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DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN CROSS RIVER STATE: A STUDY OF CROSS RIVER STATE RURAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
No full textThe study focused on Development Agencies and Rural Development, how development programmes initiated by Government over the years towards Rural Development have yielded little effect with high indices of poverty, under provision of Rural infrastructure and assessed the impact of the Cross River State Rural Development Agency on the development of Rural communities in Cross River State with emphasis on rural roads, rural water supply, health and educational infrastructure. The study used both primary (interviews, locus Group Discussions. Questionnaire) and secondary sources or data collection to generate relevant data for analysis of the interface between Development Programmes and Rural Development. Participatory approach was used to explain and address the problems of rural development in Nigeria. Purposive sampling was used in selecting the three Local Government Areas. The study found out that rural communities in Cross River Slate are still suffering from a steady erosion of living conditions and productive infrastructure. The study also revealed that education is a powerful instrument for Me development of man and the society, it is the key to increasing, economic efficiency in the rural economy and promoting social consistency. It is recommended that. Cross River Some government increase investment in rural infrastructure to boost rural production and enhance rural livelihood, the objectives of the Agency as provided by the enabling law should be reactivated, encourage revitalization of community Development Association-as catalyst for Rural Development.NONESEL
STUDIES OF MICROBIAL PROFILES AND CONTROL OF POST-HARVEST ROT OF DIOSCOREA ALATA AND DIOSCOREA ROTUNDATA USING PLANTS EXTRACTS
No full textSix microorganisms comprising of two bacteria, Erwinia carotovora and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and four fungi, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus stolonifera, Penicillium marneffei, were isolated from three varieties (Azawele wele, kor and banada) of rotten Dioscorea alata (water yam). Nine microorganisms, comprising of four bacteria, Erwinia carotovora, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens and Klebsiella oxytoca; and five fungi, Rhizopus stolonifera, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus , Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium marneffei, were isolated from four varieties of Dioscorea rotundata (Gbongu, Ogoja, Amula, Hembamkwase) from five Local Government Areas of Benue State (Vandeikya, Ukum, Katsina- Ala, Guma and Logo). Pathogenicity test on the isolates confirmed them to be the cause of rot. Ten plants extract (Passiflora edulis, Daniel la o liveri, Ceiba pentandra, Jatropha tanjorensis, Azadirachta indica, Carica papaya, Moringa oleifera, Mangifera indica, Terminalia catapa and Senna alata) singly and synergistically were incorporated in media for inhibition test. Single cold aqueous extracts of two plants inhibited completely the growth of three organisms: Erwinia carotovora, Rhizopus stolonifer and Penicillium marneffei; Terminalia catapa at 100 % and 10' concentration showed complete inhibition (a) of Erwinia carotovora; Passiflora edulis at undiluted (100 %) concentration completely inhibited Rhizopus stolonifer and Penicillium marneffei, respectively. Cold aqueous synergistic plant extract recorded complete inhibition (a) of all the four bacteria isolates at 2 mL extract incorporation; ten (10) mL of the extract incorporation in media recorded complete inhibition (a) of three out of the five fungi isolates: Rhizopus stolonifer, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium marneffei, respectively; the other two fungi: Aspergillus niger and Aspergilus flavus recorded high inhibition (b). Hot aqueous synergistic plants extract recorded poor inhibition of the isolates as compared to the cold. Soxhlet solvent extracted synergistic plants extract however recorded lower inhibition as compared to hot aqueous synergistic plants extract and cold aqueous synergistic plants extracts. Room temperature solvent extracted synergistic plants extracts recorded inhibition that was same as that obtained with cold aqueous synergistic plants extract. This research indicates that heat employed extractions recorded less inhibition activity.Microbial Profiles and Control of Post-Harvest Rot of Dioscorea Alata and Dioscorea Rotundat
EFFECT OF TREATMENT WITH OIL EXTRACTED FROM MORINGA (Moringa oleifera) AND SESAME (Sesamum indicum) SEEDS ON THE QUALITY AND SHELF-LIFE OF FRESH TOMATO FRUITS
No full textThis study examined the “effect of treatment with oils extracted from moringa and sesame seeds on the quality and shelf life of fresh tomato fruits”. Oils were extracted from sesame and moringa seeds using the cold press and Soxhlet extraction methods. The percentage yield and the characterization of the oils were carried out. The antimicrobial properties of the oils were determined invitro and invivo. The tomato fruits were dipped individually into 50% oil Concentrated solutions prepared by diluting the oil with 10% dimethyl sulphur oxide (DMSO) for 5 minutes. Check/control treatment consisted of tomato fruits sprayed with sterilized distilled water. Thereafter, all treated fruits were air dried and placed in an open round plate with minimum of 15 fruits per replicate (3). Observations recorded at 7 days interval at |ambient and refrigeration storage conditions were: firmness, total soluble solid (TSS), pH, total titratable acidity (TTA), ascorbic acid, microbial count (bacteria and mould), % weight loss, percentage decay, lycopene and beta carotene content. Average output oil yield of 28.23 and 46.60 % for sesame and 12.26 and 38.92% for moringa was recorded for cold press and Soxhlet extraction method respectively. The study showed that the oils have good physicochemical properties (non drying oil, low acid value, peroxide value, free fatty acid and high saponification value). The chemical composition showed that the oils contain Varying degree of ester, aldehyde, alcohol, phenols and acid. The oils exhibited varying [degrees of activity against all the microorganisms tested. However, the activities of the ; Soxhlet extracted oils most especially those of sesame seed oil were higher than those of moringa seed oil based on the radial mycelia growth for fungi and zone of inhibition for bacteria. The oils comprising of different coatings on the artificially contaminated fresh Rio i grande (UTC) tomato fruits delayed the appearance of signs of common microbial infections in fruit during storage at both ambient and refrigeration (cold) temperatures. The tested oil coatings did not negatively affect the physicochemical properties of UTC tomato fruits during storage at ambient and cold temperatures except the physiological weight loss that was [adversely affected at ambient temperature. This study showed the potential of the oils (extracted from the oil seeds most especially the oils extracted using Soxhlet extraction method to prevent microbial infections and reduce post-harvest losses in tomato fruits.Treatment of on-shelf fresh tomato fruits using oils extracted from plant seeds
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AMNESTY PROGRAMME AND THE RESOLUTION OF THE NIGER DELTA CONFLICT IN NIGERIA
No full textThis study on the Federal Government Amnesty Programme and the resolution of the Niger Delta conflict in Nigeria examines the extent to which the amnesty programme as a mechanism for ending hostilities and resolving conflicts has been effective in the Niger Delta conflict. Employing both primary and secondary data for analysis, the study made use of qualitative research design. Focus group discussions and Key Informant Interviews were employed to generate information while Jack Hirshleifer’s economic theory of conflict as the theoretical framework. The study found that, the amnesty programme was responsible for halting hostilities in the Niger Delta region, particularly between June 2009 to November 2015. The study also found that, the immediate outcome of the amnesty programme was the sharp decline in violence and militant activities that had characterised the region. This, the study established, was because the amnesty programme provided economic and other incentives which surpassed the benefits of continuing in militancy. This was a departure from the usual use of force by previous governments. Consequently, the hitherto dwindling oil production and revenues were revitalised to an all-time high of 2.6million barrels per day by 2012. The study also revealed that of 30,000 ex-militants enlisted in the amnesty programme, 28,498 went through the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) process; were disarmed and removed from their military status to civilian while 1,502 were non - militant youth who were randomly selected from ‘impacted communities’ and were all empowered in the reintegration process through capacity building as well as engaging them in formal employment or micro businesses. The aim of this, as the study found was to give the ex-militants a ‘new life’ and source of livelihood having taken them out of the creeks and to keep them from returning to the creeks. The study concludes that, the amnesty programme was successful to the extent that, it brought a sharp decline in the hostilities and militant activities, therefore, restoring peace and relative security in the region. The study therefore recommends among others that, the various government agencies in the Niger Delta should be strengthened in a way and manner that they can effectively institute transformation in the region. Each of the government agencies must continue to strive to contribute its own quota to development and poverty reduction in the region through capacity building such as education and disbursement of zero – interest loans.TEDFUN
EFFECT OF CAPSICUM FRUTESCENS AND CAPSICUM ANNUM ON GASTRIC ACID SECRETION IN WISTAR RATS
No full textIntroduction: The effect of ingested food substances has been of interest to gastroenterologists. Capsicum frutescens and Capsicum annum (CA) are peppers that are commonly used as spices in meals and contain capsaicin as their main principle. Methodology: The effect of Capsicum frutescens (CF) and Capsicum annum (CA) were studied using 96 wistar rats of both sexes weighing between 200-300g. Aqueous extracts of CF and CA were administered through a fundal gastric fistula. Doses of 10 %, 20 %, 30 % of LD 50, 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, 70 mg and 80 mg per 100 g body weight of the aqueous extract were given. Gastric acid was measured by collecting 10 mls aliquot sample of gastric contents over 10 minutes and titrating with 0.01N NaOH to phenolphthalein end point. Samples were collected for over 120 minutes. Results: The result showed acid secretory response in mmol/l/hr for CF versus (vs) CA were basal acid output ( BAO) of 16.02 ± 0.01 vs 15.6 ± .19. It was observed that gastric acid secretion increased stepwise and was time dependent rising to a crescendo between 50 and 70 minutes vs 40 and 80 minutes for CF vs CA. Thereafter the secretory response rose to a plateau and was called saturation phenomenon. Acid secretion then declined between 80 and 120 minutes. This decline was termed tachyphylaxis. CF caused more acid secretion than CA at doses 50, 60, 70 and 80mg. At a dose of 30% LD50 of CF an asynchronous response with no clear decline was observed and was termed idiosyncracy.
Conclusion: It was concluded that acid secretory response is dose and time dependent and it demonstrates saturation phenomenon, idiosyncracy and tachyphylaxis.SEL
A STUDY OF ALEXANDER CHUMAKOV’S CONCEPT OF GLOBALISATION
No full textThis work is a study of Alexander Chumakov’s concept of globalisation and is aimed at bringing out the historical evolution and development of Alexander Chumakov’s concept of globalisation as well as the various ways and methods employed by Alexander chumakov in solving global studies facing mankind. The work highlights some problems of globalisation which are insecurity, threat to cultural values, human trafficking and corruption.This research work employed qualitative research design. Data were sourced from books, articles, Journals, periodicals and the Internet. The research methodologies adopted in this work are expository, historical ,Analytic and evaluative methods. The expository method presents his thoughts in details ,the historical method locates Chumakov’s thoughts within philosophical history, Analytic approach ascertains the strengths and weaknesses of Chumakov’s position on globalisation while the evaluative method critically interrogates the concept of globalisation as put forward by Alexander Chumakov.The researcher observed that globalisation though a symptom of human desire and ambition that leads to ever increasing connection which brings prosperity can also bring pains and opposition. Chumakov’s central idea of globalisation, therefore is that, it is an interaction of various social and natural factors as well as a process of historic development. The study critically examines Chumakov’s thought on globalisation and submits that his position is inadequate in resolving some of the global problems. The study, therefore, concludes that Alexander Chumakov’s thought on globalisation though weak in some areas, is relevant and timely in salvaging and overcoming some of the global problems in the contemporary society.SEL
ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS FOR SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION CURRICULUM IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
No full textEffective implementation of any organizational programmes is a major means by which an organization can achieve its goals/objectives, education inclusive. To achieve quality programme implementation, major implementation factors must be considered and thoroughly addressed. The study assessed the essential factors for successful implementation of technology education curriculum in secondary schools in Plateau State. Five (5) research questions and null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. An analytical cross-sectional survey design was used for the study. The population of the study was 306 technology education stakeholders and comprised 193 vocational and technical teachers and 113 educational administrators (which comprised 110 school principals and 3 principal officers of the Ministry of Education). The sample size of 170 respondents was obtained by Krejcie and Morgan Standard table for determining the sample size of a known population. A 36 item structured questionnaire constructed by the researcher captioned: Assessment of Implementation Factors of Technology Education Curriculum of Secondary Schools in Plateau State, was employed as instrument for data collection. The instrument was face and content validated by three authorities in the field and the reliability coefficient of 0.76 was obtained by Cronbach’s alpha technique. The descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while the independent sample t-test was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that inadequate manpower, facilities, consumable teaching-learning materials and poor funding are the major factors challenging the successful implementation of technology education curriculum in secondary schools in Plateau State. Based on the findings, recommendations were made which included: The Government should recruit adequate number of experienced and competent technology teachers’, and provide adequate workshops/studio and facilities such as machines, tools and equipment; provide adequate funds, adequate preparation and well planned strategies for the effective implementation of technology education curriculum in secondary schools in Plateau State.SEL
TERRORISM IN THE LIGHT OF THOMAS AQUINAS’ PRINCIPLE OF DOUBLE EFFECT
No full textIn recent times, acts of terrorism have become a recurring decimal on the Nigerian territorial landscape. National security and the unfolding challenges in the contemporary era finds expression in Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), Boko Haram, the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, and now, the Fulani militia. In combating this deadly menace, the work adopted Thomas Aquinas’ principle of Double Effect to evaluate the phenomenon of terrorism. The work employed qualitative research design. Data were sourced from books, journals, periodicals and the internet to present ideas and facts. The historical, expository and analytical methods of data were used. The Historical method presented the philosophical views of terrorism from the ancient to the contemporary time. The Expository method examined the notion of terrorism in detail while the Analytical method adopted Aquinas’ principle of double effect to ethically appraise the act terrorism and its implication on the Nigerian society. The researcher found out that terrorism has disrupted and offset normal social life, dislocated people from their usual bases to different unintended locations, disorganized the socio-cultural tranquility, polluted the serene and spiritual base of the environment, promoted anarchy by causing confusion and widespread panic among people in Nigeria, and has killed many innocent lives etc. The work therefore concludes that, Aquinas’ principle of Double Effect is relevant in evaluating the act of terrorism in Nigeria as it condemns all manner of attacks outside self-defense. This confirms his view that there is nothing to prevent one act from having two effects, of which only one is intended by the agent and the other is outside of his intention, therefore, moral actions receive their character according to what is intended, and not from what is outside of the intention, since that is ‘per accidens.’SEL
RELIGIO-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION IN IGUMALE, BENUE STATE
No full textOne of the greatest challenges of the twenty-first century is that of environmental problems and ecological crisis. The world is gradually losing its capacity to sustain all life forms, including the life of the human race. Religion is accused as a catalyst for environmental problems and ecological crisis. In response, scholars of religion have taken up the challenge but the role of indigenous religions in conservation of the ecology has been largely ignored. This work investigates the potential and actual resources of ecological conservation in the religio-cultural beliefs and practices of the Igumale sub-culture area of Idoma. Igumale oral traditions of the Idoma people provide the main sources for a comprehensive enquiry into ecological conservation. This is further supplemented by published works on the subject matter. These in turn were collected through interviews and random discussions with different categories of individuals in Igumale society. The collated data were analyzed with descriptive and interpretative methods. The work identified environmental and ecological problems globally and with specificity among Igumale people. The study unveiled indigenous religio-cultural practices of conservation of land, trees, rivers, animals, taboos, and environmental protection legislations. This study calls for the tapping from the rich religio-cultural beliefs and practices of the Igumale people of the Idoma as one of the ways of ameliorating the problem. Some of the recommendations are that the various conservation practices should be integrated in government policies, that there is a continuous need to improve living conditions for all people while maintaining a healthy environment in which natural resources are not overused and excessive pollution is not generated and the like.Environmental problems and ecological crisi
EFFECTS OF NOTE-TAKING AND JOURNAL WRITING STRATEGIES ON SS2 STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT IN COMPOSITION WRITING IN BENUE STATE
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This study investigated the effects of note-taking and journal writing strategies on SS2 students’ achievement in composition writing in Benue State. The study was guided by ten research questions. Ten null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted pre-test post-test quasi-experimental research design. The population consisted of 24,321 SS2 students. The sample comprised 138 SS2 students from nine intact classes located in nine secondary schools selected through multi-stage sampling technique. Writing Achievement Test (WAT) with reliability coefficient of 0.91 was used for data collection. Lesson Plans for Teaching Composition Writing (LPTCW) were used for treatment. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that note-taking strategy had significant effect on students’ achievement in composition writing (P=0.000.05) and journal writing strategy (P=0.06>0.05). The results further revealed that there was no significant difference in the mean achievement scores in composition writing between arts and science students who were taught using note-taking strategy (P=0.96>0.05) and journal writing strategy (P=0.14 >0.05). The findings also indicated that there was no significant difference in the mean achievement scores in composition writing between students in urban and rural areas who were taught using note-taking strategy (P=0.23> 0.05) and journal writing strategy (P=0.65>0.05). Moreover, it was shown that there was no interaction effect of note-taking and journal writing strategies and gender on students’ achievement in composition writing (P=0.07>0.05), note-taking and journal writing strategies and students’ discipline (P=0.25>0.05) and note-taking and journal writing strategies and school location (P=0.98>0.05) on mean achievement scores in composition writing. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that the curriculum for training English Language teachers should at NCE and university levels should incorporate their capacity building for the use of note-taking and journal writing strategies.SEL