Bwari Area Council Research Articles

Municipal Solid Waste Characterization as a Measure towards Sustainable Waste Management in Abuja, Nigeria

The constant generation of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is a global concern in terms of quantity and its variety. The composition of MSW is influenced by the level of income; the season of the year; population; culture and lifestyle of people living in that community. Nigeria, in particular, is currently struggling with the menace of the upsurge in the quantity MSW in her major cities, but concern only with its collection, transportation, and disposal, however neglecting the prospect of material recovery from MSW for recycling. On this note, the study aimed to characterize MSW from identified dumpsites and at household level in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Bwari area council, Abuja, Nigeria towards a sustainable and efficient MSW management. The methodology used in this study was carried out in both wet and dry seasons, and each season entails; the use of American Standard Test Method [1] to determine the composition of unprocessed MSW at dumpsites 3 days in a week for 4 weeks and, the segregation of MSW into colored bags representing waste category at the household level was done for 2 weeks. The use of a stratified and random sampling method was employed to administer the questionnaires for data acquisition. The results show that the level of income played a significant role in the constituents of MSW generated at district level. In conclusion, food waste/organics and plastic waste are the predominant MSW categories in AMAC, and Bwari area council, Abuja, Nigeria. The characterization of MSW is essential for a long-term effect and sustainable solid waste management plans in order to design an appropriate and efficient waste management system for the society.

Population dynamics of fresh water snail intermediate hosts of <i>Schistosoma spp.,</i> in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

This study was carried out to provide information on the population dynamics of the snail intermediate host of Schistosoma spp., in Abuja. A cross-sectional study was carried out on water bodies with high human contact activities in all the six area councils in Federal Capital Territory including; Narachi, Rafir shawa, Shetiko, Ushafa, Yangoji and Basa Rivers in Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari, Kwali and Abuja Municipal Area Council respectively. Sampling of snail was based on convenience and presence of snail in the selected areas. Each settlement in the sample population was visited once monthly between March and September, 2017 for snail sample collection. A total of 766 fresh water snails identified to be snail intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis were collected during the study. The prevalence of fresh water snail intermediate hosts of Schistosoma spp., in Abuja comprises 30.16% Bulinus globosus, 11.75% of Bulinus truncatus and 58.09% of Biomphilaria pfeifferi. These fresh water snails were found to be more prevalent in the month of March in all the Local Government Area Council sampled with Gwagwalada Area Council having the highest prevalence of fresh water snail while Bwari Area Council had the lowest. This study revealed that there was high prevalence of snail intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis in Abuja. Hence, there is need for appropriate intervention by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), in collaboration with the National Schistosomiasis Control Program (NSCP) to control snail intermediate hosts of Schistosomes spp., in the study-area using chemical or biological molluscide.Keywords: Water bodies; human contact; Schistosoma spp

Relationship between National Open Apprenticeship Scheme and Youth Employment: Evidence from Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Relationship between National Open Apprenticeship Scheme and Youth Employment: Evidence from Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Status of hookworm infection in junior secondary students, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

Hookworm infection has long been classified as the second most common parasitic helminth disease of the tropic and sub-tropic most especially because besides its grievous public health implications, some of which are due to the pathological damage it causes in the human host’s tissue and organs, the disease also has negative impacts on both human and socio-economic developments in communities where it is endemic. This study aims to verify the prevalence and intensity of hookworm infection in secondary school students in Bwari Area Council, FCT, Abuja. Four secondary schools namely, Government Secondary School, Law School Road, St. Theresa’s Catholic Schools, Government Secondary School, Kuduru and Government Secondary School, Zuma II, were selected randomly as case study. Four hundred and eighty (480) stool specimens (i.e., 120 from each school) were collected exclusively from the Junior Secondary School students of these schools, ensuring that both sexes were equally represented in those to supply the stool specimens. Microscopic examination of the stool specimens was carried out using saline and iodine wet mounts, brine floatation and centrifugation/sedimentation methods to check for presence of ova of hookworm. Result obtained showed that only 167(34.8%) stool specimens contained ova of hookworm of which 107(64.1%) were those from male students and 60(35.9%) were from females. 67(62.6%) were from those within the age bracket of 9-13 years while the other 40(37.4%) were those from 14-18 years age bracket. Similarly, 33(55%) of the infected females were within 9-13 years’ age bracket while the rest 27(45%) were between 14-18 years. Further classification of the result revealed JSS 2 and JSS3 students as having the highest prevalence with 67(40.1%) and 57(34.8%), respectively, while JSS 1 had low infection with 43(25.7%). When infections amongst the schools were compared, it was found that Government Secondary School, Zuma II, had the highest with 48(40%) while the rest Government Secondary School, Law School Road, St. Theresa’s Catholic Schools and Government Secondary School, Kuduru, had 40(33.3%), 36(30%) and 43(35.3%), respectively. the study has confirmed that hookworm exist in Bwari Area Council. The observed high prevalence of infection amongst male students between the 9-13 years age bracket cannot therefore be unconnected with their active engagement in farming, hunting, sports (such as football, athletics, etc.) and other extra-curricular activities that make them expose themselves to unprotected and hookworm-infested soils. Prompt treatment of known cases beside adequate and regular health education campaign in primary, secondary, work places and public markets on the need for proper hygiene practices and regular environmental sanitation and avoidance indiscriminate human faecal disposal.Keywords: Hookworm; prevalence; intensity; secondary school; students; Bwari.

A GIS-based analysis for sanitary landfill sites in Abuja, Nigeria

The absence of sanitary landfill in Abuja, Nigeria has been a challenge that needs the full attention of the authorities. The improper disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) on open land is a burden to the government due to the health implications and the socioeconomic issues associated with it. In order to mitigate environmental degradation, health risk concern and public vexation, the study aims at identifying suitable sites for MSW disposal in Abuja Municipal Area Council and Bwari area council of Abuja which meets global specification and standards. The integration of Geospatial data: Landsat-7ETM+, NigeriaSat-X, ASTER-GDEM, base map, soil and geology maps and multi-criteria evaluation, was used to evaluate the relative importance of each criterion in the study. Each map layers were formed by using the spatial analysis potential of the ArcGIS10.1 software and final suitability map was created using the weighted overlay analysis. The results of the analysis identified six potential sites for sanitary landfill; however four out of the six sites were considered due to the land area size of the sites and its non-intersection with the Abuja land use plan. Also, results showed that none of the existing MSW disposal sites met the global standards considered. In view of the ecological and environmental challenges regarding MSW disposal sites in Abuja, this study shows that GIS is an effective tool in MSW management, which will assist decision makers to plan appropriately toward achieving an aesthetic, healthy and sustainable environment.

Isolation and Characterization of Some Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacteria Isolated from Contaminated Soil in Zuma, Bwari Area Council, Fct, Abuja, Nigeria

Isolation and Characterization of Some Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacteria Isolated from Contaminated Soil in Zuma, Bwari Area Council, Fct, Abuja, Nigeria

Detection of mycobacteria in raw cow milk sold in Bwari Area Council, Abuja FCT

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an important zoonotic disease worldwide and hence it is of great public health significance. It is present in most developing countries where surveillance and control activities are often inadequate or unavailable. This study was designed to detect mycobacteria in raw milk of cows using ZN-stain, PCR, and cultural techniques to determine the prevalence of bTB in Bwari area council of FCT Abuja. Out of the 145 raw milk sampled, 6.89% tested positive by ZN-stain and culture while 1.3% were positive by PCR. The herd prevalence per satellite town based on ZN-stain technique was 8.89%, 10.0%, 3.33% and 5.00% for Bwari, Dei-Dei, Kubuwa and Ushafa respectively. While by cultural method, the prevalence was 2.22%, 10.00%, and 5.00% for Bwari, Dei-Dei, Kubuwa and Ushafa respectively. PCR revealed the prevalence of Mycobacterium species for Bwari and Dei-Dei as 2.22% and 3.33% respectively. Detection of Mycobacteria in raw (unpasteurized) pose a serious public health risk to raw milk consumers in Bwari area council. Keywords: Raw milk, bTB, ZN stain, PCR, Culture

Socio-demographic Factors Associated with Knowledge and Uptake of Family Planning Among Women of Reproductive Age in a Rural Community of Abuja, Nigeria

Nigeria has a population of about 180 million, estimated to double in 22 years due to low uptake of family planning services. Low utilization of family planning is the major factor associated with high fertility pattern in Nigeria. This trend is higher among rural women in Northern Nigeria. Without a thorough understanding of, and due attention to the local context, utilization of family planning may continue to be low. Identification of correlates of family planning would be invaluable in designing strategies for ultimately improving uptake of family planning services. This study became relevant as no previous study on family planning has been carried out in Ushafa Community. The study was conducted at Ushafa community, a rural community, located in Bwari Area Council on the northern axis of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) who were permanent resident of Ushafa Community. Using proportion of contraceptive usage of 16% from a previous study, 240 women were recruited into the study by systematic sampling technique. Data was collected by means of a structured interviewer administered questionnaire, data was entered and analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20. All tests were conducted using 2 tails while level of significance was set at 0.05. About a quarter of respondents (26.3%) knew that amenorrhoea could be a side effect of oral contraceptive pills, 51.1% knew that oral contraceptive pills must be taken daily, 58% were not using any form of family planning. Age (χ2 = 8.382, p = 0.01) and marital status (χ2 = 8.915, p = 0.01) were significantly associated with family planning knowledge. Level of education was significantly associated with current use of family planning (χ2 = 10.78, p = 0.03). Educational status was significantly associated with likelihood of using family planning in the future (χ2 = 8.64, p = 0.04). Although the respondents had fairly good knowledge of family planning, the study observed some misconceptions especially with respect to side effects and methodology of use of the commodities. Low uptake of family planning was observed among the respondents. Age and marital status were significantly associated with family planning knowledge; level of education was significantly associated with current use of family planning. There is need for incorporation of facts on usage and side effects of family planning in message disseminated by health workers in health facilities in Ushafa Community so as to correct misconceptions. DOI : http://dx.doi.org./10.17576/JSKM-2018-1601-09

A Survey of Hand Washing Behavior and Awareness among Health Care Workers in Health Care Facilities in Kubwa District of Bwari Area Council, F.C.T. Abuja, Nigeria

A Survey of Hand Washing Behavior and Awareness among Health Care Workers in Health Care Facilities in Kubwa District of Bwari Area Council, F.C.T. Abuja, Nigeria

Knowledge and practice of sedentary lifestyle among bankers in Abuja, North-Central Ngeria

Objective: Appropriate regular physical activity is a major component in preventing the growing global burden of chronic disease and at least 60% of the global population fails to achieve the minimum recommendation of 30 minutes moderate intensity physical activity daily. This study was aimed at assessing the knowledge and practice of sedentary lifestyle among bankers in Bwari Area Council, FCT, Abuja in North-Central Nigeria.Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study using self administered questionnaire. Systematic sampling was used to recruit 257 bankers from the various banks within BAC. The data was analysed using EPI INFO computer software package (version 3.5.3).Results: More than half 174 (67.7%) of the respondents were aware of sedentary lifestyle; 104 (59.9%) had good knowledge of sedentary lifestyle while 55 (31.5%) had poor knowledge. More than half 155 (60.3%) of the respondents were sedentary while only 102 (39.7%) were physically active. Knowledge of sedentary lifestyle did not significantly influence practice of sedentary lifestyle.Conclusion: There was good knowledge of sedentary lifestyle among the respondents. More than half of the bankers were found to be sedentary and about a third were physically active. Programmes aimed at improving physical activity among employees of this occupation group are therefore advocated.Keywords: Sedentary Lifestyle, Knowledge, Practice, Abuja, Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ)

Employing DC Resistivity Method for Hydrogeological Analysis of Zuma II, a VES Approach

This research work employs the DC Resistivity method for Hydrogeological analysis in Veritas University, Zuma II, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria. The work attempts to tackle the immense water shortage crisis within the University, this work also, attempts to provide access to stratigraphic information and to assist groundwater development for the region. Schlumberger array and electrical sounding technique are adopted for subsurface delineation. Eleven resistivity profile graphs generated from tabled data are presented by employing the Winresist software and Microsoft excel. The outcome of this investigation revealed four spots with good potentials for ground water; these points are located within the fifth and third layers on 9.28498°N, 7.41875°E (VES 1); 9.28515°N, 7.41789°E (VES 5); 9.28437°N, 7.41793°E (VES 8); 9.28394°N, 7.41792°E (VES10). Furthermore, the outcome of this work revealed the lithology of the region investigated. Five distinct layers of varying thicknesses and depths were displayed: Top soil, Clay, Sandy clay, Fractured and Basement Rocks. From the collated readings, the derived average thicknesses of topsoil, sandy clay and clay are 0.8 m, 10.2 m and 7.06 m respectively.

Detection of mycobacteria in raw milk and assesment of risk factors among fulani herdsmen in Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

Detection of mycobacteria in raw milk and assesment of risk factors among fulani herdsmen in Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

Physicochemical Studies of Potable Water Resources within the Kubwa Vicinity of Bwari Area Council, Abuja

Physicochemical Studies of Potable Water Resources within the Kubwa Vicinity of Bwari Area Council, Abuja

Dietary Pattern and Nutrient Intake of In-school Adolescents in Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory-Abuja, Nigeria

Dietary Pattern and Nutrient Intake of In-school Adolescents in Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory-Abuja, Nigeria

An Assessment of Some Environmental Effects of Squatter Settlement in Dutse Alhaji, Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Environment and human activities are omen to development. Bwari Area Council in FCT is one of the areas that require such development drive. The study is required to facilitate this need. This research effort is to examine the environmental effect of squatter settlement in Dutse Alhaji, Bwari Area Council. In view of the above, necessary procedures were selected to accomplish this. Approach includes the development of database and choice of appropriate data sources (primary and secondary data sources). From the methodology, there were questionnaire administration, direct interview of respondents, collection and updating of the base maps, and the use of necessary field instrument for the study. The data gathered were analysed using the descriptive method. These entail the application rank scores to percentage distribution of variables, revealing quality of basic characteristics of the squatter settlement. The end result has revealed a number of environmental problems due to the existence of these settlements (Dutse Alhaji). These problems are soil erosion, gully erosion, poor drainage system, forestation, traffic congestion, noise pollution, illegal refuse dump sites, slum situations, etc. Appropriate recommendations in form of short time and long time solution were suggested to conclude the research work. Key words :Squatter Settlement; Environmental problems; Environmental Effects