Editorial
Welcome to Volume 2, Number 4 of the KWASU Journal of Humanities, where we continue our commitment
to fostering rigorous academic discourse and promoting a deeper understanding of diverse human experiences.
This edition features nine insightful articles that delve into various socio-cultural, historical and linguistic
dimensions, reflecting the vibrant intellectual engagements within the humanities.
In ―A Stylistic Analysis of Selected Episodes of the Nigerian Nollywood Movie, Jenifa‘s Diary‖ Moshood
Zakariyah explores the linguistic intricacies in the popular Nollywood series "Jenifa‘s Diary." By examining
syntactic and lexico-semantic features in selected episodes, Zakariyah illuminates how language is consciously
used to enhance dramatic effects and reflect social statuses, providing an in-depth appreciation of character
portrayal in Nigerian cinema.
Oluwatomi Adeoti‘s ―Contextual Beliefs in Online Political Cartoons on President Buhari‖ is an analysis of
political cartoons addressing President Buhari's administration, employing pragmatic theories to unravel the
contextual beliefs that cartoonists leverage. Adeoti‘s study underscores how shared societal assumptions and
background knowledge are pivotal in effectively communicating critical socio-political commentaries.
In ―Minority Representation of the Nigeria Civil War: A New Historicist Reading of Elechi Amadi‘s Sunset at
Biafra and Saro-Wiwa‘s Sozaboy‖ Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu and Roseline Oladipo offer a New Historicist
perspective on the Nigerian Civil War through the works of Elechi Amadi and Ken Saro-Wiwa. This analysis
brings to light the often-overlooked experiences of minority ethnic groups, enriching the discourse on the war's
multifaceted impacts.
Ahmed Tanimu Jibril and Yusuf Muhammad Jika‘s ―Mediating COVID-19 Discourse as Mechanism for
Institutionalising Culture of Fear: A Review‖ critically review the media's portrayal of the COVID-19
pandemic, arguing that it perpetuated a culture of fear. This paper calls for a balanced and hopeful approach in
future health crises reporting to prevent unnecessary public anxiety.
In the title, ―Historical Works of Al-Iluriy: An Evaluation,‖ Olayimika Wasiu Kewulere evaluates the
historiographical contributions of Al-Iluriy, highlighting his role in nationalist historiography and the continuity
of indigenous historical narratives. Kewulere‘s study emphasizes the importance of Muslim-Arab historians in
shaping the understanding of African history.
Similarly, ―Addressing Moral Decadence among Nigerian Youths through the Inspirational Biography of
Prophet Muhammad (SAW)‖ is the title of the paper contributed by AbdulHameed Badmas Yusuf and
Muhammad Aliu Gambari. They advocate for using the biography of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a moral
compass for Nigerian youths. Their analysis draws on the Prophet‘s life to propose solutions to contemporary
moral challenges among the youth.
―Yoruba Indigenous Religion and its Implications for the Restructuring of Nigeria‖ by Ojelabi Isaac Kehinde
and Sulaimon Fatai argue for the integration of Yoruba indigenous religious values in Nigeria‘s restructuring
efforts. They propose that indigenous moral principles can address the country‘s socio-political issues and
promote national unity and integrity.
In the paper titled, ―Views of Bn Ādil Aldamashqī on the Creation of Adam (AS) and the Jinn,‖ Husain Ahmad
Ali Al-Sakit delves into Islamic theological debates concerning the creation of Adam and the role of Jinn, using
Ibn Ādil Aldamashqī‘s interpretations. This paper offers a detailed analysis of classical and contemporary
exegeses, enriching the discourse on Islamic theology.
Lastly, Jamiu Muhammad Yunus contributed the title ―A Literary Study of Social Themes in Maqāmāt Al-Ilōrī‖
where he examines the maqāmah literary genre within Nigerian Islamic literature, focusing on its social themes
and moral guidance. Yunus‘s study highlights the genre's relevance in addressing contemporary societal issues
and its literary significance in Nigerian culture.
This collection of articles exemplifies the breadth and depth of scholarship within the humanities, addressing
crucial issues with academic rigour and cultural sensitivity. We hope this volume inspires further research and
dialogue among scholars, students, and practitioners.
Happy reading!
Professor Moshood Mahmood Jimba
Editor-in-Chief
KWASU Journal of Humanities