Vol. 1 Issue 1 (Oct–Dec) – 2025
SPIRITUAL AND CULTURAL ROOTS: EXPLORING THE SEVEN-DAY RETREAT IN BETA ISRAEL AND SEMIEN SHEWA PEOPLES' TRADITIONS
Abstract
This study offers a comprehensive exploration of the seven-day retreat, a central ritual practiced by the Beta Israel (historically known as Felasha) and contextualized within the Semien Shewa region of Ethiopia. The research investigates the practice's deep historical, spiritual, and cultural roots, arguing that it functions as a sophisticated rite of passage integrating ancient Israelite tradition with indigenous socio-cultural needs. The analysis establishes the retreat's foundation in biblical laws of ritual purity (Leviticus), which mandate separation for states like menstruation and mourning. However, moving beyond a purely scriptural interpretation, this paper examines the retreat’s role as a dynamic mechanism for managing life transitions, reinforcing community bonds, and preserving a distinct Beta Israel identity amidst external pressures. Drawing on ethnographic work from scholars, the study highlights the practice's profound cultural resilience, noting its adaptation in modern contexts while retaining core spiritual meanings. Furthermore, the discussion reframes the retreat through a contemporary lens, revealing its often-overlooked advantages. The period of seclusion provided a form of mandated physiological rest and psychological reprieve, aligning with modern calls for menstrual leave policies and stress relief. Ultimately, this paper contends that the seven-day retreat is not a relic of legalistic isolation but a vital, living institution. The findings underscore the critical importance of documenting and understanding such indigenous knowledge systems, not only for cultural preservation but also for the insights they offer into holistic well-being, community cohesion, and the enduring negotiation between sacred tradition and a changing world.
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IMPACT OF SCHOOL ENROLMENT AND INCOME INEQUALITY ON LABOUR EMPLOYMENT IN NIGERIA.
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of school enrolment and income inequality on labour employment in Nigeria from 1999 to 2023, integrating government expenditure on education and gross domestic product (GDP) as moderating variables within an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) framework. Data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin and the World Development Indicators (WDI) were subjected to unit root, bounds cointegration, and diagnostic tests to ensure robustness. The long-run results reveal that increases in school enrolment and government expenditure on education significantly enhanced labour employment, affirming the critical role of human capital investment in driving workforce participation. Conversely, income inequality exerts a substantial negative effect labour employment, demonstrating that persistent disparities hinder inclusive labour market outcomes. GDP growth exhibited a positive and significant effect on employment, indicating that sustained economic expansion fosters job creation. The short-run dynamics show partial adjustment toward equilibrium, with education variables maintaining positive but smaller effects. The study concludes that education and equity are complementary levers for sustainable employment growth in Nigeria. It recommends targeted educational subsidies, vocational training, and inclusive fiscal policies to reduce inequality and align human capital development with labour market demands. More so, economic policies should focus on promoting labor-intensive sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing to ensure that economic growth translates into widespread job creation By linking education financing, income distribution, and employment outcomes, this research contributes fresh empirical evidence to the discourse on inclusive growth and labour sustainability in developing economies.
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The Power of Foreign Languages in Moroccan Classes: English as an Example
Abstract
Undoubtedly, language plays a vital role not only in one society, but in all societies as well. It can be even said that language represents an important part of people’s everyday life. The reason behind this truth is that it is closely connected to everything that is human-made, and its value equals that of water and breath. In the field of education, for instance, language has proven to be an integral tool of communication and without it, learning cannot easily take place. In Morocco, teaching English seems to have been given a very significant importance at schools. English is taught alongside the other languages, especially Arabic, which is the mother tongue of Moroccans. More specifically, English is sometimes favored to French, which is the second language in Morocco for a variety of reasons. The present paper will attempt, on the one hand, to shed some light on the language situation in Morocco and, on the hand, to investigate the significant power of English at schools.
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Regenerative Innovation and Ethical Design: The Philosophy of Eco-Humanism Behind Baby Safety Harness Made from Rubber Wood Certified by Indonesian Intellectual Property Rights
Abstract
This study explores the ethical, ecological, and regenerative innovation of the Rubberwood Baby Safety Harness, a patented Indonesian product recognized by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham RI). The product embodies a love-the-earth philosophy through the use of rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) — a renewable material derived from non-productive rubber trees that are replanted after harvest. Using a qualitative interpretive approach, this research examines the intersection between eco-humanism, regenerative product design, and ethical consumption within the context of sustainable manufacturing and intellectual property. Findings indicate that rubberwood-based design promotes three ethical dimensions: safety, sustainability, and spiritual ecology, positioning the product as a living symbol of environmental responsibility. The study introduces the Green Product Design Model, integrating environmental ethics, natural resource management, and circular innovation. This research contributes to the development of a sustainable innovation framework grounded in moral, cultural, and ecological consciousness.
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PEACE BUILDING IN NIGERIA: THE ROLE OF THE STAKEHOLDERS
Abstract
The pursuit of stability and social harmony is an urgent priority in contemporary society, particularly within the Nigerian context. Recently, there has been a noticeable escalation in reports concerning disputes, communal clashes, and outright warfare across various communities and states within the federation. This trend has raised significant alarm among religious authorities, traditional custodians, and political figures alike. Consequently, this inquiry scrutinizes specific catalysts of conflict within Nigerian communities and the broader state structure. It rigorously analyzes the obstacles impeding effective peacebuilding while profiling the essential actors capable of fostering stability. Findings indicate that ethnic divisions, distorted religious practices, struggles over natural resource control, and insufficient youth empowerment are primary drivers of discord. Additional friction points include land tenure systems, boundary disputes, inheritance rights, religious bigotry, and political maneuvering. Furthermore, the analysis highlights a historical failure by successive administrations to adequately engage the youth population, rendering them vulnerable to recruitment by insurgent groups. The paper posits that a collaborative approach involving political leaders, security agencies, the business community, civil society, international bodies, the media, professionals, religious organizations, and traditional institutions is vital for sustainable peace. Drawing on secondary data and observational analysis, this paper recommends that active stakeholder engagement is the prerequisite for achieving lasting peace, socio-economic vitality, and robust political evolution in Nigeria.