This study is a post-mortem examination of the causes and impact of the Nigerian civil war of 1967-1970. It was conducted to ascertain whether war was the only feasible alternative for the preservation of the nation. The paper notes that despite the great losses and the agony suffered by the nation during the "war of unity", Nigeria is still far from being united fortyseven years after the end of hostilities. This is confirmed by the recent altercations between the Northern youths and their Igbo counterparts, who are calling for the exit of "alien" groups from their domains at the latest by 1 October 2017. This paper notes that the current scenario of inter-ethnic conflagrations is a replica of the events that precipitated the 1966 pogroms suffered by the people of eastern Nigeria, pogroms that originated in various northern Nigerian cities; that strife was one of the fundamental factors that led to the outbreak of war in 1967. This study further submits that the Nigerian civil war presents a mixed record of positive and negative results. The encouraging results, for some, would be the continued unity and preservation of the country's territorial integrity, a situation that prevails to date, albeit secured by force. The results of the war could alternatively be regarded as senseless and wasteful in view of the relentless agitation of groups, representing most ethnic nationalities, calling for the balkanisation of the country. Such agitation began in the 1990's and is continuous. Data for this study was sourced extensively from secondary sources; it was analysed using descriptive and narrative methods of inquiry.

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This study examined the nature, causes and impact of the huge foreign debt crisis in Latin America between the 1970s and 1980s referred to generally as the "lost decade'. As a survey research, it employed the historical method of research and analysis. It gathered its data extensively through library search and adopted the qualitative technique of content analysis of historical documents. The paper noted that the debt crisis in Latin America came to a head in August 1982 when Mexico publicly declared its insolvency. It identified a number of factors that brought about this endemic burden of foreign debt in Latin America. These included: the over-preponderancy of foreign loans granted to Latin American states, particularly Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela, in the 1970s and the attendant inflation and increasing floating interest rates. These had combined to serve as great challenges to the economic development and survival of the Latin American countries during the period of study. The various attempts at debt rescheduling and cancellation between 1980 and 1989 were equally well documented. It concluded that Latin American countries should avoid excessive external debts to avoid disaggregation in their economic development in the nearest future.Contribution/Originality: This study contributes to the existing literature on development crisis in Third World countries. The paper"s primary contribution is finding that excessive external debt is a major impediment to socio-economic growth and development in Latin American states.

This paper is committed to an historical exploration of the structure, functions and challenges of Nigeria’s overseas missions since inception till 1999. To this end, it employed the eclectic method of enquiry, adopting a combination of historical and descriptive methods of data collection. The study relies heavily on secondary data sourced from journal articles, textbooks, newspapers and magazines and other relevant materials including government gazettes. It also benefitted significantly from primary sources of information. Facts and information obtained were subjected to corroboration and critical analysis using qualitative method. This was done in order to enhance objectivity. The paper observes that Nigeria’s overseas missions fall into two broad categories, namely, the diplomatic and consular missions and are of varying sizes. These missions have vigorously pursued the country’s national interest over the years with mixed results of success and failures, amidst daunting challenges.

Globalization it is accepted has made nonsense of state boarders. Issues that are local have become notable international concerns. Indigenous knowledge systems have not only been impacted by this phenomenon but have impacted other civilizations through the wildfire use of technology made available by globalization impacts. Modernity, by producing more refined and better accepted usable have brought indigenous knowledge of civilizations to the awareness of other civilizations ,cross weaving technologies to produce a new and modern conception that is better acceptable and more widely distributed. The traditional Yoruba aso oke is a product with such impact, having experienced a stage of modernization resulting from technological innovations made available from other nations through the benefits of globalization. Machines of various varieties such as tread making machines, industrial weaving machines, embroidery machines amongst others, have brought modernization to the Yoruba traditional weaving industry. This has not only created a smoother and better accepted version but also an increased distribution to provide a source of livelihood for a growing population of the citizens who engage in production and distribution in Nigeria and outside. This paper argues that the Yoruba weaving industry has been positively impacted by the globalization advantage to produce a more acceptable quality that has furthered the economic interest of the industry and internationalized the awareness of a growing traditional weaving textile industry that can further be exploited for national development.

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This paper examines the challenge of epileptic electric power supply in Nigeria since independence till date. The paper observes that a majority of Nigerians now pay excessively for darkness as they experience power outage for an average of 20 hours daily, while their estimated billing has continued to increase astronomically, unabated. This has impacted negatively on the socioeconomic development of the country and is currently inciting conflicts between the electricity distribution companies and aggrieved consumers across the country. In view of the above, the paper identified some factors responsible for this ugly development and highlights some of its effects on Nigeria's economy. Data for the study was obtained through oral interviews with electricity consumers (especially in Ekiti, Osun and Oyo states) and officials of Ibadan and Benin Electricity Distribution Companies; personal observations; group discussion method; and a rigorous library search of related literature. The study employed the descriptive and analytical qualitative methods of historical research to analyse its data. It recommends that electricity supply should be given necessary attention by the government to enable the country harness her rich human and material resources.

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