Abeokuta North Research Articles

Urban renewal in Nigeria: a slash and burn approach?

This research analyses the socio-economic implications of approaches to urban renewal on displaced populations in Ogun State, south-west Nigeria. In the last 5 years, massive renewal has been undertaken in five local government areas—Abeokuta North, Ado/Odo Ota, Sagamu, Yewa South and Ijebu Ode of the State from which two—Abeokuta North and Ado-Odo/Ota—were purposively selected to carry out this study. Primary data through administration of structured questionnaires to randomly selected 420 affected adults who either had their houses or shops demolished formed the source of data. However, 380 questionnaires were returned and cleaned upon which all were analyses based. Results from binary logistic regressions show that urban renewal has significant effects on the occupation (odds ratio = 3.0; p < 0.01) and income (p < 0.01) of those affected. Urban renewal also significantly affects the health status of the local residents because results show that persons whose houses or shops were demolished are twelve times more likely to lose sound sleep (odds ratio = 12.08; p < 0.01) and also have serious issues with loss of appetite (p < 0.01) and sadness (p < 0.01) all of which are symptoms of depression. These take place as a result of avoidable consequences like forced displacements and disregard for residents’ economic, social and cultural (ESC) rights all engendered by poorly planned and poorly executed urban renewal. We therefore recommended that urban renewal in Nigeria be more holistic and that compensation be commensurate with the value of property demolished so that incidence of depression which is significant here would not reoccur in subsequent similar endeavours.

An Investigation of Coat Colour Distribution of West African Dwarf Goats

This study was carried out to determine coat colour distribution of West African Dwarf (WAD) goat in Abeokuta North and South Local Government Areas of Ogun State, Nigeria. Three thousand, three hundred and ten (3310) WAD goats were randomly sampled consisting of 2511 (75.86%) does and 799 (24.14%) bucks. Animals were prevalently maintained on semi-intensive management. Various coat colours identified were black with highest frequency of 941 (28.42%), brown 436 (13.17%), badgerface 346 (10.45%), grey 254 (7.67%), buckskin 222 (6.70%), lateral belly 154 (4.65%), white and black 149 (4.50%), white and brown 134 (4.05%), white and black marking 105 (3.17%), black and white marking 92 (2.78%), spotted white 88 (2.66%), spotted black 80 (2.42%), blackmash 63 (1.90%), tan 61 (1.84%), white 57 (1.72%), bezoar 49 (1.48%), spotted brown 40 (1.21%), lateral stripes 33 (1.00%), with swiss marking having the lowest frequency of 6 (0.18%). The gene frequency was estimated using Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium equation which resulted as 0.70 and 0.30 for eumelanin and Phaeomelanin respectively. Chi-square (χ2) analysis was further carried out, which revealed that the difference between observed frequency and expected frequency was significant (P &lt; 0.05) implying that the segregation in the area of study was not supported by Mendelian ratio of 3:1. High level of variation was observed in coat colour among goats in the areas studied with black coat colour being the predominant. Hence, conscious selection could be embarked upon to investigate the influence of coat colour on adaptation, thermoregulation, growth and productivity.

Perception and incidence of Buruli ulcer in Ogun State, South West Nigeria: intensive epidemiological survey and public health intervention recommended.

IntroductionBuruli ulcer (BU) is a highly ranked neglected tropical disease (NTD) of global health importance with increasing incidence in sub-Saharan Africa yet there is paucity of information on the epidemiology of BU in Nigeria. Incidentally, highly BU endemic Benin Republic shares proximity with Nigeria. This study was carried out to establish presence of BU and ascertain the level of BU perception among rural populace in Ogun State, south-west Nigeria.MethodsSecondary data (2009-2012) on incidence of BU was collected from a reference hospital. A cross-sectional survey using structured questionnaire administered to rural people and healthcare practitioners was conducted in three purposively chosen Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ogun State based on unpublished reports of BU presence.ResultsData collected revealed 27 hospital confirmed BU cases between 2009-2012 across four LGAs (Obafemi Owode, Abeokuta North, Yewa North and Yewa South) while 14%(21/150) chronic ulcers (suspected to be BU) were discovered during the cross-sectional survey carried out in Odeda, Yewa South and North LGAs. Healthcare practitioners 63.6% (42/66) and 54.7% (82/150) rural people demonstrated poor level of BU perception respectively.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that BU exists in Ogun State and evaluates the poor perception that the affected rural populace has on the disease. This pilot study presents baseline information on BU in a rural setting in Ogun State South-west Nigeria hence the vital need for prompt public health involvement and further research on the epidemiology of BU.

ASSESSMENT OF POLLUTION HAZARDS OF GROUNDWATER RESOURCE IN ABEOKUTA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OGUN STATE, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Pollution of wells and borehole water, either from point or non-point sources, has become a matter of health concern both in urban and rural areas. Groundwater is tapped for domestic uses through the con-struction of hand dug wells and boreholes. However, while providing an alternative to the public water supply sources; most of the boreholes are often located too close to possible contamination sources. Various land use and human activities such as solid waste landfills, cemetery and animal wastes, among others can result in ground water contamination. In an open or buried dumping solid waste or sanitary landfill, the organic and inorganic by-products resulting from the decomposition of wastes are leached out by the infiltration of rainfall. A release of leachate to the surrounding soil without proper collection and treatment could contaminate groundwater resources. Many of the wells and boreholes in the study area were found to be indiscriminately located and scattered among such impairing lands/features. This study was therefore aimed at assessing the pollution hazards and vulnerability of groundwater resource in Abe-okuta North Local Government Area (LGA) by sampling some boreholes from selected locations in the area. Water samples were collected and analyzed for water quality parameters using standard proce-dures. The parameters determined were Turbidity, Temperature, Electrical Conductivity (EC), pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Solids (TS), Total hardness, cations {Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), iron (Fe)}, anions {Chloride (Cl-), Nitrate (NO3-), Sulphate (SO42-), Phosphate (PO43-)}, and heavy metals {lead (Pb2+), Zinc (Zn2+), Copper (Cu2+)}. Results were subjected to statistical evaluations using SPSS 18.0 for descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). It was observed that the elemental parameters in the bore-holes sampled have mean values of the concentrations of Fe2+, Na+, Cl- , SO42-, Pb2+, Mn2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ higher during the wet season relative to dry season. For the physico-chemical parameters, it was equally observed that parameters such as EC, TDS, TS, TSS were higher during the wet season than dry season while turbidity, temperature, pH and total hardness were higher during dry season than in the wet season. Water quality parameters such as Fe2+, Pb2+, NO3-, and EC have mean values greater than World Health Organization and NESREA maximum permissible standards for drinking water. Elevated values of these parameters are of great concern to public health when the water from these boreholes is consumed without treatment by people. It is recommended that well and borehole waters in this area be adequately treated before consumption using advanced inorganic removal techniques such as Nano-filtration and Reverse Osmosis to safeguard human health in the study area.Keywords: Boreholes, pollution, water quality, public health, physico-chemical

Three-factor Predictors of Marital Adjustment among Couples in Abeokuta Metropolis, Ogun State, Nigeria

The importance of couples understanding their personality characteristic is germane to marital bliss and adjustment. This study examined self-esteem, emotional intelligence and coping skills as predictors of marital adjustment among couples in Abeokuta metropolis. This study adopted a non-experimental ex-post facto research. It is also correlative in nature. The target population for the study comprised all the married persons in Anglican Communion Churches in Abeokuta South and North Local Government Areas in Ogun State, Nigeria. Using simple, random sampling technique a total of fifteen married persons were selected from each of the churches, making a total of three hundred and thirty, married persons (330) from Abeokuta North and South Local Government Areas, Ogun State. The study used four instruments Coping Style Questionnaire (CSQ), Self-Esteem Scale Questionnaire (SESQ), Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (EIQ), and Marital Adjustment Questionnaire (MAQ) to generate data for the study. Frequency counts and percentage were used for presenting the data obtained from the questionnaire. Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Multiple Regression analysis were used for testing the null hypotheses. The result shows that there is no significant relationship between coping style and marital adjustment, that there is no significant relationship between self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and marital adjustment. The study recommended among others that couples should endeavor to accentuate attitude of co-operative understanding, valuing partnership, demonstrating trust, general good will towards one another and positive values in their marriage while family counselors should organize workshops, seminars and conferences whereby couples would be sensitized on causes of marital adjustment and resolution strategies for resolving marital mal-adjustment.

THE IMPACT OF EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES ON STUDENTS' TEACHING/LEARNING PROCESS IN ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA: NEED FOR COUNSELLING APPROACHES

The main thrust of this study was to examine the impact of educational facilities on students’ academic performance in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose, two null hypotheses were formulated to direct the study. Literature review was carried out accordingly. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. A sample size of five hundred and fifty secondary schools students were randomly selected, through the simply random sampling techniques. The questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. The reliability estimate of the instrument was established through the test-re-test method. Independent t-test analysis was the statistical analysis adopted to test the hypotheses. Each hypothesis was tested at .05 level of significance. The result of the analysis revealed that good classroom buildings and the use of ICT significantly affect students differently in their academic performance. Based on the findings, it was recommended that adequate well structure classroom buildings and the use of ICT in teaching and learning process should be made available for all school. Also, learners should be encouraged to take active part in the learning process with computers. Article visualizations:

Gone to Stamford Bridge? Influence of Foreign Football and Its Digital Coverage on Youths in Abeokuta, Nigeria

This study investigates the influence of foreign football and its digital coverage among youths in Abeokuta. It examines the values portrayed by internet/satellite technology, the extent to which these values affect Nigerian youths, and the extent to which Nigerian youths’ exposure to foreign football through the internet/satellite technology affects their commitment to Nigerian football.The study employed qualitative method of Focus Group Discussion (FGD), using discussion guide to source data from youth in Abeokuta South and Abeokuta North Local Government Areas.Among others, the study discovered that major values promoted by internet technology such as technical companionship, global citizenship and technological determinism enhances western values and interests, and have undermined to a very large extent the citizenship values of Nigerian youths. Nigerian youths have practically abandoned their citizenship values such as love and loyalty to the country, patriotism and commitment to national ideas, and have embraced the values promoted by the internet with their passion for foreign football.The main findings recognises Nigerian youths interest in European football was motivated by good organization, adequate and quality facilities and good football on the field of play; hence Nigerian youths abandoned Nigerian football due to poor management, inadequate and poor facilities and insecurity at match venues, among other factors.Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that Nigerian football should be overhauled. There is need for proper funding to fix facilities like quality stadia, provision of security at match venues and ensure proper administration of the games. Youth football should be revived in Nigeria and grassroots football should be re-introduced at primary and secondary school levels to discover raw talents. Adequate arrangement should be made for marketing and sponsorship programmes, including live coverage of football events on the Nigeria television network.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT WOOD SPECIES IN MAJOR SAWMILLS IN ABEOKUTA OGUN STATE NIGERIA

This study involved the economic analysis of different wood species in major sawmills in Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria. Two stage design sampling techniques were employed for this study. Descriptive statistics and Cost and Returns were used in the data analysis. Result showed that 62.5% engaged in the business were males, 81.7% were in age group between 31-50years, 48.3% had no formal education, and 88.3% entered into the business through apprenticeship and are mostly full-time. The result also revealed that 95.83% of the saw millers or plank sellers obtain their timber from the private forest and they mostly buy per species i.e. per tree. Moreover, among the timber species that were common in the saw mills include, Albizia coriaria (ayinre) has the highest percentage frequency of 66.7%, Anogeissus leiocarpus (orin dudu) has 44.2%, Cleistopholis sp. (okedo) 32.5% and Musanga cecropioides (aga) 1.7% with the least percentage frequency. Average girth sizes of timber species in sawmill, ranged from 3.00cm- 5.60cm and the average number of plank ranged from 6-29. The business could be seen as profitable, as the cost analysis revealed the average profit for each sawmill per month in Abeokuta North, Odeda and Abeokuta South Local Governments’ Areas to have these profits (₦982,893.75, ₦790,083.524 and ₦790,083.524) respectively. It was recommended that government policy should be reviewed against illegal felling and over-exploitation of timber by imposing/enacting stiffer penalty or law to illegal feller. Government policy should also encourage individual plantation establishment to ensure continuity of forest products for posterity.&#x0D;

Gone to Stamford Bridge? Influence of Foreign Football and its Digital Coverage on Youths in Abeokuta, Nigeria

This study investigates the influence of foreign football and its digital coverage among youth in Abeokuta. It examines the values portrayed by internet/satellite technology, the extent to which these values affect Nigerian youths, and the extent to which Nigerian youths’ exposure to foreign football through the internet/satellite technology affects their commitment to Nigerian football. The study employed qualitative method of Focus Group Discussion (FGD), using discussion guide to source data from youth in Abeokuta South and Abeokuta North Local Government Areas. Among others, the study discovered that the major values promoted by the internet technology such technical companionship, global citizenship and technological determinism promote western values and interests, and have undermined to a very large extent the citizenship values of Nigerian youths. Nigerian youths have practically abandoned their citizenship values such as love and loyalty to the country, patriotism and commitment to national ideas, and have embraced the values promoted by the internet with their passion for foreign football. Furthermore, it was discovered that Nigerian youth’s interest in European football was motivated by good organization, adequate and quality facilities and good football on the field of play. In other words, Nigerian youths abandoned Nigerian football due to poor management, inadequate and poor facilities and insecurity at match venues, among many other factors. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that Nigerian football should be overhauled. There should be proper funding to fix the facilities like quality stadia, provision of security at match venues and ensure proper administration of the game in the country. Youth football should be revived in Nigeria. Grassroots football should be re-introduced at primary and secondary school levels to discover raw talents for future greatness. Adequate arrangement should be made for marketing and sponsorship programmes. This will ensure that all league matches are relayed on television to cultivate the interest of the youths and all Nigerians.

Malacological survey and geospatial distribution of &lt;i&gt;Indoplanor bisexutus&lt;/i&gt; (Deshayes, 1934) and &lt;i&gt;Lymnaea natalensis&lt;/i&gt; (Krauss 1848) snail vectors of trematode parasites, in Abeokuta, south-western, Nigeria

Vector snails of trematode parasites are important because of their role in the transmission of parasitic diseases. However, information on the diversity and distribution of snail hosts in Abeokuta area of Ogun State is scanty. Snails were collected from 31 water bodies including streams, rivers and dams on a monthly basis for six months. The snails were identified using shell morphology and examined for cercariae shedding. Collection sites were geo-referenced. Environmental data, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Land Surface Temperature (LST), rainfall and Land cover corresponding to these locations were derived from Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Binary logistic regression analysis was used to create spatial maps and predictive model map for snail species distribution. A total of 87 vector snails were collected; Lymnaea natalensis 65 (74.71%) and Indoplanor bisexutus 22 (25.29%).Nine out of 22I. exutus collected shed microcercouscercariae. Infected I. exutus, intermediate snail host of Schistosoma nasale, a cattle schistosome was found in two sites. The logistic regression analysis using remotely-sensed environmental data showed that NDVI was the significant variable influencing I. exutus distribution (B = -8.460, Sig = 0.043). Geospatial distribution maps were created to show the distribution of each snail species and potential transmission sites. This study mapped the distribution of snail hosts, identified possible transmission sites and demonstrates the presence of snail hosts of certain parasites in Abeokuta area (Abeokuta South and Abeokuta North Local Government Areas), the distribution of these snail hosts should be monitored to prevent transmission of these pathogens to humans.Keywords: geospatial, vector snails, trematode, distribution, malacological

Prevalence of Antenatal Depression and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Nigeria.

Objective. The prevalence of antenatal depression (AD) and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Nigeria, was determined. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted, interviewing 314 pregnant women selected by multistage sampling technique from among those attending antenatal clinics. Information was collected using structured questionnaire and a screening tool, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), to assess probable depression. Results. The prevalence of antenatal depression was 24.5%. There were significant associations between antenatal depression and attending public health facility (P = 0.000), young maternal age (P = 0.012), single marital status (P = 0.010), not having formal education (P = 0.022), large family size (P = 0.029), planned pregnancy (P = 0.014), coexisting medical conditions (P = 0.034), history of previous caesarian section (P = 0.032), drinking alcohol during pregnancy (P = 0.004), and gender based abuse (P = 0.001). On health seeking behaviour for antenatal depression among depressed pregnant women, most, 68.9%, consulted their husbands about their symptoms; 57.3% took the decision to get treatment from doctors, and 52% sought prayer in the church. Conclusion. Antenatal depression is prevalent in this study population. Interventions to address its risk factors should be carried out and physicians should suspect depression in pregnant women reporting alcohol use and gender abuse.

A study on the prevalence of Schistosoma Haematobium and Schistosoma Intercalatum in a rural community of Ogun State, Nigeria

Urinary Schistosomiasis is endemic in Nigeria and continues to pose public health challenges especially in inhabitants of rural areas. This study was conducted in an attempt to determine the co-infection of Schistosoma haematobium and S. intercalatum in Apojola Community area of Abeokuta North LGA of Ogun State, Nigeria. Urine samples were analyzed in the Laboratory using sedimentation/centrifugation technique to determine schistosoma eggs. Positive urine samples were further confirmed using Ziehl-Neelsen (zn) staining method for differentiating S. haematobium from S. intercalatum eggs. The results indicate that 79 (52.7%) of the urine samples collected were positive for schistosoma eggs. Among the positive urine samples, 62% had S.haematobium while 38% had S. intercalatum eggs. Infections were found to be high in males 39 (55.7%) than female 40 (50%). Villagers who were &lt;13 years of age had the highest prevalence rate of infection. Co-infection of S. haematobium and S. intercalatum among the villagers was established in the study and was observed to be highest in the age group &lt;13years, compared to other age group. The study confirmed the endemicity and the co-infection of S. haematobium and S. intercalatum in the study area. It is therefore recommended that water control, sanitation and snails elimination as well as community-based programs are urgently needed to reduce S. haematobium and S. intercalatum infection.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/seajph.v4i1.21845 South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.4(1) 2014: 67-71

International Research Journal of Microbiology

One hundred and eighty one (181) food handlers working in 12 small food businesses in Abeokuta North Local Government were surveyed to assess their personal hygienic practices while handling food. The study also isolated and identified enteric bacteria from the stool samples of the food handlers. A cross sectional study was conducted among the food handlers using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Of the 181 food handlers, 30.9% normally work with long fingernails, 77.4% wear jewelry and 39.5% chew gum while handling food. Also, 90.1% and 31.5% of the food handlers respectively does not wear gloves or apron when handling food. Few of the food handlers (14.3%) wash their hands at the commencement of each day’s work; 19.3% wash hands after every visit to the toilet and 13.2% usually washed their hands each time they blow their nose or when hair, nose or mouth is touched. The enteric bacteria isolated from the food handlers and their frequency of occurrence are: Eschericia coli (17.7%); Klebsiella oxytoca (7.7%); Salmonella spp (5.5%); Citrobacter freundii (4.4%), Enterobacter cloacae (2.8%); Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.3%) and Proteus mirabilis (4.4%). There is an immediate need for education and increasing awareness among food handlers regarding safe food handling practices.

Monitoring the Quality of Some Sources of Irrigation Water in Different Parts of Ogun State, Nigeria

Sustainability of Agricultural environment is very crucial to a developing national like Nigeria and the question of water quality has often been neglected, because good quality water supplies have been assumed to be abundant and readily available. Chemical analysis of water indicates its suitability for irrigation purposes. Rivers, streams and groundwater are the important potential sources of irrigation water in Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. A study was therefore carried out to determine the quality of different sources (rivers and groundwater) of irrigation, in some local government areas of Ogun state. These include Abeokuta north, Ifo, Obafemi-Owode and Odeda. The physio-chemical properties of the sampled water were determined. Results revealed that, generally the quality of the water sources is good and suitable for irrigation. The chloride ions levels in all the water sources are within recommended limits. However, in some locations of the groundwater sampled, pH range of between 4.8 and 6.3 was observed showing it is acidic. This may be as a result of the presence of high concentrations of ferric and ferrous ions in the groundwater. The mean values of the conductivity, total dissolved solids and sodium ions were found to be 57% higher in groundwater than those of surface water. The implication of this is that while the rivers can easily be used to irrigate the different crops grown in this area, some level of proper irrigation management must be applied when using groundwater for irrigation so as to sustain the environmental management.

Preliminary Observations on the Family Mormyridae in Oyan Dam Lake (Nigeria)

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to investigate the abundance, distribution, diversity and condition factor of Mormyrids in Oyan Dam lake, Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. The fish were sampled from the catches of the fishermen in Oyan Dam lake, which used gillnets of 30-80 mm laterally stretched mesh size. The fish were sampled monthly between February and September 2011, at two different sites (Imala and Ibaro). The results revealed that a total number of 100 fishes of six species belonging to the family Mormyridae were collected. Numerically, catches were dominated by Mormyrus rume (34%), Hyperopisus bebe (30%) and Petrocephalus bane (24%). Together, these species comprised 88% of all collected individuals. Marcusenius ihuysi was rare and least in number representing 1% of the fish caught. The results showed that only four species were recorded in the dry season, namely Mormyrus rume, Hyperopisus bebe, Petrocephalus bane and Mormyrus deliciosus while five species were recorded in the wet season particularly in September. Mormyrus deliciosus, was not recorded in the wet season. In terms of body weight, the highest mean value was recorded for Mormyrus deliciosus (435.71 ± 95.71), followed by Mormyrus rume (143.82 ± 5.55) and Hyperopisus bebe (123.5 ± 5.26) while Petrocephalus bane was the least one (95.00 ± 8.56). The results also showed that the condition factor during the wet season (4.18) was higher than the condition factor of the dry season (3.51). Simpson’s index was used to determine the species richness, while Shannon-Wiener’s Index was used to evaluate species diversity; species evenness was equally evaluated using Pielou’s Index. The indices of diversity included (d) = 0.31 and 0.23, H = 1.18 and 1.53 and E = 0.851 and 0.853 respectively for the two sites at Oyan Dam lake. The estimates from these indices indicated a low fish species composition and richness, also unevenness in the population of Mormyrids in Oyan Dam lake. Therefore, it will be advisable to regulate the activities of fishers in the water body to allow future increase in the abundance of this species.

Status of urinary schistosomiasis among primary school children in Abeokuta, Nigeria

A study was carried out to determine the current status of urinary schistosomiasis on 552 pupils from seven primary schools in Abeokuta North and Abeokuta South Local Government Areas of Ogun State, Nigeria using haematuria and parasitological tests. Males that complied were 75% to 25% females. Children within the age-group of 10 to 14 years were more (65%) when compared with other age groups. Out of the 552 samples examined, 35 (6%) tested positive for blood in urine while 20 (3.6%) tested positive for Schistosoma haematobium ova. The percentage of the females that tested positive were higher than male; however, the difference in prevalence was not significant (p>0.05). Though, the prevalence of the infection was relatively low, there is still need for coordinated public enlightenment of the pupils on the danger of contacting the infection from contaminated rivers and streams in their surrounding areas. Government also needs to provide more social amenities to reduce or eradicate the infection in the study area. Key words: Schistosomiasis, school children, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Sources of Information for Social Studies Teachers and their Level of usage in Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria

The study examined sources of information for teachers in social studies and their level of usage in secondary schools. The design of this study was descriptive of survey type. Data was collected from twentyfour (24) secondary schools and was randomly selected from Abeokuta north local government and Abeokuta south local government area of Ogun state, Nigeria. Ninety-seven (97) secondary schools female and male teachers of different age- grades, qualifications and experience were used as sample. Questionnaire was made use of for data collection. The questionnaire was the close-ended likert- type technique that expresses degree of agreement or disagreement with he supplied statement. Data was analyzed using standard deviation, students- t-test statistics, mean and rank order. The findings of the study revealed that, teachers’ sources of information for social studies include reference materials, newspapers, journals, literary materials, historical monuments and artefacts, television, textbooks, resource person, magazines, pamphlet, bulletins and radio. Computer component, such as e-mail, file transfer protocol, World Wide Web (www) rarely used by social studies teachers. Recommendations were made which includes computer training be provided for social studies teachers at all level of education in Nigeria and modern information centers with integrated circuits and digital communication to link schools should be provided at local levels for the use of teachers, particularly for social studies teachers.

Serological detection of yam viruses in farmers' fields in Ogun State, Nigeria

A field survey was conducted in eight local government areas (LGA) of Ogun state, Nigeria to assess the incidence of viral diseases of yams in the areas. Leaf samples were collected from 90 yam plants which were either symptomatic or asymptomatic. These were bulked into 45 during serological tests and the viruses indexed include yam mosaic virus (YMV); Dioscorea alata bacilliform virus (DaBV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). DaBV was the most prevalent virus on the field with incidence of 48.9% (22/45) followed by YMV which occurred in 42.2% (19/45). CMV had the lowest percentage of incidence; 2.2% (1/45). Of all the LGAs visited, Abeokuta north and Abeokuta south had the highest incidence of YMV and DaBV, respectively. Mixed virus infections were also detected.

Prevalence of mange among West African Dwarf sheep and goats and associated haematological and biochemical parameters

This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of mange in sheep and goats in five local government areas (LGAs) of Ogun State in South Western Nigeria. A total of 4,973 sheep and 7,902 goats of West African Dwarf breeds were sampled of which only 4 (0.08%) of sheep and 42 (0.53%) of goats were confirmed positive for mange infestation. In all the LGAs sampled, Odeda LGA had the highest concentration of sheep (39%) and goats (51%) while Abeokuta South had the least percentage of sheep (1%) and goats (1%). All the mange-infested cases in sheep were recorded in just one LGA (Ewekoro) which constituted 0.24% of the population within the location. For goats, three out of five LGAs namely: Obafemi Owode, Ewekoro and Abeokuta North had prevalence of 1.46%, 0.53% and 0.72% respectively. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference between non-infested and infested animals in terms of packed cell volume (31.79 ± 0.87% vs. 31.41 ± 1.13%), haemoglobin (10.51 ± 0.21 g/100 ml vs. 10.28 ± 0.37 g/100 ml) and red blood cells (8.71 ± 0.29 × 10(12)/l vs. 9.40 ± 0.37 × 10(12)/l). The infested group however showed significantly (P < 0.01) higher white blood cells count (7.60 ± 0.22 × 10(9)/l) than the non-infested animals (6.81 ± 0.17 × 10(9)/l). Neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil and monocyte as well as chloride were not significantly affected by the health status of the animals. There existed significant (P < 0.01) difference between non-infested and infested animals in terms of total protein (5.42 ± 0.16 vs. 4.75 ± 0.20 g/dl), sodium (137.98 ± 1.53 vs. 128.92 ± 1.92 mEq/l) and potassium (4.04 ± 0.14 vs. 3.46 ± 0.18 mEq/l). It can be concluded from this study that the prevalence of mange mite infestation varied with location and was generally low or absent in some of the LGAs considered. Goats were particularly more susceptible to mange infestation than sheep. More concerted effort is needed to control mange in order to avoid spread since it is a contagious disease.

Epidemiological features of a GIS-supported investigation of cholera outbreak in Abeokuta, Nigeria

This study seeks to assess the epidemiological features of a GIS supported investigation of a cholera outbreak in Abeokuta. Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria with an area of 1256 km2 and a population of 605, 451 people had an outbreak of cholera from 20th November, 2005 to 1st of January, 2006. The outbreak affected the Abeokuta North Local Government area where the municipal waterworks is located. Municipal water consumption was found to be associated with illness [McNemar’s Chi square (X2 = 20.5; p < 0.001) and Odds ratio 10]. The epidemiological surveillance data showed a total of one hundred and fifteen cases and 11 deaths with case fatality rate of 9.6%. Male specific and female specific case fatality rates were 11.9 and 7.1%, respectively. The age group of 15 years and above accounted for 68.3% of the cases and 90.9% of the deaths. Post epidemic environmental investigation showed progressive contamination along distribution points. Cholera is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality among youth and ageing population in Nigeria. Key words: Cholera, epidemiological studies, outbreak investigation, Vibrio cholerae, Abeokuta, Nigeria.