JUDGES 4:1-5 AND THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN SOCIETY

The active role of women in Nigeria is visible in every sector of the economy. From the Pre- Colonial era, women were notably present in business, commerce, trade, society, and other spheres of the economy. Nigeria has recorded women such as Madam Efunroye Tinubu, Iyalose Egba, Queen Amina of Zazau in Zaria, Iyalode Efunsetan Aniwara of Ibadan, Princess Moremi of Ife, Princess Inikpi of Igala and Emotan of Benin, to mention a few (Effah Attoe, 2002). These women have shown that women in Nigeria can pioneer the needed stability in our political system. This study adopted Historical- Critical Method Form. In this study, the author attempts to examine the text of Judges 4: 1- 5 from the historical point of view. The text narrates how Deborah demonstrated servant leadership in the land of Israel. Qualities found in Deborah are worthy of emulation for Nigerian women especially those in society. Nigerian women who are politicians need to learn how not to be power hungry. History of women in Nigerian society has shown that they sometimes allow power to possess them. A good example was Patricia Etteh. She rose to the post of Speaker of the House of Representative. The highest so far that Nigerian women ever held. She was removed from the post because of her excessiveness. From Deborah also, Nigerian women can emulate the attributes of being wise and available. In political environment, women can use their wisdom to climb the ladder needed to be reckoned in society. Women politicians need to be available where they are needed. There is timing for all events. Nigerian women need to be watchful and work with time. Rising up in society required proper timing and Deborah used this to her advantage. Hillary Clinton also used this to her advantage though she did not become American president but she was able to become well- known woman in the US political history. Nigerian women can reach the place also if they are ready to learn from Deborah.

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