Afe Babalola University Based Journals
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Estimation of Small-Scale Blasting Cost Efficiency and Evaluation of SDCA Applicability for Improved Production in Ikpeshi Quarries in Akoko Edo, Edo State, Nigeria
No full textEvaluating the cost efficiency of small-scale blasting in the context of dolomite mining and exploring the potential applicability of Soundless Chemical Demolition Agents (SCDAs) as an alternative to traditional blasting methods. SCDAs are a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional blasting methods for small-scale mining operations. It also covers the factors that influence the performance of SCDAs, as well as the properties and effects of commercially available expansive cements like Crack-AG, Dexpan, and Buster. Stages include the collection of samples from the quarries, laboratory testing to determine the uniaxial compression strength of the rock, and field trials of SCDAs to determine the effectiveness and cost efficiency in comparison to small-scale blasting. The results show that the uniaxial compressive strength for the blast dolomite samples ranged from 67.75 to 186.25 MPa, classifying the selected rocks as very high-strength rock, and the mine blast burden, spacing, stemming length, and charge weight were 0.7-0.85 m, 0.85-1.1 m, 0.65-0.7 m, and 0.6-1.14 kg, respectively. The mine production rate ranges were 2.19-5.19 tonnes/hole blasted; the total cost incurred on rock fragmentation at the case study mine was revealed to range between ₦60,000 and ₦255,000; and the profit margin ranges were ₦1,239.50 to ₦82,236. Therefore, the use of SCDAs can lead to significant cost savings compared to traditional blasting methods, particularly in situations where access to explosives is limited or where environmental regulations restrict the use of explosives. It was recommended that mining professionals should conduct site-specific tests to determine the optimal conditions for the use of SCDAs in their operations
Who Buries the Believer? Church Authority, Human Dignity, and the Question of Salvation in African and Caribbean Christian Death Rituals
No full textChristian burial practices represent significant spiritual and theological symbols in African and Caribbean countries. When someone dies and is buried by a church, it can be understood to have the spiritual and moral authority of the Church as well as the potential for salvation. However, this belief is often challenged in various situations where different community understandings affect how and when the body will be buried. One essential question this article poses is what role, if any, does a church burial have for the person who has died? Based on the Bible, historical Christian teachings, cultural beliefs in Africa and the Caribbean, and pastoral theology, this article offers the argument that a burial does not constitute salvation. It is instead understood as an opportunity for the church to provide a pastoral or communal ministry of support for those who have lost a loved one by witnessing that people should hope in the resurrection. Salvation is based on what God has done through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and it cannot be given, taken away, or negotiated through post-mortem rituals. The importance of burial practices for building communal memory and shaping moral imagination and theological understanding in the African and Caribbean context continues to be a force in the cultural consciousness of these nations. The article presented a contextual analysis of Africa and select Caribbean nations (Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis) to demonstrate how
Evaluating the Communication Strategies Used in Managing Farmers-Herders Conflict Resolution in Selected Communities in Benue State
No full textThe persistent conflict between farmers and herders in Nigeria, particularly in Benue State, has led to significant socio-economic and security challenges, threatening food security, livelihoods, and national cohesion. This seminar paper evaluates the communication strategies used in managing the farmers–herders conflict resolution by focusing on selected communities in three (3) Local Government Areas mostly affected by the devastation of the conflict in Benue State. It examines how communication strategies used, including fostering dialogue, accurate information dissemination, stakeholders’ engagement, community enlightenments, media literacy, collaborative partnerships, mediation, assess to communication infrastructure, building trust as well as traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, have been deployed to address the conflict between farmers and herders. The study draws from existing literature and case studies to evaluate the communication strategies used in managing the farmers-herders conflict in these communities. Findings reveal that some communication strategies deployed, such as stakeholders’ engagement, peace journalism, and conflict-sensitive reporting, have contributed, in no small measure, to de-escalating tensions and assisted in addressing some challenges identified such as misinformation, ethnic biases, and weak institutional frameworks that hinder their full potentials. In addition, grassroots communication strategies involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community-based organisations have played a crucial role in facilitating negotiations and rebuilding trust. However, the lack of coordinated government efforts, inconsistent policies, and poor enforcement of peace agreements have limited long-term conflict resolution. The paper recommends the adoption of more inclusive and participatory communication strategies that integrate local knowledge systems with modern communication approaches. It advocates for improved media expertise on conflict-sensitive reporting, enhanced government engagement in peacebuilding communication, and stronger synergy between relevant stakeholders. A key recommendation made regards the need for relevant stakeholders to support policy and regulatory frameworks that identify the strategic roles of traditional/community leaders, to enhance sustainable peaceful co-existence and, the need to address, fundamentally, the structural drivers of the conflicts and the underlying factors exacerbating the farmers-herders conflict in Benue State
Modulatory Potentials of Flavonoid-Rich Extract of Detarium senegalense (FREDS) on Hematological indices and Lipid Metabolism in STZ-induced Diabetes in Wistar Rats
Get PDFThis study examined the effects of a flavonoid-rich extract of Detarium senegalense (FREDS) on haematological parameters and lipid profiles in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. A total of forty-two (42) rats were randomly assigned to seven groups. All groups, except the normal control, were administered 45 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of STZ. The treatment groups included: diabetic control (normal saline), metformin (100 mg/kg b.w.), sildenafil (100 mg/kg b.w.), and three FREDS groups (50 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg b.w.). Diabetes induction resulted in a significant (p<0.05) increase in white blood cells (WBC; including neutrophils, lymphocytes, and basophils), serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), triglycerides, along with a decrease in red blood cells (RBC; hematocrit, haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin, and mean cell haemoglobin concentration), platelet percentage, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Treatment with FREDS significantly (p<0.05) reduced WBC, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides, while increasing RBC, platelet percentage, and HDL levels in a dose-dependent manner, with the most pronounced effects observed in the 100 mg/kg FREDS group compared to the normal control. These findings suggest that FREDS effectively improves both haematological parameters and lipid metabolism. This study indicates that Detarium senegalense flavonoid-rich extracts may serve as a promising therapeutic option for managing haematological abnormalities, hyperlipidemia, and related metabolic disorders in diabetes, potentially offering an alternative to conventional treatments
Molecular Epidemiological Investigation of Urinary Schistosomiasis Among Individual Residing Along Selected Riparian Communities in Bauchi State, Nigeria
Get PDFSchistosomiasis, also known as snail fever or bilharziasis, is a prevalent tropical parasitic disease caused by blood flukes, Schistosoma species. It poses a great public health and socio-economic threat in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the epidemiology of urinary schistosomiasis among individuals residing along selected riparian communities of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Ethical approval was obtained before sample collection. A total of 321 individuals were randomly selected from the riparian areas of Bauchi State for the study. A structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents following informed consent. Urine samples were analysed using microscopy, urinalysis, and molecular techniques. DNA was extracted from positive urine sediment, followed by Polymerase Chain Reaction amplification, sequencing, BLAST, and phylogenetic analysis. The demographic study of the respondents revealed that they were 4 - 65 years old, with a mean age of 15.1 ± 9.2 years; made up of 244 males and 77 females. The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 22.7%, which was significantly associated with age, gender, education, the reason for going to the river, frequency of coming in contact with a river, and the household’s source of water supply. The urinalysis results showed strong associations of schistosomiasis with leukocyturia, proteinuria, and haematuria. Molecular analysis revealed genetic diversity among Schistosoma haematobium populations. The present study indicated that urinary schistosomiasis is prevalent in the study area, and a need for an effective urinary schistosomiasis control programme in the riparian communities of Bauchi State, Nigeria
Application of International Humanitarian Law Standards in Nigeria’s Counterinsurgency Efforts
Get PDFThe application of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in counterinsurgency operations preserves civilians and guarantees that military activities adhere to norms of humanity and legality. Insurgent organisations like Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) are responsible for the protracted conflict in Nigeria, which raises serious questions regarding suspected violations of international humanitarian law and their severe humanitarian effects. The intricacy of implementing IHL in non-international armed situations causes issues for Nigeria, as asymmetric warfare blurs the line between combatants and civilians. The study assessed Nigeria’s implementation of IHL standards in counterinsurgency activities, identified the problems, analysed current legal and institutional frameworks, and provided concrete ways to improve compliance. This research adopted a doctrinal methodology focusing on the analysis of primary and secondary sources of law. This study found that Nigeria struggles with consistently enforcing IHL despite its commitments under international treaties, such as inadequate military training, weak accountability mechanisms, and the absence of robust civilian protection strategies. Furthermore, the absenceof IHL principles within military doctrine hinders counterinsurgency operations and risks civilian safety. The study indicated that enhancing Nigeria’s legal and institutional frameworks would guarantee IHL compliance. The study recommended upgrading military training, establishing independent oversight organisations to ensure accountability, and partnering with international organisations to monitor compliance and provide assistance when necessary to address these difficulties. By aligning its counterinsurgency operations with international standards, Nigeria can reduce the challenging humanitarian implications of its internal conflicts
Creation of Mortgages on Land in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges
Get PDFThe creation of legal mortgages is made complex by the existence of plural legislation1 in the Nigerian legal system. This study conducted an overview of the creation of legal mortgage in Nigeria. It also evaluated challenges posed to it under the Land Use Act 1978.The doctrinal research method was adopted, using primary and secondary sources. The primary source included legislation such as Conveyancing Act 1881, Property Conveyancing Act 1959 and Mortgages and Property Law 2012 and case law. The secondary source included textbooks, journal articles, conference proceedings and the internet. The data collected were subjected to content analysis. It was revealed that plural legislations and inconsistent judicial decisions made the process of creating a legal mortgage cumbersome for the stakeholders. It was equally found that apart from obsolete provisions in the mortgage statutes like Conveyancing Act1881and Property and Conveyancing Law 1959, they had some irreconcilable provisions with the Land Use Act 1978.It was recommended that all the mortgage statutes should be harmonized to a single legislation applicable throughout the federation and the consent provision of the Land Use Act should be expunged and replaced by a faster method under which the Governor could be compelled to act as soon as the grantee fulfils all conditions
Dog Fancying and its Social Problems: Analysis of Dog Keeping Problems and Social Dimension of its Peculiarity in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria
Get PDFHumans have coexisted with animals for centuries for the purposes of domestication, companionship, and ecological interactions. However, this bond is not without its challenges; it carries risks for humans that must be taken seriously and addressed appropriately. This study examined the various challenges peculiar to dog keeping in the Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. The study adopted a quantitative approach to data collection, with 200 volunteers from the pool of dog enthusiasts across the headquarters of eleven (11) local governments, and made use of Robert K. Merton’s strands of functionalism for solidification. The findings show that there are certain social problems peculiar to dog keeping that could constitute a threat to humans. It concludes that measures should be in place for total compliance – on the part of dog owners – with all regulations such as obtaining all needed vaccines for dogs that will help to save lives, curbing the spread of diseases that may be contracted, and ultimately, promoting life on earth for both human and non-human beings
Utilization of Natural Ventilation Strategies for Improving Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency in Low-Cost Housing in Lagos State, Nigeria
Get PDFNatural ventilation plays a crucial role in enhancing thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption in low-cost housing. This study investigates the effectiveness of natural ventilation strategies in Ajegunle, Lagos State, focusing on building orientation, window configuration, and structural permeability. A quantitative research approach was adopted, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to 150 randomly selected respondents. Data analysis, conducted using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, revealed a negative correlation (r = -0.62) between natural ventilation efficiency and reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The study found that 73% of respondents in well-ventilated homes used fans and air conditioners less frequently, whereas 81% in poorly ventilated homes depended on these appliances daily. Additionally, factors such as financial constraints (64%), landlord unwillingness (58%), and security concerns (46%) were identified as barriers to implementing effective passive cooling solutions. Despite these challenges, the study underscores the potential of natural ventilation in improving living conditions in low-cost housing. The findings offer valuable insights for architects, urban planners, and policymakers, emphasizing the need for design innovations and policy support to enhance passive cooling strategies in affordable housing developments. Future research should explore advanced passive cooling techniques and their long-term impacts on energy efficiency and occupant well-being
The Making and Termination of Anglo-Nigerian Defence Pact: A Retrospective Analysis
Get PDFThe intricacies of the Anglo-Nigerian Defence Agreement threw up a number of intriguing questions, necessitating a closer interrogation. The Nigerian opposition decried the defence agreement as a neo-colonial scheme that was an obstacle to full independence. The Anglo-Nigerian Defence Pact was an agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom that outlined military cooperation shortly after Nigeria gained independence from British Colonial rule. The question is whether the defence agreement transitioned from Imperial rule to informal influence or control. The main argument of this paper is that this was not the case. The study relied on secondary sources of data and the realist theory of international relations. The study concludes that the protests and eventual termination of the pact highlighted the importance of engaging the public and key stakeholders in decisions that affect national sovereignty. Nigeria’s rejection of the pact can be seen as a broader statement about the country's desire to chart its own path on the global stage, free from the influence of former colonial powers