Kwara State University Journals
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Determinants of export of Nigerian fishery products: A bounds testing cointegration approach
Get PDFThe recent downturn of the Nigerian economy occasioned by the fall in global oil price calls for economy diversification. In this regard, the Nigerian fishery resources undoubtedly stands as a potential means of diversifying foreign exchange earnings for the economy if well explored. Hence the study sought to investigate factors that influence export of Nigerian fishery products. Secondary data, covering the period of 1976-2015, sourced from Food and Agriculture Organisation, Central Bank of Nigeria and National Bureau of Statistics was used for the study. Data analysis was carried out using autoregressive distributed lag (3,2,1,0,4,1) model. Estimates revealed the existence of significant short-run and long-run relationship between the fish export volume and the explanatory macro-variables such as the price of fishery products at global market, lagged quantity of export, exchange rate of U.S. dollar to naira, quantity of domestic fish production and consumer price index with the exception of gross domestic product exhibiting only short-run relationship. The study thus suggests that policy makers should institutionalise additional policies that will support an optimum exchange rate regime and more production of fishery products for an enhanced export basket of Nigerian fisheries sector. 
Bee propolis as protectant of stored grains against insect pests’ damage in Kwara State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe importance and widespread use of stored grains is potentially negated by insect pests and lack of efficient and environment friendly control methods. In this study we explored the use of propolis extracts as protectant of grains against damage caused by Sitophilus zeamais and Callosobruchus maculatus. Bee propolis collected from beehives was diluted with ethanol to obtain 0%, 10%, 30%, 50% and 100% concentrations. 5ml each of the concentrations of propolis extract was applied to 100 g each of maize and cowpea grains infested with 10 pairs of tenera maize weevil and cowpea weevil respectively in 250 cm3 kilner jar and left for 35 days. Each treatment was replicated four times and arranged in the laboratory using completely randomised design. Data were collected on percentage grain damage, weight loss and insect mortality. Bee propolis extract significantly reduced (P < 0.05) grain weight loss and damage, and enhanced insect mortality. The effectiveness of propolis extract was concentration-dependent. The phytochemical analysis of Apis mellifera propolis showed the presence of compound like phenol, flavonoid and tannin. Propolis extract application could be incorporated into integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
Gender differences in perceived effects of climate change and adaptation strategies among arable crop farmers in Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe study examined differences in perceived effects of climate change (CC) and adaptation strategies (AS) adopted by male and female arable crop farmers in Iwo Local Government. The study utilized a 2-stage sampling procedure to select a total of 120 arable crop farmers (84 males and 36 females) Data were collected using validated interview schedule and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, independent t-test and Pearson\u27s Product-Moment Correlation. Results showed that 39.3 percent of males and 55.6 percent of female arable crop farmers were between 41 and 50 years of age. Nearly 42.0 percent of males and 31.0 percent females had secondary education. Nearly all male and all female respondents (98.8 percent for males; 100.0 percent for females) perceived decreasing trend of rainfall as the most important effect of CC and perceived rise in temperature as the second most important (male 97.6 percent; female 97.2 percent). The adaptation strategies adopted by the male and female arable crop farmers were mixed cropping and mulching. The main constraints faced by the male and female farmers included inadequate information on weather and credit facilities. There was no significant difference in the perceived effects of CC by male and female farmers (t=1.41, p>0.05) and change their adaptation strategies (t=0.38, p>0.05). Correlation between perceived effects of CC and adaptability was significant for males (r=2.25, p<0.05) but not among females (r=0.200, p>0.05). In conclusion, male and female farmers are more likely to perceive the effects of CC the same way and more likely to adopt the same AS. Both the male and female farmers should be supported and empowered to mitigate the effects of climate change on their agricultural production activities
Historical Works of Al-Iluriy: An Evaluation
No full textAt the eve of Nigeria‘s independence, its historiography got branded with 3Rs; Reconstruction, Rebranding and Re-presentation. This auspicious development was orchestrated by emergence of indigenous historians as authorities at the history departments of Nigerian universities. The magnanimous efforts of K.O. Dike, Saburi Biobaku, J. C. Anene, and Yusuf Bala Usman to mention a few, presented later generations of historians with an indispensable historiography tagged ‗Nationalist historiography‘. Nationalist historiography is that which is embedded with presentation of historical facts in the perspectives of nationals. Nationalist historiography freed African past from the shackles of Eurocentric views on African history, and it holds its acknowledgements to the works of Muslim-Arab historians, the chief of who were Al-Mas‘udi, Al-Bakri, and Ibn Batuta among others. Some indigenous Arab writers of history were however in existence before the founders of the Ibadan School of history and its contemporaries. Some of them are Usman Dan Fodio, Abdullah bn Fodio, and Abubakar Ahmad Ikokoro, who in 1912 wrote Ta‘lif Akhbarul Qurun min Umarai Ilurin (History of the Emirs of llorin). It was in continuity of the efforts of these writers that Al-Iluriy published his historical works. Adopting analytical approach, this paper aims at reviewing the background to Al-Iluriy‘s history writing scholarship, his adopted approaches in the reconstruction of past, extent of accuracy and objectivity in those his works and quantification of their contributions to Arab and nationalist historiographies. This study concludes that the historical works of AlIluriy did not only contribute to nationalist historiography, but also redirected attention of their audiences to the raw sources of African history i.e., the records of Muslim-Arab historians
Israel and Palestine (Gaza): Pathways to Peace through Diplomatic and Non-Diplomatic Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Get PDFThe Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly the ongoing situation in Gaza, remains one of the most protracted and contentious geopolitical disputes, fueled by a history of political and moral neglect from the leaders of Israel, Palestine, and the international community. As a result, the civilian populations in the disputed areas continue to bear the heaviest burden. This suffering will only intensify if effective action is not taken to resolve the conflict. Numerous efforts have been made to address the conflict through diplomatic (peaceful) means, but a lasting peace has remained elusive. This paper explores the various strategies employed to resolve the Israel-Palestine dispute, examining historical and contemporary efforts, including diplomacy, negotiation, mediation, and military interventions. The analysis emphasises the importance of addressing key issues such as territorial claims, the right of return for refugees, security concerns, and mutual recognition in order to foster a sustainable solution. It also highlights the role of international actors and institutions in either supporting or hindering peace initiatives. The study ultimately argues that, while non-diplomatic methods may yield short-term gains for one side, diplomatic efforts, though challenging, provide a more viable path to long-term peace. To achieve a lasting resolution, the international community must adopt a comprehensive and inclusive approach that integrates both diplomatic and non-diplomatic methods, recognising the legitimate needs and rights of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Mitigation effect of aflatoxin on serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens
Get PDFAflatoxin has been known to be toxic to both crops and livestock. Several methods to mitigate aflatoxin effect have been employed. Knowledge on use of organic methods in aflatoxin mitigation has not been adequately documented. Therefore, effect of aflatoxin bio-control method (Aflasafe) on serum biochemistry of broiler chickens (BC) was investigated. One-day old Marshal BC (n=1020) were allotted to four treatments: Aflasafe maize-based diet (AMBD), farm feed (FF), aflatoxin-contaminated diet with toxin binder (ACDTB) and aflatoxin-contaminated diet without toxin binder (ACDWTB). The experimental design was completely randomised with five replicates (n=255) per treatment for 8 weeks. Blood (5mL) was collected at 8th week and serum was separated and stored for further analysis. Total protein (TP) value of birds fed ACDTWB was significantly lower compared to those of AMBD and FF at the starter and finisher phases. The highest TP values were observed in birds fed AMBD at starter (3.04±0.25g/dl) and finisher (3.41±0.14g/dl) phases. Birds fed AMBD (T1) had highest albumin value (1.39±0.05g/dl).), while birds fed ACDWTB was least (1.26±0.00g/dl).Use of AMBD in poultry is recommended as it has no adverse effect on chickens
The Need for Legal Intervention in Addressing the Impact of Noise Pollution on Reproductive Health in Nigeria
Get PDFNoise pollution, an escalating environmental issue, significantly impacts human health and performance. Urbanization and industrialization contribute to pervasive noise from traffic, machinery, and social activities. Noise, defined as unwanted or harmful sound, varies in its effects based on individual sensitivity and environmental context. Sounds exceeding 80dB are particularly disruptive. Noise pollution originates from natural sources, such as insects and weather, and manmade activities, including industrial operations and urban traffic. In Nigeria, inadequate urban planning and unreliable electricity supply, leading to widespread use of noisy generators, exacerbate the problem. Social and religious events further contribute to environmental noise, affecting urban dwellers\u27 wellbeing. The consequences are extensive, impacting physiological, behavioural, cardiovascular, and mental health, leading to hearing loss, sleep disturbances, reduced concentration, and heightened stress. Vulnerable populations like children and the elderly are particularly affected. Wildlife and reproductive health are also adversely influenced, with noise linked to reduced fertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Act addresses noise pollution through standards and regulations, but enforcement is hindered by political interference and inadequate training. This article recommends that strengthening enforcement mechanisms and integrating noise pollution considerations into health policies are crucial for improving public health and environmental quality in Nigeria.
Keywords: Noise, Noise Pollution, Environmental law, Environmental Agencies, Reproductive Health
Development of hydraulic system for internal emergency shut-off valves for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage vessel
Get PDFThe aim of the present study is to solve the problems of rising cost and increased plant down-time associated with the maintenance and servicing of the Redwood hydraulic power unit (HPU) installed at the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMG) LPG plants by developing an HPU that can be used as a cost effective and easy-to-maintain alternative to the complex Redwood HPU. The HPU developed was tested with a Whessoe-Varec internal Emergency Shut-off Valves (ESV) and it successfully opened the valve. The maximum pump flow rate of the developed HPU was determined by experiment to be litres per minute ( with an overall efficiency of as compared with the Redwood HPU which has a maximum flow rate of and overall efficiency of The Cost Effectiveness Analysis (C.E.A) shows that the developed HPU is 89.5 % cheaper in terms of cost of procurement than the Redwood HPU
Implementation of Yorùbá Unicode generation for an indigenous keyboard
Get PDFCharacters are generally represented on standard keyboards by the use of coding schemes such as ASCII and Unicode but some characters of the Yorùbá language were not captured because of the accent and diacritic signs inherent in Yorùbá language. Coding representation for Yorùbá characters has become a key problem in circuit implementations of keyboards for typing Yorùbá documents correctly. The standard keyboard layouts do not have a simple key combination for all the characters. To represent Yorùbá characters in human-computer interaction, this paper proposes the use of Unicode for the deployment of Yorùbá keyboard for effective and efficient typing of documents in Yorùbá language. The approach used for the development of the Yorùbá keyboard uses both binary and hexadecimal representation of the coding standards to codify Yorùbá characters with their diacritic signs and the under dot. This dimension introduces the complex Yorùbá character coding representations using a single code point standard. The generated Unicode point was transformed into HTML entities. The HTML entities generated were converted to its character equivalent for the Yorùbá keyboard. The new Unicode was compared with the results of the two encoding standard scheme using the bit relationships of upper and lower case characters to ascertain conformity of the new Unicode with the standard encoding scheme. This provided some insights about the efficient representation of Yorùbá character scheme. The representation is expected to quickly identify solutions to the design of Yorùbá keyboards and signage