Christian Ethics and Hospitality: Responding to the Needs of Nigeria’s Internally Displaced Persons

Authors

  • Olabode Joana Iyabo (PhD) Department of Religions and Peace Studies, Lagos State University of Education, Oto/Ijanikin, Lagos State, Nigeria Author
  • Harmona Olusegun Augustus (PhD) Department of Religions and Peace Studies, Lagos State University of Education, Oto/Ijanikin, Lagos State, Nigeria Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V1E5/2025-04

Keywords:

Internally Displaced Persons, Christianity, Hospitality, Christian Ethics, Marginalized, Poverty alleviation.

Abstract

The plight of Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria is among the most severe and deteriorating humanitarian crises in the world, disproportionately affecting women and children among the millions impacted in the North Eastern and North Western part of the country. A 2023 survey in the National Bureau of Statistics reported appropriately 1, 134, 828 internally displaced persons across 251, 082 households in seven Nigerian Northern states. Notably, children under the age of 18 accounted for 50% of this population. This paper examines Christian teachings on hospitality as a framework for responding to the needs of internally displaced persons in Nigeria. This paper employs historical, analytical, and exegetical methodologies. The findings indicate that applying biblical teachings on compassion and care for the needy and marginalized can significantly alleviate the hardship experienced by internally displaced persons in Nigeria.

References

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Published

2025-11-15

How to Cite

(PhD), O. J. I., & (PhD), H. O. A. (2025). Christian Ethics and Hospitality: Responding to the Needs of Nigeria’s Internally Displaced Persons. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 1(05), 195-200. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V1E5/2025-04