Federal University of Kashere Journals
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The Dynamics of Political Participation and Governance in Gombe State, Nigeria
Full text linkThis study examines the dynamics of political participation, electoral processes, civic engagement, and policy implementation in Gombe State, Nigeria, between 2015 and 2023. The focus is on understanding how electoral processes and civic engagement shaped governance outcomes in the region. A sample of 400 respondents, selected through stratified sampling, provided data via structured questionnaires. Using both qualitative and quantitative analyses, the study reveals significant relationships between political participation and policy outcomes. The results suggest that increased civic engagement has influenced governance effectiveness in Gombe State, with key implications for future elections and policy reforms
The Nigerian Narrative on Human Security as Legitimate Security Concern in the Global South
Full text linkIt pays in all senses to consider humanitarian crisis as a contemporary security threat. Some scholars suggests that human security rethinks beyond classical understanding as non-war, expanding to address both intra and interstate causes of conflicts such as hunger, disease, crime, repression and personal crisis usually caused by decades of war especially in worst hit areas like sub–Saharan Africa. This paper therefore argues that it is not only appropriate but timely to designate international aid and humanitarianism as legitimate security concerns. To achieve coherence, this work adopted the critical theory as its theoretical framework in analysing insecurity and methodologically associating it with the concept of human security. As such the discussion is divided into four main parts beginning from introduction and then to considering two main elements of human security: freedom from want and human needs as well as freedom from fear and the role of international aid before concluding. The basis of the argument is that human security is indeed as relevant as the threats of war in centralising the meaning of security as insecurity no longer denotes a state centric phenomenon of war because it as well represents any threat to human existence
Understanding Gender and Inclusive Governance: An Explorative Overview
Full text linkBuilding inclusive nations, states and societies is widely understood as a central concern for international development, and history has shown that inclusive nations, states and societies are more prosperous, effective and resilient in the long run. Gender and governance is about finding the conditions under which public affairs are managed so that women are included equally in the government, so that gender equality is one of the goals or results of public management. This understanding would have to be finessed considerably so that in terms of the delivery of justice, regulation of the economy, delivery of public services, resolution of social and political conflict, and other business of government, women are equally included and gender equality is maintained as a goal. Thus, getting more women into public office and decision-making positions is an important issue about equal opportunities and ultimately human rights; although it is not a guarantee that it will necessarily produce better quality governance from a gender perspective. Against the foregoing backdrop, this paper is exploring the understanding of gender and inclusive governance. The paper is anchored on the equity theory of leadership which holds the assumption that an individual is motivated by the desire to be equitably treated in his or her work relationship based on fairness. The study adopted a content/document analysis. Based on the findings, it is recommended that although women participation in governance is gradually gaining acceptance even in predominantly male societies, there is need to review upwards constitutionally, the number and percentage for both elective and appointable positions to women
Addressing the Cosmetic Approach to Rising Poverty Levels in Nigeria
Full text linkIn recent times, Nigeria has been plunged into an unprecedented economic crisis characterised by an increase in the inflationary level, decreased economic growth, the loss of jobs, and an increase in the poverty rate. These incidents were occasioned by the negative impact of the removal of fuel subsidies, as announced by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, and subsequently the floating of the currency. This situation led to widespread dissatisfaction among the population, calling for decisive action by the government to address the various shades of economic issues being faced by the country. This paper sought to evaluate the efficacy of the measures implemented by the Nigerian government aimed at addressing increasing poverty levels as a result of the stern economic measures pursued by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The paper adopts a qualitative approach in its data collection, and analysis of the findings was done through content analysis. The findings of this paper revealed that despite the numerous interventions, poverty levels continue to rise, suggesting a probable mismatch between the policies and the potential strategies to mitigate poverty. The paper concludes that the various policies and strategies aimed at addressing poverty in the country, which appear to focus only on the short term, are cosmetic measures that have led to a cycle of ineffective poverty alleviation outcomes. The paper suggests providing measurable palliatives to vulnerable groups, promoting agricultural incentives, encouraging manufacturing and resuscitating local refineries to reduce fuel dependency
Leadership Recklessness and Resource Wastefulness: Reflections on Two Decades of Democracy in Nigeria
Full text linkOver the past two decades, Nigeria has undergone significant political transitions, marking its evolution into a democratic state. However, amidst these advancements, the nation grapples with a recurring dilemma: leadership recklessness and resource wastefulness. This paper examines the nexus between democratic governance and the persistent challenges of Nigeria's mismanagement and squandering of resources. Drawing on an extensive literature review and empirical evidence, this paper explores the historical context and contemporary manifestations of leadership recklessness, characterised by corruption, inefficiency, and lack of accountability among public officials. Additionally, it investigates the systemic flaws and structural deficiencies within Nigeria's governance framework that perpetuate resource wastefulness, hindering the nation's socio-economic progress and development. Through critical analysis and comparative perspectives, this paper offers insights into the underlying factors fuelling leadership recklessness and resource misallocation, including political patronage, institutional weaknesses, and weak regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, it assesses the implications of these challenges on Nigeria's democracy, governance effectiveness, and prospects for sustainable development. Finally, the paper proposes policy recommendations and interventions to foster transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership to mitigate the adverse effects of recklessness and wastefulness, thus steering Nigeria towards inclusive growth and prosperity
Food Basket Intervention for Ante-Natal attendance in Nafada LGA, Gombe State
Full text linkThe study looks at the immediate outcome on food basket intervention for increase in antenatal care attendance in Nafada Local Government Area, Gombe State, Nigeria, implemented by the National Social Safety Nets Programme under the Accelerating Nutrition Result in Nigeria. The food basket intervention aims to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies, particularly anemia and vitamin A deficiency, among pregnant women, which are critical contributors to maternal and infant mortality. Despite the high rates of maternal and infant mortality in Nafada, with only 27% of women delivering in health facilities, the intervention seeks to enhance maternal health outcomes and encourage regular ANC attendance. Utilizing a desk review of secondary data from the Gombe State Health Sector Strategic Plan and administrative records from primary health care facilities, the study analyzes trends in ANC attendance from 2021 to 2024. Results indicate a significant increase in ANC attendance, from 10,522 in 2021 to 20,183 in 2024, demonstrating a cumulative increase of 91%. Qualitative data further supports these findings, revealing reduced hunger among beneficiaries and increased health facility attendance. The study concludes that the food basket intervention has positively influenced ANC attendance, thereby driving demand for health services and prompting government responses to improve supply. Recommendations include expanding the food basket intervention to other LGAs and enhancing behavioral change communication to promote ANC attendance among pregnant women. Further research is suggested to explore the sustainability of the intervention and its long-term effects on maternal health outcomes
Examining the Effects of Local Government Participation in Economic Development Planning of Sabon-Gari Local Government Area in Kaduna State
Full text linkDevelopment strategies, efforts and programmes are more and more being designed to induce local participation towards ensuring economic development. It is on this basis that the study examined the relationship between local government participation and economic development planning in Sabon-Gari Local Government. The study adopted qualitative research design relying solely on Face-to-Face interview to generate data for the study with the population comprised of six (6) respondents comprising Local Government Chairman, Vice Chairman, LEEDs Coordinator, Sabon-Gari and Desk Officers (I, II & III). The information from interview section was corroborated by secondary data from relevant documents. Some of the relevant documents reviewed include NEEDs Document, (2005) and LEEDs Implementation Manual, 2005. The data generated from the interviewees were thematically analysed. From the presentation and analysis of data, the study concluded that Local Government participation in NEEDs through LEEDs has promoted economic empowerment and development through a more articulate, forward looking, progressive and radical strategy with its inclusive participatory nature (involving government, private sector and the people) in managing the resources of the country for the benefit of the teeming population. However, many factors have stood against the dreams of this strategy including weak leadership at the centre, debt burden etc. The study therefore, recommended among others the need for Nigeria as a nation through its government should fight for debt relief and the need for a monitoring agency to be established that would help in the service delivery of the NEEDs, SEEDs and LEEDs programmes
Effect of Motivation on Employee Performance in Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki Oyo State, Nigeria
Full text linkThe Employee performance is a vital driver of institutional success, and motivation plays a critical role in enhancing employees' productivity and job satisfaction. This study aims to examine how various motivational factors affecting employee performance of non-academic staff at the polytechnic. This involves beginning with a quantitative method (e.g. questionnaire results) and followed by a qualitative method involving detailed exploration with a few individuals. The quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) to determine correlations between motivation variables and performance outcomes. The interview responses were thematically presented and analysed. The findings reveal that motivation has a substantial impact on employees' performance at Oke-Ogun Polytechnic such as staff training development and fringe benefits (such as salary increments, bonuses, and allowances were found to have a significant influence on employee productivity, particularly for non-academic staff. Despite these positive correlations, the study also identified challenges related to motivation at Oke-Ogun Polytechnic. Some employees expressed dissatisfaction with the existing motivational strategies, citing insufficient career advancement opportunities, delayed promotions, and the lack of regular feedback from management. The study recommends that management should consider implementing regular performance reviews and feedback mechanisms to align employee goals with organizational objectives
Re-Imagining the African "Local Community" in Social Research: Lessons from Mbagen Development Association of Benue State
Full text linkIn Africa, community development is viewed as a holistic approach encompassing various sectors such as agriculture, education, housing, health, and employment. While there is considerable evidence of global approaches to development, research documenting the efficacy and impact of local approaches remains scarce. This study explores the developmental initiatives undertaken by the Mbagen Development Association (MDA), a local community in Benue State, aimed at addressing the needs and aspirations of its populace – with a specific focus on health and education. This study employed qualitative research methods, including participant observation and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders within MDA. By engaging directly with members of the community and documenting their experiences, a comprehensive understanding of MDA's developmental activities in health and education was achieved. Furthermore, the study revealed the effective approaches to community development in Mbagen, Buruku local government area of Benue state, particularly in the critical areas of health and education and the impact of such developmental efforts were discussed. Potential challenges encountered by MDA in the cause of her developmental efforts were highlighted. One of the findings of this study among others was that there is a formidable community development association in Mbagen called Mbagen Development Association (MDA). The paper recommended among other recommendations that wealthy sons and daughters of Mbagen should continue to donate huge amount of money to the association so that more projects could be executed for benefit of Mbagen community
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Achieve Sustainable Development Goal in Nigeria: Exploratory Notes
Full text linkThis paper is developed to answer this question. The paper explored how technological outcomes of AI can mitigate the causal factors of poverty in Nigeria , and subsequently take people out of poverty as envisaged by the SDG goal 1. The analysis revealed that if adequately harnessed, AI has the potential to serve as a catalyst that could bring Nigeria closer to achieving SDG 1. But it highlighted its limitations in dealing with antisocial, cultural, value and religious issues that also underpin the causes of poverty is in the country; in addition to challenges of implementation such as the inadequate ICT infrastructure in the country, disruptions in energy supply, low ICT literacy rate, low investments in ICT, privacy and ethical breaches concerns. The paper ended by making suggestions to mitigate the challenge