of analysis stipulated by Fairclough and adapted in this study revealed that all texts are strikingly similar in their ideological representations. The writer/speaker used modality and metaphor to reveal her opinion about certain issues and the persons with whom she had worked.
A critical discourse analysis of selected media representatives on (in)security discourse in Nigerian newspapers
(Al-Qalam: A Journal of Languages and Literary Studies, Department of English and Literature, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria., 2026) Babagogata, A. H.
Language is an important instrument in the hands of newspapers reporters. Thus, this study critically explored how language is used in four selected Nigerian newspaper discourse on insecurity. The study adopted the Norman Fairclough's (2001) Member Resources, van Dijk's (2004) Socio Cognitive approach and principles of Halliday's system of transitivity as theoretical foundations. A total of ten (10) insecurity news were purposively selected from the four Nigerian dailies (Daily Trust, The Guardian. The Punch and The Nations The newspapers were selected from the editions published between July 2022 and August 2022, Findings of the study showed that Nigerian newspapers deploy lexical, syntactic and discursive devices in representing insecurity reports as a strategy of domination and supremacy with the use of exploiting lexical items and strong imperatives which allow them impose their views on others. This study concludes that news reports on insurgents crisis in Nigeria do not only inform the audience about the latest activities relating to insurgencies and government's steps towards stemming the menace but they also help to celebrate and praise security agencies in their fight against insurgencies.
A critical discourse analysis of Wike's ministerial acceptance speech
(Working Papers: Journal of English Studies, Department of English Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria., 2025) Babagogata, A. H.
This study delves into a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of Nyesom Wike's appointment speech as a minister, with the goal of exploring how language plays a crucial role in shaping political discussions. CDA, a versatile method that adapts to new challenges and contexts, continues to be a valuable resource for scholars. By scrutinizing the language and the surrounding context, this study aims to deepen our understanding of political discussions in Nigerian. Wike's political journey and influence are marked by his dedication to community growth, strategic political tactics, and effective leadership across different levels. He skillfully uses various linguistic and rhetorical techniques to engage his audience; he builds trust, and advocate for his policy goals. By placing his speech within its historical, cultural, and political backdrop, he adds depth and impact to his message. This study provides the summary of essential theoretical ideas, research methods, and prior studies pertinent to the examination of political discourse through the lens of CDA. The examination of Wike's speech highlights the complex ways in which language is used to construct identities, convincelisteners, and manipulate power structures. The significant impact of Wike's speech on Nigerian politics is profound. It challenges deep-seated party loyalties, signalling a shift towards a more pragmatic and cooperative approach in politics. This research, recognizing its own limitations, aims to illuminate the role and importance of political discourse through CDA. This research gives rise to various recommendations, including the promotion of political collaboration, the emphasis on issue-based politics, and the improvement of public communication, the encouragement of transparency and accountability, and the fostering of inclusive governance.
A HERMENEUTICAL STUDY OF LEVITICUS 19: 15 AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR JUDGES IN NIGERIAN DEMOCRATIC CONTEXT
(Global Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences.Vol.03. Issue.06, 2024) Awojobi, Peter Olanrewaju
Justice is one of the attributes of Yahweh. Judges were appointed in ancient Israel by Yahweh for the Israelites to live in peace and harmony with one another. However, it was observed that the Judges in ancient Israel did not live to expectation. Leviticus 19: 15 was chosen as a text of investigation to determine the response of Yahweh to the Judges and its implications for Judges in Nigerian democratic Context. Historical and Phenomenological methods were used for the research. It was discovered that one of the organs that is expected to play crucial roles in governance is the judiciary. The study revealed that Judges and leaders in ancient Israel failed Yahweh. Also, since the inception of Democracy in Nigeria, the Judiciary has played and is playing important roles to protect the system. One of the major roles of the Judiciary is justice and equity for all and sundry in all election petitions, disputes in political parties, removal and reinstatement of elected officer. It was observed that some members of the judiciary are not living to the expectation of the law and the people. Some of them compromise justice for pecuniary gains. Some Nigerians opined that Judiciary has been compromised and as such cannot be trusted in the events of manipulations of electoral process or results by the politicians and the electoral body that has the responsibility of conducting elections. In view of this, many Nigerians no longer have trust in the Judiciary and this has brought the vocation in to disrepute.
A Historical Overview of Islam and Islamic Scholarship in Ali-Agan Quarters in Ilorin
(Centre for Ilorin Studies (CILS), University of Ilorin, Nigeria, 2015) Eliasu Yahaya
From 1000AD, it was not unlikely that Islam had started to find its bearing out of Arabia which was its main origin. In addition, it was this time or thereafter that we could mention Islam Per se in Africa. But prior to this time, West African communities were ardent worshippers of gods and goddesses, animate and inanimate objects such as moon, stars, trees and so on. It must be pointed out that prior to the coming of Islam, West African communities had strong traditional background and were involved in the worship of deities. It was this situation that Islam later encountered in West Africa. By 722AD, there was a resurgence in Arabia. This resurgence culminated into the dispersal of many Arabs outside Arabia. Around 7th century, the Arabs had settled amongst the African communities and at the same time Islam was making its ways into North Africa. Islamic culture and traditional cultures created inter-group conflicts among the Muslim Arabs and the Berber settlers of North Africa. After sometime, the Arabs were able to establish themselves strongly in North Africa which resulted into exposing the Mediterranean region of North Africa which included places such as Libya and Morocco to Islamic faith. However, available evidences seem to suggest that Islam was known amongst the West Africa communities which antedated the time of the arrival of Arabs of North Africa.
A Plea for Vengeance in Psalm 35: 1-3 and Its Reflections in Africa (Yoruba) Indigenous Churches
(Verbum et Ecclesia, 2024) Awojobi, Peter Olanrewaju
Psalm 35 is one of the most popular, widely read and used Psalm among the African indigenous churches (Yoruba) in Nigeria. This article investigates why and how Psalm 35 vv. 1-3 is used as a plea for vengeance among the Yoruba Christians in African indigenous churches in Nigeria. The article explores how the plea for vengeance is understood and expressed in the African traditional context. African biblical hermeneutics with the view of providing a useful lens to reread biblical text in African context was adopted for the study. It was discovered that as early as the 3rd-century Christian era, the book of Psalms was used in the liturgy of the church. The notion of vengeance as found in Psalm 35 vv. 1-3 is a recurrent theme in African indigenous churches in Nigeria. This Psalm is used among the Yoruba Christians in African indigenous churches as a plea for divine intervention against their enemies. Through a synthesis of biblical and traditional African sources, this article demonstrates how the plea for vengeance is expressed in the cultural practices and beliefs of African indigenous churches. The plea for vengeance in this Psalm is a reflection of African indigenous churches’ understanding of key social issues such as justice, relationships between individuals and groups, and the need to maintain social integrity. Psalm 35 is usually read, sung, memorised, inscribed on parchment, and chanted by African christians and non-christians as expression of faith in God to intervene in the issues confronting them as he did for the Psalmist. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The Yoruba Christian readers of Psalm 35vv. 1-3 appeal to God for intervention against their enemies. The article emphasises that Christians should not take laws into their hands but trust in God for justice.
A Pragma – Syntactic Analysis of Traditional Nuptial Weep (Ekun Iyawo) Among People of Shao, Kwara State, Nigeria.
(2016-04) KOLAWOLE SALIU
Pragmatics is a branch of linguistics that deals with the study of language used in a bid to communicate ideas or feelings. In order to establish the fact that Understanding is the basis of communication, this study focuses on what Utterance means through the pragmatic and syntactic analysis of nuptial weep (Ekun Iyawo). The aim of the study is tailored towards appreciating African Aesthetics with particular reference to the beauty of African indigenous Language (Yoruba for example). In any Yoruba society, nuptial weep (Ekun Iyawo) remains a song rendered by the bride who is about to formally commence marital Life. Since nuptial weep (Ekun Iyawo) is context-sensitive, data were sampled naturally from a collection of Ekun Iyawo in Shao, a community blessed with Culture of her own origin. From the analysis, it has been clearly shown that Austin’s speech act types of illocution and perlocution are used while other relevant tools include metaphor and rhetorical questions. The syntactic features Include conjunctions, vocatives and communicative classification according to utterance. The study therefore finally concludes that Ekun Iyawo, pragmatically, involves declarative and interrogative renditions
A pragma-sociolinguistic analysis of selected Yoruba names in Nigeria
(Ganga: Journal of Language and Literary Studies, Department of English and Literary Studies, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria., 2025) Babagogata, A. H.
This study critically discusses the pragma-sociolinguistic meanings embedded and associated with Yoruba names. It uses interview and observation to collect data. The study finding reveals that the various names given to Yoruba children and people ranges from reincarnation, death, circumstantial, market day names, to physical complexion, days of the week power and courage names, to traditional African religion names. The study findings show that the reasons for some Yoruba people to prefer Christian names over traditional Yoruba names are; religious conversion, cultural assimilation, social status and acceptance, personal preference and globalization and western influence. The study also establishes that the context of names in Yoruba ranges from individual identity, circumstance of child birth, aspiration of hope, to honor and legacy, while the societal connotation of such names include; family heritage, social status and identity, cultural values and societal roles. The findings finally states that Yoruba names, particularly in the Ifé dialect, are deeply intertwined with cultural orientation and worldview. They encapsulate religious beliefs, social status, personal and communal aspirations, heritage, and the importance of family and community. The study concludes that Yoruba names have pragma- societal implications which are enriched in the Yoruba worldview and belief system and as such, a name in Yoruba draws from the Yoruba culture and thought patterning.
A pragmatic study of selected commercial billboard advertisements
(Department of Languages and Department of Economics, Nigerian Army University, Biu, Nigeria., 2025) Babagogata, A. H.
Several studies have examined advertising using canonical classifications of multimodality, implicature, and other linguistic resources. However, little attention has been given to the application of pragmatic tools in the analysis of billboard advertisements in Nigeria. This chapter therefore investigates selected commercial billboard advertisements with a view to exploring how texts, images, symbols, and pictures enable advertisers to communicate their intended messages effectively, as well as how these semiotic resources contribute to meaning-making for the audience. To achieve this objective, twenty-five commercial billboard advertisements were purposively selected from Ilorin metropolis. Austin's Speech Act Theory and its elements were adopted as the theoretical framework underpinning the study. The findings reveal that considerable meaning would be lost without the insights provided by pragmatic analysis. This is because audiences tend to focus more on the visual aspects of advertisements than on textual content. A pragmatic approach demonstrates that billboard advertisements deploy multiple modes of meaning which interact to produce more complete, coherent, and complementary interpretations. The study further reveals that pragmatic devices are strategically employed to attract readers' attention, communicate product features and benefits, and persuade consumers to patronize the advertised products. It also shows that graphic designers and photojournalists make deliberate use of visual elements to convey meaning based on shared conventions and ideologies. The study concludes that effective interpretation of billboard advertisements requires mutual shared knowledge between advertisers and readers.
A Sociolinguistic Analysis of Nigerian Pidgin in Olu Obafemi's 'Naira Has No Gender'
(Department of History, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria, 2020) Kolawole, Saliu
A Sociolinguistic Analysis of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2024 New Year Speech and its Implications on Nigerian Economy
(Institute of Education, Faculty of Education, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria, 2025) Kolawole, Saliu; E. O., Onabanjo; Zakari, Ishiak; Zacchaeus, Oni Someon
Sociolinguistics remains the study of relationship that exists between language and society. This implies that it is the basis for understanding how language is used and, more effectively, the realisation of sociolinguistic, aesthetic and semantic-related meanings. The aim of this study is therefore tailored towards appreciating the beauty of language using President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2024 New Year speech in order to garner and harness its significance on the development of the country vis-a-vis, its implications on Nigerian economy and the masses as well. Dwelling on Akinwumiju (2010, p.67), data were sampled directly from the presidential speech of January 1st, 2024 using Dell Hymes' ethnography of communication (1989) which captures SPEAKING as its acronyms. The findings of the study revealed the significance of using Hymes' ethnography of communication towards understanding and interpreting the president's speech. It was also revealed from the findings that apart from the fact that act sequence, participants, setting, scene, ends and key were preponderantly used, the channels of communication were also audio-visual and instrumentalities. Finally, the speech created a navigation through which the past was linked with the present to reveal the socio-economic imbalance, hardship experienced as a result of new economic policies in the country.
A Sociolinguistic Analysis of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2024 New Year Speech and its Implications on Nigerian Economy
(Educational Thought, Institute of Education, Faculty of Education, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria, 2025) Saliu, Kolawole; E. O., Onabanjo; Zakari, Ishiak; Zacchaeus, Oni Someon
Sociolinguistics remains the study of relationship that exists between language and society. This implies that it is the basis for understanding how language is used and, more effectively, the realisation of sociolinguistic, aesthetic and semantic-related meanings. The aim of this study is therefore tailored towards appreciating the beauty of language using President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2024 New Year speech in order to garner and harness its significance on the development of the country vis-a-vis, its implications on Nigerian economy and the masses as well. Dwelling on Akinwumiju (2010, p.67), data were sampled directly from the presidential speech of January 1st, 2024 using Dell Hymes' ethnography of communication (1989) which captures SPEAKING as its acronyms. The findings of the study revealed the significance of using Hymes' ethnography of communication towards understanding and interpreting the president's speech. It was also revealed from the findings that apart from the fact that act sequence, participants, setting, scene, ends and key were preponderantly used, the channels of communication were also audio-visual and instrumentalities. Finally, the speech created a navigation through which the past was linked with the present to reveal the socio-economic imbalance, hardship experienced as a result of new economic policies in the country.
A sociolinguistics study of selected songs of Asake
(International Journal of Foreign Languages and Literatures, Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria., 2025) Babagogata, A. H.
Language in music has been one of the most formidable way of formulating the socio-cultural foundation of every human community as both have intrinsic capacity to forge a common identity and assign it to any society where they are domiciled. This study addresses the need for a comprehensive sociolinguistic analysis of Asake's songs to uncover the intricate ways his music depicts cultural and social contexts, uses language to engage and resonate with his audience, and illustrates the characteristics of the speech community it represents. The aim is to provide insights in the role of Asake's music in reflecting and shaping the lived experiences and identities of his audience. The study explores how Asake's songs depict the cultural and social contexts of the communities he represents, the use of language to establish communicative competence within his songs, and how his songs illustrate the characteristics of the intended speech community. Through a qualitative approach, the study analyses two selected songs: "Lonely at the Top"and "Believe". The result reveals that Asake employed linguistic strategies such as code mixing and code-switching which have sociocultural implications. It shows also that ethnographic aspects of Asake's music serve as cultural artifacts that document and influence the lived experiences of his community. The study contributes to the understanding of how popular culture, through music, constructs and communicates identity within specific cultural contexts.
A study of bribery and corruption in Exodus 23: 8 and the Nigerian experience
(Integrity Journal of Arts and Humanities., 2024) Awojobi, Peter Olanrewaju
Bribery and corruption are social global phenomena that have generated debates among scholars. They are problem of routine deviation from established standards and norms by public officers and parties with whom they interact. It is widely held that bribery and corruption are the bane of development of many nations in the world today. Previous studies on bribery and corruption have situated its cause in human weakness with little or no attention paid to divine position on the issue. This study examined Yahweh’s instruction to ancient Israel on bribery and corruption. Exodus 23: 8 was chosen as text of investigation to establish Yahweh’s position on bribery. As a corollary, the study explored how Nigerians are expected to handle the issue of bribery and corruption in our contemporary time. African Biblical Hermeneutics that makes the Bible relevant in any culture and nation was used for the study. It was discovered that the level of corruption in ancient Israel and Nigeria is very high. Findings revealed that some Nigerian judges and leaders collect bribe to pervert the course of justice. The poor and the less privileged in the society suffer injustice of all sorts in the hands of leaders and judges that have received bribes. These corrupt practices are partly responsible for unrests, banditry, underdevelopment, unemployment and insecurity that have bedeviled our nation today. For Nigeria to stand tall in the comity of Nations her citizens must make justice and equity their watchword. Nigerians that are involved in Bribery and Corruption be sanctioned.
A study of the social and health damages of smoking in the Diwan of "Al-Riyadh" by the poet Issa Alabi Abu Bakr
(JNAL, Cairo, Egypt, 2022) Tajudeen Yusuf
Abstract: This article aims to study a poem entitled "The Scourge of the Age" in the Diwan of "Al-Riyadh", those literary works of the poet Issa Albi Abu Bakr, the genius writer of the modern poets in Arabic in Nigeria. This article dealt with one of the social-health issues prevalent in society and represented in the pests of smoking and its harms and negative effects on individuals and society in the poetry of the poet Iss Albi Abu Bakr, and the approach followed in the study is the descriptive approach prevalent in literary studies, the aim of which is to highlight the role of African poets, especially from the sons of Nigeria is in the service of society like other contemporary Arab poets. The study shows that the poet Issa Albi Abu Bakr has a dominant position among African writers interested in contemporary social issues in order to build a human society and establish values.
A stylistic analysis of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's inaugural speech
(Department of English and Literary Studies, Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil-Kano, Nigeria., 2025) Babagogata, A. H.
The art of literary styling is a vital aspect of human communication, enabling authors to covey complex ideas, emotions, and themes through careful manipulation of language. This chapter focuses on the stylistic mastery of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his presentation of his inauguration speech. This research aims to uncover the stylistic devices and techniques employed by the President to create a distinctive narrative voice and shape the audience's experience. By examining the stylistic choices and literary strategies used in the speech, this research seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the speech and the ways in which language is used to create a lasting literary work.
A stylistic analysis of selected newspaper headlines on fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria
(Al-Qalam: A Journal of Languages and Literary Studies, Department of English and Literature, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria., 2025) Babagogata, A. H.
This study conducts a stylistic analysis of selected The Punch and The Nigerian Tribune newspapers' headlines on fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria, with the aim of examining how linguistic choices reflect and shape public discourse on a highly controversial national policy. Drawing upon Stylistic Pluralism and Systemic Functional Linguistics as theoretical frameworks, the research analyzes five headlines from The Punch and Nigerian Tribune, focusing on graphological, morphological, lexical, syntactic, and semantic features. The findings reveal that newspapers employ a range of stylistic devices such as ellipsis, nominalization, evaluative language, and metaphor to construct ideational meanings, establish interpersonal relations, and organize textual information. These linguistic strategies are used not only to inform but also to persuade, sensationalize, or influence public perception, often aligning with ideological biases. The study concludes that media language plays a crucial role in framing socio-political issues, highlighting the importance of critical reading in interpreting headline narratives.
A Systemic Functional Analysis of Niyi Osundare’s "Village Voices"
(Ekpoma Journal of Languages and Literary Studies, Department of English, Faculty of Arts, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Nigeria, 2019) Saliu, Kolawole
English language remains one of the influences of Colonialism Nigeria. Besides, it is the language of instruction across all Schools (NPE. 1977, p. 3). However, since grammar is an aspect of the English language, this study examines two selected poems in Osundare’s Village Voices with the aim of finding out how system functional grammar can be of immense benefit to the readers. In bid to do this, the systemic functional modules of the experiential features of language were used for the analysis of the poems. Two poems which are A Villager’s Protest and Killing without a Sword were directly selected in the collection of Village Voices. This Premised on the fact that they both have a common theme which the entire collection symbolises; the two poems are equally used to test. The use of experiential features of language in the analysis of poetry. The study revealed the significance of grammatical tools (experiential features of language) and its application to the study of poems to prove that poetry remains the laboratory where grammatical exercises can be experimented. It was also observe from the study, how sentences are divided into constituents or elements in the functional grammar.
A Theo-Psychological Study of Divine Forgetfulness in Joseph Narrative in Genesis 41: 51.
(AKWA IBOM STATE UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF ARTS AKSUJA VOL 5 NO 1 2024, 2024) Awojobi, Peter Olanrewaju & Okunade, Nathaniel Teminijesu
Genesis 41:51 is a pivotal verse in the Joseph narrative. This act signifies a profound divine intervention, transforming Joseph’s traumatic past into a future of promise. This study exegetically analyzed the text, delving into its theological and psychological dimensions. Historical and exegetical methods were used for the study. The stud reveals how divine forgetfulness is not merely an erasure of memory but a transformative grace. Theologically, it underscores God's active role in alleviating human suffering and facilitating reconciliation and new beginnings. Psychologically, it aligns with contemporary theories on memory and trauma, suggesting that divinely enabled forgetfulness aids in overcoming past adversities and fostering resilience. This study bridges ancient scriptural insights with modern psychological practices, providing valuable perspectives for theologians, scholars, and pastoral caregivers. It redefines forgetfulness as a divine gift, crucial for healing and fulfilling one's potential within God's providential framework. This groundbreaking approach challenges traditional views, presenting divine forgetfulness as a key to spiritual and emotional liberation, making this study a reference point for contemporary theological and psychological discourse.
Aare-Ona-Kakanfo Afonja, c.1796-c.1824: An Interrogation of the Historiography of a Critical Chapter of Ilorin History
(African Studies and Research Forum, 2024) Salihu, Ismail Otukoko
Various studies have examined the transformation of Ilorin from an insignificant settlement in the 1790s to an emirate of the Sokoto Caliphate by the mid-1820s. The role played by key actors like Afonja, a Yoruba generalissimo, Solagberu, a Kanuri scholar-warrior-chief, and Alimi, a Fulani cleric, among others, has also received scholarly attention. In spite of the centrality of Afonja to the unfolding of the events that characterised the transformation, certain aspects of his era and career have remained inadequately interrogated and analysed in extant literature. This paper interrogates some themes related to Afonja’s era in the history of Ilorin. The paper adopts the interpretive approach of the historical methodology, which relies on the use and interpretation of qualitative data from primary and secondary sources. The data used for the study include archival materials such as petitions, memoranda, Gazetteers, and unpublished manuscripts, newspapers, autobiography, books, journal articles, and theses. The paper further adopted a thematic analytical framework to subject the information from various sources to historical analysis and interpretation. It argues that, as a major catalyst for the events that culminated in the rise of Ilorin emirate by c.1825, and final collapse of the Old Oyo Empire by c.1835, Afonja’s era in Ilorin lasted longer than often suggested in several works and, requires a proper chronology and analysis of the events associated with it and rationale for his actions and inactions. The paper also highlights the need for adequate incorporation of local and other neglected sources in examination of Afonja’s era. Keywords: Ilorin, History, Transformation, Historiography, Chronology

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