Prof. Emeka E . Okonkwo | University of Nigeria, Nsukka (original) (raw)

Papers by Prof. Emeka E . Okonkwo

IKENGA International Journal of Institute of African Studies, 2023

Enugu-Ezike community stands out in the Southeast of Nigeria as regards the practice of tradition... more Enugu-Ezike community stands out in the Southeast of Nigeria as regards the practice of traditional medicine. Their traditional healers have been making remarkable success in the area of healing mental illness through indigenous knowledge. The acclaimed success has been made possible through different methods and practices. This research is focused on mental illness in Enugu-Ezike, Nigeria as it seeks to document the different types of mental illness and examine the causes and methods of diagnosing the ailment and cure. The study also sought to determine the active ingredients found in traditional herbs used in the treatment of mental illness. The study was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. A semi-structured interview was conducted for the key informants, which include traditional healers and elders with rich cultural knowledge about the mental health system. Information from individuals healed from mental illness and their caregivers corr...

Okonkwo, E.E., Afamefuna, E. <https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/view/author/Afamefuna, Eyisi.html> and Ololo, N.G. (2015) Social media platforms and their contributions to tourism development and promotion in Nigeria. Nsukka Journal of the Humanities, 23 (2). pp. 103-117., 2015

Internet based applications and social media are inextricably linked to modern businesses; each c... more Internet based applications and social media are inextricably linked to modern businesses; each contributing to and having impact on the other. Social media platforms specifically have been used to share information among internet users both within and outside the tourism industry. They allow people to engage in conversations with one another and are regarded as the future of communication. They present people with a countless array of internet platforms that increase and enhance the sharing of information. They make the transfer of text, photos, audio, video and electronic information in general easy. Social media platforms include Google, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, blogging, Linkedin, Flickr, Whatsapp, Wechat, Badoo, Quantcast, etc. These communication modes have experienced a tremendous growth during the recent past years, and as they continue to grow, so is the importance of harnessing their contributions as marketing and management tools for businesses, especially the tourism industry, since the industry has long relied so much on the spread of information through the word-of-mouth, destination popularity and other forms of print media. The research, therefore, takes a look at the selected social media platforms available in Nigeria and how they are used for tourism promotion and development. To achieve these aims, the research employs an ethnographic method of data collection through the distribution of questionnaires via http://www.surveymonkey.com to elicit useful information on the subject matter from users of social media in Nigeria. The study argues that social media platforms are actively used for tourism development and promotion, though the usage is still poor when compared to other countries. Hence, there is need to create enabling environment for increased usage

International Journal of Research in Tourism and Hospitality, 2018

The Nsukka-Okigwe cuesta trending north-south is seen by Afigbo (1976;1981) as the route of migra... more The Nsukka-Okigwe cuesta trending north-south is seen by Afigbo (1976;1981) as the route of migration of the Igbo ancestors from the Benue confluence to Nsukka cuesta and this spread along the cuesta to other parts of Igbo land. This assertion was not however based on any archaeological data. Even though limited archaeological studies in parts of the cuesta have shown copious evidence of human activities and material remains of past populations. These sites, which are potential centres for tourist attraction if given the required attention, include abandoned occupation sites such as caves and rock shelters (Kitson 1913; Okafor 1993; Anozie 1979; Ibeanu 2000). Caves and rock shelters which are the main focus of this research abound in some parts of Igbo land and are rich natural attractions which when developed will not only bring development and source of revenue to the state, but also to the community in which they are located. Mmaku and Achi located on the Central of Nsukka-Okigwe cuesta have very high concentration of caves and rock shelters. This means that there is a considerable range in the relative abundance of archaeological sites on this part of the cuesta than the other parts, which suggest that we have a high degree of clustering of archaeological sites which can be developed to promote tourism in these areas through careful planning as have been done in different part of the country. Examples are the Marshal cave in Yankari, Bauchi State and Ogbunike cave in Anambra State. Compared to other industries which have witnessed several fluctuation and frequent sharp decline, tourism has rarely fallen into a serious long term downturn (Hawkins, 1993), thus making it one of the world"s most dependable revenue earners. In the Tourism industry, resources are relatively inexhaustible and technological demands are comparatively low. While tourism projects come generally on-stream more quickly than other development projects, their pay back periods are lengthy and as a result, the sector has been identified by the world as having the key to present and future growth that could help ensure balance of payment equilibrium for many nations currently facing foreign currency squeeze and huge foreign debts. Some authors consider cave tourism as one of the oldest form of geotourism (Bourne, et. al. 2008). Its definition (geographical tourism) has been heavily influenced by the National Geographic Society Abstract: Geology and landscape constitute a form of natural area tourism known as geotourism. Features of this form of tourism include cave, rock shelter, waterfall, among others. Geotourism attractions are visited because of their scenic geological formation, unmodified vegetation, water resources, among others; and are developed due to their valued contributions to community development, income generation and employment opportunities. Mmaku and Achi on Nsukka-Okigwe Cuesta are endowed with caves and rock shelters that can be harnessed for geotourism. This paper is aimed at examining the potentials of caves and rock shelters in the study areas with a view to harnessing them for geotourism. The study uses ethnographic research instruments to elicit useful information and data collected were analyzed descriptively. The study argues that Mmaku and Achi communities' Standard of living can be enhanced if these natural resources are harnessed for geotourism.

Okonkwo, E.E., Afamefuna, E. <https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/view/author/Afamefuna, Eyisi.html> and NNeoma, O. (2016) Communication modes in Nigeria and their contributions to tourism development in Enugu State, Nigeria. International Journal of Communication, 10 . pp. 148-162., 2016

The study of cave over time has been of immense value to both archaeologists and tourists alike. ... more The study of cave over time has been of immense value to both archaeologists and tourists alike. To the former, the study has enriched them with information on the dietary habit as well as the habitation pattern of the past inhabitants. It could also throw light on their belief system as artifacts obtainable could show their worship pattern. To the latter, cave serves as a means of learning and relaxation upon visitation to such site. Ogba-Ukwu cave in Owerre-Ezukala is indeed a wonder to behold, having four rock-shelters and two waterfalls within the vicinity as well as intriguing features therein capable of holding visitors spellbound. However, it is surprising that presently, the cave has been able to attract external/foreign recognition (notwithstanding its ability to attract visitors). Effort by the villagers as well as some tourism experts has yielded some results but not as desired. Hence, the researchers embarked on this survey to bring to limelight the tourism potentials of...

International Journal of Research in Tourism and Hospitality, 2020

The notion of an authority and viable traditional indigenous arts and crafts industries in Nigeri... more The notion of an authority and viable traditional indigenous arts and crafts industries in Nigeria sound like a joke to most Nigerian communities; they are yet to understand what benefits exist therein. Nigerian communities are richly blessed with their own indigenous arts and crafts industries, which could help them to grapple with, enhanced their living. The basic truth is that no organizes society can thrive without their indigenous arts and crafts industries. Isuochi is a community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State that is known to possess some socioeconomic activities, which remained distinct with them through in the field of land acquisition for agriculture but also in traditional Arts and Crafts industries. They were resourceful and productive to the extent that they were almost self-sufficient people. However, traditional art and crafts industries will be seen here as the traditional branch of business, which embodies the knowledge acquired by a particular people or society in their struggle to adapt the natural environment through cultural norms beliefs etc. It is pertinent to note that these traditional arts and craft industries are always an important aspect of culture. They constitute viable cultural attractions Okpoko and Okpoko (2002) noted that cultural attractions are indispensable components of tourism development schemes. They provide a foundation upon which tourist trade should be built. There is a need to examine and understand these sustaining cultural heritage as a basis for sustainable tourism development. Presently, traditional arts and crafts industries, which could have helped to throw light on the way of life of the people and their early history, are being neglected due to various reasons such as western culture, government attitudes illiteracy, religion, lack of amenities and occupation secrecy. This paper, therefore, attempts to Abstract: Man overtime has demonstrated good knowledge of her environment, and as such explores environmental resources in other to satisfy his needs. Isuochi is a community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State that is known to possess skills, which remained distinct with them especially in traditional arts and crafts industries. These artisans are resourceful and productive and are now almost self-sufficient people. However, traditional arts and crafts are gradually going into extinction for two reasons. First, the youths often migrate to urban areas in search of white-collar jobs and thus, the art is left solely in the hands of aged and elderly persons. Secondary, imported and secondhand materials, as well as their cheapness, has made most people not to patronise local crafts. These factors among others gave rise to our interest in documenting the traditional arts and crafts of Isuochi. It is believed that if not documented, over time, the arts would only be remembered in myths and stories as in some African phenomenon. To successfully prosecute the study, ethnographic research method was employed. The researchers also used participant-as-observer. Here, the intents and purpose of the study were made known to local craftsmen work and relevant questions useful for achieving the research objectives were asked. Enlightened Isuochi elders were also interviewed. This paper, therefore, attempts to examine the traditional arts and crafts industries in Isuochi with a view to understanding their implications for tourism development.

As part of the on-going conference of West African Archaeological Association (WAAA) tagged “Arch... more As part of the on-going conference of West African Archaeological Association (WAAA) tagged “Archaeology of West Africa” aimed at re-examining archaeological researches in West Africa so as to chart a way forward, the researchers decided to present a documentation of some “Recent Archaeological Field School on Iron Working Sites in Nsukka Plateau” with special emphasis on Onyohor and Ekwegbe, both in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area and Obimo town in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. The aim of these researches is not only to teach students field archaeology, but also to document these sites as a way of conserving them while using the relics/artifacts recovered from them to reconstruct the culture history of the present inhabitants of the areas under study. These researches are jointly done by the staff and students of the Department of Archaeology and Tourism, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Iron working is an age long technology of Africans and should be seen as such. Un...

Tangible cultural heritage resources in the Sukur Kingdom is an expression of the peoples' wa... more Tangible cultural heritage resources in the Sukur Kingdom is an expression of the peoples' way of life exemplified in historical buildings, monuments, works of arts and artifacts. These resources are capable of attracting and holding tourists spellbound as obtained in parts of the world where built attractions are harnessed for tourism purposes. Sukur Kingdom's built attractions are unharnessed, and the community wallows in abject poverty. This study x-rays Sukur tangible cultural heritage resources that constitute built attractions and examines how best to harness them for tourism purposes. In-depth interviews and key informants' interviews were two ethnographic research instruments used to elicit useful information from respondents. Data collected were adequately analyzed descriptively. The paper, therefore, argues that if Sukur built attractions are harnessed for tourism, it will create job opportunity, improve the living standard of the host community, conserve tangi...

Ottoman Journal of Tourism and Management Research, 2017

This paper examines the contributions of mobile goods and services to tourism development in Enug... more This paper examines the contributions of mobile goods and services to tourism development in Enugu State. The study uses ethnographic approach to elicit useful information from respondents and data collected were analysed descriptively. The findings revealed that mobile goods and services in Enugu State are valued because of the tangible products they offer for consumers to purchase as well as numerous services offered. The paper argues that mobile goods and services are essential in rural destination sites where there are absences of stationary business outlets to serve the needs of tourists. Tourism professionals are encouraged to collaborate with these mobile goods and services outfits with a view to identifying and using their products to develop and promote destination sites.

International Journal of Research in Tourism and Hospitality, 2017

Cross River State has been a major tourism hub in Nigeria, with an estimated 4500 tourists troopi... more Cross River State has been a major tourism hub in Nigeria, with an estimated 4500 tourists trooping in each year (Cross River State Tourism Bureau). Tourism is a major part of the state's economy and Cross River prides itself as the nation's paradise; therefore, staging different tourism activities to attract tourists to the state. These activities include the Calabar Christmas Carnival, Obudu Mountain Race and the Leboku Festival. The primary effort of this research therefore is to examine the reasons why tourist choose Cross River State over other tourism destinations in Nigeria, and to critically analyze the social, economic, environmental and cultural impacts of sustainable tourism in the state on the economy, and the local population. To achieve these feat, primary sources of data was used in the likes of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Secondary data was also used through books, online sources of scholarly journals, articles, magazines and newspapers. A case study was done on the three geo-political zones of the state-Southern, Central and Northern senatorial districts. A sample size of 190 respondents from the three zones was selected as adequate for this research. Key findings of this study were: (a) Tourists love Cross River because of its serene natural environment and availability of natural parks such as the Cross River National Park. (b) The hosting of major tourism driven festivals such the Calabar Christmas Carnival which is the biggest street party in Africa, the Obudu Mountain Race which attract athletes from all over the world, and the Leboku Festival hosted in the biggest village in West Africa-Ugep. (c) Tourism has contributed immensely to the economy of the state, the sustainability of the environment, and the socio-cultural standing of the locals. It has greatly improved the standard of living and quality of life.

SAGE Open, 2016

People have exploited mineral resources for several reasons ranging from the production of metal ... more People have exploited mineral resources for several reasons ranging from the production of metal and ceramic objects to stone and wooden tools. Indigenous extraction and use of mineral resources for production of general goods among others have continued unabated. In this article, archaeological and ethnographic data were used to identify extraction methods for some of these raw materials in the past, and thus, examine how failure to manage such resources has adversely affected technological and resource development in Nigeria

Okpoko, P.U., Okonkwo, E.E. and Afamefuna, E.P. <https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/view/author/Afamefuna, Eyisi.html> (2016) Preliminary study of Affia Cave, Waterfall and natural bridge in Okpatu, Enugu State. Journal of Tourism and Heritage Studies, 5 (1-2). pp. 50-63., 2016

Caves and waterfalls abound in most parts of Igboland. They are the rich nature - induced attract... more Caves and waterfalls abound in most parts of Igboland. They are the rich nature - induced attractions, which when developed will not only bring development, but also revenue to the destinations in which they are located. Enugu State is endowed with natural and cultural tourism resources located across the state, all of which can produce a distinctive tourism industry capable of generating income and raising the living standard of the local people . This study is aimed at bringing to limelight the cave, waterfall and natural bridge in Okpatu, Udi Local Government Area (L.G.A) of Enugu State. The research employed reconnaissance survey, interviews and direct observation to elicit information in the study community. Preliminary findings revealed that the sites have great potentialities, given the scenic attractions, rich heritage resources in the community and their proximity to already existing attractions within the visitor domain (including the standing furnaces in Ibite - Okpatu and the Awhum Monastery with a cave). It is proposed that the sites be developed so as to ensure improved visitation to the area. Local participation should also be encouraged to ensure sustainability of such development

Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture, 2021

Monoliths in the Cross River State of Nigerian are found in a circular form, they are commonly kn... more Monoliths in the Cross River State of Nigerian are found in a circular form, they are commonly known as Bakor or Ikom monoliths, because of the universality in conceptualisation and the configuration of the stones, they are sometimes referred to in this research as stone circles. Bakor speaking communities hold a large number of magnificent stone carvings called Bakor monoliths which exhibit a high level of artistic, qualities, and creative awareness by the ancient civilisation that creates them. The study is aimed at examining monoliths in Bakor LGA, to ascertain the socio-cultural and religious beliefs associated with these monoliths and their contributions to tourism development in Cross River State. A mixed-method of qualitative and quantitative research was employed. The result reveals that Cross River State monoliths have the potentials of attracting tourists, and are valued by host communities. However, the monoliths are under human and natural threats. The paper advocates th...

This paper x-ray pottery production processes starting from the extraction of the clay, transport... more This paper x-ray pottery production processes starting from the extraction of the clay, transportation of the clay, preparation of the clay fashioning, decoration and designing, firing and marketing of the finished product (pottery). Pottery is one of the oldest technologies of the people of yala. Although traditional pottery made by fashioning plastic clay into object of desirable shapes and then fired under a particular temperature in an open fire which resulted to permanent changes. Though yala potters still engage in traditional method, patronage of this pots are not quite encouraging. In the past majority of house wife engage in pots making for survival, they are no rules regardless of who made pots but yala traditional pottery making is associated with feminine (women). The wogada people settle at the bank of the river where clay materials are sourced from, this means that clay the major raw materials is still abundant in wogada the land of yeje. In Ebo Yala pottery is conside...

Heritage management has long been a part of the traditions and practices of cultural groups in Ni... more Heritage management has long been a part of the traditions and practices of cultural groups in Nigeria. Some communities have conserved forests within their settlements for hunting; others have established sacred groves for the worship of traditional deities. Plant and animal species valued for medicine, shade, or food are preserved through taboos. Similarly, effective and elaborate traditional systems exist for the rational exploitation of fish and other natural resources.'

Quality & Quantity, 2019

The Sukur Kingdom, one of the ethnic groups located in the west of the Mandara Mountains is withi... more The Sukur Kingdom, one of the ethnic groups located in the west of the Mandara Mountains is within the Sukur District of the Madagali North Development Area in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Sukur Kingdom flourished between the early 16th and late 18th centuries as a cultural landscape. In 1999, Sukur cultural landscape became a world heritage site (WHS) and the first to be named in Nigeria. However, the survival of the cultural landscape is in serious doubt, especially with the recent spate of terrorist attacks which have ravaged the northeastern region of Nigeria. This is more worrisome because not many research have been conducted in the area to highlight and document the tourism potentials of the landscape, to help spur more attention. In this paper, we narrate how we conducted our ethnographic fieldwork, selected and interacted with respondents within the Sukur Kingdom and other key stakeholders in the area to help understand the context of the WHS. We also try to share how our ontology and epistemology influenced and guided our research approach during our fieldwork while we equally argue for more rigorous qualitative research to be conducted in the study area as this would contribute to public awareness.

Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 2015

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act of 1992 aimed to make the environment a central the... more The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act of 1992 aimed to make the environment a central theme in development in Nigeria. Nevertheless, the extent of engagement with local cultures in the Nigerian EIA process is not statutorily guaranteed. While most EIAs in Nigeria have been for oil and gas projects in the Niger Delta, and have focused strongly on the biophysical environment, socioeconomic and cultural aspects have remained marginal. The palpable neglect of community perceptions and cultural diversity in social impact assessment (SIA) in this region prone to conflict has tended to alienate the people in the decision-making process. Thus, despite claims to compliance with regulatory requirements for EIAs, and numerous purported sustainable development initiatives by international oil companies (IOCs), the region continues to face multiple sustainability challenges. This paper situates local perceptions and cultural diversity in participatory development and canvasses the integration of community perceptions and cultural diversity into SIA in the Niger Delta region. It is argued that doing this would be critical to ensuring acceptance and success of development actions within the context of local culture while also contributing to sustainable development policy in the region.

Journal of Tourism Futures

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore and understand the perceptions of residents of Sou... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore and understand the perceptions of residents of Southeastern Nigeria about glocalizing tourism in the region to help improve their support for the sustainability of the industry. Emphasis is laid on their expectations and strategies to maximize the positive impacts while minimizing the negative aspects in a bid to address their specific local needs.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts an ethnographic approach to explore the perspectives of key stakeholders in Southeastern Nigeria's tourism industry. These include traditional rulers, men, women and youth representatives, chief priests and local security agents. Decision-making theory is adopted to frame the study.FindingsThe findings identified residents' expectations from glocalizing tourism. They see tourism as an avenue for initiating community projects, creating jobs, patronizing farm produces, reviving cultural practices and addressing religious crises.Research limita...

Traditional methods of preserving dead human bodies have been of immense importance in many socie... more Traditional methods of preserving dead human bodies have been of immense importance in many societies. This practice has been sustained for thousands of years for cultural, religious and socio-environmental reasons. Although there is dearth of literature on the preservation of dead bodies in Nigeria, ethnographic evidences revealed that the tradition is still practised in parts of Igboland. This paper examines the traditional methods employed by the people of Southeast Nigeria in preserving dead human bodies and argues that the tradition can be harnessed for cultural tourism, while promoting the culture of the people.