REDUCING POVERTY IN NIGERIA IN THE LIGHT OF DEUTERONOMY

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

In the light of Deuteronomy, reducing poverty in Nigeria can be viewed from a biblical perspective. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 states, “If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.” This scripture emphasizes the importance of generosity and compassion towards the less fortunate, which can be applied to the context of poverty reduction in Nigeria.

The first step towards reducing poverty in Nigeria, as suggested by Deuteronomy, is to foster a culture of generosity and sharing. This can be achieved through policies that encourage wealth redistribution, such as progressive taxation and social safety nets. These measures can help to ensure that the wealth of the nation is shared more equitably, thus reducing poverty levels.

Secondly, Deuteronomy 15:11 states, “For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.'” This verse suggests that poverty is an ongoing issue that requires continuous effort to address. In the Nigerian context, this could mean implementing sustainable poverty reduction strategies that focus on long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Thirdly, Deuteronomy 24:14-15 says, “Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether that worker is a fellow Israelite or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. Pay them their wages each day before sunset, because they are poor and are counting on it. Otherwise they may cry to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.” This scripture underscores the importance of fair labor practices in poverty reduction. In Nigeria, this could translate to enforcing minimum wage laws and protecting workers’ rights, which can help to lift people out of poverty.

Lastly, Deuteronomy 26:12 states, “When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied.” This verse highlights the role of tithing in poverty reduction. In Nigeria, this could be interpreted as a call for individuals and corporations to give back to the community, either through charitable donations or corporate social responsibility initiatives.

The book of Deuteronomy provides valuable insights into how poverty can be reduced in Nigeria. By fostering a culture of generosity, implementing sustainable poverty reduction strategies, enforcing fair labor practices, and encouraging giving back to the community, Nigeria can make significant strides towards reducing poverty.

The issue of poverty reduction in Nigeria is a significant one that has been the subject of numerous studies and discussions. The biblical text of Deuteronomy 15:7-18 provides a unique perspective on this issue, emphasizing the importance of generosity and care for the poor. This perspective is particularly relevant in the Nigerian context, where poverty is a pervasive issue. According to the World Bank, over 40% of Nigeria’s population lives below the poverty line, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue (World Bank, 2020).

The text of Deuteronomy 15:7-18 provides a framework for addressing poverty that is rooted in compassion and mutual aid. It instructs the Israelites to be open-handed towards their needy and poor in the land, and to lend them whatever they need. This principle of generosity and care for the poor can be applied to the Nigerian context, where poverty is often exacerbated by a lack of social safety nets and support systems (Adeola, 2018).

In the light of Deuteronomy 15:7-18, several scholars have proposed faith-based approaches to poverty reduction in Nigeria. For instance, Ayegboyin (2015) argues that religious organizations can play a crucial role in poverty alleviation by providing social services and promoting economic empowerment. Similarly, Olojede (2017) suggests that the principles of generosity and care for the poor outlined in Deuteronomy 15:7-18 can be incorporated into public policy to create more equitable and inclusive economic systems.

However, the application of these biblical principles to poverty reduction in Nigeria is not without challenges. As Uchendu (2019) notes, corruption and mismanagement of resources are significant obstacles to poverty alleviation in Nigeria. These issues can undermine the effectiveness of faith-based and other poverty reduction initiatives. Therefore, efforts to reduce poverty in Nigeria in the light of Deuteronomy 15:7-18 must also address these systemic issues.

Moreover, the interpretation and application of Deuteronomy 15:7-18 in the Nigerian context must be done with cultural sensitivity. As Olojede (2017) points out, the cultural and socio-economic contexts of ancient Israel and contemporary Nigeria are vastly different. Therefore, the principles outlined in Deuteronomy 15:7-18 must be adapted to the Nigerian context in a way that respects local cultures and traditions.

The biblical text of Deuteronomy 15:7-18 provides a valuable perspective on poverty reduction in Nigeria. Its emphasis on generosity and care for the poor can inform faith-based and other initiatives to alleviate poverty in Nigeria. However, the application of these principles must be done with sensitivity to the Nigerian context and must also address systemic issues such as corruption. Further research is needed to explore how these biblical principles can be effectively incorporated into poverty reduction strategies in Nigeria.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

The problem of poverty in Nigeria is a pressing issue that has been a subject of concern for many years. Despite the country’s abundant natural resources and potential for economic growth, a significant proportion of the population still lives below the poverty line. This problem is further exacerbated by the high levels of corruption, poor governance, and lack of effective social welfare programs (World Bank, 2019).

The biblical text of Deuteronomy 15:7-18 provides a framework for addressing poverty, emphasizing the importance of generosity, compassion, and justice. However, the application of these principles in the Nigerian context has been largely overlooked. The text encourages lending to the poor without expecting anything in return, freeing slaves, and providing for the needy. Yet, these principles seem to be far from the reality in Nigeria (Blenkinsopp, 1995).

The disconnect between the biblical teachings and the current socio-economic situation in Nigeria raises several questions. How can the principles outlined in Deuteronomy 15:7-18 be effectively applied in Nigeria? What are the barriers to their implementation? And how can these barriers be overcome? These are the problems that this study seeks to address (Adeyemo, 2006).

The lack of research on the application of biblical principles to poverty reduction in Nigeria is another problem. While there are studies on poverty reduction strategies in Nigeria, few, if any, have explored the potential of applying biblical principles to this issue. This gap in the literature makes it difficult to understand the full range of strategies that could be employed to address poverty in Nigeria (Ogbeide, 2012).

Furthermore, the problem is not just about the lack of application of these principles, but also about the interpretation of the text itself. Different interpretations could lead to different applications, and this could have significant implications for poverty reduction strategies. Therefore, a clear understanding of Deuteronomy 15:7-18 and its implications for poverty reduction is crucial (McConville, 2002).

The problem of poverty in Nigeria, in the light of Deuteronomy 15:7-18, is a complex one that requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves not just the application of biblical principles, but also a thorough understanding of the text itself, and a critical examination of the socio-economic and political context in Nigeria. This study aims to contribute to this understanding and provide a foundation for future research and policy development (Adeyemo, 2006).

 1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The study examines “reducing Poverty in Nigeria in The Light Of Deuteronomy 15:7-18”. The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To examine the extent of poverty in Nigeria and identify its root causes.
2. To analyze the principles and teachings of Deuteronomy 15:7-18 and how they can be applied to poverty reduction strategies.
3. To evaluate the current poverty reduction measures in Nigeria and their effectiveness.
4. To propose a Biblical method for poverty reduction in Nigeria based on the principles of Deuteronomy 15:7-18.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the extent of poverty in Nigeria and what are its root causes?
2. What are the principles and teachings of Deuteronomy 15:7-18 and how can they be applied to poverty reduction strategies?
3. How effective are the current poverty reduction measures in Nigeria?
4. Can a Biblical method for poverty reduction in Nigeria be proposed based on the principles of Deuteronomy 15:7-18?

1.5.  Significance of the Study

The study of poverty reduction in Nigeria, particularly in the light of Deuteronomy 15:7-18, holds significant importance for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the current state of poverty in Nigeria, which is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat it. The study will delve into the root causes of poverty in the country, providing a detailed analysis that can guide policy-making and implementation.

Secondly, the study is significant as it explores the principles and teachings of Deuteronomy 15:7-18, a biblical passage that provides guidance on poverty reduction. This exploration can offer a unique perspective on poverty alleviation, potentially leading to innovative strategies that are grounded in these principles. The application of these teachings to the Nigerian context can provide a fresh approach to tackling poverty in the country.

Thirdly, the study will evaluate the current poverty reduction measures in Nigeria, assessing their effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement. This evaluation is crucial for ensuring that resources are being used efficiently and that the measures are having the desired impact. It can also provide valuable insights for other countries facing similar challenges.

Fourthly, the study will propose a model for poverty reduction in Nigeria based on the principles of Deuteronomy 15:7-18. This model can serve as a blueprint for future poverty reduction efforts, providing a practical guide that can be adapted and implemented by policy-makers and stakeholders.

Fifthly, the study is significant as it contributes to the existing body of knowledge on poverty reduction. It adds a unique perspective by integrating biblical principles into the discussion, potentially opening up new avenues for research and practice.

Lastly, the study has the potential to impact the lives of millions of Nigerians living in poverty. By proposing effective poverty reduction strategies, the study can contribute to improving their living conditions and creating a more equitable society.

1.6. Scope of the Study

The study examines “reducing Poverty in Nigeria in The Light Of Deuteronomy 15:7-18”.

1.7. Operational Definition of Terms

Reducing Poverty: This refers to the process of decreasing the rate of poverty, which can be achieved through various strategies such as improving education, promoting economic development, and implementing social safety nets.

Deuteronomy 15:7-18: These are verses from the Bible, specifically from the book of Deuteronomy. They outline principles of generosity and responsibility towards the poor, emphasizing the importance of lending to those in need and freeing servants with generosity.

Poverty: This is a state or condition in which a person or community lacks the financial resources and essentials for a minimum standard of living. Poverty means that the income level from employment is so low that basic human needs can’t be met.

Knowledge: Knowledge refers to the understanding and awareness of facts, information, descriptions, or skills, which is acquired through experience or education by perceiving, discovering, or learning. It can refer to both the theoretical and practical understanding of a subject.

Information: Information is data that is processed to be useful. It provides context for data, adds meaning and reduces uncertainty. It is what is conveyed or represented by a particular arrangement or sequence of things.

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