Department of Religious and Developmental Studies

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Management of Poverty and its Inherent Crises and Conflicts in Nigeria: The Role of the Church
(School of Arts and Social Sciences, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria., 2011-07) Okunoye, Job Oluremi
One major challenge confronting Africa is the problem of poverty, coming to the Nigeria situation, the phenomenon of poverty is a pervasive one in spite of her great natural wealth, Nigeria is poor and social development is limited. Since the global economic downturn and the dwindling petro-dollar income, more than 70 percent of Nigeria live below the poverty line while some 35 percent wallow in abject poverty, in fact, real grinding poverty. In fact, Nigeria is represented as pitiably sitting in the bowels of poverty as the 154th of 172 countries in the world poverty marginal index. However, the government of Nigeria from federal 'to local level have since pre-occupied herself with programmes and strategies of alleviating poverty but we are yet to see any appreciable impact of all these programmes to which billions of naira is being spent. The church must collaborate with the government in its effort to manage poverty in our society, and this is the focus of this paper. Striving to improve the living conditions of the poor, and to save them from their plight is the best way of demonstrating the spirit of Christ.
The Role of the Church Towards Achieving Good Governance in Nigeria
(Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria., 2012) Okunoye, Job Oluremi
Nigeria has had more than its fair share of the worst form of governance — civil or military. She has been at the receiving end of political tyranny, thuggery, rigging of elections, injustice, corrupt political office holders, unfaithfulness, tyrannical rulers, gagging or cowing the opposition into submission, assassination and so on. The inordinate and selfish ambition of the good boys to have their own share of the national cake has strangulated national development and derailed the train of technological advancement. If, as a result of the development of politics into a dirty game, Christians stay aloof, can their aloofness remove the evil from politics and governance? Will it not rather help it to take such deep roots as to make it difficult to dislodge? It is with this concern that this paper looks at the essential elements of good governance and the role the church, which is the united body of Christ, can play to help bring about good governance in Nigeria. The paper establishes that the church has a sacred duty to provide the moral foundation and be the conscience of the nation. It concludes by discussing essential qualities an effective politician who is to govern must possess before he/she can facilitate good governance.
Effective Poverty Alleviation Programme as Panacea for Security Challenges in Nigeria: The Ancient Israelite and the Contemporary Church Experience
(Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria., 2015) Okunoye, Job Oluremi
Poverty and insecurity constitute two major challenges confronting Africa generally and Nigeria in particular. Both -poverty and insecurity are like Siamese twins that cannot be separated. As a matter of fact, higher percentage of the security challenges being witnessed in Nigeria is caused by poverty. Indeed, poverty in Nigeria has become a breeding forum for all social ills being experienced in the country today such as kidnapping, armed-robbery, ritual killing, pipeline vandalisation and the rest. The reason for this is not far-fetched; it is because “an idle hand is the devil’s workshop. “ Consequently, many of the unemployed youths in Nigeria engage in various criminal acts that constitute security threats to Nigeria. Bearing in mind the fact that one possible way of overcoming security challenges in Nigeria is to put effective and functional poverty alleviation programmes in place and which the Nigerian government has failed to do, this paper, therefore, examines various poverty alleviation mechanisms put in place in the Old Testament to effectively curb poverty and insecurity (food, economic, social and political insecurity) in ancient Israelite society. This is with a view that the contemporary church as collaborator with the government in finding lasting solution to the problem of poverty and insecurity would borrow a leaf from the experience of the ancient Israelite society in its attempt to respond to the cry of the poor and security challenges in Nigeria. The paper recommends that the church should actively be involved in the poverty alleviation struggles of the government (as the government alone could not do it) through effective and functional poverty alleviation programmes as practised in ancient Israelite society.
Jeremiah as a Model of Homiletical Courage for Nigerian Preachers
(National Association for Christian Studies (NACS), 2015) Okunoye Job Oluremi
The Old Testament prophets were preachers who had colour, courage and dynamic qualities but of them all, Jeremiah possessed the most universal appeal. He was a faithful, obedient and courageous preacher though he was severely persecuted, beaten, rejected and imprisoned. His life and ministry was a remarkable one and stand as a challenge to the contemporary Nigerian Christian preachers. This paper therefore examines and appraises the life and ministry of prophet Jeremiah by reflecting on some of his distinguished personal characteristics using historical-critical method. This is with a view of making him a model for the contemporary Nigerian Christian preachers. It is recommended that the contemporary Nigerian Christian preachers should reprimand superstitious religiosity, legalism, formalism and incorporation of worldliness into Christianity.
Religious Crisis as Bane of Economic Development in Nigeria
(John Archers Publishers Limited, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria., 2016) Okunoye, Job Oluremi
Nigeria, according to Awoniyi (2012), is a religiously pluralistic society but constitutionally, a secular state. In Nigeria, people practice three main religions - Christianity mainly in the south and Middle Belt, Islam, mainly in the north, and Traditional Religion in every part of the country. Every Nigerian according to 1999 constitution is entitled to practice religion of his/her choice including freedom to change his/her religion or belief; and freedom to manifest and propagate his/her religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance. Meanwhile, a cursory exploration around the country recently reveals a lot of ugly and terrifying news of wanton destruction of lives and property as a result of incessant religious crises most especially the Boko Haram insurgency. This has great negative economic influence on the Nigerian citizens. The Nigerian government and the intellectuals and various inter-religious organisations have spent a lot of time, energy and resources to work out modalities for amiable religious inter-group relations. But it is disheartening to say that solutions toward religious crisis in Nigeria seem to be a mirage. Consequently, economic development is hampered. Therefore, this paper examines the perennial incidence of religious crises in Nigeria and its negative economic influence on the Nigeria citizens.
The Care of the Poor in Ancient Israel as a Paradigm for Contemporary Nigerian Church
(Department of Religions, Kwara State University, Malete., 2017) Okunoye Job Oluremi
The response of the church to the cry of the poor in the contemporary Nigerian society is far below the expectation. In the church today, it seems that God's concern for the poor and marginalized is often overlooked. The church gives necessary attention to spiritual matter but often completely neglect the physical. However, in the Old Testament (OT) corpuses most especially, the Pentateuch (Law), the Poetry and the Prophets, the care, provision and redemption of the poor and the marginalized are of the utmost concern to God. God instructed His people, the Israelites in form of legislation to actively care for the poor while discouraging any mistreatment of or indifference toward the needy (Exodus 22:21-23; Leviticus 23:22; 25:39-43; Deut. 15:7; Proverbs 14:21,31; Isaiah 10:1-3; Malachi 3:5). Thus, this paper, using social-historical and textual approaches examines the OT stipulations for the care of the poor in ancient Israelite society with a view to challenging the contemporary church in Nigeria to rise to her social responsibility by advocating for the poor, caring for their needs and pursuing justice on their behalf. This paper revealed that many Christian denominations/churches in Nigeria have neglected or care less about the social needs of their members for those needs that are spiritual as against Christ's spirit of empathy and sympathy with the poor and marginalized. The paper recommends that the present day church in Nigeria should practically emulate the step of Jesus Christ and that of the early church by making the care of the body and spirit a priority in their evangelical programmes. The church should not allow bad theology and poor excuses to keep them from responding to the cry of the poor and marginalized in their communities.
The Role of Church Leaders in Building Sustainable Nigerian Future
(Department of Religious and Cultural Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, 2017) Okunoye, Job Oluremi
Recent happenings in the political arena in Nigeria have shown that church leaders have a great role to play in the governance of their nations as it was in ancient Israelite society. In fact, church leaders have taken a step higher above their traditional roles in the issues of governance and politics in Nigeria by actually getting involved in active party 'politics. They frequently express their views on governance publicly and radically in their churches on Sundays, on the pages of newspapers, on television and radio. Likewise, many political leaders and political offices aspirants (Christians and non-Christians) that are seeking the votes of the electorates run to the church leaders to seek for prayers, guidance and votes of the church members during the elections. However, many church leaders have disappointed the body of Christ, that is, the church through various negative roles they have played in the issues of politics and governance of this nation, Nigeria. Hence, this study, using socio-historical and theological approach assesses the roles the church leaders can play in building sustainable Nigerian future, ensuring transparent and credible leadership, and accountability. Biblical examples of men of God that played their roles according to the will of God to influence the politics and governance of their society positively are also examined to serve as a model for contemporary Nigerian church leaders. It was discovered that many church leaders have left undone what they ought to do and have done what they ought not to do. Materialism has replaced the message of true repentance, righteous living and so on. The contemporary Nigerian church leaders are hereby called upon to set themselves apart as holy and acceptable God's mouthpieces that truly serve as guides and consciences of the nation.
A Biblical Reflection on the Morality of Capital Punishment in Contemporary Nigerian Society
(Nigerian Association for the Study of Religions (NASR), 2017-07-25) Okunoye, Job Oluremi
In the recent times, the rate of kidnapping in Nigeria has made some state governors, the national assembly and eminent Nigerians to agitate for capital punishment or death penalty for the kidnappers. Capital Punishment as suggested and stipulated in the Nigeria constitution is not limited to kidnapping but to other criminal offences such as armed robbery, murder, terrorism-related offenses and so on. It is to allow justice to take its proper course and serve as deterrence to others. Indeed, justice in all levels is the outcry of all and sundry in this nation but how is the capital punishment viewed within Christianity? What does the Bible teach about capital punishment? Does capital punishment play any constructive role in our criminal justice system? Can we justify the abolition/continuation of capital punishment in contemporary Nigerian society using the Bible as a foundation? What are the pros and cons of capital punishment? These and many other questions are answered in this research paper using historical-critical hermeneutical approach. Findings reveal that the execution of criminals by the state is not prohibited in the Bible but it must be executed carefully, prudently and sparingly because it is not something that Christians should exult.
In Search Of Good Governance: Domesticating Selected Themes in Psalm 72 for Political Leaders in Nigeria
(Department of Religious Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, 2017-09-21) Okunoye Job Oluremi; Fawenu Bamidele Olusegun
The level of development in many countries in Africa is not congruent with the stupendous natural and human resources at their beck and call. This situation has generally been connected to poor governance. Therefore, the quest for good governance is one of the major concerns of most countries in Africa and Nigeria in particular. Righteousness and Justice are indicated in Psalm 72 as germane if good governance will be actualized. Leaning on the classification of the Psalter by Hermann Gunkel, the fact that Psalm 72 is one of the Royal Psalms that describes the commitment of an ancient Israelite King to govern his people aright makes it a relevant choice for this study. Therefore, the themes, righteousness and justice as presented in the Psalm were domesticated for Nigeria political leadership. Both historical and exegetical methods with bias for historical-grammatical analysis of the Psalm were used for this paper. The exegetical engagement of the text brings to fore the symbiotic relationship between (personal) righteousness and administration of justice in governance as sine qua non for the prosperity of the governed. Such prosperity emerges as a moral cause-and-effect nexus built into reality for the governed.
Why did Yahweh reject the sacrifice of Cain? A Theological Reflection on Gen. 4:1-16 and its implication for Contemporary Christians in Nigeria
(Kampala International University Journal of Humanities, 2018-06-30) Okunoye, Job Oluremi; Akano, Ezekiel Kehinde
In any sacrifice, three parties are of paramount importance. These include the deity to whom sacrifice is offered, the worshipper who offered the sacrifice either all alone or with the assistance of the priest as the intermediary, and the victim for the sacrifice. The sacrificial material otherwise called sacrificial victim is so important because it is a means to an end, it is an instrument by which the covenant relationship is established and upheld. Nevertheless, in the Old Testament, the purpose of the sacrifice dictated the sacrificial material(s) to be used. However, the account of the sacrifice of Cain and Abel in Gen. 4 looks paradoxical as Abel‟s sacrifice was accepted by Yahweh while that of Cain was rejected! Why was this so? What was it about Cain‟s offering that made it unacceptable and that of Abel acceptable most especially when one considers the fact that both bloody (animal) and unbloody (grain and wine) were commanded and common in the Old Testament. More importantly, what is the implication of Cain‟s unacceptable offering for Christians today? What lessons can both church leaders and members learn from this incident in this era where church members are being coerced or forced by church leaders through various unwholesome methods to give/donate sacrificially without minding the means, the readiness and the mental attitude or heart disposition of the giver/donor? Indeed, what constitute sacrifice for today‟s Christians and how can Christians today offer an acceptable sacrifice? These and many other questions were answered in this research paper.
The Anti-Usury Legislation of the Covenant Code: Implication for Business Ethics in the African Socio-Economic Space
(Journal of Humanities, Management and Social Sciences, Mountain Top University, Prayer City, Ibafo. Ogun State, Nigeria., 2018-12-01) Okunoye, Job Oluremi; Olurin, Enitan Olurotimi
Usury has been practised in various parts of the world including African countries for thousands of years and there have been substantial evidence of intense criticism of the practice from many quarters on moral, ethical, religious and legal grounds. In the Old Testament (OT), usury or the concept of taking interest on loans at least to any member of the community of Israel is viewed as a morally questionable practice. Thus, the three legal codes of the OT, the Covenant Code, the Law of Holiness and the Deuteronomic Code contain a law prohibiting usury but the prohibition in the Covenant Code; that is, the book of Exodus is generally agreed to be the oldest. The Pentateuchal prohibition against lending for interest is often regarded as the result of a primitive economic standard and the specific “kinship morality of a tribal society.” Indeed, the anti-usury legislation was part of an ideal law for a new post-exilic Israel community. In other words, it was the utopian response to the ethical demands of the prophetic thematisation of justice after Israel economy had entered the stage of early capitalism. This paper, therefore, examines the anti-usury legislation in the Code of Covenant with a view to assessing its implication for business ethics in the African social-economic space, a predominantly interest-based economy. By capping interest rates, the paper discovered, that there will be fewer savings available for intermediation, leading to incentives by banks to engage in illegal activities to boost profitability. It is therefore recommended that interest rate should be moderated so as to guarantee resources returns for savers and the investment need of the borrower, while infrastructural deficits should be addressed in the continent.
The Anti-Usury Legislation of the Covenant Code: Implication for Business Ethics in the African Socio-Economic Space
(College of Humanities, Management and Social Sciences, Mountain Top University, Prayer City, Ogun State, Nigeria, 2018-12-01) Okunoye, Job Oluremi; Olurin, Enitan Olurotimi
Old Testament Concepts of Blessing and Godliness in the Context of African Prosperity Gospel
(Department of English, Faculty of Arts, University of Yaoundé 1, Cameroon, 2022-05-01) Okunoye Job Oluremi; Okanlawon Julius Olaleye
Some contemporary preachers lay emphasis on material prosperity at the expense of some other important aspects of faith such as godliness, righteousness, holiness, and so on. Thus, this paper examines the relationship that exists between prosperity and godliness in the Old Testament. This is with a view of correcting some contemporary preachers and Christians that place great emphasis on material prosperity but do not consider godliness as a cardinal virtue of Christian living. This is because, material prosperity if not properly managed has the potential to hinder the spiritual welfare of a Christian and possibly displace God from Christian’s life. Consequently, chaos and godlessness will reign supreme in a society where emphasis is placed on material prosperity without proper biblical understanding of the concepts of prosperity and godliness. This paper looks at the relationship between prosperity and godliness in ancient Israel from three major angles which are: prosperity and godliness in Pentateuch tradition, godliness and prosperity in prophetic writings, and prosperity and godliness in wisdom tradition. Findings reveal that godliness is a cardinal virtue and every godly person is expected to build his prosperity on the foundation of hard work and godliness. More so, wealth is a gift and responsibility which supposed to lead to a spirit of generosity towards others and to a greater trust in divine providence. Thus, the rich are to share with others and be grateful to Yahweh.
Cosmic-Ethical Order in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11: Its Implications for Contemporary Nigerian Political Leaders
(Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, 2023) Okunoye, Job Oluremi; Wambutda, Joseph Rotkang
When the ethical world view of a people fails to align with God‟s created order, having chaotic situations within the society is indispensable. The societal ills that wreak havoc on the Nigerian society day by day are a confirmation which to a large extent have to do with the ethical misconducts of those in position of power as well as the collective destructive attitudes of the populace. This paper explores the cosmology of the book of Ecclesiastes in relation to the unethical behaviours of contemporary Nigerian Political leaders. Consequently, the research employed qualitative method as instrument of investigation. The research findings show that the level of poverty in the society today is on the increase as leadership positions have become platforms for amassing public funds for personal pleasure rather than offering service to the people. It is against this background that leaders‟ attention is drawn to the reality of the insatiable quest for materialism that inadvertently ends in self-destruction here and in eternity. Our leaders should therefore curb their inordinate ambition for material gains and focus their attention in creating a conducive environment that would better the living standard of the citizens. Leaders should be devoted to serving the people rather than using their position to divert resources meant for the development of the society.
Pursuance of Justice (Amos 5:21-24; James 2:1-7) and Democratization for Social Change in Nigerian Context
(Department of Religious and Cultural Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, 2025-06-25) Okunoye Job Oluremi; Abodunrin Michael Olusegun
Tensions exist when economic or political power is concentrated in a minority and a majority is forced to sell its labour. Nigeria as a democratic country is evolving. Some scholars have argued that the much-advocated equality and fairness for all men is realizable with the establishment of democracy. Therefore, this article attempts an assessment of the relationship between democracy and justice as well as the advantages that can be reaped by Nigerian society if justice is given a chance. Employing historico-critical method, this paper explores biblical guidelines to discuss the challenge of injustice, with special reference to Amos 5:21-24 and the epistle of James 2:1-7, in the context of democratization in the contemporary Nigeria. This paper also investigates the potential benefits of democracy and justice for Nigeria's socio-political stability and progress. Justice, is a crucial virtue that is celebrated in all disciplines and practices. In fact, it is a quest inherent in every human being. It is an intrinsic moral value which every human society desire for mutual co-existence. Justice is a cardinal pillar in a judicial and legal system of any society as it is practiced in land matters, inheritance issues, socio-communal development strategies, interpersonal relationships and other sundry matters. Integrating and practising justice for social change in Nigeria would give a better definition of the practice of democracy in Nigeria.
Reformation in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG): Examining Adeboye’s Reforms and the Growth of RCCG
(DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIONS, FACULTY OF ARTS, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA, 2025-06-30) Okunoye, Job Oluremi; Olujobi, Adeleke Adeyemo
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is a Pentecostal denomination with its international headquarters at Redemption City, Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria. It has its presence in many countries and it is one of the fastest-growing denominations in the world. After the death of founder Pa Josiah Akindayomi in 1980, Pastor E.A. Adeboye became its General Overseer in 1981. Adeboye Erra has witnessed many reforms that have led to the massive growth of the church. This paper examined the similarities between Luther's Reformation and that of Adeboye in RCCG. It makes use of the historical method and interviews with some long-standing members of the church. Findings show that Adeboye brought in some reforms that led to the growth of the church. For instance, he changed the liturgy of the church from its original African indigenous model to a Pentecostal genre. He created model parishes and allowed the ordination of women. Adeboye's belief resonates with Luther's belief in the priesthood of all believers as against the Catholic stand on the theory of two estates. The work postulates that reformation should not be seen as an invent of the 16th century but an on-going process in many churches. The paper recommends that Christian denominations should not be dogmatic but receptive to changes that will make people amenable to the without compromising bible standards.
Caring for the Poor, the Marginalized, and the Oppressed (Matthew 25:31-46): A Case Study Of Oke-Ogun Baptist Conference, Oyo State, Nigeria
(DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIONS, FACULTY OF ARTS, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA, 2025-06-30) Okunoye, Job Oluremi; Olayiwola, Mayowa Taiwo
In a country like Nigeria where poverty, marginalization, and oppression persist as pressing social issues, faith-based organizations play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. Therefore, this paper examines the theological and practical dimensions of the Oke-Ogun Baptist Conference’s commitment to social justice and care for the needy, grounded in the biblical foundation of Matthew 25:31-46. The Christian responsibility to support marginalized populations is the dominant motif of the selected passage. The historical development of the Oke-Ogun Baptist Conference is then examined, highlighting its mission, vision, and previous efforts in social welfare. The paper details current outreach initiatives, including support for the poor, marginalized communities, and advocacy for the oppressed. Through case studies, it presents success stories, identifies ongoing challenges, and extracts valuable lessons for effective ministry. The role of community engagement, partnerships, and sustainable support systems is emphasized, underscoring the Church’s pivotal role in driving social change. The article concludes with practical recommendations for enhancing the impact and sustainability of the Conference’s social justice efforts.
Effective Storage Systems as a Panacea to Food Insecurity in Nigeria: Lessons from Genesis 41:34-52.
(Ajayi Crowther University Press, Oyo, 2025-09-10) Okunoye Job Oluremi
Nigeria has enormous agricultural potential, yet food insecurity is still a major problem there. This paper examines the critical role of effective storage systems in addressing food insecurity challenges in Nigeria, drawing significant lessons from the biblical narrative of Joseph in Genesis 41:34-52. The study employs a comprehensive analysis of contemporary literature on food storage innovations, agricultural challenges, and food security frameworks in Nigeria. The study draws comparisons between Nigeria's contemporary storage needs and Joseph's prehistoric storage strategy during Egypt's seven years of abundance. Findings reveal that effective storage facilities substantially reduce post-harvest losses, stabilize food prices, enhance food availability during lean seasons, and ultimately improve household food security status. The paper recommends increased investment in modern storage infrastructure, revival of strategic grain reserves, adoption of hermetic storage technologies, integration of indigenous knowledge with modern storage techniques, and implementation of comprehensive food security policies. These recommendations, informed by both biblical wisdom and contemporary research, provide a roadmap for addressing Nigeria's food insecurity challenges through improved storage systems.

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