Motives for Lavish Funerals Among the Nembe People of the Niger Delta Region in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

摘要

This study examined the motives for lavish funerals among the Nembe people located in the creeks of the Niger Delta in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The ex-post facto design was employed. Using a non-probability quota technique, 120 respondents were sampled. A scale comprising three subscales: 1 Nembe Culture on Funerals, 2 Propensity for Lavish Funerals and 3 Love for the Deceased were constructed and used for data collection. In line with the two hypotheses formulated, the accruing data was analyzed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistics. Results revealed that love for deceased family members and not the culture is the motive for lavish funeral. It is recommended that individuals be counseled to demonstrate such love through the establishment of foundations and other philanthropic gestures, to assist the less privileged in society, as memorials for loved ones who have gone on.