SOPHIE'S COLLECTIONS

Nigeria arise, embrace the concept of Ubuntu, By Rukayya Ibrahim Iyayi

Nigeria has been, and continues to be, the scene of multiple conflicts at local, national and regional levels for at least a decade. These conflicts have led to the breakdown of Nigeria as a country. Human lives are lost, infrastructure is destroyed, education and health services have suffered, and the environment is damaged. The tie that previously linked Nigerians is broken, social solidarity and cohesion has collapsed, and political tension is generated. In addition, socio-economic development is severely retarded as a result of the consequence of conflict. In conflicts such as these, the influence of the traditional African ethics in conflict resolution plays an important role in solving conflict in Nigeria peacefully, and in establishing positive conditions of life, freedom, dignity, right and development here.

Moreover, the role of traditional African ethics, before the colonial period, was to consider moral conduct in terms of attitude toward life, and encompasses issues of human dignity and respect, within the understanding that an individual’s humanity interconnects with the dignity and humanity of others. Good is whatever protects and promotes human life, evil is that which destroys or alters human life. Life is the supreme value in traditional African societies, and expresses itself in respect for humanity. The basis of this concern for human life is the African belief in the dignity of every human being. One word expresses this notion of dignity: Ubuntu (humanity). The concept of Ubuntu is the key to an understanding of traditional African ethics. Conflict in Nigeria is bad because it is a conduct of disgrace. It divides the Nigerian population by undermining interpersonal and social trust, above all destroying the social norms, values and institutions that have regulated and coordinated cooperation and collective action, for the well-being of the community. This makes it very difficult for both the social group and the state to recover their cohesion. Conflict disgraces human dignity and humanity. It does not intensify human life, instead conflict is there to diminish life and destroy infrastructure. It is, therefore, against this background that the study sought to examine the influence that Ubuntu can exert to solve conflict peacefully in Nigeria, to rebuild social trust, dignity, justice, unity, freedom, and development through reconciliation, in the light of Ubuntu as a world vision.

Although the international community remains committed to supporting Nigeria through the resolution of its conflict, seemingly very little has changed to date. The country is still in conflict, as it threatens their existence, safety, security and moral dignity. Given this situation, it becomes vital to analyse the effectiveness of Ubuntu reflection on values, for instance consideration of the importance of human life, freedom, dignity and rights. The question is then: How could Ubuntu contribute to the resolution of conflict in Nigeria?

The specific objective is to analyse the effectiveness of conflict resolution in Nigeria through the influence of Ubuntu to promote peace, freedom, human dignity and development of the nation.

Nigeria, to incorporate Ubuntu in the resolution of their conflict for the promotion of peace, freedom, unity, human dignity and development. Conflict resolution per se is very important on the African continent, and particularly in Nigeria, to ensure or to promote a better life. In recognising that a country in which effective conflict resolution mechanisms have been and continue to be sought, it is clear that undertaking an analysis of their effectiveness, in the light of African ethics in conflict resolution, is vital. Ubuntu could be an integral part of the process of achieving positive peace and promoting social solidarity amongst Africans, and the Nigerians themselves.

The findings will assist policy makers and development agencies to ascertain the appropriate conflict resolution strategies for the promotion of peace and development in Nigeria. In addition, the study will be beneficial to other African countries in the sense that the results will indicate areas that need to be restructured, thereby improving the promotion of peace, human dignity, justice, unity and development, on the continent in general, and Nigeria in particular.  

Indeed, not all conflicts are harmful. Some may ultimately result in a positive impact on development or social change, although conflicts have negative connotations, many constitute an essential creative element for changing societies and achieving peace, a better life, development goals, and aspirations of individuals and groups. The most effective forms of conflict resolution identify the underlying causes of the conflict and address them through solutions that are mutually satisfactory, self-perpetuating, and sustaining.

Ubuntu is based on the values of humanness, care, respect, compassion, and associated values ensuring a happy and qualitative human community life in a family spirit. Ubuntu could be described as a community-based mindset in which the welfare of the group is greater than the welfare of a single individual in the group. Individuality, the sense of self, is recognized as important in the concept of Ubuntu. This differs, however, from individualism, that seeks to promote selfish interests at the expense of others. The latter (individualism) would not be acceptable to the Ubuntu sense of morality.

Ubuntu recognises four attributes of being human, these are human dignity, equality, universal brotherhood, and sacredness of life; these provide the most desirable state of life in community-based living. Ubuntu contrasts with the more individualistic and self-centred one of Western culture. Communalism at the core of Ubuntu implies that the interests of the individual are subordinate to that of the group. The community will focus on the interests of each individual member and those activities and behaviours that will ensure the good of the group. Ubuntu is a collective solidarity, meaning that individuals will align their interests, activities, and loyalties to the group’s cause and well-being.

Ubuntu speaks about wholeness and compassion, someone who is welcoming, hospitable, warm, generous and willing to share. Ubuntu stands for a communitarian morality. The goal of that morality is dignity, reached through personal growth and fulfilment. The participation of the community is the essential means to personal dignity; hence, this participation is the motive and fulfilment of the process of morality. Thus, everything that promotes personal dignity and participation in the community is good; everything that prevents it is bad. In other words, the moral possibility of Ubuntu intrinsically relates to human happiness and fulfilment within a community.  Vital aspects of violent conflict are problems related to health and wealth; vital aspects of Ubuntu are health and wealth. Health and wealth are states of the whole person as a communal being

Traditionally one of the five main branches of philosophy, ethics, enquires into human relationships in terms of the problem of good and evil, in other words, the values and norms directing human actions and interactions, participation of the community is the essential means to personal dignity; hence, this participation is the motive and fulfilment of the process of morality. Thus, everything that promotes personal dignity and participation in the community is good and everything that prevents it is bad. In other words, the moral possibility of Ubuntu is related intrinsically to human happiness and fulfilment within a community. This means the demand to participate in community, yet not only for the sake of personal fulfilment, but also for the sake of the fulfilment of the community, for only in the community is personal fulfilment thought possible.

Could Ubuntu, in the sense of communal dignity, help end the conflict and install peace in Nigeria? From the concept of Ubuntu it proves that it could. From the moral concept of Ubuntu emerge several demands for peace and the promotion of human life and dignity.

Firstly, the demand is that Nigerians should choose to live together in the spirit of brotherhood; a community where mutual respect and solidarity for the sake of the health and wealth of the other is highly valued. This means a return to the communitarian spirit, observing and obeying the rules of society for the harmonious adjustment of the interests of the community rather than individuals, this instills the love of nation first before selfish interest. This presupposes settled agreements within the community, and such agreements should not exclude anyone, rule of law should be applied on everyone. This is the minimum ethical behaviour required from people in support of the community.

Second, Nigerians should be generous, hospitable, and honest amongst themselves in fostering the health wealth and education amongst communities, services should be provided for everyone regardless of their status in the community. They should all be equal, because equality is the most basic principle of Ubuntu morality. Nigerian leaders must know that killing innocent people for their personal gain is not permissible. The search for personal gain or interest is not in accordance with Ubuntu. Practically traditional models of conflict resolution, aligned to Ubuntu, should be explored. Such models should aim at the reestablishment of relationships between the Nigerians. There must be a holistic approach to the process, in which the whole community should be involved, to assist on the road to peace. Nigerian leaders’ responsibility is to guide conflict resolution processes towards an agreement, which should reflect, as much as possible, the consensus of all the parties involved in conflict.

Furthermore, Nigerians should develop a form of communalism in which all the ethnic groups will find a collective role and space in society, inclusion and equity. It is most particularly in this respect that the concept of Ubuntu could be re-articulated in the Nigerian context. Nigerian ethnic groups should share in the values of Ubuntu, the values of collective solidarity, cohesion, compassion, care and collective stewardship. Nigerians, as a people, ought to define themselves in a positive and collective sense before the international community. If they focus on their similarities and not on their differences, they can achieve this sense of a shared identity and fate. After all, how different are the Hausa/Fulani from the Tiv; or how different are the Yoruba’s from the Igbo’s? Indeed, Nigerians should experience the exciting meaning of humanist communitarianism to avoid conflict between them.

Indeed, Nigerian leadership’s task is to create inter-ethnic trust and to overcome the tragedy of ethnic conflict. They should create a climate among their civilians conducive to a peaceful negotiation of an end to armed conflict, a climate of social dignity – a climate of humane communitarianism. Thus, Nigerians need to develop the spirit of Ubuntu in their society by respecting and accepting the values and principles, which should be the basis for creating a collective shared communal identity. It is also the task of Nigerian leadership to craft, canonise and permit the values of Ubuntu to work in the society, the value of reappropriating traditional African values, based upon the spirit of humanity manifested in sharing, caring and advancing the good of society, in order to restore the authenticity of the philosophy of communitarianism, as it is believed to have existed some centuries ago.

Ms Iyayi can be reached on rukayya.iyayi@yahoo.com

SOPHIE'S COLLECTIONS

Sophie's collections is based on unique Islamic fashion and accessories. Such as abaya, kimono's, also Hand made accessories such as hijab pins, key chains, and Quran bookmarks.

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Trailer: Meet 13 year old Photographer RUBY DESIREE

Here's a snippet from Exclusive Interview with young photography prodigy Ruby Desiree.

Produced By Kraft Nation Media.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW With Young Photography Prodigy RUBY DESIREE

We had the opportunity to do an exclusive interview with 13 year old photographer Ruby Desireé, who shared her experience so far in photography... 

CCM: Briefly tell us about yourself. 

RUBY: My name is Ruby-Desirée Ogbuluijah. I was born on the 9^th of December 2003. I am from Ataba, in Andoni Local Government of Rivers State and I’m an SS2 student in Capital Science Academy, Kuje Abuja. I am from a family of six. I have three elder brothers: My eldest brother is a Software engineer and a poet and Spoken word artiste; the next one is an Architect and a musician and my immediate elder brother is Mechanical engineer, fine artist and footballer. As you can see, we are a family of diverse passions.

CCM: What made you go into photography? What’s your inspiration and drive

RUBY: At the end of my JSS3 in 2016, I had a long five month holiday. I knew I definitely couldn’t spend all of that time watching TV, reading books and going to places so I decided to enroll in a Photography School. Why? Maybe because the nice professional photographs on Instagram lured me in. Maybe because I saw some of the work of Annie Leibowitz some days before. But whatever it was, I’m happy it got the better of me. I started attending classes at BigH’s Photo Studios with initial discomfort, seeing as I was the youngest person in the group. After a while though, I began to soak myself in the passion of the people there. In their laughter and effort. To me, it became less of a class and more of a space for realization and acquisition of dreams.

Outside BigH, who is arguably one of the best wedding photographers around, I also had the privilege of meeting and hearing eminent Nigerian photographers like T. Y.  Bello, George Okoro and Ademola Adeniran talk about their craft during my time in Photography School.

Photography, in my most candid opinion is enchanting. I believe it gives a voice to the subjects. A good photograph makes me feel and question. So I guess that’s what I wanted to learn make people do: to feel and to question. I wanted to become that superhero that freezes emotion.

CCM: For how long have you been doing photography?

RUBY: About a year and some months now, probably less because I have been in school most of that time.

CCM: How has your journey as a photographer been so far?

RUBY: For the most part, it has been interesting. Learning new things. Meeting new people. Encouraging those people to be themselves, reminding them that the most beautiful pictures are made with the most genuine emotions. Seeing the surprise on their faces when I deliver the pictures and tell them my age. Having the freedom to see and make the world how I want it. However, it has been equally scary. I have to remind myself that there are places I am not wanted; people that do not want to be photographed. I have to constantly keep in mind that people that do what I do are taken for granted everyday and understand that I have a tendency to suffer more of this because of my age and gender. I have been chased away, threatened and shouted at. Still, I carry on knowing that the end will eventually justify the means.

CCM: What are your major challenges in photography thus far?

RUBY: There is a tendency for people to belittle and underestimate photographers, especially little female ones like me. However, the happiness that brews whenever I see that I have taken a good image makes it all worth it.

CCM: Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

RUBY:Honestly, I haven’t really thought of it. I do often dream of building a renowned photography brand and owning my own studio. Apart from that, in my wildest imaginations, I think of investing in chain of companies, especially those that supports liberal arts. I also see myself owning a publishing house. But as I said, those are in my wild dreams. I’m thinking of taking things one step at a time, you know.

CCM: How do you feel about having a father as a manager?

RUBY:I feel honoured that he supports, encourages and believes in me. He restrains and at the same time gives me liberty. He provides opportunities and encourages me to pick up my camera even when I’m feeling defeated. Many of the opportunities I have had to showcase my craft have been through his network. He’s incredible.

CCM: What other passions do you have apart from photography?

RUBY: Definitely writing. It gives me the courage to find myself in my lens even as I have lost myself in the words. It’s a beautiful art.

CCM: What would be your advice to other young aspiring photographers like yourself?

RUBY: Believe in yourself. I’m kind of working on that too. Have it in mind that you can do whatever you want to do with what I like to call GPS. God, Practice and Self-confidence. Keep your neck up and your shoulders high. Stay true to yourself.

CCM: Finally, in 2 sentences, describe your relationship with your camera.

RUBY: It’s like a father daughter kind of relationship. I feel the need to prove myself to it before eventually feeling comfortable with it. Practise involves constantly being reminded that there is someone better, that there are images better and ultimately, that you can do better. We’re getting there.

Here are a few of my favorite work so far. I hope you love them, and you should except better in the near future. THANK YOU

GODSON: Meet Abuja's Fast Rising versatile Rap Act

GODSON, born Simon Godson but popularly known as The Krazee Lyricist or Krazee Lee until he switched back to his birth name in 2013, is an Abuja based rap artiste known for his eccentric flows, rapid gun-fire delivery and rhymes for years.

He is a graduate of FUT Minna, & hails from Imo state, but sometimes also claims Nassarawa state. His latest hits titled "I Am" & "Good, Better, Best", are a new flavor from The Krazee Lyricist. The first "I Am" is a must-hear for all, here he comes in spitting fast rap lyrics with a grimmy vibe and a bounce that keeps your head bopping continuously to the song. While the second song "Good, Better, Best" is a club banger, with explicit lyrics and amazing wordplay.

                                           

                                               

Godson has been in the rap scene for quite a while now, he won the PNA Awards for Best Rap Artiste 2013, the Project X awards for best Rap Artiste 2012, was nominated for the AMAA awards in the Best Rap Artiste category in 2014. We expect more good music from the lyrical god.

DOWNLOAD TRACKS 

https://soundcloud.com/godsonofficial/sets/i-am

Follow him on IG: @officialgodson_ and on soundcloud; godsonofficial