Doing gang research in Canada: navigating a different kaleidoscope

Interest in youth gang activities in Canada has engendered an increasing engagement by government institutions and police departments of American ‘gang experts’ who supposedly have a long pedigree in dealing with this type of problem. I argue that: (a) considering the lingering contentions over the nature, structure, and organization of gangs generally, Canada does not stand to benefit significantly from the American ‘gang’ experience; and (b) the focus of contemporary American gang literature on minority youths helps to sustain the stereotype and control of racialized youths as the ‘poster boys’ of urban youth violence. This is in line with research showing that ‘expert’ knowledge has historically been used to support the ‘othering’ and control of marginalized populations. Canadian youth gang policy does not need to borrow from this model, as it will unnecessarily exacerbate racial tensions in the country.     

Constitutionality of ‘bride price’ in Nigeria: echoes from the supreme court of Uganda

The practice of bride price is a distinctive and established feature of African customary law marriage. In Nigeria, the practice has received statutory and judicial approval. However, the recent decision of the Supreme Court of Uganda on the practice of bride price in Uganda has disturbed the assumption of its constitutionality. This article envisages legal and ideological influence; consequently, it examines the validity of the decision against the background of Nigerian constitutional law. It agrees to a nuanced change in the practice but argues that the change must be authentic and not dictated by Western liberal typology.     

Connecting the dots: relevance of sustainable development principles in addressing environmental protection issues in Nigeria’s oil industry

Sustainable Development Principles are fundamental to addressing environmental protection issues in Nigeria’s oil industry. The paper examined sustainable development in its globally accepted meaning. Furthermore, this principle of environmental protection has in recent years evolved into international standards popularly called global best practices. The objective of the paper is to examine the sustainable development principle and its relevance in addressing the environmental challenges in Nigeria’s oil industry.