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Dennis Ashara

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Papers by Dennis Ashara

Strategies for improving food security among displaced families in Agatu, Benue State, Nigeria

by Dennis Ashara and Njoku, Chinoyerem U

Madonna Journal of Public Administration, 2018

This paper examines practicable strategies for improving food security among displaced families i... more This paper examines practicable strategies for improving food security among displaced families in Agatu, Benue state, Nigeria. The study has three specific objectives which are to: 1) examine the prospects of the provision of food crops for subsistence farming among the displaced families; 2) find out how women empowerment will improve food security among the displaced families; and 3) explore the strategies for improving adequate nutrient intake among the displaced families in Agatu, Benue state, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey design. The population of the study was 1,334 internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Ugbokpo camp, Agatu in Benue state. The sample size was 133 randomly selected adults from among the displaced persons in the Ugbokpo IDP camp. The instrument used in eliciting response from the respondents was a structured questionnaire which was validated by two experts; one in the Department of Nutrition Science of the Benue State University, Makurdi, and the other in the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, Makurdi. The data in the questionnaire were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Item with less than mean scores of 2.50 were rejected, while those with 2.50 and above were accepted. The findings revealed that the respondents accepted all the items in the questionnaire. The study therefore recommended that the governments and aid agencies should engage in comprehensive resettlement and reintegration programmes that will ensure access to arable lands by the IDPs in Agatu; and that nutrition education should be incorporated into the food programme of the IDPs to enlighten them about proper nutrient intake and nutritional behaviours for their wellbeing; and that women and youths should be empowered to attain self-reliance in order to contribute to the provision of food for their household/family members.

Keywords: Food, Food Security, Displaced Families, Internally Displaced Persons, Fulani Herdsmen

Nigeria the dilemma of ethnic divide and national development

. Mmiri-Imo Journal of History and International Studies, 2014

Ethnic nationalism which had become a characteristic endemic of the Nigerian system prior to inde... more Ethnic nationalism which had become a characteristic endemic of the Nigerian system prior to independence and since then, has no doubt bound Nigeria in a 'mare's nest' as the country is caught in a dilemma. The division of the country along ethnic lines/sentiments and interests have subjected the country to several predicaments: unchecked high rate of corruption, moral decadence and values dilapidation; geometric rise in rate of unemployment and the relegation of merit and consequent failure of institutions. Interestingly, the development of the country, resource allocation and political appointments remain within the confines of ethnic politicking/interests. The result of these is the continued detrimental subjugation and compromise of the country's development which has been 'ethnicised'. This paper examines the phenomenon of "ethnic divide" in Nigeria as the root of the many problems that have ravaged the country; impeding the spread of even development across the country and encouraging corruption to cause underdevelopment and further stagnation. At what stage did the thing 'ethnic' become a menace for Nigeria? What is responsible for the rise of ethnic nationalism at the expense of the country's life? Why have the various agencies mandated to alleviate the excruciating effects of ethnic divide and mutual suspicion among various groups failed? Can Nigeria's predicament be a justification of Achebe's "Things Fall Apart"? If not, what are the remedies? How can this problem be addressed to attain a better future and unity?

Keywords: Bad governance, Development, Ethnic- divide, Institutions, Nigeria

The Middle East a critical analysis of the impact of European Diplomacy from colonization to

Mmiri-Imo Journal of History and International Studies, 2015

The Middle East region mostly dominates discussions on international politics, especially when ce... more The Middle East region mostly dominates discussions on international politics, especially when centered on conflicts and terrorism; and of course, oil diplomacy. It is a region richest in crude oil deposits, and interestingly, strategically located - which makes it "an unavoidable bride". Since 1948, the region has been engrossed in violent conflicts - which seldom seem unmanageable - and which make it even more vulnerable. Understanding the Middle East debacles is important in addressing the problems that impede the growth and development of a region suffering various socio-economic cum political malaises. While 1948 marked the beginning of warfare between the Arabs and Jews, the history of the region requires an understanding from the time of colonization to 1948. Hence, the paper critically assessed western powers' roles in the region. Special attention is given to World War I currents, as well as the famous United Nations resolution 181 in the evolution of the Middle East prior to the 1948 war.

Keywords: Arabs, Crises, diplomacy, Europe, Jews, Middle East.

Tackling the roots of insecurity in Nigeria need for youth peace education

Kpakpando Journal of History and International Studies, 2014

While it has been widely acclaimed that there can be no meaningful development in the midst of vi... more While it has been widely acclaimed that there can be no meaningful development in the midst of violent conflicts which characterize most societies in contemporary times, and the involvement of youths in violence, little has been done in applying theories into practice in the course to reduce harmful societal conflicts especially in utilizing peace education to achieve desired aims. This paper examines the need for peace education and youth re-orientation for sustainable development in the Niger Delta. It outlines strategies to enhance the teaching of peace education and also x-rays the role of the youth in national development while making policy recommendations at achieving sustainable development especially in the region through youth participation. The researchers assert the necessity for both in-school and out-of-schools approach for the teaching of peace education to be effective.

Keywords: Development, Peace-education, Niger-Delta, Violence, Youth

The ordeal of refugee crisis in Africa

Kansas City College Educational Journal, 2015

Many problems confront Africa; yet, a large amount of the solutions to the myriad of problems fac... more Many problems confront Africa; yet, a large amount of the solutions to the myriad of problems facing it depends on the determination of the Africans. As man-made conflicts - economic, political, ethnoreligious, environmental - and cases of natural disasters continue to go on unabated; the rising numbers of refugees and other displaced persons in the continent remain alarming. While a lot of scholarly attention has been paid to the problems of refugees, little is known about the crisis situation; thus, the need to do an empirical survey of the transformation of the problems of refugees into a crisis and its implication to the African continent - this is the intent of this paper. The paper answers questions as to the factors responsible for the crisis situation of the refugee phenomenon in Africa, while making policy recommendations.

Keywords: Africa, Crises, Development, Governance, Refugees

The dilemma of protection in the Boko Haram Crisis challenges confronting Aid Agencies

Unique Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 1(1), 93-103., 2023

In situations of serious human casualties resulting from violent conflicts or disasters, and wher... more In situations of serious human casualties resulting from violent conflicts or disasters, and where the national government is incapacitated in the management of the crises, the international community has a responsibility to protect civilian lives first. This study examined the challenges confronting international aid agencies in offering protection to displaced persons in Bornu State, Nigeria. Three objectives informed the present study while the Liberal theory was adopted. The study adopted the qualitative survey design to assess the opinions of staff of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Danish Refugee Council (DRC), Christian Aid (CA), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), International Office for Migration (IOM), Action Aid (AA) and the World Food Programme (WFP) in Bornu state. The population of the study was 1,500 local and international aid workers in Bornu state. Interviews were conducted on the staff of selected agencies. The descriptive approach of data analysis to assess the relationship in literature or secondary data was used for the study. Some of the findings on the security challenges of aid agencies were summarized as: attacks on food vans, kidnap of aid workers, attack on camps, stealing in the camp and inability to access the interior parts of the state. The study recommended that national institutions such as the police, army and civil defense should be strengthened to provide security for aid workers in the region. The study also recommended that the Nigerian government should be encouraged to take responsibility of the victims of internal displacement.

Keywords: Boko Haram, Aid Agencies, humanitarian crisis

Challenges of regional peacekeeping: a critical assessment of African union's roles in Burundi and Darfur

African Journal of Social and Behavioural Sciences, 9(1). 176-188, 2019

This study assessed the African Union.s peacekeeping operations since 2002 with emphases on effec... more This study assessed the African Union.s peacekeeping operations since 2002
with emphases on effectiveness and challenges. Irrespective of the AU.s efforts to save the continent from the scourges of violent wars which have long ravaged it through effective peacekeeping operations, socio-ethnic cum political violence continue unabated. The study, through secondary data, assessed the role of the AU in peacekeeping in two case studies of Burundi and Darfur regions of Sudan. The study adopted the content analysis method. Articles, books, periodicals were used for the study. These were later carefully assessed with the different documents for reliable evidence. The study found that the AU achieved minimal success in these cases. The study also found that factors such as poor financing, socio-cultural and political impediments, as well structural problems such as poor administration and intractable conflicts orchestrated by several factors were part of the problems affecting the effectiveness of peacekeeping by the AU. The study subsequently made policy recommendations.

Violence and its impact on the Political Economy of Nigeria's northeast region An evaluation of sustainable approaches

University of Port Harcourt Journal of the Humanities (Vol. 30, Number 1, pp. 123–140)., 2024

Northeast Nigeria has been grappling with the devastating impact of violent conflicts, primarily... more Northeast Nigeria has been grappling with the devastating impact of violent conflicts, primarily driven by insurgency and ethno-religious tensions. The repercussions of these conflicts extend far beyond the immediate humanitarian crises, significantly affecting the region's political economy. A sustainable approach to mitigating the impact necessitates comprehensive strategies that address the root causes and foster long-term stability. This paper examines violence and its impact on the political economy of the Northeastern region of Nigeria, while evaluating sustainable approaches. The study adopted a qualitative survey design. This research utilized both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data sources included materials such as the United Nations, federal and state government publications, documents and archives, as well as in-depth interviews. The historical, narrative and analytical approach to analysis and interpretation were adopted. The paper revealed that Boko Haram insurgency, socio-economic disadvantages, religious and ethnic radicalism were major drivers of violence in the region. The findings also revealed that the violence has severely impacted on the political economy of the region. The study recommended an effective early warning system that should rely on local intelligence among others.

Enhancing diplomatic relations of the Sahel States and the rest of ECOWAS - Dennis U Ashara and Solomon Duru

ADDRESSING CHALLENGES AND ADVANCING GROWTH: HOW CAN BRICS+ MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT ETHIOPIA

by Charles S Ijuye-Dagogo, Akinola Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa, and Dennis Ashara

Mashariki Security Journal. Mashariki Research and Policy Centre., 2025

The emergence of the BRICS+ has broadened the inherent benefits of strategic coalition and geopol... more The emergence of the BRICS+ has broadened the inherent benefits of strategic coalition and geopolitical groups in a changing world. BRICS+ catalyzes development and cooperation among developing countries, offering an alternative framework for economic, political, and social progress that developing countries can harness. This article examines the strategic consequences of Ethiopia's recent membership in the BRICS+ group, specifically emphasizing the possible economic and political advantages for the nation. The paper discusses the historical evolution, goals, and advantages of BRICS+ and situates Ethiopia's membership within the perspective of neoliberal internationalism. The paper used a desk review method and interviews, which were analyzed using a narrative analysis. The paper suggests that Ethiopia's involvement in BRICS+ has the potential to improve its economic outlook by attracting foreign direct investment, obtaining financial assistance from the New Development Bank, and strengthening commercial ties, especially with China and India. From a political standpoint, being a member of BRICS+ provides Ethiopia with enhanced diplomatic leverage, prospects for cooperation at both regional and global levels, and a more robust standing within the African Union. Nevertheless, the paper highlights notable obstacles, such as persistent political instability and macroeconomic imbalances, that may hinder Ethiopia's capacity to fully use its BRICS+ membership. To fully exploit the advantages, the paper recommends adopting a bilateral-multilateral strategy that involves strengthening bilateral partnerships, efficiently harnessing BRICS+ resources, and resolving internal problems to guarantee a steady and enduring expansion.

HOW CAN NIGERIA LEVERAGE MARITIME DIPLOMACY FOR SECURITY AND BLUE ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT IN THE GULF OF GUINEA

The blue economy has gained prominence in academic and policy debates since 2012, contributing ap... more The blue economy has gained prominence in academic and policy debates since 2012, contributing approximately US$300 billion to Africa in 2018, with projections of US$405 billion by 2030. Nigeria's blue economy is strategically linked to the Gulf of Guinea, but security threats such as piracy, smuggling, terrorism, and IUU fishing hinder its growth. While Nigeria's development approach focuses on policies and domestic initiatives, the role of diplomacy in enhancing security and maximizing economic benefits remains largely overlooked. This paper examines Nigeria's maritime diplomacy in enhancing security in the Gulf of Guinea and advancing the nation's blue economy. We used an interpretive and pragmatist research philosophy to design this case study research. We used secondary data that was analysed using content analysis. We found that Nigeria's blue economy strategy is largely focused on offshore oil and gas production and shipping. Nigeria's maritime diplomacy is conducted on both bilateral and multilateral levels and has achieved limited success. This is largely due to the absence of the strategic involvement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to use its diplomatic expertise and networks to achieve Nigeria's maritime interests. We recommend that the MFA should be given greater participation in Nigeria's blue economy development strategy.

Management of humanitarian crises in Borno, Nigeria: the role of humanitarian intelligence

As humanitarian crises become more complex, intelligence can contribute to effective action. An e... more As humanitarian crises become more complex, intelligence can contribute to effective action. An emerging subfield of intelligence studies and practice, humanitarian intelligence (HI) is the systematic gathering, analysis, and use of data to assist crisis management and decision-making. While HI is increasingly recognized for its interventionist components, its utility for preemptive action has been under-studied. This article argues that better use of HI would enhance the capabilities of crisis management agencies to assist vulnerable people before as well as after a crisis has developed. The study draws on field-based research in Borno State, Nigeria, an area that has been at the centre of a long-running humanitarian crisis resulting from the Boko Haram insurgency, counter-insurgency operations, and related socioeconomic disturbance. The study, using qualitative methods, finds that management of the crisis has been impeded by poor coordination, resource allocation, and decision-making, and that these weaknesses are exacerbated by poor knowledge of the peculiarities of the affected populations and the crisis context. The article argues that, in this case study and beyond, HI has potential for preempting or slowing crisis development through the provision of effective early warning systems and better appreciation of the geographic terrain of disaster-prone locations.

Books by Dennis Ashara

EVALUATING THE PRACTICE OF THE RULE OF LAW IN NIGERIA SINCE 1999

Crown Cross Books, 2012

Strengthening and building partnership in the fight against corruption: the roles of the family and traditional institutions

Mambayya House, 2012

This chapter argues that effective anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria must extend beyond state-le... more This chapter argues that effective anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria must extend beyond state-led initiatives to incorporate the foundational roles of the family and traditional institutions. Drawing on ethical and social responsibility theories, the author contends that corruption is nurtured at the micro-level of society - beginning within the family, where moral values and discipline are first instilled, and perpetuated or challenged through community norms upheld by traditional institutions. The chapter examines the devastating socioeconomic and psychological effects of corruption in Nigeria, including the collapse of public services, stigmatization, and loss of trust in governance. It then outlines how families can serve as primary schools of morality by teaching integrity, honesty, and accountability, while traditional institutions can act as custodians of communal ethics, rejecting and sanctioning corrupt behaviour. However, the chapter identifies significant challenges: economic pressures, poverty, governmental neglect, political interference in traditional leadership, and the celebration of ill-gotten wealth. The author concludes that a sustainable anti-corruption framework requires a tripartite partnership among government, families, and traditional institutions—combining preventive, punitive, and educational measures—along with policy interventions to improve living standards, reduce unemployment, and insulate traditional rulers from political manipulation.

Enhancing diplomatic relations of the Sahel States and the rest of ECOWAS - Dennis U Ashara and Solomon Duru

Zenodo, 2025

This chapter examines the imperative of strengthening diplomatic relations between the Sahel stat... more This chapter examines the imperative of strengthening diplomatic relations between the Sahel states (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad as an observer) and the broader Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It traces the historical context of ECOWAS-Sahel relations, highlighting persistent challenges including political instability, terrorism, economic disparities, infrastructure gaps, and environmental vulnerability to desertification and climate change. The chapter analyzes contemporary developments in security cooperation, economic integration, and governance reforms, while identifying key obstacles such as repeated coups, cross-border insurgencies, and resource constraints. Drawing lessons from successful regional bodies including the European Union, ASEAN, and the African Union, the authors propose strategies for enhancing diplomatic ties: strengthening security cooperation through intelligence sharing and joint operations, investing in trans-Sahelian infrastructure, promoting inclusive governance, addressing environmental challenges collaboratively, leveraging multilateral partnerships, and utilizing cultural diplomacy. The chapter concludes that a renewed, multifaceted commitment to strategic action is essential for fostering regional stability, economic prosperity, and sustainable development across West Africa.