Covenant Journals (Covenant University)
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Harnessing Digital Advocacy for Climate Action: Millennials’ Engagement with Online Environmental Campaigns in Advancing SDGs
Full text linkLike most African nations, Nigeria is experiencing dire social and economic effects from climate change. These challenges are however, manageable provided climate advocacy NGOs engage in effective communication, especially with millennials. Objective: This study assesses the communication strategies of the International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI) and examines the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of its millennial audience towards climate action. The empirical investigation employs the theory of reasoned action and planned behaviour. This study is in consonance with SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) in that it looks at ways leading digital advocacy extends climate awareness and sustainable urban development in Nigeria.
Methods: The study employed a mixed research design, supplemented by qualitative analysis of ICCDI’s communication methods with a cross-sectional survey of 399 purposively sampled millennials.
Findings:Findings established that ICCDI mainly employs Twitter in interaction and also in awareness campaigns, advocacy, and interpersonal communication. Notably, of the three platforms identified to be popular among millennials, Facebook was ranked highest in providing climate change information. 61.4% claimed they did not know even basic issues, and many of them could not identify that over-flooding could have anything to do with climate change. Additionally, while 66.9% said they were willing to look for methods on how to reduce their impact on climate, a majority of them continued with negative activities, 53.9% left appliances on overnight, 52% left generators running for long periods, and many charged gadgets smartphones, laptops, and tablets. even when fully charged. When it comes to social pressure, friends were ranked as the most influential people within millennials’ social circle, concerning offering directions on climate change preventive actions
Whose Story Gets Told? Unpacking Factors Behind Newspaper Coverage of Teen Pregnancy by Punch and Vanguard Newspapers, Nigeria
Full text linkThis study investigates how two prominent Nigerian newspapers, Punch and Vanguard, report on teenage pregnancy. It seeks to understand the narratives and frames in their coverage and to identify the underlying social, cultural, and institutional factors that influence editorial decisions. Specifically, the study aims to identify the factors that determine the coverage of teenage pregnancy by newspapers, the prominence given to teenage pregnancy reportage by gatekeepers, the rationale behind the choice and focus of reporting teenage pregnancy issues in Nigeria, and the challenges encountered in covering teenage pregnancy-related issues. Based on the framing theory, the study employs a qualitative research design, utilising in-depth interviews to gather its key data. Interviews were conducted with one key informant from each of the chosen newspapers, namely the editors of Punch and Vanguard. The findings reveal that health, socioeconomic consequences, and social responsibility are critical factors shaping the coverage of teenage pregnancy in Punch and Vanguard newspapers. The editors of both outlets underscored the multifaceted nature of teenage pregnancy, identifying it not only as a health crisis but also as a sociocultural and economic concern with serious implications for the girl child. Both newspapers affirmed that editorial direction and corporate social responsibility strongly influence their decision to prioritise teenage pregnancy issues. The study concludes that editorial dynamics and sociocultural forces influence narratives around the reportage of teenage pregnancy in Nigeria
Poverty, Insecurity and its Implications on Democracy in Nigeria
Full text linkNigeria’s democracy has been plagued by pervasive poverty and debilitating security challenges, which have undermined the country’s socio-economic development and stability. This study examines the intricate relationships between poverty, insecurity, and democracy in Nigeria, highlighting the ways in which poverty has fueled insecurity and compromised democratic governance. The study is based on qualitative research approach, utilizing secondary sources of data which includes journals, official reports, as well as relevant textbooks. The study utilized qualitative content method of data interpretation and analysis. Relative Deprivation Theory was adopted as a framework of analysis. The study found that the prevailing unpleasant socio-material conditions pertaining to survival, economic deprivation, structural inequities, and governance deficits in the country led to Boko Haram terrorism, Fulani herdsmen attacks, sectarian violence, political/electoral violence, ethnic, communal and religious conflicts, Niger-Delta crisis, kidnapping and armed robbery. These anomalies are hindrances to active economic activities and democratic processes. The study concludes that addressing poverty and insecurity is critical to consolidating democracy and achieving sustainable development in Nigeria. The study recommends the reduction in poverty through the provision of employment opportunities and the provision of basic infrastructure and services that are efficient, improving on synergy between security organizations, there should be greater investment in human development, increase recurrent and especially capital expenditures on internal security, workable anti-terrorism measures, build strong and legitimate institutions that can safely curb the menace of insecurity, there should be good governance by been transparent and accountable to the people, and genuine fight against corruption among others
Impact of Corruption on Public Service Delivery in Nigeria: Implications for Political Leadership and Economic Development
Full text linkThis paper interrogates the impact of corruption on public service delivery in Nigeria, and the implications for political leadership and economic development. The paper argues that corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of Nigerian society, as ‘almost a third of the nation’s population pay bribes when they come in contact with public officials’, according to Transparency International. Political office holders use their offices to divert public funds to private use, while corruption cases drag for years without the suspects being punished. This has encouraged members of successive governments to steal as their individual and collective greed dictate. As a result, social services have been crippled in critical sectors like education, health, agriculture, transport. The paper also demonstrates that pervasive corruption has had far-reaching implications for political leadership and economic development. Hence, the citizenry has lost confidence in the capacity of political leaders to provide even its most basic needs. The paper relies on secondary sources for data, and uses Percentage, Table, Frequency and Comparison to analyze the trajectory of Nigeria’s corruption empire, with emphasis on the uninterrupted years of so-called democratic rule (1999 - date). The study reveals, among other things, that the failure of government to punish offenders is responsible for the unending menace of official corruption in Nigeria. It concludes that leadership failure is inevitable, so long as corruption remains unchecked. Practical and practicable recommendations are then made, for dealing with the menace of corruption
Antimicrobial Activity of Curry Leaf (Murraya keonigii) Extracts: An In-Vitro Study
Full text linkCurry leaves, scientifically referred to as Murraya koenigii, are well known for their aromatic taste in foods, but their antimicrobial potential has yet to be extensively studied. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial effect of curry leaf extracts against various microorganisms. The study involved the extraction of bioactive compounds from curry leaves using aqueous and ethanol solvents. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using agar well diffusion to establish the impact of the extracts on microbial isolates, including Salmonella sp, Bacillus sp, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Staphylococcus aureus. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyse the extracts' chemical components. Although their effectiveness against microbiological isolates varied, it was shown that both ethanol and aqueous extracts have antibacterial properties. Inhibition against Salmonella sp., Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Escherichia coli, the ethanol extract's Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was 100 mg/ml, 25 mg/ml, 0, 100 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml, respectively. The aqueous extract exhibited MIC values of 200 mg/mL against Bacillus sp. and Candida albicans, 25 mg/mL against Salmonella sp., and 12.5 mg/mL against Escherichia coli. As for Staphylococcus aureus, it was not inhibited. A minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 50 mg/ml of ethanol extract was found for Bacillus sp, Salmonella sp, and 100 mg/ml for Candida albicans. Having no bactericidal effect against Staphylococcus aureus, the aqueous extract showed MBC of 200 mg/ml against Bacillus sp. and Candida albicans, 100 mg/ml against Salmonella sp., and 25 mg/ml against Escherichia coli. Compounds such as Hexadecanoic acid, Phytol, Octadecanoic acid among others were detected from the extracts. The study points to the therapeutic potential of curry leaves as natural antibacterials
Stabilization and Environmental Sustainability of Swelling Clays Soils: A Review
Full text linkWater movement in swelling soils conforms with material continuity. This invariably justifies the differences in the gravitational potential energy during expansion and the anisotropic stresses that press the soil but allow for vertical movement. Under fluid conditions, vane efficiency exhibited by macropores is lowered by swelling of the clay, and a poorly drained soil results in surface saturation. The type of water applied to soil material tends to have an impact on the positioning of cracks in swelling clays, and thus, cracks can remain pathways for preferential flow much after they are covered at the soil surface. Over time, chemicals and chemical compounds have been utilized to further enhance the engineering properties of such soils. However, environmentally friendly biodegradable biological stabilizers are taking the place of conventional stabilizers, most especially lime and cement. Additionally, biochar amendment, which is ecofriendly, has also been found to lower the swelling index capability of expansive clay soil. Despite the dangers associated with swelling clay, it has found extensive use as adsorbents, carriers in drug delivery systems, and the building of a storage tank for the disposal of radioactive materials. In addition, swelling clays have found significant usage in the production of controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) formulations. Hence this paper emphasizes the environmental impact of building large structures and road construction on swelling clay soils, highlights recent progress in the inhibition and stabilization of swelling soils to sustain the environment, and enumerates the economic importance associated with swelling clay soils
Marketing Communication and Survival of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria
Full text linkMarketing communication is seen as a vital activity for the survival and success of SMEs. This study examines the impact of marketing communications on the survival of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Auchi, Edo State. The study employed a qualitative research design, using a convenience sampling strategy and semi-structured interviews to select and collect data from 40 SMEs in the area. The results show that marketing communications is a catalyst for the survival of SMEs in Auchi. Specifically, the study found that SMEs that use social media strategies survive and thrive in the competitive business environment. Based on the findings, the study recommends, among others, that SMEs in Auchi should prioritise marketing communications in their business strategies to ensure survival and growth. Studies show that there are many similarities regarding the challenges faced by SMEs globally, and as such, the recommendations of this study can be applied universally.
 
Effect of different high-fat diets on lipid profile in albino rats
Full text linkAbstract:
High-fat diets and sedentary lifestyles are the main causes of obesity, which is a major risk factor for chronic illnesses like heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and several types of cancer. This comparative study examines how male albino rats' lipid profiles are affected by high-fat diets made from widely eaten vegetable oils. A total of 48 male albino rats weighing between 100 and 150 grams were randomly assigned to five groups of eight. As the control group, Group 1 was given a diet that contained 11% energy from 5% soybean oil. Rats in Group 2 were given a diet that contained 30% crude palm oil and 2.5% soybean oil (CPO group). Rats in Group 3 were given a diet that contained 30% refined palm oil and 2.5% soybean oil (RPO group). Rats in groups 2–5 were fed a diet consisting of 2.5% soybean oil and 30% groundnut oil (GO group) and Group 5 rats were fed a diet consisting of 2.5% soybean oil and 30% shea butter (SHB group). Blood samples were taken at the end of the 8-week feeding protocol in order to evaluate lipid profiles, and the atherogenic index and coronary risk index were also computed. The results indicated that there were no significant differences (p < 0.05) in the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol between the rats fed high-fat diets and the control group. In conclusion, the high-fat meals assessed in this study did not negatively impact the rats' lipid profiles and fared similarly to soybean oil
The Role of Music Entrepreneurship on Economic Development of Music students in Selected Nigerian Higher Institution
Full text linkMusic has a lot to contribute to the society's survival and sustainability. It has been described as a character builder and reformer that might be developed to provide opportunity for professionals to explore and enhance intellectual skills if properly exploited. This study examined music entrepreneurship education as a way forward to economic development of music students to be self-reliant and contribute to the nation economy. The population for the study comprises of Eighty (80) respondents from the concerned higher institutions who were randomly selected for the study. Descriptive research was adopted as a research design and questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. The study adopted a quantitative method of data analysis. The findings from the study revealed the purposes of music entrepreneurship education on the Nigerian educational system which are: teaching students crucial life skills, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed in building sustainable career, Equally, the findings revealed the contributions of music entrepreneurship education to the economic development of music students and the problems facing music entrepreneurship education in Nigeria which includes lack of dedicated educational institution programs and resources. It was recommended that facilities like musical instruments and teaching materials should be provided and also adequate resources, including funding and infrastructure, should be allocated to support the implementation of Music Entrepreneurship Education initiatives.
 
Representing Insecurity: A Critical Analysis of Photograph Selection and Presentation in Nigerian Newspapers
Full text linkThe selection and layout of photographs in a newspaper reveal relevance and details about an event to readers. Such details supposedly embody a publication’ s editorial philosophy, deflect perceptions, pronounce slants, and intentions. Arguably, the pictorial representations in print journalism signpost an understanding that a set of principles guides gatekeepers. These editorial factors come into play when making decisions regarding news images, though these considerations may not always be explicit. Therefore, this research sets out to empirically ascertain the considered elements during the decision-making process, influential factors, and the overall decision's effect on photo preference and positioning in newspapers. The study examines the selection and presentation of photographs in three Nigerian newspapers (Punch, The Guardian, and Leadership) from October 2023 to March 2024. Anchored on content analysis, the research investigates the editorial factors influencing the choice and presentation of photographs depicting banditry and insecurity in Nigeria. This research draws its strength from framing theory and Lewin's theory of forces. The study reveals that the selected newspapers prominently feature harsh-toned photographs related to banditry and insecurity. However, the editorial staff lacks explicit guidelines for photograph selection and presentation, relying instead on implicit knowledge of newspaper traditions. This research contributes to understanding how newspapers shape public perceptions of insecurity with pictures and highlights the need for more transparent editorial decision-making processes