Akwa Ibom State Of Nigeria Research Articles

Likuba and Annang proverbs: An ethnographic and sociolinguistic stud

Abstract. Proverbs are essential elements of communication in African communities. These are the traditional maxims that people use to relate to others in societies. They are also powerful tools that propel stimulating, interesting, culturally impactful and wisdomfilled interactions (primarily in informal contexts) among Africans. This study aims to explore the categories and functions of proverbs in two African communities (the Likuba people in the Cuvette region of northern Congo and the Annang in Akwaibom State in Nigeria). This is a qualitative-descriptive research. The participant-observation method was used to collect data. Functional and sociological theories of proverb and content analysis were applied in processing the data under study. It is based on 24 proverbs of which 12 Likuba and other 12 Annang. The analysis of Likuba proverbs takes into account the intentions of the speakers in daily greetings. Ultimately, it turns out that the Likuba and Annang proverbs pertain to diverse categories. They fulfill social, artistic and didactic functions. Likuba proverbs are unique because of their occurrence as an integral part of the act of greeting in social life. This ethnographic indication reveals that the speaker's intention goes beyond the attention of his interlocutor to that of the entire Likuba community. So, this article is intended as a contribution to previous work on proverbs in general, and the Likuba and Annang proverbs in particular. Mots-clés : Proverbes, Likuba, Annang, salutation, communication. Keywords: Proverbs, Likuba, Annang, salutation, communication

Election Participation and Assistive Aids for Persons With Disability During the 2023 General Elections in Akwa Ibom State Nigeria

There has been an outcry over the non-inclusion of persons with disability in Nigeria’s elections due to the unavailability of assistive aids. This study investigated elections and assistive technologies for persons with a disability during the 2023 general elections in Akwa Ibom State Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to examine how the provision of voting procedures for hearing-impaired persons enhanced their participation in Akwa Ibom State; to investigate how accessible polling units increased participation of mobility-impaired persons; and to find out how Braille ballots enhanced election participation of visually impaired persons in Akwa Ibom State, during the 2023 general election. The study adopted the social model of disability theory as the theoretical framework. The cross-sectional and descriptive technique were adopted with a population of 1101 registered persons with a disability during the 2023 general elections Akwa Ibom State. Data used in this study was gathered from primary and secondary sources. It was discovered, among others, that the majority of the units had no ramps to support mobility as well as inaccessible polling booths for voting convenience for mobility-impaired persons. Based on these findings, the study recommended that the INEC should ensure that in addition to the voting procedures, each polling station must have trained sign language interpreters to assist hearing impaired persons.

COVID-19 pandemic in the Niger Delta: the Akwa Ibom State experience

ABSTRACT Although the COVID-19 pandemic was not Nigeria’s first encounter with a global health crisis, it profoundly disrupted nearly every sector of society. This study focuses on Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, offering insights into how the pandemic unfolded within the state. Utilising a qualitative methodology that combines content analysis of newspapers with anonymised interviews, framed by New Institutionalism Theory (NIT), this research reveals how the pandemic’s peak intensified tensions between state administration and health officials, alongside public controversies regarding the distribution and use of palliative measures. Our findings highlight the importance of prioritising public needs and ensuring that government actions align with this priority for effective crisis management during large-scale public health emergencies.

Web Technology Skills Acquisition by Computer Science Students at Polytechnics In Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The main aim of this study was to determine the level of web technology skills acquired by computer science students in polytechnics in Akwa Ibom State-Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research method. Two research questions were raised and two research hypotheses were formulated and tested at a 0.05 significant level. Six polytechnics are made up of two public and four private polytechnics. The sample sizes consist of 343 Computer Science Students for public and private polytechnics 157 and 186 respondents’ respectively. Based on the data analyzed, the finding revealed the result of mean and standard deviation on the level of acquisition of content design skills by public and private polytechnic computer science students. However, the extent of acquisition in public Polytechnics shows six very high levels (HL) and six high levels (HL) respectively, while the results for private Polytechnics show six high levels (HL) and six low levels (LL). This implies that public Polytechnic is doing better than private Polytechnics in the acquisition of content design skills in Akwa Ibom State. It was also revealed that the result of mean and standard deviation on the level of acquisition of graphic animation skills by public and private polytechnic computer science students. However, the extent of acquisition in public Polytechnics shows one very high level (VHL) and seven high level (HL) respectively, while the results for private Polytechnics show three high-level t (HL) and five low level (LL).

Job Satisfaction and Staff Performance in Esit Eket Local Government Council of Akwa Ibom State Nigeria

With the general unemployment rate estimated at over 32% and youth unemployment at over 50%, Nigeria is a country of few opportunities and occupational mobility is more or less non-existent. It is widely believed that most people who work in the civil service, especially at the Local Government Councils do so not because they enjoy it but because that is what is available. This study investigated job satisfaction amongst employees of Esit Eket Local Government Council and its relationship with their performance. Using a survey research method, the researchers administered a questionnaire to the entire staff population of 256, of which 246 representing 96.09% were correctly completed and returned. The findings of the study revealed that there is job satisfaction amongst the workers as evidenced by the low staff turnover and exit rate from the sector and that there is a significant relationship between Local Government employee job satisfaction and performance. Contrary to the negative social constructs associated with public staff at the Local Government Councils, they are performing real services of value which ensure political stability as well as accessibility and affordability of key citizen services. To sustain and increase the satisfaction level, the study recommended that the government should carry out innovative improvements to the working conditions of staff at Esit Eket in a way that is enriching and gives room for value creation, such that innovation and creativity now attract key rewards such as promotion, to sustain staff satisfaction.

INFLUENCE OF DOCUMENTARY FILMS ON LEARNING CULTURAL AWARENESS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN UYO, NIGERIA

The study explores the influence of documentary films on learning, awareness, and cultural consciousness of undergraduate University students in Uyo Akwa Ibom State Nigeria. Documentaries, portraying real-life scenarios, serve to educate, inform, and entertain audiences. Six focus group discussions with undergraduate students at the University were conducted and interview questions were guided by review of literature and Priming Theory to facilitate discussions. Data from the focus group discussions were tape recoded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and thematically analyzed. Findings from the study revealed that students gain new knowledge, experience emotional arousal, and develop empathy through exposure to documentary films. Furthermore, documentaries serve as platforms for information dissemination, behavior shaping, and reinforcement of viewers' beliefs. Globalization and technological advancement have led to the wide spread of Western cultural values, while Nigerian indigenous cultural heritage faces decline, particularly among the youth. Documentaries emerge as essential tools for raising awareness and fostering cultural consciousness and countering the erosion of local traditions and values. On the premise of dominance of western culture, social polarization, and declining cultural values among youth, documentaries can help reignite interest in societal norms and help to preserve the culture and traditional heritage of the people in Akwa Ibom State.

Factors Influencing the Attitude of Students Towards the Study of Mathematics among Secondary Schools in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Nigeria

Students’ attitude towards mathematics has been a factor that is known to influence students’ achievement in mathematics. This paper explored factors influencing the attitude of students towards the study of mathematics in Nigeria. This study used a descriptive survey design. A simple random sampling technique was further applied to obtain Mathematics teachers, junior and senior staff, and principals targeted in this research, equal to 273 staff. The study sampled 162 respondents. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis through the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. The findings indicated that the teaching approach in teaching Mathematics was more correlated with students ‘attitudes in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State (r = 0.738; p= 0.000). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the problem-solving method contributed to 57.2% of the variation in the performance, hence playing a vital role in students ‘attitudes towards Mathematics subjects in public secondary schools. It was also inferred that the teaching approach increases positive attitudes toward learning Mathematics subject. The study recommended that the maximum effort should be given to improve the students‟ attitude toward mathematics by organizing forums such as seminars and workshops where teachers and other education stakeholders can support, motivate, and cultivate positive attitudes among their students.

Visual Health Status and Visual Impairment among Students in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to determine the visual health status, causes of visual impairment and the prevalence of eye disease among students in Uyo metropolis. Five specific objectives and five research questions were formulated to guard the study. A Quesi-experimental research design was used in the study involving two public and one private secondary schools located in Uyo metropolis. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data as well as clinical examination of the eyes of the students who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and data so generated were analyzed using frequency counts and non parametric statistics. The sample for the study was made up of 419 students, 152 were males and 261 were females. The findings of the study indicated that, testing using chi-square analysis revealed a poor visual health status of majority of the students is caused by refractive error and the prevalence of visual impairment is high among the students, therefore there is need to take appropriate steps to mitigate its effect on the academic performance of these students and their in future. It is recommended that teachers should be trained and equipped for vision screening of their students, pre-school regular eye screening of students including a proper referral chain for students so identified with eye problem should form part of the school health programmers.

Education Funding and Sustainable Development Goals in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Akwaibom State of Nigeria

This study examined the relationship between education funding and sustainable development goals in public senior secondary schools in AkwaIbom State. Two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted the correlational design, using 142 school principals determined through multi-stage procedure and simple random sampling technique as sample from the population of 251 principals of the 251 public senior secondary schools. The instruments for data collection were Education Funding Scale (EFS) and Sustainable Development Goals Scale (SDGS) which were validated by educational experts with reliability coefficients of 0.91 and 0.89 respectively, determined through Cronbach’s Alpha Statistics. Research questions were answered with Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (r) while hypotheses were tested with corresponding test of significance of correlational coefficient (r) with special zr-test at 0.05 level of significance and at 140 degree of freedom for two-tail test. The findings of the study revealed a positive and high relationship between government sector education funding and sustainable development goals, and private sector education funding and sustainable development goals. There is a high and positive relationship between education funding and sustainable development goals in public senior secondary schools in AkwaIbom State. Thus, funding enhances sustainable development goals. Based on the findings, the study recommended that, the government of AkwaIbom State should increase its budgetary provision for the education sector in order to match its words with actions and sustain the current high relationship between the variables of study. The private sector should always partner with the government in the funding of public secondary schools for an increased and sustained development in the sector and to maintain the current high tempo between the variables of study.

Tourism and Socio Economic Development in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State Nigeria

The paper examined the impact of tourism on the socio-economic development of Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Despite the huge potential of tourism in the study area, its contribution to the transformation is not encouraging. A qualitative study, it adopted the Malthusian theory of economic development as the theoretical framework for analysis. Amongst others, the paper discovered that the tourism industry as it has done in other climes can generate incomes for households through engagement in various economic activities, generate of revenue for the government, create of employment for a coterie of persons as well as the capacity for rural development. However, this depends on the development of tourism. The challenges bedevilling tourism as a tool for socio-economic transformation in the study area included government negligence of the industry as a revenue and other multiplier effects spinner, as the government of Nigeria and the state of Akwa Ibom concentrate so much on the petroleum sector for revenue; lack of organisation on the part of government authorities in revenue collection in the lone tourist site available in the local government area; and a lack of adequate strategy by government agencies at the development of tourism. It has been recommended that the necessary government authorities put in necessary measures for the development and marketing of the tourism potentials of the local government area; efforts should also be directed at eco-tourism as well as creating an enabling environment for tourism to thrive unfettered.

Maintenance Culture of Road Infrastructure and Socio Economic Development in Uyo Local Government Area Akwa Ibom State Nigeria

The focus of this study was on the maintenance culture of road infrastructure and the socioeconomic development in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study was guided by the assumptions of Talcott Parsons' Structural Functionalism Theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of this study consisted of critical stakeholders which included eleven (11) Councilors, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and technocrats – Head of Local Government Service, Director of Finance, Director of Works, and Director of Environmental Health as key informants; and key workforce in AKROIMA and FERMA were part of the participants. The sample size for the study was 40 participants who were selected using purposive and snowballing non-probability sampling techniques. The study adopted observation, key informant interview (KII) and in-depth interview guide (IIG) as major instruments. The findings showed, among others, that maintenance culture is minimally felt in Uyo Local Government Area as a result of the slow response of the maintenance agencies to the deplorable roads in the area. Equally, prompt release of funds distorted by bureaucratic processes constituted a major hindrance to quick response which has affected the access to vital socio-economic institutions and marred the pace of socio-economic development in the study area. The study recommended stakeholders' concerted efforts through advocacy, support, and concern geared toward road maintenance for the development of social life and economic well-being.

Influence of Advertising on Brand Patronage of Macleans Toothpaste in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study investigates the influence of advertising on brand patronage of Macleans toothpaste among residents of Uyo Metropolis in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. The objectives of the study included: Ascertaining consumers’ exposure to advertisements of Macleans toothpaste; identifying the advertising channels that exposed consumers to Macleans toothpaste; to examining the advertising factors that influenced the purchase decision of Macleans toothpaste. The population of the study was 522, 398 isthe 2022 projected figure of people resident in the Uyo metropolis. The study adopted a sample size of 384 based on the Topman formula. The instrument used for the study was the questionnaire while the multi-stage sampling method was used to reach the final respondents. Frequency tables and simple percentages were adopted to analyse research questions. The study was anchored on Elaboration Likelihood Model and Consumer Perception Theory. The results revealed a strong and positive relationship between advertising and brand patronage of Macleans toothpaste among residents of the Uyo metropolis. The findings also indicated that exposure to advertisements influenced the purchase decision of Macleans toothpaste in the Uyo metropolis. It was also revealed that television recorded the highest percentage of exposure to the advertisement of Maclean toothpaste and that the message presentation of Macleans toothpaste advertisements influenced the patronage of a specific brand called Maclean Complete Care. The study concluded that the message presentation in the advertisement was a major factor that influenced the purchase decision of Macleans toothpaste. It therefore recommended that manufacturers and producers of products, particularly toothpastes should look into their advertising strategies for better message presentation to enhance patronage of their brands.

Building Capacity of Community Nurses to Strengthen the Management of Uncomplicated Hypertension in Persons Living with HIV in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Poor training of non-physician healthcare workers (especially community nurses) could hinder the successful integration of cardiovascular disease (CVD) management into HIV chronic care in primary healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries. To address this limitation, we included a holistic training programme with a robust module for both practice facilitators and community nurses as part of the formative stages of the managing hypertension among people living with HIV: an integrated model (MAP-IT), which is a study that is evaluating the effectiveness of practice facilitation on the integration of a task-strengthening strategy for hypertension control (TASSH) into primary healthcare centres in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Between June and November 2021, 3 didactic training workshops were conducted using a training module which is based on the simplified Nigerian Hypertension Protocol for primary care and the World Health Organization (WHO) heart package. Knowledge acquired by the participants was assessed using anonymized pre- and post-training assessments in the first two workshops. Participants' view of the training was assessed using a comprehensive course evaluation questionnaire. A total of 92 community nurses and six practice facilitators were trained in the workshops on managing hypertension in persons living with HIV. Mean pre- and post-test scores improved from 11.9(3.4) to 15.9(2.9); p < 0.001 in the first workshop, and from 15.4(0.9) to 16.4 (1.4); p < 0.001 in the second workshop. The methodology used in the training, understanding of the MAP-IT study programme, and the level of engagement was highly rated by the participants with LIKERT scores of 3.2/4.0, 3.2/4.0, and 3.1/4.0 respectively. Our training methodology, which involved the train-the-trainer model to deliver simplified HIV and HTN care guidelines, showed improvement in the knowledge of managing hypertension in persons living with HIV and was highly rated by participants.

Evaluation of eight bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdcourt) accessions for agronomic characters and proximate composition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea [L.] Verdc.) is a valuable but underutilised legume crop grown in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield and yield components of eight Bambara groundnut accessions obtained from the National Root Crops Research Institute in Umudike, Nigeria. The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research farm of the University of Uyo, Uyo Southern Nigeria during the 2021 cropping seasons, using a randomised complete block design with three replications. Growth, yield and nutritional parameters were collected and subjected to analysis of variance, correlation and principal component analysis. Plant height, number of leaves, and leaf area were all significantly different (P≤0.05) among the accessions three months after planting. Number of pods per plant, seed weight, and 100-seed weight differed significantly (P≤0.05). Caly PSC (2853 kg/ha), Caly SK 46 (2803 kg/ha), Zeina (2538 kg/ha), and BNT (2488 kg/ha) were the top yielders among the accessions. Yields of Bambara groundnut differ significantly (P≤0.05) between accessions studied, ranging from 1624.67 kg/ha to 2853.33 kg/ha. Principal component (PC) analysis identified eight influential components, two of which, PC1 and PC3, contributed 27% and 17% of the total variation, respectively. In this study, the correlation analysis revealed that plant height and petiole length, plant height and number of seeds per plot were all negatively correlated. The leaf area and the number of pods per plot, the number of seeds per pod and the fibre content, the leaf area and seed weight, and the plant height and seed weight were all noted positively correlated. The nutritive value of the eight Bambara groundnut accessions varied significantly (P≤0.05). The mean protein levels of eight Bambara nut accessions studied ranged from 18.82 to 20.39%. Findings from this study clearly indicate that Bambara groundnut is suitable for production in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Thus, high yielding accessions identified in this study are recommended for increased production in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria.

Investigation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Soil from Auto-mobile Mechanic Workshops within Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin L.G.A Akwa Ibom State Nigeria

This study investigates the concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and total hydrocarbon content (THC) in soil samples from auto-mobile mechanic workshop in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin. Soil samples were collected in triplicate at different points within the vicinity of auto-mobile mechanic workshop at Ikot Akpaden represented as site A and control samples were obtained within the frontage of Chemistry Department, AKSU represented as site C. Soxhlet extraction and shaking methods were used for the extraction of the total petroleum hydrocarbons and total hydrocarbon content respectively. Each of the sample extracts were purified using column chromatography to remove moisture, polar hydrocarbons, colour interferences and any impurities before GC analysis. Total petroleum hydrocarbons and THC were analyzed using Gas Chromatography (GC-FID) and UV-VISIBLE spectrophotometer respectively. The results obtained from TPH analysis indicates that; 15,223.4 mg/kg was recorded from the auto-mobile mechanic workshop and 808.507 mg/kg was recorded from the control samples. The results from the two stations were higher than the department of petroleum resources (DPR) permissible limit of 50 mg/Kg for soils. There was significant difference in the concentration of total hydrocarbon content, the result obtained showed that, the three sampling point at the mechanic workshop has THC level in the order; A1&gt;A3&gt;A2. The concentration of THC obtained in the three points were greater than the 0.6 mg/Kg limit of total hydrocarbons content allowed by the DPR. The study revealed that the soils were polluted as a result of indiscriminate disposal of waste petroleum products (used engine oil, petrol, diesel and other lubricants) directly on the soil, as well as dumping and burning of waste at the auto-mobile mechanic workshops. Hence, there is need for a holistic and sustainable monitoring and remediation of the environment for a cleaner and healthier environment.

Evaluation of soil quality under oil palm cultivation in a coastal plain sands area of Akwa Ibom State Nigeria

There is paucity of quantitative scientific information of the potential of crop plants to improve soil quality in the coastal plain sands area, which can contribute to optimum crop productivity. Accordingly, the study evaluated the influence of oil palm cultivation on soil quality in a coastal plain sands area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Four oil palm blocks of varying ages: 57 years (B-57), 39 years (B-39), 17 years (B-17) and a no oil palm block (B-0), which served as the control was used for the study. A total of 12 pits were dug. The soils were described according to horizon designation as observed in the soil profile, sampled at both dry and wet seasons, air dried, sieved and taken to the laboratory for analysis. The data obtained were subjected to laboratory analysis. The soil quality evaluation using principal component analysis method, showed that oil palm improved the soil quality in the dry season with the best quality in B-17 (2.34) followed by B-57 (2.14), B-0 (2.0) and B-39 (1.85). After initial improvement in soil quality by oil palm plantation, up to 17 years of age, the soil quality degraded as the oil palm advanced in age up to 39 years, before it improved again such that soil quality was better at 57 years than when it was assessed at 39 years. Irrespective of the age of oil palm plantation, soil quality was degraded by the wet season. The trend (for wet season) was as follows: B-39 >B-17 >B-57= B-0. The study has revealed that oil palm cultivation can serve as a good soil management and conservation practice in the coastal plain sands area, since it has the potential of improving soil quality (physical, chemical and biological) the longer it stays on the soil.

Emperical Correllation of Hydraullic Characteristics of Ikpa River Akwa Ibom State Nigeria

The study examined the hydraulic properties of the of IKPA river and and its impact on sediment transport. Measurements such as depths of the river, Top width, discharges were measured along the stretch of the river. The cross section of the river was divided with ranging poles with maximum distance of 4m apart. The maximum velocity of the river was 0.94m/s while the minimum velocity of 0m/s was recorded in the cross-section of the rivers. The maximum velocity of the river was recorded at the second vertical and the minimum velocity was recorded at the banks of the river and also on the bed of the river. The regression analysis of the velocity profile against depth at different stages showed a quadratic relationship between the velocity and depth of the river with R2 value of 0.962 which occurred at the 3rd vertical, of stage 2.2m. The highest discharge recorded at the stages of the river was 9.79m3/s which occurred at stage 3.28m. Regression analysis of the average depth against the discharge showed a power function relation which a maximum R2 value of 0.90. Results showed that the maximum discharge of the river recorded was 33.71m3/s at the velocity of 0.67m/s and at the depth of 1.73m from the bed of the river.

UPTAKE AND COMPLETION RATES OF HEPATITIS B VACCINATION AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS AT A REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE

Health care workers are four times more likely to contract hepatitis B infection. Thus, the hepatitis B vaccination is recommended as a preventive measure to protect health workers. This study determined the uptake and completion of hepatitis B vaccination among health workers and the factors associated with vaccination uptake and completion in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study was a descriptive, cross-sectional design, carried out in 2021 among all cadres of health workers at the only tertiary/referral hospital in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State. A pretested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was completed by health workers that consented on information relating to socio-demographic data, vaccination history, knowledge of hepatitis B vaccine and infection, and risk perception of hepatitis B infection. These were analyzed in SPSS version 20 as means and proportions with 95% Confidence Intervals. Chi-square test for Independence was used to examine association between variables at a P-value set at 0.05. Of the 281 study participants, females were 158 (56.2%) and 123 (43.8%), males; mean age was 37.4±8.5 years. Less than half, 132 (47.0%) had received at least one dose of hepatitis B vaccine. Of the 129 that had ever been vaccinated, 31(24%) had fully been vaccinated (completed required three doses). Years of practice (P=0.011), education (P&lt;0.01), professional role (P&lt;0.01 and type of staff (P&lt;0.01) were associated with uptake of vaccination. For completion of vaccination, years of practice (P=0.042) and professional role (P&lt;0.01) The study found a low uptake of hepatitis B vaccination, and even lower complete vaccination rates among the health care workers in a tertiary hospital in Uyo. Years of practice and type/professional role of staff were found to influence uptake and completion of vaccination. Given its importance hepatitis B vaccination is advocated to be included as part of the orientation exercise and periodic examination for hospital staff. KEYWORDS: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis B Vaccination, Uptake, Completion Rate, Health Care Workers, Akwa Ibom State Nigeria

Business Intelligence and Competitive Advantage of Hotels in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to examine the influence of business intelligence on competitive advantage of hotels in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. The survey research design was used in the study. The study had a population of 1,806 and a sample size of 327 determined with Taro Yamane’s formula for sample size determination. The questionnaire was the primary instrument used in data collection. The instrument recorded 73.7% response rate. Data analysis was done with simple regression method. Results of data analysis indicated that data management system (Beta =1.252, t=3.547, p&gt;0.05) has a insignificant influence on hotels competitive advantage in Akwa Ibom State. It also indicated that mobile devices (Beta= 1.095, t= 2.375, p&lt;0.05) have a significant influence on hotels competitive advantage in Akwa Ibom State. It was concluded that business intelligence can lead to competitive advantage of hotels in Akwa Ibom State. It was recommended that hotels in Akwa Ibom State provide for a sound and reliable data management system that can facilitate its capacity to make prompt business decisions to aid its operations towards being ahead of others in their line of business. It was also recommended that hotels in Akwa Ibom State use applicable modern devices that can enhance its operations in delivering quality services to various customers in order to earn competitive advantage.

Socio-Cultural Context and Civil Registration of Under-Five Children in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria

Vital statistics play a crucial role in development planning and effective utilization of resources in any nation, hence the need for the effective participation of citizens in civil registration. However, in Nigeria, effective civil registration has been marred by the socio-cultural environment and other contextual factors. This study investigated the influence of socio-cultural environment on the registration of births and deaths of under-5 children in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study examined the influence of cultural beliefs about maternal and child health, health seeking behaviour, poverty and administration of civil registration on under-5 children births and deaths. Primary data was gathered through 30in-depth and 3 key informant interviews conducted on child bearing women (18-49 years) and civil registrars respectively, as well as 6 focus group discussions with community members. Data were transcribed verbatim and transcripts analysed using NVivo version 12, based on pre-determined themes derived from study objectives. Findings reveal the negative influence of cultural beliefs about maternal and child health, health seeking behaviour, poverty, and civil registration administration on the registration of under-5 children births and deaths. To improve the civil registration of under-5 children, the study recommends intensification of awareness campaigns on the importance, usefulness and procedure of registering under-5 children; deconstructing the cultural myth surrounding maternal and child health; encouraging the use of formal health facilities for maternal and childcare; in centivizing delivery in formal health facilities and siting of registration points across communities, in order to facilitate ease of access.