Gusau Journal of Sociology
Not a member yet
79 research outputs found
Sort by
INFLUENCE OF CELEBRITY ENDORSEMENTS ON CONSUMER BUYING HABITS OF NIVEA PRODUCTS IN ADO-EKITI-NIGERIA
Get PDFThis study investigated the influence of celebrity endorsements on consumer buying habits of NIVEA products, how consumers perceive and respond to celebrity endorsements, the extent to which these endorsements shape consumer preferences and brand loyalty, and the impact of negative publicity about celebrity endorsers on purchasing decisions in Ado-Ekiti,. The study used questionnaire to gain in-depth insight into consumer behavior. The research objectives focused on determining the direct influence of celebrity endorsements on buying habits; ascertaining consumer perceptions and responses; evaluating the impact on brand preferences and loyalty; and assessing the effects of negative publicity. Findings indicate that celebrity endorsements significantly influence consumer buying habits for NIVEA products, enhancing brand awareness, creating emotional connections, building trust, and driving purchase decisions. The research also revealed that while celebrity endorsements are generally beneficial, they carry potential risks, particularly in cases of negative publicity. Despite these risks, strong brand loyalty suggests that NIVEA has successfully built a brand identity that transcends individual endorsers. The study therefore recommends that the NIVEA brand should ensure transparency and authenticity in endorsements and that they should also develop crisis management strategies in case of negative publicity about celebrity endorsers
DEMOGRAPHY OF AGEING POPULATION IN NIGERIA: TRENDS, CHALLENGES AND IMPLICATIONS
Get PDFNigeria, like many other African countries, is experiencing a rapidly ageing population, with significant implications for healthcare, social security, and economic growth. Lack of functional national policy on the care and welfare of older persons in Nigeria, the breakdown of the family structure and the absence of a social security system, present unique challenges to the elderly in Nigeria. This paper analyzes the demography of the ageing population in Nigeria with a focus on the trends, challenges, and implications for healthcare, social security and economic growth. The paper relied on secondary sources of data such as journal articles and books in the area of the ageing population in Nigeria for its analysis. The Disengagement Theory provided theoretical pathway for the study. Based on the review, it was found that the rapidly ageing population poses challenges to Nigeria’s development including strains on social security system, increased healthcare costs, and potential decline in economic productivity. These challenges are due to lack of policies and the appointment of personnel capable of understanding and responding to the current social priorities and complex needs of an increasingly aging population in the country. The paper recommends among others, the need for policy makers to put in place, functional policies towards a robust public pension, insurance and healthcare system to ensure a more sustainable and equitable future for the ageing population in Nigeria
RURAL POVERTY AND LIVELIHOOD CHALLENGES AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN NSIT ATAI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, AKWA-IBOM STATE
Get PDFThis study examined the problem of rural poverty and how it affects the livelihood of adolescent girls in Nsit Atai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Survey research design was used to elicit the opinion of 27 adolescent girls drawn from the three clans that make up the Nsit Atai local government area. In-depth interview method was used for data collection, while the qualitative data derived from the field were content analyzed. The sustainable livelihood approach provided theoretical direction for the study. Findings from the study revealed that the educational pursuit of adolescent girls is hampered in their bid to search for livelihood as most of them miss class lessons in search of food. Furthermore, they are exposed to maltreatment and abuse, particularly from those who engage them as 'house helps'. The study therefore recommends among others, the need for the Akwa Ibom State government to enforce regulations regarding its policy on free and compulsory education beyond urban centers to cover rural areas where adolescent girls are used during school hours for economic activities as a means of livelihood. This is necessary because it will help them to concentrate on acquiring knowledge in school, and as well, boost their capacity to compete favorably when opportunities come their way in the future
EFFECT OF WORK ENVIRONMENT ON ABSENTEE BEHAVIOUR OF EMPLOYEES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN KWARA STATE
Get PDFThe work environment plays a crucial role in shaping employee behaviour, well-being, and overall performance. The work environment encompasses various factors, such as physical conditions, organizational culture, interpersonal relationships, workload, and job satisfaction. Despite the importance of the work environment, there remains a gap in understanding how it impacts employee absence behaviour within tertiary institutions in Kwara State. This study thus examined the effect of the work environment on the absentee behaviour of employees in tertiary institutions in Kwara State. The study adopted a mixed method. For the quantitative method, the primary research instrument was the questionnaire, while the qualitative method was the interview guide. The study population consisted of male and female academic/non-academic staff in tertiary institutions in Kwara State. A total of nine tertiary institutions were selected for this study out of the 18 tertiary institutions in Kwara state. A purposive sampling technique was deployed to select respondents from the institutions based on their knowledge and availability. For the qualitative approach, purposive sampling (non-probability technique) was used to select nine (9) respondents. The study population consisted of nine thousand, eight hundred and ten (9810) male and female academic/non-academic, full-time/casual employees in tertiary institutions in Kwara State while the sample size was 1200. The findings from the study revealed that employees’ work environment is significantly related to job commitment. Similarly, the study found that the respondents' responses from different institutions on the relationship between a conducive working environment and level of motivation are different. The study therefore recommend that efforts should be made by concerned authorities to improve the work environment in tertiary institutions in the study area
IMPACT OF SOCIOCULTURAL BELIEFS ON MATERNAL HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOR AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN ZAMFARA STATE
Get PDFMaternal health outcomes in Nigeria remain among the poorest globally, particularly in northern states such as Zamfara, with socio-cultural factors playing pivotal roles in influencing women’s health-seeking behavior. This study explored how cultural norms, religious beliefs, gender roles, and traditional healthcare systems affect the utilization of maternal health services among women of reproductive age in Zamfara State. Employing a mixed-methods design, data were collected from 150 women through surveys and 12 Focus Group Discussion (FGD) sessions across three local government areas: Gusau, Kaura Namoda, and Anka. The findings revealed that early marriage, low level of women's autonomy, practice of spiritual healing, reliance on traditional birth attendants, and minimal male involvement, pose significant obstacles to accessing antenatal and skilled birth care. Even though there is an awareness of the advantages of formal healthcare, cultural preferences, financial limitations, and interpretations of religious beliefs affect women’s choices. The study recommends culturally sensitive health interventions, community engagement, and policy reforms to enhance maternal healthcare utilization
PROTESTS AND THE CHALLENGE OF ADDRESSING UNRESOLVED SOCIOECONOMIC AND POLITICAL ISSUES IN NIGERIA’S 2024 “END BAD GOVERNMENT” MOVEMENT
Get PDFNations exist because of the people, and the people make democracies endearing. Public protest has remained a basic right and important activity in a democracy. Over the years, Nigeria has faced numerous environmental, political, and socio-economic problems begging for attention and answers. The government seems unperturbed about finding lasting solutions to these challenges as the political leadership is more concerned with capturing and holding on to power. In the long run, the people have resort to protests demanding solutions to these recurring societal challenges. This study interrogated protests and the challenge of addressing unresolved socioeconomic and political issues in Nigeria’s 2024 “End Bad Government” Movement. The study adopted David Easton’s System theory as a theoretical framework for analysis and the secondary method of data analysis. Thus, the study examined whether bad leadership and unresponsive governance result in protests in Nigeria, and whether suppression of dissenting voices results in protests in Nigeria. The findings revealed that bad leadership, infringement on rights and inability to access basic social amenities, among others, have often resulted in protests in Nigeria. Also, insensitive leadership significantly affected protests, and in most cases, affects government policies. The study concludes that protests have ignited conversations about governance, accountability, and human rights in Nigeria. The “End bad government” protest also created awareness of social issues, activated civic activism necessitated by political consciousness and engagement, leading to policy reforms. As such, comprehensive reforms, when put in place to ensure that rights are protected, the well-being and welfare of the people are realized, and basic social amenities are accessible, will surely prevent protests in Nigeria
SOCIAL AND HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF THE USE OF TRADITIONAL APHRODISIACS (KAYAN MATA) AMONG MARRIED WOMEN IN NORTHERN NIGERIA
Get PDFPeople over time, have considered the possibility to arouse sexual desires with drugs and food. However, how this is largely attended to, based on the uniqueness of the different groups and cultures. Prior to the use of modern vaccines, traditional aphrodisiacs such as herbal or animal extracts were purported to boost erotic pleasure, induce sexual desire and stimulate genitalia. In recent years, the use of aphrodisiacs has become popular with the increased prevalence of sexual problems worldwide. Aphrodisiacs refer to any substance (food or drug) that stimulates sexual desire and enhance sexual desire and performance. In Northern Nigeria, traditional aphrodisiacs known as Kayan mata, are sold by the roadside and in herbal chemists, most of which are not certified fit for human consumption. Dispensers do not have any information on their manufacturing dates, expiry dates, batch number nor chemical compositions as well as the prescribed dosage. The acceptance and use of Kayan mata among women in Northern Nigeria is associated with the desire to have influence over decision-making and control partners in intimate relationship. However, many issues have been presented in different quarters with respect to the use and demand for traditional aphrodisiacs. Nevertheless, little is known about the social and health implications of the use of these substances. This, therefore requires further interrogation to broaden the horizon of the public on the increasing phenomenon. Secondary sources of data were employed for this work. Also, Social Exchange Theory provided theoretical orientation to issues related to the thrust of the paper. A large number of married women use traditional aphrodisiac which are mainly sold by traditional healers. Therefore, there is need to set up more orthodox care facilities for sexual dysfunction and community health education on female sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, there is the need for quality assurance, safety and standardization of these substances for the benefit of the consumers
PRIVATE SECURITY COMPANIES AND SECURITY PROVISIONING IN NIGERIA: LESSONS FROM OTHER CLIMES
Get PDFInsecurity in the form of terrorism, kidnapping for ransom, armed banditry, cattle rustling, armed robbery, murder, rape and other violent crimes are on the increase in Nigeria in spite of government efforts to contain them. There is no gainsaying that government forces are seemingly incapacitated to tackle the upsurge of insecurity across the country as terrorists, kidnappers and armed bandits specifically operate with impunity openly as if government security forces are non-existent. Although, insecurity is a global social problem, Nigerian situation is becoming overwhelming, thereby necessitating the proliferation of private security companies into the security arena to lend support to government security force efforts. Since their emergence into the security architecture, private security companies (PSCs) are creating great impact in security provisioning across the globe thereby complementing the efforts of government law enforcement agencies. In Nigeria, they have made great inroads in security provision such that their presence is felt in all nooks and crannies of the country. This paper examined PSCs and security provisioning in Nigeria with reference to lessons from other climes. The paper utilized exploratory analysis relying largely on qualitative content analysis from secondary sources of data collection through journal articles, books, periodicals, news prints and internet materials. The situational crime prevention and problem-oriented policing theories were used as theoretical framework. The paper showed that private security companies in Nigeria have contributed immensely to checkmating crimes in their areas of operations but lack global relevance as their activities are limited to Nigeria since they are not allowed to bear firearms. PSCs in Nigeria are overburdened with regulations that dwarf their operations cum lacking legislative recognition as components of the national security architecture. The paper underscored the global relevance of private security companies and their emergence and proliferation in Nigeria and concludes that PSCs in Nigeria, though very crucial in security provisioning need to be properly positioned for relevance in the global security market. The paper recommends among others, that relevant legislations should be enacted to allow PSCs in Nigeria bear firearms to enable them participate fully in security provisioning while intra-inter agency collaboration and networking is necessary to strengthen the private security sub sector. This is in addition to allowing PSCs to participate in private detection and prosecution in Nigeria
RETHINKING DISARMAMENT, DEMOBILIZATION AND REINTEGRATION OF COMBATANTS IN 21ST CENTURY NIGERIA'S ARMED FORCES
Get PDFNigeria contends with entrenched armed conflicts involving state and non-state actors, severely impacting national security and socio-economic stability. Despite longstanding Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) efforts aimed at transitioning combatants to civilian life, challenges persist in effectively reintegrating ex-combatants, particularly in economically marginalized regions like the Niger Delta. This study critically assesses current DDR programs in Nigeria, highlighting their shortcomings and proposing innovative 21st-century strategies. Drawing from conflict theory, it examines socio-economic, political, and psychological factors influencing ex-combatants' reintegration. This study employs a documentary research design, relying on the systematic analysis of existing reports, policy documents, and academic literature to evaluate the implementation and outcomes of Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) programs in Nigeria. Key findings underscore significant gaps in economic support and societal acceptance, hindering sustainable reintegration efforts. The study advocates for tailored interventions that prioritize economic empowerment, community engagement, and psychosocial support to mitigate re-mobilization risks and promote lasting peace. Policy recommendations include enhancing vocational training aligned with local job markets, supporting entrepreneurial initiatives through microfinance, and implementing robust monitoring frameworks to ensure effective program evaluation and adaptation
PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE OF TYPE2 DIABETES AND FACTORS INFLUENCING HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR IN KATAGUM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAUCHI STATE
Get PDFThis research examined knowledge of type2 diabetes among members of the public in Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria. It assessed the factors that shape health-seeking behaviour among the public in general and people with type 2 diabetes in particular as well as provide insights into healthcare practices in the region. Through a mix of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including surveys and interviews, the study succeeded in bringing to the fore, salient issues impacting health-seeking practices in this population. The study recommends that tailored interventions should consider working with religious leaders to spread awareness about Type 2 Diabetes as religious leaders could be powerful allies in disseminating health messages that will increase not only public awareness, but patient care strategies in managing type 2 diabetes as well