Welcome to Tobee’s World

Bio: Emmanuel Adekunle Oluwatobi is an aspiring writer who loves stories. Despite being new to the writing world, Emmanuel is motivated to learn and improve, utilizing words to create intriguing storylines that appeal to readers, with a vivid imagination and respect for the power of language. Emmanuel is dedicated to strengthening his talents and leaving his imprint on the literary world via hard work, an enthusiastic drive to learn, and a passion for writing.

Writing Samples:

Article: The Grey World of One Piece: Exploring Moral Ambiguity in the Grand Line

Eiichiro Oda's tremendously successful manga and anime series One Piece is set in a world that is far from black and white. The distinction between good and evil is frequently blurred on the vast and treacherous seas of the Grand Line, where pirates roam free. The moral ambiguity that dominates the universe of One Piece lends depth and complexity to the plot, and conventional concepts of heroism and villainy are not as clear-cut as it seems.

The Pirates: More Than Meets the Eye

In One Piece, pirates are not simply the one-dimensional villains typically portrayed in popular culture. While there are traditional pirates like Black Beard and Kidd embody the image of lawless plunderers, many pirates in the series, such as the Straw Hat Pirates led by the protagonist Monkey D. Luffy, have their code of honor and fight for noble causes. They challenge oppressive regimes, protect the weak, and seek freedom and adventure. These pirates are not solely driven by greed or a desire for power but rather by their dreams and aspirations. On the other hand, the Marines, who are seen as the defenders of justice, are not always the epitome of justice and righteousness. While there are undoubtedly honorable and just Marines, there are also those who abuse their power and engage in corrupt practices. Characters like Admiral Akainu, who pursues absolute justice without regard for collateral damage, highlight the moral complexities within the Marine hierarchy.

Shades of Grey: Moral Dilemmas and Conflicting Ideals

Throughout the series, One Piece challenges its characters with difficult moral quandaries that push them to the edge. Monkey D. Luffy and his crew frequently find themselves in circumstances where they must choose between helping innocent bystanders and pursuing their objectives. This moral conflict is shown in the Dressrosa arc, where Luffy and his crew must decide whether to help the oppressed citizens or focus on their mission to defeat a powerful enemy.

Similarly, characters like Nico Robin, who was once a member of the infamous criminal organization Baroque Works, have complex pasts that blur the line between good and evil. Robin's actions are driven by a desire for self-preservation, but she later becomes a valuable member of the Straw Hat Pirates, fighting for justice and protecting her newfound friends. Another example can be seen in the case of the Revolutionary Army, led by Luffy’s father Monkey D. Dragon, the Revolutionary Army challenges traditional notions of heroism and villainy. They oppose the World Government and aim to bring about a revolution, while the World Government sees them as criminals their actions are driven by a desire for freedom and equality.

The Power of Perspective

One Piece challenges the notion of absolute morality the idea that perspective plays a significant role in determining right or wrong. Characters like Trafalgar Law, a member of the worst generation who becomes a Warlord of the Sea, challenge the notion of absolute morality. Though initially seen as villainous, Law's actions are revealed to be part of a larger plan to dismantle the corrupt system.

Furthermore, the world of One Piece is filled with diverse cultures and societies, each with its own set of values and customs. The actions and decisions made by characters must be understood within the context of their respective backgrounds. This adds another layer of complexity to the moral landscape of the series.

The Importance of Grey

The moral ambiguity in One Piece's world reflects the complexities of the real world. It reminds us that individuals and organizations are not simply good or evil but a mix of both. The series challenges conventional notions of morality and encourages viewers and readers to question the status quo.

The grey world of One Piece is a testament to the depth and complexity of its storytelling. By presenting morally ambiguous characters and challenging traditional notions of heroism and villainy, the series engages viewers and readers in thought-provoking discussions about morality's nature and our choices.

As we journey through the Grand Line alongside Luffy and his crew, we are reminded that the world is not as simple as it may seem. The grey areas of One Piece teach us the importance of empathy, understanding, and the ability to see beyond the surface. In this world of pirates, Marines, and dreamers, the lines between good and evil blur, reminding us that true heroism lies not in black and white but in the many shades of grey.

Article: Akainu: Cold-hearted villain or dutiful Marine for Ace's Death?

The death of Portgas D. Ace, one of the most beloved characters in One Piece, was a heartbreaking moment for fans worldwide. At the center of this tragic event was Admiral Akainu, who dealt the fatal blow to Ace during the Marine Ford War. As a result, the majority of One Piece fans all over the world harbored a deep hatred for Akainu.

Understanding Akainu's Character and His Brand of Justice

To fully grasp the situation, it is crucial to understand Admiral Akainu's character. Akainu, whose real name is Sakazuki, is an admiral (and currently Fleet Admiral), one of the highest-ranking and most influential Marine officers, and a staunch believer in absolute justice. He is known for his extreme ideologies and uncompromising stance on eliminating pirates and threats to the world. He is willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve his objectives, even if it means killing civilians and fellow marine soldiers. This is evident in his actions in Ohara and Marine Ford. Akainu is portrayed as a strict adherent of absolute justice, a philosophy prioritizing eradicating all forms of evil and threats to society. He firmly believes that pirates, who disrupt the world's balance, must be eliminated without compromise. From Akainu's perspective, his actions were justified by his unwavering commitment to absolute justice. In his eyes, Ace was a dangerous pirate who threatened the world order. Akainu believed that by eliminating Ace, he was upholding his duty as a Marine and protecting innocent lives. From this viewpoint, it can be argued that Akainu was simply carrying out his duty as a Marine officer, regardless of the personal cost.

The Battle of Marine Ford

Ace found himself in a dire situation during the Battle of Marine Ford. In an attempt to save his younger brother, Monkey D. Luffy, from death, Ace faced off against Admiral Akainu. The battle was intense, and emotions ran high as the White Beard Pirates allied with Luffy, Jimbei, Ivankov, Buggy and many criminals from Impel Down battled against the Marines led by Fleet Admiral Sengoku; they both fought for their respective causes, as the white Beard pirates and Luffy's objective was to free their comrade and brother while the marines objective was to kill the son of a notorious pirate thereby hoping to send a message and reduce piracy. Amid the chaos, Akainu managed to strike Ace with a devastating attack, resulting in his tragic demise.

The Complexity of Morality in One Piece.

One Piece is known for its complex moral landscape, where characters often find themselves in morally ambiguous situations. The series challenges the notion of black-and-white morality, presenting various characters with differing ideologies and motivations. Akainu's actions, though resulting in tragedy, can be seen as a manifestation of the moral gray area that exists within the series.

Impact on Character Development

Ace's death profoundly impacted the story and character development in One Piece. It served as a catalyst for Luffy's growth and fuelled his determination to become the Pirate King. Additionally, Ace's demise showcased the harsh realities of the pirate world and the sacrifices that characters must make to pursue their dreams.

In conclusion, the question of whether Akainu can be considered a villain for killing Ace is a complex one. While his actions resulted in the death of a beloved character, they were driven by his unwavering commitment to absolute justice. One Piece often challenges traditional notions of morality, presenting characters with conflicting ideologies and motivations. The death of Ace and the role Akainu played in it serve as a testament to the moral complexity of the series. Ultimately, it is up to individual viewers and fans to decide where they stand on this divisive issue.

3. Article: The Science behind Laughter and the Benefits of Humor

Introduction:

Laughter is a universal language connecting all people across borders, bringing joy and levity to our lives. From the slightest chuckle to the heartiest belly laugh, the simple act of laughing shares an inherent ability to uplift spirits, strengthen bonds, and create uplifting moments of joy. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve deeply into fully appreciating laughter's fascinating realm and the compelling scientific evidence behind its immense benefits. By granting laughter our focused attention, we gain a newfound respect for its gift.

Section 1: The Healing Balm That Is Laughter

Have you ever heard the saying, "Laughter is the best medicine?" Multiple rigorous scientific studies have backed this claim and demonstrated compelling evidence that just 15 minutes of hearty belly laughter can burn as many calories as a 30-minute cardio workout. This indicates laughter's ability to boost heart and lung health over time through exercise-like deep breathing and muscle contraction. Researchers at UCLA also found significant decreases in stress hormones like cortisol after laughter sessions. As we know, high cortisol levels can weaken the immune system with prolonged exposure. In a fascinating experiment, patients watched comedy videos 30 minutes before surgery, reporting much less pain afterward than a control group. This strongly suggests laughter possesses natural pain-relieving properties. Additional findings show laughter increases infection-fighting antibodies, strengthening the body's defenses against illness.

Whether lifting spirits during times of stress or sickness, regularly incorporating more humor, comedy shows, and funny movies into one's routine can reap immense emotional and physical rewards. A little laughter indeed does wonders for wellness!

Section 2: Laughter as a Social Glue

Nothing facilitates bonding between individuals quite like sharing the joy of laughter together. However, humor's social impacts extend far beyond surface-level entertainment. The University of Maryland conducted compelling research demonstrating laughter's unique ability to release oxytocin, the "love hormone" integral for developing trust between humans. Their findings showed this hormone's release deepens interpersonal relationships significantly more than casual small talk.

Additional extensive workplace surveys also revealed improved communication, collaboration, and overall job satisfaction correlated with humor's frequent use. Rather than being taken too seriously, allowing more levity and joking fosters an enjoyable environment where people feel comfortable interacting. As such, laughter is the most effective social "glue" for enhancing and maintaining relationships.

Section 3: Humor and Cognitive Function

Comedian Ellen DeGeneres once said, "Laughter is an instant vacation." However, her remarks are more than just a joke, as Harvard neuroscientists revealed that laughter literally increases cognitive function. Using modern brain scans, they discovered that humor stimulates the prefrontal cortex, which is necessary for learning, problem-solving, creativity, and higher-level thinking.

Much like physical exercise boosts the body, laughter gives the mind a similar workout. It increases oxygenated blood flow while releasing endorphins, energizing neurons for fresh insights and perspectives. One study showed subjects performed better on various cognitive tests involving divergent thinking after only 10 minutes of laughter. So, in genuinely dropping one's serious disposition for funnier mindsets, humor nourishes the brain in remarkable ways.

Section 4: Laughter in the Workplace

A recent Gallup poll revealed that 82% of employees believe maintaining a good sense of humor significantly impacts workplace satisfaction and well-being. Consequently, many innovative companies like Google, Facebook, and Nike now hire Chief Happiness Officers focused on incorporating more humor, laughter, and overall levity into daily operations.

Their initiatives aim to reduce chronic workplace stress while boosting morale, creativity, and productivity. After all, regular laughter decreases cortisol and releases endorphins, positively impacting mood, focus, collaboration, and more. As a natural stress-buster and mental break from the rigors of work, humor has transformed corporate cultures for the better everywhere it is embraced.

Section 5: Stand-Up Comedy

Comedians serve as modern philosophers who astutely observe and comment on society through the lens of laughter. Legendary icons like George Carlin used biting yet thoughtful humor to spark more profound reflections on religion, politics, questioning authority, and our human condition. Contemporary female comedians and actresses like Amy Schumer also leverage comedy to shed light on important issues, including women's rights, sexuality, and body positivity.

Stand-up comedy stimulates thoughtful discussions on diverse topics through relatable jokes and anecdotes. It facilitates examining complex social issues and norms in a digestible, entertaining format. As the late comedy icon Robin Williams stated, "comedy is acting as a window or a mirror to the world." When executed artfully, humor holds a megaphone to spread powerful messages with grins.

In Conclusion, with the substantial scientific evidence that laughter provides immense physical, mental, and social benefits, it has become abundantly clear we would all benefit from infusing more humor into our daily lives. Regardless of circumstances, laughter goes a long way in lifting spirits. Our world could greatly benefit from more smiles, giggles and belly laughs shared between all people.

4. Article: The Evolution of Female Characters in Comics: From Side Characters to Stars of Their Shows

Introduction

The representation of female characters in comics has gone through a very significant evolution over the years. In the past, women in comics were often relegated to side roles and stereotypes, now in modern times women have emerged as powerful and central figures in the comic book world with many of these powerful ladies playing important roles in their respective comics. In this article, we will explore the journey of female characters in comics, tracing their transformation from supporting characters to major roles, and the impact this shift has had on the industry and readers.

Early Depictions of Women: Damsels in Distress and Eye Candy

In the early days of comics, female characters were often relegated to the sidelines, they were always portrayed as damsels in distress, often serving as plot devices to be rescued by male superheroes or protagonists. They were characterized by their helplessness and beauty. Examples of such characters include Lois Lane from Superman comics, Mary Jane Watson in Spider-Man and Pepper Potts from the Iron Man comics.

Breaking Stereotypes: The Emergence of Strong Heroines

In the 1970s and 1980s, a lot of female characters started to break free from their traditional stereotypes and began to take on more prominent roles. Wonder Woman, created in the 1940s, was a pioneer, representing a strong and independent female superhero, she was one of the first representations of a strong female character who was not overshadowed by her male cast. Other characters like Katara, Korra, Azula and Toph from the Avatar Universe showcased complex personalities and formidable powers.

The Modern Era: The Emergence of Complex and Multi-Dimensional Characters

As the comic book industry advanced into the modern era, female characters became even more multi-dimensional and central to the narrative, they became very important characters in their story. Characters like Black Widow, Captain Marvel, and Spider-Gwen from the Marvel Universe gained widespread popularity and their solo titles. These characters were no longer just sidekicks or love interests but fully realized heroes with their story arcs and struggles. Also Bloom, Stella, Flora, Musa, Tecna and Aisha from the Winx Club series broke this stereotype, they were portrayed as strong, independent and capable heroines who faced problems and saved their world from many threats.

Diverse Representation: Embracing Different Backgrounds and Identities

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on diverse representation in comics. Female characters now come from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and identities, reflecting the real world more authentically. Characters like Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel), Okoye (Black Panther), Jessica Cruz (Green Lantern) and America Chavez (Young Avengers) have brought diversity and inclusivity to the forefront.

Impact on Readers and the Comic Industry

The evolution of female characters in comics has had a profound impact on both readers and the industry as a whole. Female readers, who were previously underrepresented, now have relatable and empowering role models to look up to. The increased presence of female characters has also attracted a more diverse audience, expanding the reach and appeal of comics.

Breaking Barriers: Challenging Gender Norms and Empowering Women

The increasing prominence of female characters in comics has called into question established gender conventions and prejudices. These figures now represent power, intelligence, and beauty, demonstrating that women can be as heroic and capable as their male counterparts This empowerment extends beyond the pages of comic books, encouraging women and girls to recognize their strength and potential in the real world.

The Future of Female Characters in Comics

While great progress has been achieved, more effort must be done to guarantee that female characters continue to get meaningful representation in comic books. Efforts to produce more diverse and inclusive narratives, as well as to expand the number of female creators in the business, are critical to the long-term growth and evolution of female characters.

Conclusion

The progression of female characters in comic books from supporting roles to leading ones represents a change toward inclusiveness, authenticity, and empowerment. These characters have become powerful icons of strength and inspiration for readers of all genders. Female characters continue to change the comic book landscape by questioning preconceptions and breaking down barriers, paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future.

5.Academic Research Paper: Using the Resource Curse Hypothesis, Discuss the Phenomenon of Poverty and Conflict in 3 Resource-Rich African Countries

INTRODUCTION

The resource curse, also known as the paradox of plenty or the poverty paradox, is a phenomenon that occurs when countries with abundant natural resources (such as fossil fuels and certain minerals) experience lower economic growth, less democracy, and poorer development outcomes than countries with fewer natural resources (Benjamin & David, 2021). It is anticipated that nations with plentiful natural resources, notably oil and minerals, have weaker economic growth and poorer development outcomes than those with less natural resources (Sachs & Warner, 1997). This paper examines how the resource curse theory explains poverty and conflict in three resource-rich African countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Nigeria, and Angola. Each nation makes much money from extractive sectors like oil, gas, and mining, yet they are also plagued by underdevelopment and insecurity.

A resource curse is usually caused by concentrating the country's capital and labour force on a few resource-dependent firms. Richard Auty invented the phrase "resource curse" in 1993 to describe how countries rich in mineral resources could not utilize that wealth to build their economies and, paradoxically, had worse economic development than countries lacking natural resources. Jeffrey Sachs and Andrew Warner's critical 1995 study found a strong relationship between natural resource abundance and sluggish economic development. As of 2016, hundreds of studies have been undertaken to investigate the effects of resource richness on various economic outcomes, as well as many theories about how, why, and when a resource curse may occur. While "the lottery analogy has value but also has flaws," numerous commentators have equated the resource curse to the issues that lottery winners confront when they try to handle the complicated side effects of unexpected wealth.

The Dutch Disease

The term "Dutch disease," created after the Netherlands' experience with a natural gas windfall in the 1960s, refers to the negative economic consequences of a sudden increase in natural resource earnings. One of the potential consequences of an oil boom is a reduction in the competitiveness of other sectors, such as manufacturing and agriculture. This phenomenon may result in an overdependence on the natural resource industry, causing economic imbalances and slower growth in other businesses.

It also refers to the potentially harmful effects of natural resource windfalls and accompanying currency rate increases on the rest of the economy. One of the possible consequences of oil booms is that exchange rate appreciation reduces the competitiveness of non-oil-tradeable industries such as manufacturing, potentially leading to deindustrialization. (Di John, 2010). The logic underlying the simple Dutch Disease concepts is as follows. In an economy in complete employment equilibrium, a permanent increase in the inflow of external funds causes a shift in relative prices in favour of non-traded goods (services and construction) and against non-oil traded goods (manufacturing and agriculture), resulting in the displacement of non-oil tradeable by non-tradeable. That is, an increase in the exchange rate lowers the competitiveness of production and employment in the traded goods sector.

Dutch disease reduces the competitiveness of tradable commodities in global marketplaces. Without currency manipulation or a currency peg, currency appreciation can harm other sectors, resulting in a compensatory adverse trade balance. As imports become more affordable in all areas, internal employment and the nation's skill infrastructure and industrial capacity suffer. Government resources are utilized to artificially create jobs to compensate for the loss of local employment prospects.

The Resource Curse can be attributed to several factors:

Overdependence on a single resource: A country's economy primarily relies on the extraction, production, and export of a specific resource, such as oil, gas, or minerals. This reliance seriously affects the country's economic stability and long-term development. Price volatility is one of the critical dangers linked with over-dependence on a single resource. Commodity prices fluctuate in global markets due to various causes, such as changes in demand, geopolitical events, technological advances, and environmental concerns. When the price of a resource falls significantly, countries that rely primarily on its exports face a drop in export revenues, which can negatively influence their overall economic performance.

Furthermore, an economy that is overly reliant on a single resource can become unbalanced. When a country's economy is overly concentrated in one area, other sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing, or services, may suffer. This lack of diversification can stymie the growth of a strong and resilient economy. For example, suppose a country's primary export is oil. In that case, it may invest less in growing its agricultural or manufacturing sectors, resulting in a narrow variety of economic activity and fewer job prospects in other areas.

When the price of a resource falls or global demand falls, the negative repercussions of overdependence on that resource become more apparent. Reduced export revenues, trade imbalances, and probable budget deficits harm the economy under such circumstances. This can result in fiscal challenges for the government, leading to cuts in public spending, social welfare programs, and infrastructure development.

Lack of economic diversification: When a country is overly reliant on exporting a limited number of natural resources or commodities, it fails to create the diverse industrial base required to resist global economic shifts. Mining, oil and gas production, and agriculture heavily rely on worldwide demand and commodity prices, which fluctuate substantially. Countries with undiversified economies suffer significant decreases in export earnings, government income, and overall economic growth during low prices.

The country's over-reliance on extractive sectors also hampers the development of manufacturing and value-added processing. By merely exporting raw resources, the country foregoes the potential to profit from higher stages of production. Manufacturing and industry generate higher-paying positions, allowing ongoing technological learning and skill development. Without a strong manufacturing sector, the workforce is trapped in low-wage extractive occupations with little possibility of advancing up the industrial ladder. Because these countries need economic diversification, they have fewer domestic industries, businesses, and sectors to stabilize the economy when global commodities prices fall. When export revenues collapse, the economy contracts significantly since few other growth drivers have emerged. Countries with more diverse economies, on the other hand, have a more comprehensive range of industries and economic activities that can assist in balancing downturns in specific industries.

Weak institutions and governance: Weak institutions and poor governance can harm a country's economic and social progress. When valuable resources, such as natural resources, are present, a lack of suitable governance structures and institutions can result in corruption, lack of transparency, and misallocation of cash. As a result, effective resource management is hampered, economic underperformance persists, and social inequality grows.

Corruption and poor governance are inextricably intertwined, with corruption frequently being significantly correlated with general governance failures. Weak institutional capacity to manage resource income can create long-term economic loss since it produces both short-term disruption and delayed institutional decay. Poor institutions can increase corruption, worsening the negative impact on economic and social growth. (Saha, 2023).

The Resource Curse in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Kinshasa and Zaire from 1971 to 1997, is a Central African country. The DRC is the second-largest country in Africa and the 11th-largest in the world in terms of land area. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the world's most populous officially Francophone country, with roughly 112 million people. Kinshasa is the national capital, largest city, and economic centre. The Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania (across Lake Tanganyika), Zambia, and Angola border the country.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has many essential minerals, such as cobalt and copper, and precious metals like gold and diamonds (Saldanha et al., 2020). These minerals have the potential to contribute to the country's economic growth and development significantly. However, the Congolese people's reliance on extractive industries has not resulted in widespread economic and social benefits. Unofficial and illicit mining activities are a severe concern in the DRC's mining sector. Congo's mining sector was "hit by plunder, mismanagement, infrastructural and technical problems" under former President Mobutu. When billions of dollars were given as bribes to corrupt elites who controlled various mining industry sectors, the political sector was heavily involved in corruption (Bak & Vrushi, 2019). This damaged the Congolese regime's legitimacy and led to the broader deterioration of efficient governance (Samset, 2002). Much of the country's mining occurs outside the formal economy, with income frequently ending up in the hands of armed groups rather than the state. This condition deprives the government of much-needed cash and perpetuates a cycle of insecurity and conflict in mining districts (Observatory of Economic Complexity, 2018).

The struggle for control over the wealth generated by mining activities has significantly contributed to the DRC's ongoing instability. Government forces and rebel groups such as the M23 have clashed in the country's eastern provinces, which are rich in minerals such as tin, tantalum, and tungsten. These conflicts aggravate the region's humanitarian crises, resulting in widespread violence, displacement, and loss of life (Nussio, 2019).

The consequences of these resource-related conflicts on the Congolese people have been catastrophic. An estimated 5.4 million people have perished as a result of violence, disease, and starvation since 1998, mainly as a result of ongoing conflicts related to the country's mineral resources (International Rescue Committee, 2008). This tragic loss of life emphasizes the critical necessity for the DRC's mineral riches to be managed sustainably and responsibly.

One way the resource cure has affected Congo is that the country has been devastated by conflicts and wars. The presence and exploitation of diamonds, among other resources, has been recognized as a factor that has prolonged civil wars and contributed to an increase in political violence in Congo. This was because rebels used the proceeds from resource looting to fund their insurrection, specifically by supplying funds to purchase weaponry (Le Billon, 2008). Diamonds, according to Le Billon, were conflict resources, providing cash opportunities that drove belligerents and financed the continuation of armed conflict. Nichols (2018) writes that "the natural resources sector within the government is riddled with corruption and the government's management of the natural resources within Congo lack transparency". Diamonds are resilient, easy to conceal, and valued millions of dollars.

The Resource Curse in Nigeria

Nigeria, formally the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a West African country. It is in the Atlantic Ocean, between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. With a population of approximately 230 million, it is Africa's most populated country and the world's sixth-most populous country. Nigeria is bounded to the north by Niger, to the northeast by Chad, to the east by Cameroon, and the west by Benin. Nigeria is a federal republic comprising 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, which includes the capital, Abuja. Lagos is Nigeria's largest metropolis and one of the world's and Africa's largest metropolitan areas. Nigeria is rich in natural resources, which include oil, gas, coal, iron ore, tin, limestone, and many others.

Nigeria is Africa's sixth-largest oil exporter and has the continent's most significant oil reserves. On the surface, it may be difficult to understand how Nigeria's resource curse exacerbates poverty. Nigeria also has over 70 million people living on less than 1 dollar daily. The consequences of the resource curse are visible in Nigeria. Oil accounted for 90% of Nigeria's export revenues and one-third of its annual revenue in 2020, yet it only contributed 9% to GDP growth. Nigeria also ranks 150th out of 157 nations in the World Bank's 2020 Human Capital Index, suggesting a lack of appropriate living standards due to inadequate educational and healthcare opportunities to ensure a productive workforce. These poverty indicators are related to the resource curse's neglect of other businesses and the absence of economic diversification to provide appropriate socioeconomic chances for Nigerians to escape poverty. (Zak, 2022).

The emergence of the "Dutch disease" effect, which has negatively influenced the competitiveness of other sectors of the economy, is one of the critical consequences of Nigeria's overreliance on oil exports. The influx of oil income has caused the national currency to appreciate, making non-oil exports less competitive in the global market. As a result, industries such as agriculture and industry have been ignored, resulting in an uneven economy primarily reliant on oil.

The Niger Delta region, Nigeria's largest oil-producing region, has suffered some of the most severe consequences of the country's reliance on oil. Oil spills and gas flaring have caused environmental degradation in the region, which has impacted local residents. The oil money has provided scant advantages to these areas, aggravating their sense of marginalization and stoking frustrations. The legitimacy problem caused by the misuse of oil wealth has paved the way for the formation of armed organizations in the Niger Delta. One such group is the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), which has battled for resource control and "resource nationalism." These gangs' violence has hampered oil production and further harmed an already lopsided, oil-dependent economy. According to Watts (2008), the influx of oil wealth has permitted patronage networks, thereby eroding official authority over peripheral regions like the Niger Delta. This tendency, known as "petro-politics," has created an environment where militancy can grow to express the complaints of oppressed populations.

Similarly, Iledare and Suberu (2010) argue that a lack of accountability and transparency in the handling of oil resources has resulted in complaints that insurgent organizations are attempting to redress.

Furthermore, Nigeria's intense concentration of oil wealth has undercut commitments to national development, creating tensions between different regions and ethnic groupings. The unequal allocation of resources has widened divides and created a climate conducive to conflict fueled by inequitable resource distribution and grievances in resource-rich areas. Nigerian politics have been distinguished by significant ethnic heterogeneity and ethnic violence. Nigeria has been the site of multiple ongoing civil conflicts, generally along ethnic and regional lines, since its independence in 1960. This has occurred despite multiple attempts at regional power-sharing mechanisms via various federalist systems. This study will claim that abundant oil resources are to blame for Nigeria's disintegration and failure of true federalism. Nigeria is a prime example of the "resource curse." Nigerian federalism's failure might be ascribed to the country's richness and reliance on oil resources. While oil riches cannot explain the ethnic violence in Nigeria, they have hampered the practice of 'genuine' federalism and constituted a fundamental impediment to democratic transition (Ko, 2014)

The Resource Curse in Angola

Angola, formally known as the Republic of Angola, is a republic on Southern Africa's west-central coast. It is the second-largest Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) country in terms of total territory and population (after Brazil) and the seventh-largest in Africa. It is bounded to the south by Namibia, to the north by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the east by Zambia, and the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Cabinda, an exclave province of Angola, borders the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Luanda is the capital and largest city.

Angola has sizeable natural resource endowments, mainly oil and diamonds. Oil exports accounted for 92.4% of the country's total exports in 2018, while oil rent - the gap between the price of oil and the average cost of production - contributed 25.6% of Angola's GDP. Despite this economic contribution, Angola's human development rating 2019 was 148th, highlighting a sharp discrepancy between economic advances and development achievements. (Harvey, 2021). Angola has had significant economic growth, averaging approximately 8% since independence, but extractive industries have powered this expansion and have yet to be supported by diverse development in other areas. Agriculture, for example, has enormous development potential. However, Angola's disproportionate reliance on oil, which accounts for 60% of GDP and 95% of exports, has left other sectors underdeveloped and sensitive to changes in commodity prices. Such an unsustainable reliance on a single industry has resulted in an unbalanced economy that requires diversification to achieve long-term growth.

The concentration of Angola's extractive sectors has permitted extensive corruption of elite networks prioritising their interests over the public benefit. These networks, linked to former President dos Santos, who dominated Angola for nearly four decades, have grabbed the country's oil resources, and a lack of accountability allows them to extract resource rents and increase income disparity and poverty. Despite its substantial oil resources, Angola has one of the most significant levels of income disparity in the world, with more than a third of its population living in poverty. Angola has likewise been ravaged by conflict for decades. During the 27-year civil war (1975-2002), the conflict between the government and UNITA rebels was centred on the oil-rich Cabinda and diamond regions. Even after the war, low-level violence and community tensions are compounded by economic exploitation, insufficient relocation compensation, and a lack of oversight and surveillance over oil extraction, which has disadvantaged local populations and intensified conflicts.

According to Witter and Fearon (2020), Angola's reliance on natural resources has facilitated a predatory political settlement in which elite networks extract resource rents without accountability, resulting in patronage politics and a lack of emphasis on building strong institutions and a diverse economy. Oil rents have also aided wars by supporting the acquisition of weaponry and militias, distracting attention away from the underlying socioeconomic reasons for opposition.

References

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