Activity In Nigeria Research Articles

Entrepreneurship under patriarchy: the intersecting forces characterising everyday life for Nigeria’s women entrepreneurs

PurposeNigeria presents something of an entrepreneurial paradox. Women in entrepreneurship dominate the economy, yet patriarchal structures dominate society. This article investigates how patriarchal factors impact entrepreneurial processes, in turn, creating unequal expectations of entrepreneurial opportunity.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts an intersectionality lens to explore how patriarchy is manifest for entrepreneurs. The reflective narratives of 30 entrepreneurs are analysed, provided through semi-structured interviews. An inductive qualitative approach accesses the gendered discourse of entrepreneurship as constructed by entrepreneurs. Within this discourse, the factors of patriarchy are exposed.FindingsFindings reveal a multi-faceted patriarchy, with the informing factors of entrepreneurial gender roles, class and religion. The study explains how the interaction of these factors reinforce patriarchal ideals and create a variety of gendered images of what is acceptable entrepreneurial activity in Nigeria, and for whom.Originality/valueThis study contributes to growing insight on entrepreneurship in Africa and challenges linear arguments of entrepreneurship-as-emancipation for women. In complex and multidimensional contexts, entrepreneurs must navigate the intersection of factors sensitively, ensuring acceptance and fulfilment of societal expectations. The power of intersectionality as a theory of contextualisation is discussed.

Revisiting the measurement of vaccine hesitancy: Comparison between routine immunization and supplementary immunization activity in Nigeria

Revisiting the measurement of vaccine hesitancy: Comparison between routine immunization and supplementary immunization activity in Nigeria

Improved Brewery Wastes Management Using Life Cycle Analysis

Brewery is a major industrial activity in Nigeria from which wastes are generated. The present global attention on effective wastes management in the sector has compelled the country to embrace aggressive research methods on this essential subject matter. This has therefore been the impetus for this study to use the Cradle-to-Grave section of Life cycle analysis in the ISO 14040 for investigation of improved wastes management in a Nigerian brewery. In the study, emissions associated with brewery were identified and quantified to determine the releases into air, water and land. Materials use, use of energy, wastes and by-products generation as well as physical size from the sector were also determined for wastes management. The study shows that intensiveness of energy and water consumption in brewery industry during productions could cause large emissions that may have negative effects on the environment. Agreement of the material inputs and outputs in the study at about 99.6% level indicates that the adopted method can be of great help in solving wastes management problems in the brewery.

Insurgency in Nigeria, Boko Haram's Operations and Future Outlook

The Boko Haram insurgency has been a devastating conflict in terms of loss of lives, property, and downfall of economic activity in Nigeria. Indeed, the Boko Haram Conflict has not only adversely affected the most populous country in Africa but affected all countries in the Chad Basin. Religious extremism has been identified as one of the factors behind the Boko Haram Sect but there is a dearth of quality research on that subject. Many other studies have explored the social and political factors behind the sect. This research has drawn a nexus between the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria to religious extremism, as well as some remote social and political factors that have contributed to the rise of the sect.
 The continuing terror being visited in several areas of Northern Nigeria and some other West African countries has necessitated the need of a probe into the root cause and factors influencing the growth of the sect. This is geared towards finding a sustainable solution to the conflict and similar conflicts that may want to arise in future. The research methodology deployed by the researcher includes qualitative and doctrinal methods. 
 The research is in 4 sections, and it explores the different conceptions of terrorism, insurgency, and religious extremism and how they can be used to explain the nature of Boko Haram's operations. The research also assesses the future outlook of the Boko Haram insurgency, considering the coalition of the armed terrorist group with the Islamic State West African Province and what this means for the fight against insurgency in the Chad Basin region. In conclusion, the research recommends that Nigeria will need to address several issues ranging from economic challenges, as well as getting external support in fighting the Boko Haram insurgents.

Harold B. Lee and Mormonism's Black Priesthood and Temple Ban

Harold B. Lee and Mormonism's Black Priesthood and Temple Ban

Solidarity for African Women's Rights: A Case of Co‐Emergent Grassroots Leadership Activity in Nigeria

The mechanisms that advance community well‐being and the practice of democracy are changing. However, theories that inform democracy and associated leadership activities have not recognized Nigeria's unique historical, political, socio‐cultural, and economic context. The current article aims to offer a culturally specific and relevant understanding of grassroots movements that contribute to improved leadership activity in Nigeria.

Family and Community Dynamics That Contribute to Female Involvement in Terrorist Activity in Nigeria

Since 2013, Boko Haram has significantly contributed to gendered violence against women. This study examines the experiences of 16 women and girls who lived in the Boko Haram camp from 2014-2018 and had varying levels of engagement in the organization's activities. The study employs a qualitative phenomenological in-depth interview methodology. Semi-structured interviews conducted in Nigeria yielded data on the respondents' experiences before, during, and after their times with Boko Haram. Based on the analysis of interview responses and field notes, several themes emerged. Overall findings suggest that family and community dynamics play a significant role in terrorism in Nigeria. More specifically, early child marriage and the lack of access to education increase girls' vulnerability to abductions by Boko Haram, which, in turn, contributes to involvement in terrorism. Boko Haram members take control over the most disadvantaged and vulnerable victims and, through direct threats or non-consensual marriage, force these women to succumb to their pressure. Respondents reported facing barriers to reintegration into the community, although those with more formal education tended to fare better. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for future research and counter-terrorism efforts in Nigeria.

Forecasting the Nigerian Gross Domestic Product in Correspondence to Crude Price Fluctuations

The study aims to find a long-run empirical correlation between crude prices and the Nigerian Economy. Therefore, the Independent Variable for the study is the natural log of crude prices and the Dependent Variable would be the economic activity in Nigeria (Operationalized using the natural log of GDP). The research explores the Vector Autoregression Model (VAR Model), Serial Correlation LM Test, VAR Granger Causality/Block Exogeneity Wald Tests, Forecast Error Variance Decomposition (FEVD), and the Impulse Response Functions (IRFs). The time period of the study was from 1998 to 2008 (annual statistics were used), and the findings from the Augmented Dickey-Fuller Unit Root Test indicates that lngdp is stationary for an optimal maximum lag of 1 in 1st Level, including Intercept in the test equation. Furthermore, lngdp is found to have a causal impact on lncp. This finding is complemented by the findings of FEVD and the IRFs. The empirical analyses show that the lngdp is a strong determining factor of the lncp fluctuations and directly influences forecasts of the same, ceteris paribus . In the final analysis, the the researchers recommend that the Central Bank of Nigeria, while making policies relating to economic growth, should involve indicators of external commodity markets and should diversify from an oil-dependent economy to an economy which would be less susceptible to Dutch Disease. Keywords: Statistical Analysis; Econometrics; Forecast Error Variance Decomposition; Impulse Response Functions DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/12-22-11 Publication date: November 30th 2021

A Total Error Approach for Validating Event Data

Understanding how useful any particular set of event data might be for conflict research requires appropriate methods for assessing validity when ground truth data about the population of interest do not exist. We argue that a total error framework can provide better leverage on these critical questions than previous methods have been able to deliver. We first define a total event data error approach for identifying 19 types of error that can affect the validity of event data. We then address the challenge of applying a total error framework when authoritative ground truth about the actual distribution of relevant events is lacking. We argue that carefully constructed gold standard datasets can effectively benchmark validity problems even in the absence of ground truth data about event populations. To illustrate the limitations of conventional strategies for validating event data, we present a case study of Boko Haram activity in Nigeria over a 3-month offensive in 2015 that compares events generated by six prominent event extraction pipelines—ACLED, SCAD, ICEWS, GDELT, PETRARCH, and the Cline Center’s SPEED project. We conclude that conventional ways of assessing validity in event data using only published datasets offer little insight into potential sources of error or bias. Finally, we illustrate the benefits of validating event data using a total error approach by showing how the gold standard approach used to validate SPEED data offers a clear and robust method for detecting and evaluating the severity of temporal errors in event data.

Can the Yield Curve Predict Economic Growth Performance? Empirical Evidence from Nigeria

The paper investigates the capability of the yield curve to predict future economic activity in Nigeria, especially before, during and after the 2016/2017 economic recession. Using quarterly data on the index of industrial production (as a proxy for economic growth) and yield spread, we generated regression results for various data samples including the era of the global financial crisis- GFC (2007-2009); pre-economic recession in Nigeria (2010-2015) and economic recession / slow recovery (2016-2019).Though the model behaved differently before, during and after the 2016/2017 economic recession, general results indicated the substantial predictive power of the yield spread in providing a good forecast of the level of economic activity up to four quarters into the future. The paper therefore, strongly demonstrated the influence of yield spreads in predicting the future level of Nigeria’s economic activity. Keywords: Yield curve, economic growth, recession, forecast, Nigeria. DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/12-10-05 Publication date: May 31 st 2021

Boko Haram – the Evolution of Jihad Activity in Nigeria 2015–2019

This article analyzes the rise and evolution of Boko Haram, a Nigerian jihadist organization operating since March 2015 under the banner of Islamic State. The key changes in the ideology, tactics, and goals of Boko Haram have been identified providing in-depth insight into how and why the organization has evolved. The evolution of jihadist activity of Boko Haram included at least two dimensions: firstly – the extreme radicalization of paramilitary struggle manifested in the massacres of civilians in rural areas; and secondly – the feminization of jihadist activity with special regard to the involuntary participation of young women in suicide bombings. The analysis of the facts discussed in the article is based on one of the qualitative scientific methods, namely case study. The main reason to apply this method is the need to investigate the above-mentioned changes in the activity of Islamic terrorists within the time limits indicated in the title of the article.

Framework for School Stage Entrepreneurship Education in Nigeria

This article investigates the influence of entrepreneurship education at the school stage, over and above personal, social, and institutional factors, on entrepreneurship with a view to providing a framework for school stage entrepreneurship education in Nigeria. Findings based on cross tabulations as well as hierarchical regression analyses using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor indicate that entrepreneurship education at school stage makes significant contribution to the variation in entrepreneurship over and above personal, social, and institutional factors in Nigeria, as opposed to formal education and entrepreneurial education at postschool stage. Furthermore, personal and institutional factors are found to contribute incrementally to entrepreneurial intention, while personal and social factors contribute incrementally to entrepreneurial activity in Nigeria. The study recommends and provides a framework for the formal integration of entrepreneurship education into teaching curricula at the school stage to promote latent entrepreneurship and thereby serve as a pedestal for entrepreneurship education at postschool stage in Nigeria.

Risky decision making and cognitive flexibility among online sports bettors in Nigeria.

Online sports betting is a popular recreational activity in Nigeria. Like other forms of gambling, risk of pathological progression exists for gamblers who continue betting despite severe financial and psychosocial consequences. In the present study, we examined whether this population of gamblers shows deficits in decision making and cognitive flexibility that have been documented in Western gambling populations. Thirty‐six online sports bettors and 42 non‐gambling participants completed a version of the Iowa gambling task (IGT) and an established set‐shifting task for the assessment of cognitive flexibility. The two groups did not differ significantly in the selection of disadvantageous decks on the IGT. In contrast, sports bettors committed significantly more errors on the set‐shifting task than non‐gambling control participants. As this performance deficit was not specific to trials requiring a set shift, it most likely resulted from gambling‐related changes in general cognitive or motivational abilities that are required to successfully complete challenging mental tasks. While our results illustrate that findings from Western populations cannot automatically be generalised to other contexts, it should be noted that we focused on only one particular type of gambling and included mostly participants with mild gambling‐related problems.

An Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Government Spending on Agriculture in Nigeria

This study examined the relationship between government spending and real and nominal agricultural sector activity in Nigeria between 1999 and 2016 using linear regression analysis and found that though government spending on agriculture had a positive relationship with the sector and its subsectors, this relationship was insignificant and recommended that government spending should be more accountable and should also not be seen as the sole option towards reviving this sector as other measures can be used in sync for optimal results. Keywords: Government Spending, Agriculture, Crops, Livestock, Forestry, Fishing, Fiscal Policy, Nigeria, Africa. DOI : 10.7176/JESD/10-24-02 Publication date: December 31 st 2019

An Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Interest Rate on Agriculture in Nigeria

This study using regression analysis tried to find connection between lending interest rate and agricultural sector activity in Nigeria for real and nominal values from the beginning of the fourth and current republic (1999) to 2016. Tests showed that interest rate had a strong significant negative relationship with agricultural sector activity. Because interest rate and monetary policy is currently not the main tool used by the federal government to improve this sector this recommended more favorable lending interest rates for farmers and industries to be used in sync with government spending in the agricultural sector as an effective way of improving its performance. Keywords: Interest Rate, Agriculture, Crops, Livestock, Forestry, Fishing, Monetary Policy, Nigeria, Africa. DOI : 10.7176/JEES/9-11-02 Publication date: November 30 th 2019

Sustainable Policy Options for Funding Capacity Building of Teachers for the Achievement of Education 2030 in Nigeria

The focus of this paper is on the need for capacity building of teachers in Nigerian educational system and the possible policy options for funding capacity building of teachers for the achievement of Education 2030. Teachers form the hub of any educational system and no educational system can rise above the level of the teachers. The capacity of teachers needs to be upgraded from time to time in order for them to be able to adapt to the changing waves of knowledge in the education sector and the society at large. Capacity building is one of the veritable tools for updating the skills and competencies of teachers in any educational system. But this is usually affected by low fund provided for this all important activity in Nigeria. Hence, there is need for sustainable policy options to address this problem. Some sustainable policy options for funding capacity building of teachers include establishment of School Teachers’ Trust Fund, annual budgeting for capacity building of teachers, Teacher Capacity Development Tax, Use of Social Development Goals Fund, and utilization of part of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund for capacity building of teachers. These would ensure steady provision of funds for the capacity building of teacher for the achievement of education 2030. DOI : 10.7176/JESD/10-4-07

Neuroprotective potential of Citrullus lanatus seed extract and vitamin E against mercury chloride intoxication in the brain of male Wistar rat.

Mercury chloride toxicity continues to be relevant in the advent of increased interest in mining activity in Nigeria. The neuroprotective potential of Citrullus lanatus seed extract (CLSE) (Watermelon seed) and vitamin E (VIT E) on mercury chloride intoxication on the frontal cerebral cortex of male rats was investigated. Forty two (42) male rats were randomized into six groups of 7 rats each. Group 1: control group received food and water; Group 2: received CLSE (200 mg/kg); Group 3: received VIT E (500 mg/kg); Group 4: received HgCl2 (4 mg/kg); Group 5: received HgCl2 (4 mg/kg) + VIT E (500 mg/kg) and Group 6: received HgCl2 (4 mg/kg) + CLSE (200 mg/kg). Treatment lasted 14 days and on 15th day of the experiment, gross morphometric, behavioural tests and brain tissue processing using paraffin wax technique were done. While gross body and brain morphometric evaluations were not significantly different, behavioural studies show that CLSE and VIT E significantly (p<0.05) increased the number of lines crossed relative to control. Histology showed that HgCl2 caused degeneration of neurons of the frontal cerebral cortex when compared with the control. Co-treatment of HgCl2 with CLSE and VIT E showed histological features of protection of cerebral neurons from mercury damage. Concluding, CLSE and VIT E mitigated HgCl2–induced degeneration of frontal cerebral cortical neurons thus demonstrating their neuropotential capacity to protect cerebral cortex neurons from mercury toxicity.

Effects of a multi-level intervention on the pattern of physical activity among in-school adolescents in Oyo state Nigeria: a cluster randomised trial

BackgroundPhysical inactivity contributes to the global burden of non-communicable diseases. The pattern of physical activity in adulthood are often established during adolescence and sedentary behaviours in the early years could influence the development of diseases later in life. Studies on physical activity in Nigeria have focused largely on individual behaviours and the effects of school-based interventions have not been well investigated. The aim of the proposed study is to identify factors influencing; and evaluate the effects of a multi-level intervention on the physical activity behaviours of in-school adolescents in Oyo state, Nigeria.MethodsThe study will adopt a cluster randomised controlled trial design and schools will serve as the unit of randomisation. The sample size is 1000 in-school adolescents aged 10–19 years. The study will be guided by the socio-ecological model and theory of reasoned action and baseline data will be obtained through a mixed methods approach comprising a cross sectional survey to document the self-reported physical activity levels coupled with objectively measured physical activity levels using pedometers for a subset of the sample. Other measurements including weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, fitness level using the 20-m shuttle run test (20-mSRT) and blood pressure will be obtained. The schools’ built environment and policy support for physical activity will be assessed using structured questionnaires coupled with key informant interviews and focus group discussions with the school authorities. Baseline findings will guide the design and implementation of a 12-week multi-level intervention. The primary outcome measures are self–reported and 7-day objectively measured physical activity. Other secondary outcome measures are body-mass-index for age, waist-to-hip ratio, cardioresiratory fitness and blood pressure. The association between behavioural factors and physical activity levels will be assessed. Follow-up measurements will be taken immediately after the intervention and 3-months post intervention.DiscussionPhysical activity behaviours of adolescents in Nigeria are influenced by multiple factors. There is an urgent need for effective school-based interventions with a potential to improve the physical activity behaviours of adolescents in Nigeria and other low and middle income countries.Trial registrationPan African Clinical Trial Registry. Trial registration number: PACTR201706002224335, registered 26 June 2017.

Communication Intervention Programmes on Knowledge of ‘Baby Factory’ Phenomenon among in-School Adolescents in South-East Nigeria

Media reports have indicated that “Baby factory” activity in Nigeria which is the harbouring of girls with unwanted pregnancies, and the sell of the babies are emerging as an important social phenomenon with serious negative impact on health and development of adolescents. The study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of two sets of communication interventions on the knowledge towards baby factory phenomenon among in-school adolescents in South-East Nigeria. The study was quasi-experimental with three intervention groups and a control. Key- Informant Interviews (KII) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were initially conducted to determine the perspectives of the target group and officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs on baby factory phenomenon to facilitate the design of the communication messages and instrument for evaluating the study outcome. Two communication intervention programmes audio-recorded and print messages) were developed and implemented. The study findings revealed that the communication intervention programmes on ‘baby factory’ activities designed, empowered and moved teenagers from at risk position to knowledge-equipped position. The study further recommended that, the state government through the Ministry of Women Affairs should have more focused communication intervention programme in secondary schools to educate students who are most vulnerable to this phenomenon. Keywords: Adolescents, baby factory phenomenon, communication intervention programme, knowledge, media

External Finance Premium and Macroeconomic Outcomes in Nigeria

We develop a small open economy Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium model with financial frictions to emphasize the effects of credit market imperfections on macroeconomic outcomes in Nigeria. Financial frictions appear because of the existence of an agency problem that exposes entrepreneurs to high external finance premium. Findings demonstrate that financial frictions matter in the sluggishness of economy activity in Nigeria. Financial constraint lowered GDP level only by 10 percent in presence of domestic shocks, contrast to 30 percent in presence of foreign shocks. Furthermore, monetary policy can create pace to ease access to finance with end of fostering economy activity.