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THE ROLE OF BENUE STATE URBAN DEVELOPMENT BOARD IN THE CONTROL OF PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT IN BAR WARD, MAKURDI, BENUE STATE.
No full textOne of the major problems facing Nigeria today is the poor quality of living environment. This study evaluates the activities of Benue State Urban Development Board in controlling Physical Development in Bar Ward in Makurdi town. Physical observation and questionnaire interview methods were employed to get the necessary data, while descriptive statistical tools such as pie charts, tables and frequencies were used to analyse the data. The findings of the study show that Benue State Urban Development Board lacks manpower and equipment to enforce physical development control in Bar ward. There is haphazard physical development that is characterised by lack of access streets, inadequate drainages, frequent conversion of land uses; it was also found that political influence and corruption are the major factors influencing poor implementation of plans. The study recommends procurement of requirement, man power development and permanent appointment. A structural plan is recommended for Bar Ward.SEL
AN ETHICAL APPRAISAL OF SUICIDE IN BENUE STATE FROM 2015-2018
No full textThe study was an ethical appraisal of suicide in Benue State from 2015-2018. The objectives of the study were to establish the prevalence of suicide in Benue State, identify the possible causes of the rising cases of suicide in Nigeria, examine the implications of suicide on the Benue society especially the youth and to proffer workable solutions for ways through which suicide can be effectively managed in Benue State. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Materials for the study were drawn from primary and secondary sources. Primary sources involved unstructured interviews and questions which were conducted with a purposive sampled population of one hundred and fifty respondents drawn from among selected local government areas in Benue State. Books and other printed materials with relevant information on suicide in Benue State and Nigeria were used for the purpose of review and as support evidence to the issues raised in the study. The information obtained from the interview was analyzed by the researcher using historical, descriptive and phenomenological approaches. Investigation revealed that in Nigeria, suicide behaviour is socio-culturally oriented, fueling negative attitudes toward the act, perpetuating secrecy which includes non-reporting. Furthermore, the worldview of the people seemed to permit suicide in some circumstances. The study also found that suicide is associated with factors such as; depression, alcoholism, hopelessness, substance abuse, possession of lethal weapons, terminal illness, loss of loved ones and bankruptcy or collapse of business. The study also found that Christianity viewed suicide unfavourably based on the belief in the sanctity of life argument. The study also found that suicide had implications on the society: social, economic and religious. It was recommended that all stakeholders; that is the government, church, nongovernmental organizations and others, should mount a formidable advocacy towards the reduction of suicide in Nigeria, the press and all media organizations should be involved in regular enlightenment of the public on the harm done by suicide, medical organizations, like the hospitals, should be involved in rendering prompt attention to those who exhibit suicidal behaviour and those at risk. The study concluded that life is sacred and only God gives life and He alone has the authority to take life. Therefore, suicide is a direct violation of the natural law of self-love.SEL
EFFECT OF VERNONIA AMYGDALINA ON BLOOD GLUCOSE OF ALLOXAN AND DEXAMETHASONE INDUCED DIABETIC RATS
No full textIntroduction: Vernonia amygdalina (VA) is a common shrub widely consumed in Nigeria. Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea whose mechanism of action is to stimulate insulin release from the beta cell of the pancreas. Metformin is a biguanide and its mechanism of action is exhibited at extra pancreatic level. In clinical practice, it is the first line therapy recommended for newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patient. Hyperglycaemia has been found to be one of the main side effects associated with dexamethasone administration. This Study was carried out to investigate the effect of VA on alloxan and dexamethasone induced diabetes. Methodology: 75 Wistar albino rats of both sexes were randomly allocated in 15 groups. Group 1 served as normoglycaemic control . Group 2-9 were given 65mg/kg body weight alloxan monohydrate to induce diabetes. Group 10-15 were given 1mg/kg body weight dexamethasone to induce hyperglycaemia. Group1 received normal saline alone. Alloxan induced diabetic rats in group 2 served as diabetic control received normal saline, group 3: 100mg/kg VA, group 4 200mg/kg VA, group 5 2mg/kg glimepiride, group 6 200metformin, group 7: 100mg/kg VA +200mg/kg metformin , group 8: 100mg/kg VA +2mg/kg glimepiride , group 9: 200mg/kg metformin+2mg/kg glimepiride. In dexamethasone induced group, group 10 received continous daily dose of 1mg/kg+normal saline, group 11 continous daily dose of 1mg/kg +100mg/kg of VA, group 12 continous daily dose of 1mg/kg +200mg/kg of VA, group 13 continous daily dose of 1mg/kg +2mg/kg glimepirid, group 14 continous daily dose of 1mg/kg +200mg/kg metformin, and group15 continous daily dose of 1mg/kg +100mg/kgVA +2mg/kg glimepirid. Result: The result showed that the Fasting Blood Glucose of group 1 was 81±2.8 mg/dl. for alloxan group, group 2 was 137±15.4 vs 156±20.3mg/dl, group 3 was 129±9.7vs 90±2.7mg/dl and group 4 was 126±7.3 vs 86±4.2mg/dl. group 5 was 308±3.3 vs 216±1.5mg/dl group 6 was 306±7.2 vs 190±4.2mg/dl and group 7 was 310±7.4 vs 155±1.6mg/dl.and group 8 was 333±8.9 vs 151±5.1mg/dl. group 9 was 318±4.9 vs 252±18.3mg/dl. The fast blood glucose of group induced with dexamethasone, group 10 was 137±15.4 vs 156±20.3mg/dl, group 11 was 129±9.7vs 90±2.7mg/dl and group 12 was 126±7.3 vs 86±4.2mg/dl group 13 was 131±6.8 vs67±1.6., group 14 was 125±5.6 vs 76±1.8 , group 15 was 125 7.3 vs 52 2.8. There was significant difference between group 2 and group 1 (p<0.01), group 2 and group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group7, group 8 and group 9 (p<0.01). The percentage change in blood glucose were 13.3%, -34.3% , -11.3%, -29.8%, -37.9%,-51.1%, -51.3% and -20.8% respectively. Similarly, there was significant difference between group 10 and group 11, group 10 and group 12, group 10 and group 13, group 10 and group 14 group 10 and group 15 (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Vernonia amygdalina ameliorates hyperglycaemia induced by dexamethasone. VA significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose in alloxan induced diabetes mellitus(p<0.01) and also significantly reduced fasting blood glucose in dexamethasone induced hyperglycaemia.SEL
WEST AFRICAN ROAD SAFETY ORGANIZATIONS (WARSO) AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION IN WEST AFRICA, 2008-2015
No full textThis study examined West African Road Safety Organization (WARSO) and Regional Integration in West Africa, 2008 - 2015. The study was necessitated by the desire to establish the impact of WARSO activities on road traffic safety and regional integration efforts in the sub-region. The study utilized both primary and secondary data for the purpose of achieving the objectives of the research work. Some key personalities who have participated at WARSO activities between 2008 and 2015 were interviewed while the Researcher also undertook a study tour (Field Trip) of four (4) West African countries (Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria) to physically interact with respondents of two (2) Anglophone and two (2) Francophone countries including one (1) inactive country (Togo), to ascertain the extent to which WARSO has impacted on both road safety and regional integration. Leon N. Lind berg’s theory of Neo-Functionalism is applied in conceptualizing the study. Findings show that between 2008 and 2015, the WARSO has introduced several road safety Intervention measures through sundry programmes and policy decisions using the integration approach. These include the creation of regional platforms for road safety advocacy, knowledge sharing, capacity building and introduction of several road safety measures. It is also found that the attempt at harmonizing sub-regional road traffic practices strengthened cross-national relations among member-states that inspired West Africa to speak with one voice on issues of road traffic safety internationally; and the admission of WARSO for participation in regional integration activities of ECOWAS among others. Findings also show (from available data of 3 countries Ghana, Benin and Nigeria) that there has been a downward trend in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) and associated fatalities in the sub-region between 2011 and 2015 attributable to the influence of WARSO activities. However, the lack of enforcement powers reduced the efficacy of WARSO decisions to almost mere recommendations thereby weakening implementation as member-states acted discretionarily and a few remained complacent and inactive on WARSO platform. This limited the level of achievements of WARSO in spite of its robust integration approach. It is therefore recommended that WARSO must effectively harness the ECOWAS platform to obtain the commitment of the Heads of State and Government of member-states to create and support Lead Agencies; pay their dues and project contributions; and reach out more to inactive countries.West African Road Safety Organization
EFFECTS OF PACKAGING MATERIALS AND STORAGE PERIODS ON THE QUALITY OF SOME SELECTED SOYBEAN VARIETIES IN MAKURDI, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThis study was carried out in 2017 at Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. The study was aimed at evaluating the effect of packaging material and storage period on the quality parameters of some selected varieties of soybeans in Makurdi. The experimental design was 3x5x6 factorial 2sub-station. The soybeans were cleaned, dried and the moisture content determined. Five hundred grams of each of the variety was measured into the various packaging material, replicated by 3 for 2months, 4months, 6months and 8month then stored at Strategic Grains Reserve, Federal Ministry of Agriculture Makurdi. At the end of each storage period the seeds in storage were sampled to determine quality by conducting standard germination test with 100 seeds (100 seeds/rep).The peroxide value was determined according to AOAC (1984). Protein content was determined according to AOAC, (2000). Seedling vigor was also determined the method adopted by Verma and Verma (2014). The investigation revealed that variety V2 and V3 had the same peroxide value of 0.34mew/lg while Vi had the least value of 0.30mew/kg. V2 stored in plastic container had a value of 0.40meq/kg while laminate paper had the lowest peroxide value of 0.27 meq/kg. Soybeans stored for 2,4, 6 and 8 months have the same peroxide value of (0.34meq/kg) while Omonth (control) had the least value of 0.28meq/kg. However significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in the peroxide value of soybean in terms of variety, storage period and packaging material. V2 had the highest germination percentage of 78.85 while Vi had the lowest of 60.51. Soybeans stored in low density polyethene had the highest germination percent of 73.56 while the least was in cloth with a value of 53.38. Soybeans stored for 2months had the highest germination percent of 89.80 while the germination percent was recorded at 8months with a value of 33.89.However, significant differences were observed. Seedling vigor was higher in V2 with a value of 1052.77cm while Vi had the least value of 504.22cm. Soybeans packaged in low density polyethene recorded the seedling vigor of 775.27cm while cloth recorded the least with a value of 681.95cm. Storage period of 2 months had a higher seedling vigor of 1329.28cm while 8 months of storage had the least seeding vigor of 284.08.There were also significant differences(P<0.05) in the seedling vigor among varieties, packaging material and storage period. V3 had the highest protein content while V2 recorded the lowest. Eight months storage period had the highest protein content while 2months had the least. However significant differences (P<0.05) was observed in the protein content of soybean in terms of variety, storage period and packaging material. Significant differences were also observed at (P<0.05) in all the interaction effects except the interaction between variety and packaging material in the seedling root length. In the present study, the best packaging material was LDPE and the variety that had more resistance to deterioration was V2 (TGx 1904-6F). When soybeans are stored at ambient, they should be stored in a suitable packaging material and varieties that are prone to fast deterioration should not be stored for more than 4months otherwise they lose viability and vigor.Storage and packaging of varieties of Soybea
CLUSTER SCHOOL MODEL STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION OF UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT
No full textAbstract
This study investigated cluster school model strategy and implementation of Universal Basic Education Programme in North Central Nigeria. Six research questions and six null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The related literature was reviewed under theoretical framework, conceptual framework, empirical studies and summary. The study employed ex-post facto survey design. The population of the study comprised 19,265 (19,133 teachers, 7 Directors, 7 desk officers and 118 heads of academic services in charge of training) from 361 cluster centres. A sample of 391 respondents was selected for the study using multi-stage sampling technique. The instruments for data collection were Cluster School Model Strategy Questionnaire (CSMSQ) and Cluster School Model Strategy Interview Schedule (CSMSIS) with reliability coefficient of 0.90. Mean score and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. Frequency, percentages and charts were used to analyze responses of interview. Chi-square was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that cluster school model strategy for teacher professional development has significant influence on students’ academic performance, teachers’ teaching methods; teachers’ skills to use instructional resources, teacher mentoring, teachers’ classroom management and teachers’ evaluation skills have significant influence on implementation of Universal Basic Education Programme in North Central Nigeria. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended among others that state governments should embrace and adapt cluster school model for teacher professional development recognised globally as the best strategy for comprehensive training and teachers on all aspects of current school based management reform practice for an enhanced students’ academic performance. Integrated learning method should be employed by Universal Education Basic Boards to bring teachers together in order to share ideas, skills and knowledge through interaction
THE PAULINE CONCEPT OF CHARISM IN 1 CHORINTHIANS 12-14 AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE FOR CHURCH DEVELOPMENT IN TIVLAND
No full textThe exercise of charismatic gifts is for the general growth and good of the church. This fact was expressed by Paul in his First letter to the Corinthians (ICor 12:8-10). But there have been some abuses in the administration of the various gifts by individuals contrary to the genuine motive of the spiritual gifts which is for church growth and service. Pentecostalism and charismatic movements stress the experience of the spirit and the practice of spiritual gifts. Which is why the study of 1 Corinthians 12-14 shall be used as a guiding text in the understanding of charisms (spiritual gifts). The methodology adopted in this study is the syncronic method of doing exegesis. In so doing we shall interpret the understanding of St Paul on the issue of Charisms in ICorinthian 12-14 for understanding the issue of Charisms in today’s Christianity. The Pentecostal and Charismatic renewal among Christians have helped in the expression of faith in Christianity through genuine expressions of indigenous African culture, contributing to the enrichment of religion in Tivland. The findings show that manifestations and exercise of spiritual gifts: healing, miracle, deliverance and counselling have helped in the growth of Christianity. The researcher is of the opinion that any exercise of charisms should be done in consonance with the guidelines laid down by the authorities of the churchThe Pauline Concept and Church development in Tivlan
THEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION OF AKOMBO IN TIV RELIGION
No full textSeveral studies both by westerners and locals alike have over time undertaken the investigation of the concept of akombo in Tiv religion with diverse outcomes of negative impressions. The distortions, misconceptions and misrepresentations of the concept, belief and practice of akombo by these studies and some practitioners have led to an altered perception of akombo. This work therefore, aimed at providing a proper theological reflection of akombo and hence provide the basis for the correct understanding and practice of akombo. This was achieved by means of investigating and examining the cultic role akombo played as protective and healing rituals, mystical forces and divinities. Descriptive phenomenology was adopted and hence used which investigated and described the conscious experience of akombo as means of communicating with the Supreme Being for the attainment of a better human condition. It was established that when akombo and divinities were modelled some salient and fundamental characteristics of divinities were absent in the belief and practice of akombo among the Tiv. Deification of ancestors to become divinities for instance, is found in many African traditional beliefs but it is completely absent in Tiv belief. This work therefore, recommends that proper cleansing of recipe objects and altars; integration of modem ideas to akombo practice and the correct perception of akombo idea in line with Tiv worldview be given proper attention so as to redeem akombo from a faulty perception. This study believes that if this is done a proper and more beneficial understanding shall be achieved and as a result the lost glory of akombo could be restored.Magic in Tiv Traditional Religio
MEDIA-MIX AS EFFECTIVE MOBILIZATION STRATEGY OF COMMUNITY THEATRE PRACTICE IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA: THE TSAR MBADUKU EXPERIENCE
Get PDFThis study seeks to improve on the mobilization strategy in community theatre workshops particularly in the 21st Century Nigeria where globalization has permeated both rural and urban communities. Community Theatre practitioners, from records and documentaries, over the years have always advocated the use of a people’s traditional folk arts in communicating development to them. This rule was instituted due to the fact that the rural man understands and welcomes what he is familiar with, and in that wise can manipulate his own traditional art forms to trigger discussions on issues in his environment. Therefore the application of the already-familiar traditional instruments, instils confidence and a spirit of self-recognition in the people, which in turn encourages participation towards a development agenda. The community theatre practice therefore advocates a strategy that completely supports a people’s traditional art forms and rejects the unfamiliar foreign tools. There is a problem, however that the present generation in rural communities is gradually embracing foreign art forms in their daily endeavours and as a result are losing grip of core traditional tools. Therefore the strict insistence on traditional forms may cause a problem to both participation and mobilization in communities especially as it concerns the youths. This situation does not only exclude the 21st century generation but also deducts from their possible contributions towards the development of their communities. To generate data for this purpose, the study developed and applied the Media Synthesis Theory; a media-mix mobilization strategy in Tsar- Mbaduku Community Theatre Workshop of 2017 where both local and foreign media tools were combined for the purpose of community mobilization. This was to ensure the full participation of community members especially those who are more comfortable with the foreign media culture, Drama skits blended with musical instrumentation, dance, songs, and etcetera were featured. Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-depth Interviews were conducted. Findings from this approach revealed that the 21st Century rural communities are rife with high level interest in foreign media technology and have woven their everyday life activities around foreign instruments provided by globalization. Other findings were in the change and commensurable response by rural dwellers in the areas of music, language, dressing and other forms of entertainment especially among the youths during a follow-up exercise. The study therefore submits that since a large number of rural dwellers have accepted and can manipulate foreign media tools effectively, community theatre practitioners and other development communicators should not just employ the services of only traditional arts of the people but should equally integrate that of the foreign media. The work concludes that a synergy of both foreign and local arts can be more appropriate in the 21st century since the interest of a larger number of the present generation can be arrested and thus mobilized for a common development agenda.Media-Mix as a mobilisation strateg
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING UTILIZATION OF MANUAL SCREW PRESS TECHNOLOGY FOR GARI PRODUCTION IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThis study investigated socio-economic determinants of utilization of manual screw press for cassava mash dehydration for gari production in four local government areas across the Agricultural Development Project (ADP) zones in Kwara state. Using multistage sampling technique and a semi-structured questionnaire as instrument, data for the study were collected from a sample of three hundred and eighty four (384) gari processors who use the screw press in the state. The study revealed that the level of awareness of other improved dehydrating technologies for cassava mash among the respondents is low. However, level of utilization of the screw press was high. Multiple regression analysis show that a correlation (R=0.678) exist between utilization of the screw press and the independent variables which include age, household size, level of education, years of processing experience, extension visits, and income from gari processing. R2 value of 0.460 indicates that about 46% of the variation in utilization was explained by socio-economic variables included in the regression model. F-value (F-calculated) is 53.59 which is greater than F-critical value (F-tabulated) of 1.96 at 0.05 significant level; therefore, there is significant relationship between socioeconomic characteristics investigated and utilization of the manual screw press. Three variables significantly influenced the decision of the respondents to utilize the manual screw press: age, level of experience, and income; the most important predicator was income with a Beta value of 0.699. Also, respondents had a better output, income, and standard of living after utilization. Furthermore, calculated Z of mean of output (2.15), Z of mean of income (2.12), and Z of mean of standard of living (2.0) were greater than the critical value (Table value) of 1.96 at 5% level of probability and therefore the alternative hypothesis that utilization of screw press has significant effect on output, income, and standard of living of respondents was accepted. Conclusively, it was recommended among others that research, extension, and policy makers consider the significant determinants identified in the study seriously if increased utilization is to be achieved by cassava processors and others similar to them in the study area and the region