CULTURAL INFLUENCE ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN MBAISE NATION

CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the extent to which cultural influences enhance the socioeconomic development of the Mbaise Nation, considering the challenges and prospects. The study was carried out to identify the major impact of culture on the socio-economic development of the Mbaise nation. The study was executed using both secondary and primary sources of data. The major data source was the secondary data. The secondary data covered published information in books and journals concerning the subject matter. The study discovered that cultural resources in Mbaise help attract lovers of culture and improve cultural acceptance. This means that Mbaise's cultural resources attract cultural enthusiasts, enhance cultural acceptance, and promote homecoming events. In addition, there are some challenges that affect Mbaise's cultural resources. Such include political factors, religious influence, Kingship tussle, the misconception about the worship of “Oji” by some Christians and lack of consultation, low level of participation, low level of recognition and publicity, leadership issues among the traditional rulers, misconception about “EyiriEyiObohia”, lack of general bride price in Mbaise, misconception about Mbaise people and the ideology of some families, low level of acceptance of the culture, the actual age for the “Iwaakwa” and the actual years spacing. It was recommended that the government and political officeholders stop interfering in cultural matters and stop influencing the activities of traditional institutions so as to achieve unity and progress in Mbaise cultural activities.