Akwa Ibom State Research Articles

Physical Properties of Soil in Relation to Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity of Soils Under Selected Land Use Practices in Akwa Ibom State

This study assessed the effects of land use types on selected physical properties of soil in Akwa Ibom State, south-south Nigeria. Four land use types, intensive cultivated land (ICL), natural forest (NF), oil palm plantation (OPP) and gmelina plantation (GP), were considered. Each land use was represented by three profile pits which were sampled according to genetic horizons for laboratory analysis. Data generated were analyzed statistically using descriptive and regression analyses. The results showed that ICL had the highest bulk density (Bd) ( 1.7g/cm3) followed by NF and OPP (1.6g/cm3) while GP had the least (1.5g/cm3), OPP had the highest total porosity (Tp) (43.7%) followed by GP (42.6%), NF (41.1%) while ICL had the least (36.2%), ICL and NF had the highest water stable aggregates (WSA) (12.9%) followed by OPP (8.3%) while GP had the least (4.3%). However, OPP had the highest saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) (8.4cm/h) followed by NF (8.2cm/h) while ICL and GP had the least (4.3cm/h). Result further showed that Ksat was significantly correlated with clay with r2 value of 0.53 (Ƿ˂ 0.01). Across the four land use types, Ksat was moderately rapid. Irrespective of land use type, soils were dominated by sand-sized fraction which generally decreased with depth, reflecting the influence of the parent material(coastal plain sands). This study shows that the land use types were similar in their effects on Ksat but there were no significant differences.

Household Food Insecurity in Ikot–Ekpene Local Government Area, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria: Prevalence and Association

ABSTRACT This study determined the prevalence and association of household food insecurity and its association with anemia among children in a Nigerian rural community. A descriptive cross-sectional community-based study design with 308 households in Akwa-Ibom state, Nigeria, was used. Household food insecurity access was assessed using HFIAS questionnaire. Haemoglobin was assessed using cyanmethemoglobin method. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with household food insecurity. Having self-employed mothers (COR = 1.093; 95% CI = 0.301–3.962) and large household size (COR = 2.163; 95% CI = 1.229–3.809) were associated with increased risk of household food insecurity.

Experiences of Stigmatization and Discrimination in Accessing Health Care Services Among People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Recent advances in care and treatment have turned HIV into a "chronic but manageable condition". Despite this, some people living with HIV (PLHIV) continue to suffer from stigma and discrimination in accessing health care services. This study examined the experience of stigma and discrimination and access to health care services among PLHIV in Akwa Ibom State. The Center for Clinical Care and Clinical Research (CCCRN), implementing a USAID-funded Integrated Child Health and Social Services Award (ICHSSA 1) project, conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey in 12 randomly selected local government areas in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A structured quantitative questionnaire was used for data collection. In total, 425 randomly selected PLHIV were interviewed after providing informed consent. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were conducted using the data analytical application Stata 14. The study revealed that 215 PLHIV (50.4%) had been denied access to health care services, including dental care, because of their HIV status in Akwa Ibom State. Respondents reported being afraid of: gossip (78%), being verbally abused (17%), or being physically harassed or assaulted because of their positive status (13%). Self-stigmatization was also evident; respondents reported being ashamed because of their positive HIV status (29%), exhibiting self-guilt (16%), having low self-esteem (38%), and experiencing self-isolation (36%). Women, rural residents, PLHIV with no education, unemployed, single, young people aged between 19 and 29 years, and older adults were more likely to experience HIV-related stigmatization. Data from the study revealed that the percentage of PLHIV who experience health-related stigmatization because of their HIV status is high in Akwa Ibom State. This finding calls for the prioritization of interventions to reduce stigma, enhance self-esteem, and promote empathy and compassion for PLHIV. It also highlights the need for HIV education for family and community members and health care providers, to enhance the knowledge of HIV and improve acceptance of PLHIV within families, communities, and health care settings.

Clinical Profile and middle cerebral artery velocity of children with sickle cell anaemia seen in UUTH, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria.

The risk of stroke in individuals with Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) can be assessed by routine non-invasive measurement of their cerebral blood flow using a Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound scan. This study aimed to determine the difference in blood flow velocity parameters in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) of children with sickle cell anaemia compared to a normal age-matched population. This was a hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study among 40 SCA patients aged 3-16 years, in steady state and 40 age and sex-matched HbAA healthy subjects. This study lasted from June to October 2019. Medical history was retrieved using a structured questionnaire. The time-averaged mean of maximum velocity (TAMMV) of the right and left MCA was measured using non-imaging TCD. The mean age ± SD of the SCA patients was 9.1 ± 4.4 years. The SCA patients and sex and age-matched HbAA group consisted of 23 (57.5%) males and 17 (42.5%) females respectively. SCA patients had a significantly lower mean ± SD haemoglobin (Hb) than the controls (7.1 ± 1.1g/dl vs 11.1 ± 1.4g/dl; p<0.001). The right MCA of the patients with SCA had a significantly higher mean flow velocity compared to the controls (94.1 ± 23.1 vs 55.0 ± 8.8cm/sec, p<0.001). The mean TAMMV recorded in the SCA subjects were significantly higher than that of the non-SCA subjects. There is a need to ensure that TCD ultrasound is employed as a routine screening tool for stroke risk among SCA patients in Nigerian tertiary health institutions.

Extraction and Visual Test for Colour Fastness of Eco- Friendly Dye from Natural Plant (Calotropis Procera)

The study was on Extraction and Visual Test for Colour Fastness of Eco- Friendly Dye from Natural Plant (Calotropis Procera). The objectives of the study were the extraction of natural dye from Calotropis Procera plant; application of the extracted dyes on a fabric (white cotton); testing for color fastness of the dye on the fabric (cotton) using wash fastness; and testing for the color fastness of the dye on the fabric (cotton) using light fastness. The bark of Calotropis Procera was purchased from Itam market in Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. The dye was extracted using maceration and Soxhlet techniques with distilled water and ethanol respectively. The dye was extracted in four states. Using Soxhlet technique with ethanol and distilled water as solvents, the colours obtained after filtration were Nespresso and marigold respectively. Using maceration technique with ethanol and distilled water as solvents yielded Hollister and honey colours respectively. The extracted dyes were applied on cotton fabric treated with mordant. Colours obtained after dyeing using Nespresso was yellow, marigold gave blonde, Hollister was honey and honey colour resulted to butter. The wash fastness visual results for cotton fabrics dyed with dye extracted using Soxhlet and maceration with distilled water as solvent were rated 1-2 poor while the ones extracted with ethanol as solvent using same techniques were rated 3 and 2-3 respectively.

Structural and Morphological Analysis of Untapped Clay Deposits in Itu Local Government Area Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and its Potentials as Raw Material for Petroleum Refining

This work describes scanning electron microscope and XRD characterization of untapped clay deposits in Itu Local Government Area Akwa Ibom State and its potentials as raw material for petroleum refining. The structure and morphology of the raw kaolin clay and metakaolin were analyzed using XRD and SEM. The XRD data indicates 48.0 % quartz, 30.0% kaolinite, 3.0 % chlorite, 16.0 % illite and 2.0% albite in the raw kaolin and 68.3 % quartz, 17.3 % orthoclase, 5.9 % muscovite, 1.8 % illite , 6.68 %, albite in the metakaolin from Ikot Uso Akpan and 16.2 % kaolinite, 67.0% quartz, 2.5 % muscovite, 5.5 % orthoclase, 1.4 % chlorite, and 7.0 % albite were revealed in Ekim Itam raw kaolin. 66.0 % quartz, 10.0 % muscovite, 15.0 % orthoclase, 5.0 % illite, 5.0 % albite were recorded in the metakaolin. The XRD results confirmed the presence of quartz and alumina mineral phases from both kaolin deposits. Calcination at 1000oC increased the crystalline structure of the metakaolin and did not significantly modify surface morphology of the kaolin indicating stability of kaolin structure, one the desired property of a good zeolite. The SEM results indicated heterogeneous size and spongy like porous shape. There was no significant change in the surface morphology of the heterogeneous size calcined kaolin compared with untreated kaolin. The SEM results of the metakaolin kaolin also indicated cubic crystalline structure with well-defined edges. With adequate modification the studied kaolin could be a promising raw material for synthesis of zeolite suitable for bio and fossil fuel processing.

Mobile Marketing and Consumer’s Purchase Decisions among Students of Tertiary Institutions in Akwa Ibom State

This study was carried out to assess the relationship between mobile marketing and purchase decisions of students in the tertiary institutions. The researchers adopted a survey research technique in the study. The population size was students of three tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State and a sample size of 366 employees was studied. The mobile marketing variables (independent variables) considered in the study were Short Message Service, Mobile Website and Social Media Marketing. The dependent variable was Consumer’s Purchase Decision. Research questions were answered using frequency, mean and standard deviation. The hypotheses stated were tested using Spearman Correlation Coefficient at a 5% level of significance. From the data analysis, the major findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between the dimensions of mobile marketing variables (Short Message Service, Mobile Website and Social Media Marketing) and consumer’s purchase decision of Nigerian students in the tertiary institutions. From the findings, it was concluded that there was a positive and significant relationship between mobile marketing and consumer’s purchase decision of Nigerian students in Akwa Ibom State. In line with this, it was recommended that companies should endeavor to influence their customers’ purchase decisions by making their products accessible through mobile devices platforms to interact with their customers and keep them informed of new product features.

Dietary exposure and risk characterization of selected toxic metals in crude palm oil (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) from six states in Niger Delta, Nigeria

The increase in toxic metal (TM) contamination in crude palm oil (CPO) due to anthropogenic activities, method of processing and handling makes it necessary to assess the contents of metals of toxicological interest to ensure safety. The contents of TMs [lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and arsenic (As)] were quantified in CPO samples locally produced from six selected states in Niger Delta, Nigeria using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The TM contents and dietary intakes were compared with permitted limits of international agencies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). The TM contents exceeded the permissible limits of JECFA with Cr in Akwa Ibom State samples (3.08 mg kg-1) being the highest. The dietary monthly intake of Cd for consumption of 25 g day-1 of CPO for adults and children were 40.36 µg kg-bw-1 month-1 (161%) and 91.6 µg kg-bw-1 month-1 (366%), respectively. The margin of exposure (MOE) values of Pb due to consumption of CPO ranged from 1.39 to 3.83 (nephrotoxic effects) and 3.32 to 9.12 (cardiotoxic effects) for adults, and 0.49 to 1.34 (neurotoxic effect), 0.61 to 1.69 (nephrotoxic effects) and 0.61 to 4.01 (cardiotoxic effects) for children. Furthermore, MOE values of inorganic arsenic (iAs) for carcinogenic effects due to consumption of CPO for adults and children ranged from 0.32 to 26.53 and 0.14 to 11.69, respectively. The results highlight the necessity to set up monitoring program for TMs in CPO to reduce exposure level.

Rainfall-Riverflow Trends of Enyong Creek in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Rainfall-riverflow is crucial for effective hydrology and water resource management. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the rainfall-riverflow trends of Enyong Creek in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, utilizing daily hydro-meteorological data of daily rainfall, river discharge, and temperature data collected from the period 2018 to 2023 and modeling the data by Vector Autoregressive (VAR) models. The results show that the VAR model successfully captured the dynamic relationships among water discharge (WD), rainfall (RF), and average temperature (AVE.TEMP). Equations revealed the influence of past values on the current state of each variable. Correlation matrix and graphical representations confirmed model adequacy. Validation results demonstrated the model's accuracy, with model R-squared value of 0.8781 indicating a strong correlation. The performance measurement of evaluation for the developed model showed a Mean Average Error (MAE), Root Mean Square error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) values of 5.5066, 6.7831, and 7.4203 respectively, revealing a satisfactory accuracy and precision. Information derived from this study offers valuable insights for government officials, policymakers, and planners in accurate flood forecasting, emergency management, land use planning, and infrastructure development.

Traditional Crime Control Measures and Criminality in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The study examined traditional crime control measures and criminality in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It identified various traditional crime control measures practiced by Akwa Ibom people. The research made use of primary data which were collected through in-depth interview with the use of interview schedule. Four hundred (400) study respondents were engaged as calculated sample size, Four hundred respondents were randomly selected from twelve (12) purposively selected villages across twelve (12) Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. The state was divided into three clusters namely: Annang, Ibibio and Oron ethnic groups. Routine Activity (RA) theory of crime by Cohen and Felson (1979) was used in the study. Data collected were analyzed thematically in line with the objectives of the study. Findings revealed that there were traditional crime control measures among Akwa Ibom people which include; Idiong, Mbiam, Ukang. Ekpo, Akata, Ekpe, Iban Ison, Nka Nkparawa, Asian Uboikpa, Ayai, Adagha, Ibed Ukot, and Ibed Eyeyen. It was discovered that the rise in crime in the state is due to the abandonment of some traditional crime control measures. It was discovered also that, there exist poor relationship between the police and traditional institutions and this has caused increase in crime in the state. It was recommended that there should be partnership and synergy among traditional and modern crime control agencies in the study area to increase crime control effectiveness Also, government should develop policies that creates avenue for partnership between the police and other traditional institutions toward effective crime control.

Consumers’ aversion to food safety risk associated with cowpea storage In Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

When consumers are averse to food risk, they take proactive steps that will eliminate or reduce their exposure to such risks, which in turn can contribute to reducing the global burden of disease. This study assessed consumers’ aversion to food safety risk associated with cowpea storage. The analysis used survey data from 120 consumers collected through interviews with the use of questionnaire. Consumers’ response to the food hazard information under consideration was analyzed descriptively and the predisposing factors for receiving information and being averse to food risks were analyzed using probit regression. About 22.50% of respondents were implicitly excluded from making informed decisions given that they did not receive the food hazard information. Most respondents (55.91%) who received the information are averse to the associated risks, but majority of those who are averse (92.31%) focused on reducing their risk exposure and the severity of possible health effects rather than eliminating the risk. Also, up to 86% of those who initially exhibited extreme risk avoidance behaviours switched to tolerant ones. These findings highlight the extent to which behaviours are sustained while food hazards at issue may still exist, the importance of ensuring non-exclusivity in disseminating food safety alerts and information, and the need to design consumer focused interventions to ensure safe food consumption pending the strengthening of relevant food safety institutions in developing regions.

Training and Development and Employee Retention in Commercial Banks in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study focused on training and development and employee retention in commercial banks in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Primarily, the study was conducted to investigate the influence of training and development on employee retention in select banks. The survey research design was adopted and this involved administration of copies of questionnaire on employees of case banks who served as respondents. The study’s population was 497 while the sample size was 384 determined using Cochran’s sample size determination formula. The sampling method employed in the study was random sampling. The questionnaire was used in data collection. Data obtained in the study were analyzed using simple regression method. Result of the analysis indicated that training and development (Beta =0.093, t=2.5833, p&lt;0.05) has a significant influence on employee retention in commercial banks in Akwa Ibom State. It was concluded that training and development can make significant contributions to employee retention in commercial banks in Akwa Ibom State. It was recommended that commercial banks in the state should prioritize employee training and development in order to motivate their employees’ retention.

Knowledge Management and Competitive Advantage in Selected Manufacturing Firms in Akwa Ibom State

This paper was designed to examine the relationship between Knowledge management and Organizational competitiveness. The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between knowledge management and competitive advantage in selected manufacturing firms in Akwa Ibom State. In line with the research objective was the research questions and hypothesis. Survey research design was adopted for the study and a sample size of 105 respondents were drawn from the population using census sampling technique. The major instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire administered to the respondent using stratified sampling techniques. The major instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire administered to the respondent using stratified sampling techniques. Data collected were analysed using simple percentage and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Results showed a significant positive relationship between each of the two dimensions of knowledge management (organizational learning, = Rx1 =0.799 amd Knowledge retention = Rx2 =0. 825**,) and organizational competitiveness at the selected manufacturing firms in Akwa Ibom State. It was recommended that, firm managers and knowledge management implementation members should incorporate organizational learning, knowledge retension, as part of Knowledge Management infrastructure capabilities in addition to culture, structure, and information technology in order to make their Knowledge Management infrastructure capabilities more robust.

Employee Benefits and Employee Retention in Commercial Banks in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study investigated employee benefits and employee retention in commercial banks in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The survey research design was adopted and this involved administration of copies of questionnaire on employees of case banks who served as respondents. The study’s population was 497 while the sample size was 384 determined using Cochran’s sample size determination formula. The sampling method employed in the study was random sampling. The questionnaire was used in data collection. Data obtained in the study were analyzed using simple regression method. The outcome of this research showed that employee benefits (Beta =0.184, t=2.921, p&lt;0.05) has a significant influence on employee retention in commercial banks in Akwa Ibom State. Employee benefits can determine employee retention in commercial banks in Akwa Ibom State.The study makes contribution in the area of employing employee benefits in retaining the services of high performing and experienced employees in banks. The limitation of this study is that only one state was considered in the survey

Customer Feedback and Service Quality in the Akwa Ibom State Hospitality Sector

This study looks into the dynamic link that exists between service quality and customer feedback in the developing Nigerian state of Akwa Ibom. The study attempts to clarify the critical role that customer feedback plays in establishing service standards and is based on the growing importance of service quality in today's global hospitality market. By means of an exhaustive analysis of several aspects of customer feedback, including online reviews, referral rates, repeat customer behaviour, and complaint frequency, the research aims to identify their respective influences on the perceived quality of service. This study's theoretical foundations include Oliver's Expectation-Confirmation Theory and the SERVQUAL model. In the end, these frameworks impact customers' views of service quality by providing a theoretical basis to understand the intricate relationship between their experiences, expectations, and satisfaction levels. The present inquiry is grounded in empirical research from a variety of hospitality environments, which demonstrates the significance of customer feedback and its complex influence on service quality. One hundred customers who have used hospitality services in Akwa Ibom State are the subjects of this study, which employs a survey research design. Analyzing the data through regression analysis yields some interesting results. Greater complaint frequency and some elements of online evaluations show negative correlations; however higher recommendation rates are positively correlated with perceived service quality. It is noteworthy that the perception of service quality is not much affected by the behaviour of repeat customers. The results of this study have important ramifications for the hospitality industry in Akwa Ibom. These include the necessity of efficient complaint handling procedures, proactive tactics to encourage positive word-of-mouth, and a sensible use of online reviews. In order to connect service delivery with changing consumer demands and promote sustainable growth and development within the local hospitality industry, it proposes a paradigm change towards continuous improvement, tailored experiences, and proactive response tactics.

Personality Traits and Academic Performance of Students in Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria

The broad objective of the study was to examine the relationship between personality traits and academic performance of students in Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden/Obio Akpa Campus. The research hypotheses were formulated in line with the research questions and objectives. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study and a sample size of three hundred and fifty-three (379) respondents was drawn from a population of seven thousand five hundred and sixty (7560) students using Taro Yamani formula. The major instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire administered to the respondents using stratified sampling technique and the interval data collected were analyzed using simple percentage and Pearson Moment Correlation Analysis. The result of the findings revealed that, that there is a significant relationship between conscientiousness, (RX1 = 547) agreeableness (RX2 =770) and academic performance (p= 0.000) of students in Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden/Obio Akpa Campus. Consequently, it is recommended that Students who exhibit higher levels of conscientiousness tend to achieve better academic outcomes. Here's how conscientiousness can influence academic performance and some tips for leveraging this trait to excel in academics: Time Management, task completion, attentions to detail and organizations.

Career Management Practice: A Panacea for Organizational Citizenship Behaviour amongst senior Non-Teaching Staff in University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between career management practices and organizational citizenship behaviour amongst senior non-teaching staff in University of Uyo. Survey research design was adopted for the study. Population for the study was one thousand, one hundred and fifteen (1,115) senior non-teaching staff in the employ of university of Uyo. Taro

Individual Taxpayers’ Compliance Behaviour and Tax Revenue Generation in Akwa Ibom State

The problem of tax evasion and non-compliance by individual taxpayer has created significant challenges for the Akwa Ibom Staten tax system. Based on this study examined that relationship between individual taxpayers’ compliance behavior and tax revenue generation in Akwa Ibom State. Specifically, the study ought to determine the relationship between knowledge of tax obligation and tax collection efficiency in Akwa Ibom State, to ascertain the relationship between perceived ease of tax procedures and tax collection efficiency in Akwa Ibom State and to assess the relationship between perception of tax fairness and tax collection efficiency in Akwa Ibom State. This study adopted the survey design. Purposively, a sample of one-hundred and forty-five (145) tax officials/experts was drawn in order to attain the study objectives. The data collected was coded, transformed and analyzed using multiple regression via Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS) and presented by use of tables. The study findings revealed that knowledge of tax obligation has a positive significant relationship (Coeff. =0.171{0.035}) with tax collection efficiency in Akwa Ibom State while perceived ease of tax procedures has a positive significant relationship (Coeff. =0.228{0.005}) with tax collection efficiency in Akwa Ibom State. It also revealed that perceived ease of tax fairness has a positive significant relationship (Coeff. =0.267{0.001}) with tax collection efficiency in Akwa Ibom State. Based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA), the F-change test showed that the overall effect was statistically significant (p-value = 0.000&lt;0.05) and was however concluded that taxpayers’ compliance behavior plays a significant role in enhancing tax revenue generation in Akwa Ibom State. The study recommended, amongst others, that tax authorities should streamline and simplify the tax filing process by creating user-friendly online platforms, providing clear instructions, and reducing unnecessary complexities.

Implementation of Ban on Rice Import and Economic Implications in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Despite the ban on the importation of rice into Nigeria, there seems to be a prevalent preference for consumption of foreign/imported rice by consumers in Akwa Ibom State. Hence, this preference motivates smugglers to bring in the rice from the neighbouring country (Cameroon) into Akwa Ibom State through water broader. This study focused on rice consumers likes/dislikes, market changes and problems faced by local rice produces. It will provide useful information to legislators, producers of rice, marketers and researchers. The study reviewed: the rationale behind the ban on the importation of rice into Nigeria with specific focus on Akwa Ibom State. It also reviewed consumers perception of the quality of locally produced rice, their attitude preferences and factors influencing their choice. Factors contributing to limited patronage of Nigeria rice, strategies for encouraging local producers/marketers, were also examined. Important discoveries reveal among others various factors influencing rice production such as consumers likes purchasing power and the perception of the quality of the rice. Furthermore, laws rules and regulations made by the government and the advertising skills of rice producers create a challenging situation for marketers. Local rice producers in Akwa Ibom State have problems such as: not getting enough capital and lacking other resources to produce in large quantities. This shows that special aid is needed for them to succeed. More support needs to be put in place such as giving grants to farmers, building firms and other infrastructure for them, provision of fertilizer etc. This will make the local rice business stronger and viable. In practice, Nigeria rice producer and sellers can concentrate on branding, making sure the quality is good and improve on marketing strategies in order to increase the patronage of produced-in-Nigeria rice. It is also important for Nigeria rice producers to study consumers likes and preferences, government programmes on local rice farmers and exploring alternative methods of rice cultivation that benefit the environment. These and others if implemented are likely to improve the faltering fortune of the rice industry in Nigeria by way of improving demand and discouraging illegal importation.

The Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Background: The protection of women’s right especially in a patriarchal setting like ours is of grave importance. Gender-based violence is a salient pandemic, affecting many lives in Nigeria. This phenomenon disproportionately affects women, who continue to face violence due to their vulnerability in a society dominated by men. The study examined the prevalence of gender-based violence in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Objectives: The study highlighted three objectives to include assessing the prevalence of sexual violence, physical violence, and emotional violence against women and girls in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Method: A descriptive research design was employed in this study and the population comprised women and girls with cases of gender-based violence in Akwa Ibom South. Simple random and snowball sampling techniques were used to draw a sample size of 150 respondents. Instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire and the data was analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences through descriptive statistics. Results: The research found that there is high prevalence of sexual and physical violence against women and girls in Akwa Ibom State; every woman/girl encounters emotional violence sometime in their life; there is low level of reporting incidents of sexual and physical violence; emotional violence is obviously considered insignificance and as such unreported. Recommendations: The study recommends among others that the government, NGOs, and civil organizations should engage communities in discussions and actions against policies and cultural barriers affecting women’s right, consistently raise awareness on GBV and its consequences, strengthen the legal framework to ensure laws against GBV are enforceable, and provide accessible and adequate support services to GBV survivors.