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Awareness Creation Of The Effect Of Climate Change On Health Using Igbo Language
Get PDFThis paper looks into the importance of creating awareness in rural areas on the effect of climate change on people’s health in a language they understand. The effect of climate change on the whole world as it concerns human health and other physical environmental features cannot be overemphasized. The problems it creates are enormous and these affect the health of people. The main objective of this study is to create awareness of the ills of climate change on the health of people using the Igbo Language. This employs a qualitative method of research. The instrument used for data collection is the oral interview. The findings of the study include; that the Igbo people especially those in the rural areas do not know much about climate change and its negative effects. They only see it as a seasonal phenomenon that is traditional, and as such has no negative effect on their health. This is because they do not understand the concept at all. The study concludes that creating awareness using the Igbo language through public health campaigns at the grassroots, television and radio outlets can go a long way in making the Igbo populace understand the negative impacts of climate change on their health. This will in turn reduce the risk of climate change on their health.  
Determination Of The Effect Of Co-Administration Of Andrographis Paniculata Leaves And Zingiber Officinale Rhizoids On Serum Liver Enzymes In Normal Albino Wistar Rats
Get PDFThe effect of the administration of ethanol extract of Andrographis Paniculata leaves and Zingiber officinale rhizoids on serum liver enzymes (ASP, ALP and ALT) in normal male albino Wistar rats, weighing 113-233G was evaluated. Twenty-five (25) animals were randomly assigned to five groups of five rats each. Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were treated with 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, 300mg/kg and 400mg/kg respectively of Andrographis paniculata leaves and Zingiber officinale Rhizoids. Group 5 (control) was not treated. Both treated and control animals were fed with commercial rat mash and water throughout three (3) weeks of experimentation. At the end of 21 days, a significant decrease (P>0.05) in serum AST level was recorded in treated groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 compared with control. A significant decrease (P>0.05) in serum ALP level was recorded in group 4 when compared with control. However, serum ALP levels recorded a significant increase in group 4 compared with group 3 (P>0.05). The Results of this research work signified that the administration of ethanol extracts of Andrographis paniculata leaves and rhizoids possessed no marked effects on the liver enzymes since variations in levels of the enzymes were within their normal serum ranges
Climate Adaptation Strategy In Nigeria: Perceptions On The Use Of Alternative Cooking Sources
Get PDFNigeria is the most populated sub-Saharan African country with an estimated population of about 200 million people. Despite having abundant energy sources, it is estimated that more than half of Nigerians do not have access to electricity, while those that have often struggle with the unstable nature of power. This paper focused on the perceptions of Nigerians on the use of alternative energy-efficient sources as against traditional energy sources like charcoal and wood fuel in households. The paper gave an overview of Nigeria\u27s climate change adaptation policy and connects it to the literacy level of Nigerians on issues of climate change adaptation through the use of low carbon emission cooking sources. The discourse on climate change has taken centre stage globally as heads of governments seek solutions to its impacts which can be seen all around us. Nigeria has had its fair share of the impacts of climate change ranging from flooding, desertification, and drought amongst others. The Nigerian government has had to come up with certain measures in the form of adaptation policies to neutralise the impacts of climate change. The paper relied on secondary sources for its analysis. Findings from reviewed literature show that the majority of the Nigerian populace, especially in the rural areas, rely heavily on the use of biomass in the form of firewood and charcoals for cooking due to cultural reasons, and in some cases ignorance of the impacts. The overreliance on these energy sources for cooking is not only increasing carbon emissions but posing great danger to the health of people. It is also leading to deforestation. The study also found that despite the grave consequences of climate change, the majority of people have very limited knowledge about the existing adaptation policies put in place. In some areas where alternative cooking energy sources such as briquettes have been introduced, the adaptation success rate appears to be very poor. There is, therefore, the need for a robust bottom-top adaptation policy formulation and implementation that factors in people\u27s cultures, and contexts as it relates to energy sources for cooking that are climate-friendly
Awareness And Adoption Of Building Information Modelling In Nigeria: A Study Of Architectural Practices In Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Get PDFTo ensure the realization of a highly efficient and collaborative process in the planning, design, and construction of buildings, all over the world, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is becoming an imperative and even required practice in the building industry. To compete, architects in Nigeria need to update their knowledge of the current standards. The study sought to investigate the adoption of BIM in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The method for gathering data was survey method, through the administration of questionnaires. The target population was the all persons (148) on the membership list of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), Imo State Chapter in 2020. 55 non-repetitive responses to the survey were received. The results of analysis of data revealed that the respondents had a high level of awareness of the terms associated with BIM but low levels of adoption. The study also showed that the majority indicated that lack of knowledge was the major hindrance. Also, the greater proportion did not agree that the non-availability of equipment and infrastructure were major hindrances. The implications of these findings were that, for improved awareness and adoption of BIM in the study area, the NIA should organise BIM training workshops for her members; architectural education regulators should reinforce inclusion of BIM training in architectural education curricula; and government should partner with industry stakeholders to create enabling legislation on standards and use of BIM. 
Building Failures In Nigeria: An Architect’s Perspective
Get PDFIncidents of building failure have been on the increase in Nigeria in recent times, leading to avoidable losses in human lives and property. The effects are far-reaching, encompassing emotional, psychological, economic, and environmental effects among others. This paper is a review of the stages in the building production process, highlighting the role of the architect through the stages. It addresses the issue of building failure from the perspective of the architect, who is the prime consultant charged with the conception of the design of the building. The aim of the review is to highlight the architect’s duty of care in building production, which has the likelihood of reducing incidents of building failures in Nigeria. The research methodology involved review of newspaper reports and scholarly studies on building failure. The findings of the paper show that notwithstanding other issues that may contribute to building failure in Nigeria, unprofessional administration of the building delivery process remains a key contributor to the failure of buildings in the country. The findings further show that there are well defined laws, that if adhered to by all parties concerned can address positively the issue of building failure, and that the architect has a continuing role in building production, and can work in synergy with other built environment professionals to reduce building failures to the barest minimum. The paper concludes by advocating an adherence to true professionalism by all actors involved in building production. These actors which include clients, design and construction professionals, logistics professionals, specialist consultants, building materials and equipment manufacturers, and development control agencies must function in their defined roles for there to be seamless delivery of buildings that will forestall ugly incidences of building failures. 
A Keynote Address By The Dean, Faculty Of Environmental Sciences, COOU
Get PDFA Keynote Address By The Dean, Faculty Of Environmental Sciences, COO
Analysis Of Family Size Preference In Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Get PDFFertility preferences are a contributor to achieving actual family size and checking population growth. Demographic transition theory uses fertility and mortality as major predicators to depict socioeconomic development. Based on demographic transition theory, this study was aimed at examining the family size preference in Awka, Anambra State. 336 respondents were purposively sampled and analysed. Descriptive statistics was used for the analysis. The study showed that 94 percent would prefer a family size of 3 or 4 children. Personal and economic reasons (48% and 42% respectively) were most considered as against religious and cultural reasons for preferred number of children. In addition to the stated reasons for the preferred family size. The study discovered that 82 percent of respondents who opted for small family size were educated and would prefer a small family size, so they can moderately provide for them the basic necessities of life, including education. 69 percent agreed that they will abide by policy mandating a specified number of children. On the other hand, 62 percent agreed to have less children if care is provided at old age, thereby reducing the need for large family size. In addition to recommending socioeconomic development and education, it is strongly recommended that care should be given to aged people through provision of old peoples home. This will allay fears of despair in old age
Prospects And Challenges Of Using Commingled Plastic Waste Materials In Plastic Production Processes In Metropolitan Lagos, Nigeria
Get PDFUse of plastics, a non-bio degradable element, is on the increase, globally; and this material could cause huge environmental problems when disposed improperly. However, most species of plastic wastes are recyclable with huge benefits. Lagos State with a population of over 12 million people generates a huge amount of plastic waste. This study assessed the perception of the manufacturers of plastic products in Lagos State with regard to the use of comingled recycled plastic wastes in production. The objective of this study was to proffer solutions that could: promote environmental ambience of Lagos State, and also engineer price reduction of locally produced plastic goods in Nigeria through a reduction in the cost of raw materials input by encouraging the use of recycled plastic material. Purposive Sampling technique was used in selecting operationally active plastic manufacturing companies in metropolitan Lagos for sampling. Seventy -five companies were sampled for interview using structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. This study revealed that majority (91.7%) of the plastic manufacturers in Lagos State adopted recycled plastic waste materials in production. However, recycled plastic waste material is in short supply for use by the manufacturers. The implication of this finding is that more employment opportunities exist in this informal sector in Lagos State. The study concluded that the output of large-scale recycling of plastic wastes in Lagos State has an existing potential market to feed. The study recommended that State government and the Local Community Development Authorities should synergize to organize plastic waste recyclers in Lagos State into a semi-formal structured business operation for bankability and increased output to serve the currently under-served plastic manufacturers. 
Tax Assessment And Revenue Performance: A Case Of Failed Anambra State Property And Land Use Charge
Get PDFThis research investigated the appropriateness of assessment method and payment liability of Anambra State Property and Land Use Charge (APLUC) and how well the property tax system fulfilled the revenue yearnings of the state. Objectives of the study include: to determine the appropriateness of the method of tax assessment used by the government in the assessment of the tax and to establish the success rate of the failed property tax system. Survey research method was employed in the study. Mean, percentages, frequencies and paired Sample T- test were used to analyse the data collected. The study discovered that the basis and method of tax assessment used by the government based on responses are not consistent with known equitable principles of taxation. The analysis of yearly tax revenue shows a four percent (4%) success rate which indicates a low performance of the tax system. There was a significant difference between APLUC tax values and researcher’s calculated values using income based assessment methods as shown by the t-values (10.99, 43.09, -3.79 and 4.66) for four out of the five property types assessed and their corresponding P-values (< 0.05). The study recommended that the basis of tax assessment should be income generated from property on annual value as against market value of property. Income based tax assessment methods should be employed instead of the depreciated replacement cost method. Estate Surveyors and Valuers should also be involved both in the drafting of the tax laws and most importantly in tax assessment to curb the challenges of inappropriate tax assessment. The authorities should provide more tax education to property owners to make them understand why real properties are taxed, the process of taxation and also partner with them in property tax administration. 
The Built Environment And Urban Development Issues: An Assessment Of Development Control Challenges Of Private Real Estate Projects In Ajegunle Oyo, Oyo State
Get PDF One of the challenges in African built environment is that of development control and most real estate projects do not conform to minimum standards, this attributed to number of factors. This study therefore assessed those factors that constrain effective development control especially that of private real estate projects in Ajegunle, Oyo with a view to proffering solutions for a sustainable practice. The research employed field survey approaches; the data obtained were analysed using tables and simple percentages, as well as mean item score (MIS), which was used for ranking. Through observations, interviews and review of related literature, the constraints militating against effective control of developments were identified. These were public, institutional, personal and logistics constraints. The study also determined the extent to which these identified constraints contributed to the challenges in the study area. It was discovered that public constraint was ranked the first followed by institutional constraint. Among individual constraints, political interest, highly politicised staff, ineffective development control procedure and lack of means of transportation were also ranked first respectively. Cases of violations of minimum set standards were also identified. The work recommended that efforts should be made to tackle identified challenges taking note of the fact that safety and issues of sustainability of the built environment is a collective responsibility, so both the agency in charge of development control and developers (the community where projects are sited) should try as much as possible to ensure that developments they embark upon do not constitute nuisance other adjoining uses.