ABSTRACT
This paper examines the contributions of ancient African trade practices and perspectives for an effectual African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Trade was a very important economic activity in ancient Africa, freely practiced, within short and long-distances, dependent on the actors and items involved. It was essentially through the direct exchange of goods and services for others (barter system). As time went by, other mediums of exchange: cowrie shells, golds dust, beads and others were introduced. The desire to engage in it, instigated many African communities to develop one industrial technology or the other, like blacksmithing, iron bending, carving, weaving and others, producing what they sold or exchanged for other goods and or items. Trading in these, helped connect African societies, despite challenges (fear, insecurity and transportation constraints) faced. It can therefore be contended that practices such as diversification, lowered barriers and others, that characterised ancient African trade, could enhance the most cherished African integration, unity and prosperity that the African Union seeks. This may further help improve trade relations amongst states within the continent through the AfCFTA, especially by diversifying the production of goods and exterminating all tariff and non-tariff barriers in Africa. Encouraging diversification with “made in Africa” products, would attract more trade opportunities within and beyond the continent. In constructing the paper, primary and secondary data were used, interpreted qualitatively and presented logically.

ABSTRACT
This study investigates the potential of clay as a sustainable resist material in textile dyeing, addressing environmental concerns associated with conventional resist agents such as wax, starch, and cassava paste. Rooted in West African textile traditions, where clay and mud-based techniques have historically served both cultural and ecological purposes, the study seeks to reposition clay as a viable material for contemporary resist-dyeing practices. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of clay as a natural resist, its environmental implications, and its capacity to prevent dye penetration. A studio-based experimental methodology was employed, involving the application of clay mixed with an adhesive medium onto cotton fabric using marbling, stamping, and screen-printing techniques. The prepared fabrics were subsequently dyed using vat dyes to assess the resist quality and pattern outcomes. Findings from the study revealed that clay produced clear and well-defined resist patterns and effectively limited dye penetration. Observations further suggested a potential reduction in chemical dependency relative to conventional resist materials, though this warrants further controlled investigation. These results indicate that clay is a practical and environmentally promising alternative for resist dyeing. The study concludes that the integration of clay as a resist agent offers both ecological and creative advantages in textile production. It therefore recommends the incorporation of clay resist techniques into textile education and professional practice as a strategy for advancing sustainable textile design.

ABSTRACT
Propaganda has gradually made people widely believe that the Earth's population is growing uncontrollably, threatening the planet’s resources, ecosystems, and overall sustainability. But this believe remains a simplistic approach of the complexities of population dynamics, resource distribution, and environmental impacts. While it is true that global population has been increasing, as a result of technological advancement and healthcare improvement, the real concern is not the sheer number of people, but rather how resources are consumed and distributed. Overpopulation fears often ignore the role of unequal resource allocation, wasteful consumption patterns, and the environmental degradation driven by industrial and agricultural practices that are not inherently tied to population size. All this are the immediate causes of poverty, unemployment, and massive rural migration. Moreover, demographic trends indicate that many regions, particularly in developed countries, are experiencing declining birth rates and aging populations, which could lead to a population stabilization or even a decline in the coming decades. The myth of overpopulation also overlooks the potential in manpower for technological innovation, sustainable agricultural practices, and shifts in global economic systems that could allow for more equitable resource distribution. Thus, addressing environmental issues and sustainability requires a shift in focus from population numbers to more nuanced solutions that tackle inequality, redefinition of north-south cooperation, consumption patterns, and environmental stewardship and responsibility. My interest in this topic is to create awareness among the youth and married couples, even policymakers about the danger associated with some of the, so called, modern behaviour related to sex, the use of contraceptive, the right to abortion etc… I am very happy this paper is being published roughly a year from “Infinite Dignity”, a declaration released by Pope Fran