Browsing by Author "Ogunnubi, Olusola"
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Item Nation Branding and the Citizenship Question in Nigeria : Matters Arising for Political Restucting(Ubuntu: Journal of Conflict and Social Transformation, 2020-12) Ogunnubi, Olusola; Opeyemi, AlukoAfter almost 60 years of independence, the idea of the Nigerian state remains a veiled illusion masking the fading hopes of the country’s founding fathers. In the first few decades of its existence, Nigeria inspired the confidence of an African continent that was on a steady developmental trajectory. As the country clocks 60, the Nigerian dream appears to be an elusive one. Amid this quagmire, calls for political and economic restructuring have resuscitated the age-old ambition to return to ‘true federalism’ and fiscal autonomy of the constituent states. In this study, the authors turn to a less considered argument on restructuring that focuses on the need for a rebranded national identity that Nigerians can subscribe to. The article argues that, while restructuring has invoked different inter pretations from many, an important precursor must be a deeper commitment to Nigeria beginning with the advancement of a new national identity for Nigeria and Nigerians. Restructuring implemented without the conviction of being a Nigerian is unlikely to produce any meaningful results in Nigeria’s quest for radical socio-economic transformation. In sum, a robust national branding will initiate stronger belief in a truly national identity and inspire collective response to a federalised Nigeria.Item Nigeria’s Soft Power and Economic Diplomacy in Africa(Journal of African Foreign Affairs (JoAFA), 2018-08) Aluko, Opeyemi Idowu; Ogunnubi, OlusolaThe world is more fragile than it used to be as recently as three decades ago. With many countries developing sophisticated weaponry to counter possible external threats, states’ capacity to match each other’s military strength has been greatly enhanced with some going so far as to undermine the code of conduct in international peace politics. However, the descent of the multipolar world order has raised the credibility of soft power as a preferred alternative to hard power politics. This entails the use of economic diplomacy, negotiations, dialogue and persuasions instead of military capabilities. This study raises the need to revert from the traditional hard power display in global politics to a soft power approach. Nigeria in the West African sub-region is a major player in Africa and to a lesser extent in the world. It possesses a range of soft power potential and competences to negotiate with any player in Africa and globally through the plank of soft diplomacy. This study examines the articulation of Nigeria’s soft power in the arena of economic diplomacy and probes how the state marshals its economic engagement (especially in Africa) in the present multi-polar order. The authors further consider the extent to which economic diplomacy satisfies the foreign policy objectives of Nigeria and meets the demands of the Nigerian populace. Using descriptive analysis, the methodology utilizes data from Afrobarometer time series (2002-2014) on how satisfied Nigerians are in the handling of its economy. The realist theoretical framework is utilized to buttress power interplay in international politics and the imperative for soft power utilization by Nigeria and for the success of peaceful politics among nations of the world.