DISCOURSE ON MORALITY, CORRUPTION AND CHANGE IN CONTEMPORARY AFRICA: DOES INTENTION MATTER?

Corruption is widely regarded as a condemnable act because of its effects on the wellbeing of the populace. More than the reason(s) for the supposed act of corruption, most scholars are of the view that the very act of „diverting‟ public funds, with likely severe consequence(s), is unacceptable, and therefore immoral. But the question is: should the morality of an act be decided strictly based on the consequence(s) of such an action or should the intent of the „performer‟ be considered? In this paper we shall be examining the „consequences versus intent‟ factor in the definition of corruption within the public space, using T.M. Scalon‟s „Predictive Significance‟. In the final analysis, the work suggests that neither consequences nor intent is solely sufficient in evaluating the morality of corruption. We therefore suggest that both intent and consequences should be duly considered within the ambit of Scalon‟s „Predictive Significance‟ when moralising corruption, most especially in Africa where change is much needed

PROVERBS, VALUES AND THE DEVELOPMENT QUESTION IN CONTEMPORARY AFRICA: A CASE STUDY OF YORUBA PROVERBS

If culture is a veritable instrument of development, if language is a carrier of culture and if the relationship between language and culture is like that between two sides of the same coin, then the role of proverb as a metaphorical use of language cannot be overemphasized in any development discourse. The paper examines this invaluable nexus between language and development, with particular emphasis on how the use of proverb and its lessons could help revive moral/cultural values, and thus be used as a veritable instrument of development. This is done by taking as a foil a content analysis of some of Yoruba proverbs, particularly the proverbs whose subject matter is centered on development-related themes such as care for others and cooperation, leadership qualities, advice, reproach and punishment, conflict resolution and warning

Proverbs and Conflict Management in Africa: A Study of Selected Yoruba Proverbs and Proverbial Expressions

This pape r examines the role of proverbs and their use in conflict management and in enhancing peaceful human co - existence . This is achieve d through a content analysis of twenty - f our (2 4 ) randomly selected Y oruba proverbs , and proverbial expressions, with particular reference to the themes of warning, cooperation, and diversity . The paper argues that proverbs are useful in conflict management, and conflict resolution , and in making people have a peace - loving frame of mind . The paper concludes that proverbs and proverbial expressions are , indeed, vital in relationship management . It avers that anybody wi th a good understanding of proverbs and t heir implications for peace ful coexistence would appreciate conflicts as an intricate part of existence and harmonious living ; and such person(s) would therefore avoid actions and inactions that would promote violence

“They are poor and violent”: Stereotypes and the Ibadan urban motor park space

In this paper, we are interested in finding out how, and why, the interplay of poverty and violence – the park stereotypes – has problematised the motor park space, and consequently the culture that has evolved from that space. Of great concern to us are the origin and the operation of the park; the existence of these stereotypes, how, if ever, they relate and the implication of the interplay on the organization, operation and representation of the space vis-à-vis its relationship with the general public and government in Oyo State. Using Victor Turner’s concept of social drama, we hope to provide explanations for ruptured social relations on the park and answer why the public is so imbued with the stereotypes that they have refused to appreciate the internal mechanisms for resolving the ‘constant’ conflicts

Proverbs and conflict management in Africa: A study of selected Yoruba proverbs and proverbial expressions

This paper examines the role of proverbs and their use in conflict management and in enhancing peaceful human co-existence. This is achieved through a content analysis of twenty-four (24) randomly selected Yoruba proverbs, and proverbial expressions, with particular reference to the themes of warning, cooperation, and diversity. The paper argues that proverbs are useful in conflict management, and conflict resolution, and in making people have a peace-loving frame of mind. The paper concludes that proverbs and proverbial expressions are, indeed, vital in relationship management. It avers that anybody with a good understanding of proverbs and their implications for peaceful coexistence would appreciate conflicts as an intricate part of existence and harmonious living; and such person(s) would therefore avoid actions and inactions that would promote violence