Wukari International Studies Journal
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INFLUENCE OF KNOWLEDGE COMPETENCIES ON PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA
Full text linkThe study seeks to empirically examine the influence of knowledge competencies on small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) performance in Zamfara State, Nigeria. This is an area in entrepreneurship studies that received little or no attention in literature. The term knowledge competence is defined as a set of characteristics possessed by an entrepreneur that are related to superior performance in an enterprise.251 entrepreneurs were drawn randomly from a population of 628 registered SMEs from the State Ministry of Commerce and Industry record. A sample of 251 questionnaires was administered within the state, which constituted 30% of the population. The response rate was 227.Based on the responses, Descriptive statistics and Regression analysis were used to analyzed and interpret the responses gathered from the entrepreneurs, both analyses signifies that knowledge competencies has effect on the performance of SMEs in Zamfara State, Nigeria. It is therefore, recommended that entrepreneurship training should be dynamic mix of process and action focus with both theoretical and practical knowledge
THE NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AND THE UNDERDEVELOPMENT OF THE NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA, 1959-2023
Full text linkThe Niger Delta Development Commission was established by the Federal government of Nigeria in year 2000 to address the socioeconomic and infrastructural problems and foster development as well as address the several agitations by the people of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Despite its mandate, the area still faces significant underdevelopment. The efforts by successive governments to tackle most of the problems have had limited impact and the Niger Delta Development Commission is still struggling to reduce poverty and improve the system in over several years of its existence. The indigenous people of the oil rich region are asking for the provision of basic amenities, portable water, roads, safe water transportation, healthcare services, schools for their children, employment opportunities and the mitigation and remediation of the ecological degradation of the region among other needs. Despite the enormous allocations of money running into trillions of naira given to the Commission by the Federal Government of Nigeria, the region continues to grapple with underdevelopment and poverty. Factors such as lack of accountability, transparency, financial recklessness and an all-pervading corruption have made the Commission unable to meet its mandate. This study used primary and secondary sources to research this problem and concludes that the impact of the Niger Delta Development Commission in the region has been abysmal. The paper therefore recommends a total overhauling of the Commission with the appointment of a management team and board that are competent with records of accomplishment of achievements and accountability and devoid of ethnic coloration.
Research problems: The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is paradoxically of the richest in the world, yet is remained underdeveloped. Despite its natural rich resources of oil and gas, the region suffers poverty, socio-economic meltdown, environmental degradation, marginalisation and lacks infrastructural development. Over the years the Federal government of Nigeria has established agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Board (NDDB) 1959, The Oil Mineral Producing Area Development Commission, (OMPADEC), IN 1992, The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in 2000. All these commissions were primarily to address the challenges of the people, yet the Niger Delta continue to grapple in abject poverty with environmental degradation. The NDDC who was meant to proffer solutions to all these problems have serval allegation on corruption and with abundant projects. The persistent underdevelopment in the region despite the various interventions by government is deeply worrisome. Despite the hug allocations of funds and the initiative it has remain the same. This unwarranted situation has arisen some fundamental problems such as why has NDDC not fulfilled it mandate to the address the persistent underdevelopment and poverty. The research problem lies on why the Niger Delta has remains underdeveloped.
Methodology: The study adopted a qualitative and historical-descriptive research. It examines the Niger Delta Development Commission and its activities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria with a wider context of the underdevelopment in the Niger Delta region. the design allows for a critical look on the failures and achievements of NDDC. The research adopted two sources primary and secondary sources. The primary sources deal with oral interviews with stakeholders, leaders and NDDC officials among others and the secondary sources deal with books, journals, newspapers and online publications.
Results: It is pertinent to noted that the result of the study reveals a paradox between the Niger delta Development commission and the underdevelopment of the region as a result of corruption and lack of managerial ability. The failure of the NDDC has resulted to lack of infrastructure delivery, environmental neglect and degradation, social unrest, criminality and poverty among others. While NDDC was mandated to bridge the development gap in the region. Its failed performance to achieve since 1959-2023 has been largely undermined b weak governance, transparency, corruption, environmental degradation, lack of infrastructural delivery and poverty among others.
Conclusion:
NDDC as a commission assigned to facilitate development in the oil rich region of Nigeria over the years has not lived up to its mandate. Some roads, hospitals, bridges, schools among other amenities have been built and delivered to the appropriate authorities, but these cannot be compared to the huge amounts of funds released to the commission over the years. The core mandate of the commission has not been realized across the entire Niger Delta area because the people are still aggrieved and disgruntled because their standard of living has not improved. The recent inquiries into the commission’s activities by the government and security agencies point to the failure of the commission. The problem with the NDDC remains deep-rooted corruption leading to poor performance that has further underdeveloped and impoverished the region. Corruption is therefore the greatest obstacle preventing the Niger Delta people from realizing the development of their area despite its enormous potentials. It is unfortunate and regrettable that the commission over the years has been given trbillions of naira for the development of the Niger Delta region but this money found its way to the private pockets of corrupt politicians, government officials and community leaders in the region. Nigerians and the people of the Niger Delta have no confidence even in the so-called forensic audit of the commission, because they believe that the findings of the forensic audit will not see the light of day. The Federal government of Nigeria should as a matter of urgency reorganize the commission as well as appoint credible and competent Nigerians with a record of accomplishment of excellent performance to pilot its affairs
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFORMATION OF BEACH TOURISM IN LAGOS, NIGERIA: CURRENT REALITIES AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
Full text linkResearch Problem: Beach tourism in Lagos, Nigeria, has shifted from open public commons to privatized, state-controlled spaces. Historical coastal erosion, state violence, and large-scale urban development projects such as the Eko Atlantic City have reshaped the shoreline, raising concerns about social exclusion, environmental risks, and the long-term sustainability of beach tourism.
Methods/Theory: The study adopts a multi-theoretical framework integrating the Tragedy of the Commons, Commodification of Space, and Political Ecology to examine the socio-political dynamics of Lagos’s coastline. It employs a synthesis of empirical studies and secondary data to explore historical, environmental, and economic processes influencing beach tourism.
Results: Findings reveal that state-led interventions, including beach privatization and the Eko Atlantic City project, have created a contested shoreline. While these measures provide coastal protection and premium amenities for select groups, they simultaneously exacerbate social exclusion, displace local communities, and redistribute environmental risks to marginalized populations.
Conclusion: The trajectory of beach tourism development in Lagos prioritizes entrepreneurial urban development and capital accumulation over community interests, thereby undermining long-term resilience and equitable access to coastal resources.
Key Contribution to Knowledge: This study reframes Lagos’s beach tourism evolution as a socio-political process rather than a purely environmental or economic phenomenon. It demonstrates how urban development and tourism intersect with climate justice and social equity on Africa’s coast.
Recommendation: The paper advocates for a paradigm shift towards inclusive governance of beach tourism in Lagos. This includes mandating free public beaches, integrating nature-based coastal protection strategies, and centering community livelihoods and participation in planning and decision-making to achieve sustainable and equitable outcomes
GLOBAL MILITARY TRENDS AND DOMESTIC POLICY RESPONSES: LESSONS FOR NIGERIA’S DEFENSE BUDGETING AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCE
Full text linkThis study examines the relationship between national defense expenditure and economic development in Nigeria, with a focus on the implications of persistent insecurity and global military spending trends. Using historical data spanning 1960 to 2022, the study highlights the volatility and magnitude of Nigeria’s defense spending relative to GDP, revealing that military allocations often exceed investments in key development sectors such as education and infrastructure. Empirical insights suggest that while defense spending is essential for maintaining stability, its structure, efficiency, and developmental orientation determine its impact on economic growth. The analysis also situates Nigeria within the global context, considering lessons from the Ukraine crisis, regional security challenges, and the role of economic growth in driving military expenditure. Policy recommendations emphasize strategic budget planning, transparency, investment in defense-related infrastructure, and preventive socio-economic measures to reduce insecurity. Overall, the study underscores the need to balance national security priorities with sustainable economic development to optimize the use of scarce resources
EXPLORING THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL ROLE OF INCLUSION IN ENHANCING FIRM-LEVEL GROWTH IN EMERGING ECONOMIES: EVIDENCE FROM DYNAMIC PANEL MODELS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Full text linkUsing a sample of 335 firms from 15 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2013 to 2022, this study examines the effects of financial inclusion on firm-level performance (profitability and sales growth) controlling for firm-level and country-level factors using a multidimensional Financial Inclusion Index (FII) that captures access, usage, and penetration of financial services. The results show that financial inclusion has a significant positive impact on both profitability and sales growth, and the effects are robust across different measures of financial inclusion and firm performance (ROA and ROE). The findings suggest that financial inclusion can be a catalyst for productive investment, operational efficiency, and sustainable firm growth. The policy implications emphasize the need to deepen the digital financial infrastructure, enhance access to affordable credit, and integrate financial inclusion into broader economic development strategies
INTEGRATED APPROACHES TO CLIMATE POLICY: EVALUATING ENERGY CONSUMPTION, TRADE DYNAMICS, AND CARBON EMISSION REDUCTION STRATEGIES IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Full text linkThis paper examines the complex interlinkages of energy use, trade openness, and carbon emissions in European economies from 2015 t02023. By employing panel data econometric techniques, like fixed and interaction terms, it is observed that higher energy use inclines toward higher levels of carbon emissions, although it is significantly moderated by the share of the renewable component in the energy mix. Trade openness plays a dual role, possibly transferring a surge in emissions through increased production while enabling cleaner technology transfers. Sensitivity checks indicate that interlinkages vary among countries experiencing varying levels of incomes and regimes for environmental policy. The findings emphasize the importance of aligning environment-friendly trade regulations and renewable energy policies for sustainable growth and carbon control objectives. Policy suggestions emphasize country-specific approaches, higher investments in renewables, and trade agreements that introduce environmental standards. The paper contributes toward the growing line of research into energy-environment-trade nexus and provides results that are valuable for policy designers aiming toward balancing ecological and growth objectives for the Europe region
APPRAISAL OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOR CHANGE COMMUNICATION IN THE FIGHT AGAINST INDISCRIMINATE WASTE DISPOSALS IN FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA
Full text linkEveryone has a responsibility to ensure environmental sustainability; both the government and the people have a part to play because issues affecting the government also impact the people. In the fight against careless garbage disposal in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, Abuja, this study evaluates social and behaviour change communication. The purpose of this study was to find out how much the government has used social and behaviour change communication strategies in improving lives of the residents of Abuja Municipal Area Council as it concerns poor waste management and disposal practices. The social learning theory serves as the study's foundation while the survey design was adopted with structured questionnaire of (400) Abuja Municipal Area Council resident. The study revealed that people are aware of the improper disposal of various wastes, including leftover food, faeces, polythene, garment materials, and the like. Based on the findings, the study concludes that SBCC has demonstrated moderate effectiveness in promoting positive behaviour change however, awareness campaigns and the use of effective channel of communication in the subject matter are key in achieving this. The study therefore recommends that in order to maintain the wellbeing of the citizens or residents of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abuja, as well as to make the local government neat and beautiful, the government should not only legislate but also execute or implement environmental policies, as well as create streets or locational waste collection bins and prosecute erring residents
INTER-RELIGIOUS RELATIONS AMONG THE YORUBA AND HAUSA IN A SELECTED COMMUNITIES IN SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA
Full text linkInter-religious relations and interactions between communities with diverse ethno-religious inclinations are aimed at promoting mutual understanding and coexistence, among the Yoruba and Hausa communities in Sagamu. Existing studies on relations among the Yoruba and Hausa communities have focused largely on their economic, political, social and cultural relations with little attention paid to their inter-religious relations. This study was, therefore, designed to examine inter-religious relations among the Yoruba and Hausa in Sagamu with a view to identifying factors that promoted and incidents that undermined their peaceful co-existence. Purposive sampling was used to select Sagamu Local Government Areas for being the core host Hausa Muslim settlers’ communities in Ogun State. Key informant interviews were conducted with 20 religious leaders while Interreligious Relations Questionnaire on Peaceful Co-existence was administered to 188 respondents. The quantitative data were subjected to descriptive analysis. Seven factors promoted inter-religious harmony among the Yoruba and Hausa in Sagamu. They were: exposure of the people of Sagamu and the reception of foreigners, Islam and Hausa language as unifying factors, inter-ethnic marriage, Akarigbo’s Role as father of all, participation in religious festivals, political relations and cultural assimilation. Four incidents undermined the inter-religious harmony between the Hausa and Yoruba in Sagamu. They were: interference in chieftaincy matters, violation of the Oro cult festival, indigenous land rights and collection of laada (payment of commission) which created enmity. Socio-economic and political factors both contributed to the promotion and incidents that undermined inter-religious relations among the Yoruba and Hausa communities in Sagamu, Southwestern Nigeria
REFORMATION AND THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD: ISSUES AND IMPLICATIONS FOR GROWTH
Full text linkLuther’s reformation resulted in a stream of Christianity called Protestantism, which has snowballed into the establishment of many denominations independent of the Catholic church. It is noteworthy to examine reformation in indigenous Pentecostal churches like the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Adeboye at many fora had expressed resistance to his reforms from many of the elders of the church in his early days as the General Overseer. However, he asserted that he continued with the reforms based on his conviction from the scripture. Through prayer, dexterity, and conviction, he was able to effect changes that have positioned RCCG as the fastest-growing Pentecostal church in Africa, and is still doing so to date. Luther's theory of the priesthood of all believers resonates well with RCCG. Thus, under Adeboye, the ordination of women is allowed. This paper examined some reforms in RCCG and the implications of these on the growth of the church, using historical and observational methods. The paper discovered that RCCG is embracing innovations, creativity, and technology to advance the Gospel and the growth of the church in an ever-changing world. Its ability to adapt to changes and embrace them has led to massive growth, and the paper recommends that the church build a structure that is sustainable and adaptable in a changing world
PRAGMATIC DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF RELIGIOUS LANGUAGES FOR PEACE BUILDING AND SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA
Full text linkThe role of religious languages in promoting peace and supporting sustainable democracy cannot be over-emphasised. However, the language-specific strategies used by religious leaders to foster peace or democracy in the previous scholarships require a versatile discourse. This study pragmatically examined the influence of religious languages and their influences on the promotion of peace and sustainable democracy in Nigeria, with the view to providing insight into the potential of religious discourse as a tool for peace building and democratic stability within this context. This research employed a pragmatic discourse analysis approach and data were sourced from sermons, speeches, and public messages, focusing on speech acts, contextual implications, and intended meanings to better understand how religious language influences public perceptions. Religious languages often promote tolerance, forgiveness, and mutual respect, essential values for peace building in a pluralistic society. Religious leaders employ inclusive language, appeals to common values, and narratives emphasising social harmony to encourage peaceful coexistence. However, there are instances where religious messages, particularly those with political overtones or ambiguous wording, unintentionally reinforce divisions or fuel social tensions. As a result, there is the dual nature of religious discourse: its potential to either support or undermine democratic values and social unity. Therefore, it is imperative that religious leaders and policymakers collaborate to establish guidelines for effective religious communication that aligns with democratic ideals and peace-building objectives