The Social Message in Amos 8:4-10 and Poverty in the Niger Delta

ABSTRACT This article examines Yahweh's response to corruption in Amos 8:4-10. In the pericope, the rich ensured that the poor remained poor. The situation of Israel in the eighth century is a reflection of the present situation of the people of the Niger Delta. Although some studies have focused on the poor in the Niger Delta, many of the existing works have generally paid less attention to the corruption in Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) which has sustained the poverty situation in the area. Using literary analysis methodology for the text, findings reveal that the underdevelopment in the Niger Delta region is also caused by the unchecked corrupt practices, financial recklessness, and diabolic activities in NDDC. The recommendations are discussed.