Ilorin City Research Articles

Mapping and Evaluation of Flood Risk Areas along Asa River using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Flooding in Ilorin city has become a yearly occurrence. Mapping and evaluation of flood risk areas along Asa River in Ilorin metropolis was carried out using the Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing. The technique used includes conversion of Digital Terrain Model (DTM) to Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) format. The geometric data was obtained from TIN through the use of United States Army Corps of Engineers, Hydrologic Engineering Centre, Geo River Analysis System (USACE HEC-geoRAS) in GIS. The obtained geometric data, Manning’s roughness coefficient (n), Expansion and contraction coefficient values and steady flow data of the River were used in HEC-RAS. The n values of 0.035, 0.016 and 0.02 were used for the channel, 0.045, 0.016 and 0.03 were used for the overbank and 0.2 was used for the bridges. Contraction and expansion co efficient value of 0.1 and 0.3 were used for channel and 0.3 and 0.5 were used for the bridges. Gumbel equation was used to estimate the flow for return period of 10, 50 and 100 years and the values of 155.13, 213.44 and 221.43 m3/s were obtained respectively. Delineated map was then compared with TIN terrain model to generate inundation map. The map revealed that some areas in Ilorin such as Coca-Cola Road, Baba Ode, Unity road, Obo Road, Taiwo-Isale, Amilengbe, Isale Koko, Mubo Phase 1, Mubo Phase 11, Royal Valley and Akerebiata prone to flood disasters. Estimated maximum top width for inundated area along the river ranges from 900.74 to 2375.11m.Keywords:-GIS, River Asa, DEM, Flood risk, HEC-RAS, Ground slope

Women, Religion and Health Policy in a Nigerian Community

Focusing in recent decades on the city of Ilorin, in Kwara State, southwest Nigeria, I propose to consider the interrelationships and tension between religious convictions and healthcare policy, as a case study for evaluating the status of women in the Nigerian polity. My resolve on this approach is informed by the pervasive religiosity of the Nigerian nation and by the minimal attention accorded religion in policy formation and Nigerian women. The correlation between philosophy and religion mandates the serious consideration of religion in policy formation and execution. One foremost example is the case of Kwara State’s health sector, especially noticeable in policies concerning child and maternal mortality. I intend to investigate the underlining principles among the people for certain practices that have presented serious challenges to health care policies and their implementation. While three major religions of Nigeria are adequately represented in Ilorin, Islam prevails over Christian and indigenous religions. Although the Islamic system of sharia is not practiced as the sole judicial system in Ilorin, Kwara State, the implications of sharia, which is practiced in conjunction with the civil justice system, for the status of women is apparent. An attempt will be made to proffer explanations and answers where applicable to critical questions. What is the role of religion in women’s identity formation? How does this role affect women’s status in the society and health programs in Nigeria e. g maternal and child health and education policies? How may an appreciation of the status of women in the religious sector affect their reception and utilization of official health policies? Are there mutual avenues that accommodate the religious identity of women and explicate health issues? How may religion serve as a prism for re-evaluating the state’s health care policy for women?

Trace metals and mineral composition of harmattan dust haze in Ilorin City, Kwara State, Nigeria

Trace metals and mineralogical composition of harmattan dust haze was carried out on samples collected at Ilorin (80 32'N, 40 34'E) a guinea Savanna African City located at the central state of Nigeria. These dusts were gathered at different locations using clean Petri-dishes and plastic bowls of 10cm in diameter. These were analyzed using X-ray Florescence (XRF) and Particle Induce X-ray Emission (PIXE) machine. The average concentration of the metals was (13351.75±45) mg/kg and minerals (7.22%).The mean soil content of the total size of particles for the harmattan season for the station was calculated to be1.79765 μg/m. In conclusion, it was observed that harmattan dusts that blow across Nigeria predominantly comprise quartz and high elements.Keywords: Harmattan, Ilorin, X-ray Fluorescence and Particle Induce X-ray Emission

Evaluation of Municipal Solid Waste Management System and Willingness-To-Pay for its Improvements in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

This paper reports the evaluation of households’ usage of the current solid waste management system (SWMS) within the city of Ilorin, central Nigeria and investigates the determinants of household’s willingness-to-Pay (WTP) for its improvement. Data was collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire administered to households within four neighbourhoods that represent the major subdivisions in the metropolis. The multiple regression model was applied in explaining household’s usage of the current system and WTP.The study found that 36% and 64% respectively of the households were unsatisfied and moderately satisfied with the current waste management system. The combined effect of household’s demographic profiles, geometric profile and position of waste management facility gave a significant fitted model to show the relationship between household’s willingness to pay and the considered predictors. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v34i4.28

Community knowledge and practices as regards malaria in Ilorin City: implications for the elimination plan of the National Malaria Elimination Program

ObjectiveTo examine malaria-related knowledge and practices among residents in Ilorin City to guide forthcoming malaria elimination action of the recently restructured Nigerian National Malaria Elimination Program. MethodsCommunity-wide cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2012 using pretested structured questionnaire and interview schedule to collect information on perception, prevention and treatment of malaria among the residents. ResultsMajority of the respondents attributed malaria to mosquito bites and prevented the disease through multiple means including the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (60%), insecticide sprays (54%) and mosquito coils (48%) alternatively. All the respondents spraying insecticides in the bedrooms shortly before bed time stayed outdoors during night hours. Fifty three percent of the respondents treated the last malaria episode at the hospital/clinic, and the remaining (47%) employed self-medication. Only 6.1% of those who engaged in self-medication used artemisinin combination therapy drugs. ConclusionsCombined use of long-lasting insecticidal nets and insecticide sprays call for investigation of behavioural and physiological insecticide resistance in the mosquitoes present in this area. Night time outdoor staying behaviour mandated by spraying of insecticides and possible switch of the vectors to bite outdoor at early night hour also necessitate incorporation of outdoor mosquito control into the malaria elimination plan for this locality. Likewise, observation of self-medication in spite of high literacy levels implies that campaigns against such practice may not yield the desired result unless quality healthcare service is made affordable and accessible to all.

Urban Traffic Dilemma and Potential Remedy: Example from Ilorin City, Nigeria

Ilorin is one of the major cities in Nigeria today and its growing strength in both socio-economic affiliations is admirable. However, the city is potently tainted with traffic bottleneck which occasionally results into traffic dilemma accidents and clogging, stampede and free-fight between and among road users include drivers, motor cyclists and pedestrians in some places in the city. Current problems are emanating from bad old roads, narrow streets and multiple pot-holes, abandoned heaps of sand purposely needed for building and construction or refuse wastes, lack of parking space, as well as emergence of mini inter-urban legal (illegal) motor parks‟ garages in major streets of Ilorin. On the spot observation and the use of scheduled interview provided more insight feelings of the people who are residing in Ilorin city in the recent time. Results reveal urgent attentions are needed to provide more infrastructure and social amenities to the people living in the city. Policy implications in favour of the more deprived areas include stronger community involvement by the local residents and more positive upgrading of roads, expansion of narrowed streets and modern traffic control measures may serve as potential succor to the city traffic problems. Key words: Emerging city , traffic dilemma, clogging, potential remedy

Willingness to pay for improved residential waste management in a developing country

In most developing countries policies and frameworks that govern solid waste management strategies have often been directed at the waste management service providers and less attention is often given to the demand side of the problem. This paper reports a study regarding householders’ willingness to pay for improved residential solid waste management. The data for the study originated from a contingent valuation survey that was conducted in 236 households in Ilorin city in Kwara State, Nigeria. A binary logit model was used to account for some factors influencing the respondents’ willingness to pay. The results show that more than 80 % of the respondents were in support of the residential waste management. The respondents were willing to pay an average of 3,660 Nigerian Naira (US $24) each year. Income, education, dwelling type and whether the respondent is satisfied with private sector participation in provision of waste management service positively influenced the respondents’ willingness to pay. The price, gender, household size and activities of sanitary inspectors had negative influence. The findings from this study could contribute to the knowledge regarding the design of a more sustainable residential waste management strategy in Nigeria and other countries that have similar conditions.

Identification and analysis of dog use, management practices and implications for rabies control in Ilorin, Nigeria

Dog use and associated management practices were investigated in Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara State, Nigeria from August to October 2010. All identified 16,348 household compounds in the city were investigated. Five hundred (500) questionnaires were directly administered at household and compound levels to capture data on socio-economic profile of dog owners, reasons for keeping dogs and types of management system practiced. The results indicated that majority [621, n = 1,258 (49.4%)] of dogs were kept primarily for security of premises. Some 205 (16.3%) were kept for breeding and commercial ventures, 184 (14.6%) were kept as pets, 103 (8.2%) were kept essentially for game hunting, 98 (7.8%) were used for multiple purposes and 47 (3.7%) were raised as source of meat. Dog management ranged from intensive (kennel confined) [331, (26.3%)], to extensive (free -roaming) system in 927 (73.7%) dogs. Dogs were kennel confined mostly [207, (16.5%)] in high income residential areas, while all dogs in transit areas were free-roaming. A positive correlation (r 2 =0.74) exists between extensive practice and dogs for meat production which were left to scavenge freely in the city. The implication of dog use and management practices in relation to rabies control in Ilorin city and its environs is discussed in this paper. Status of community hygiene and environmental health is contributory to rabies risk in the city. Improved community hygiene is needed to complement effective vaccination coverage of dogs for rabies control in the city.

A case study evaluation of the impacts of optimised waste bin locations in a developing city

This study was undertaken to evaluate the impacts of placing waste bins at optimal locations in the city of Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. The optimal locations of 1–10 waste bins were determined by the built-in solver for p-median problems in TransCAD v. 5.0 (Caliper, Corp.) software. The spatial performance of a particular number of waste bins created social, economic and environmental impacts which were evaluated from a combination of the attribute table from the p-median solution, solid waste generation data and collection operation data. The issues examined under these impacts were service coverage, public satisfaction, waste bin utility, costs associated with service provision and emissions from collection vehicles. The results indicate that service coverage and public satisfaction improved as the number of waste bins was increased from one to five. With 6–10 waste bins, 100% service coverage and public satisfaction was attained, however, some waste bins became underutilised. The service provision costs and emissions from the collection vehicle also increased as the number of waste bins increased. A multi-criteria analysis of these impacts can assist municipal authorities in achieving sustainable solid waste management.

Physico-chemical characterisation of some ground water supply in a school environment in Ilorin, Nigeria

The water quality assessment of some ground water supply to a school in Ilorin City was carried out over a year. The concentration of nitrates in the samples were determined using a UV - visible spectrophotometer. The wells located within the student hostels were found to be high in nitrate with concentrations ranging from 7.11 - 8.54 mg/l. This is close to the World Health Organization (WHO) limit of 10 mg/l allowed in drinking water. The concentrations in the boreholes ranged between 0.43 - 1.34 mg/l. The trace metal analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) concentrations were found to be below detection limit. The concentration of copper (Cu) ranged between 0.017 - 0.065 mg/l, the concentration of magnesium (Mg) ranged between 4.29 - 16.28 mg/l while calcium (Ca) concentration ranged between 26.60-235.60 mg/l. The metal concentrations were all within WHO recommended concentrations in drinking water. A linear regression carried out using the polymath software gave a negative slope.

Opinions and attitudes of some parents in Ilorin, north-central Nigeria, towards child abuse and neglect

<p><strong>Background.</strong> The few studies on child abuse in Nigeria have focused on the child victims. However, little is known about characteristics of the parents who are the perpetrators of this abuse. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Aim.</strong> To assess the opinions and attitudes of parents concerning child abuse and neglect, and the factors associated with the practice of child abuse. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Method.</strong> We interviewed 260 randomly selected parents in the city of Ilorin, Nigeria, using a questionnaire to ascertain socio-demographic data and details about the understanding and practice of various forms of child abuse such as hawking, child labour, physical beating, sending children to work as house-helps, and sexual abuse. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Results.</strong> Sixty per cent of the subjects were women, and 72.7% were less than 40 years old; 30.4% sent their children to hawk goods, 34.2% believed that a child must work before receiving food, 10.4% had sent or would send their children to work as house-helps, and 52.3% discipline their children by physical beating. Older age (40 years and over), being unmarried, being unemployed, having 3 or more children, and a low level of education were significantly associated with the tendency to abuse children. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Conclusion.</strong> Child abuse is still practiced in Ilorin, Nigeria. Socio-economic factors associated with child abuse were identified. We recommend that government should assist citizens financially and support programmes that educate parents about the dangers of child abuse.</p>

Monitoring of sulfur dioxide in the guinea savanna zone of Nigeria: implications of the atmospheric photochemistry

The level of sulfur(IV) oxide (SO2) in the tropospheric environment of Ilorin is presented using three urban classes and a control site from 2003-2006 wet and dry seasons. The mean concentrations over the years during wet and dry seasons were 1.29 ± 0.17 and 7.17 ± 0.87 (ppb), respectively. The wet season concentration was 15.25% lower than the dry season due to rain attenuation. The mean values at the control site for two seasons were one order of magnitude lower than those in the urban sites. The overall average concentration over Ilorin city was 4.23 ± 0.52 ppb. The value is comparable with other cities of the world and is within the limit of the United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Guidelines for Air Quality Standards. SO2 levels were found to varied significantly with vehicular intensity, other anthropogenic activities also decreased drastically during wet season. There was a significant difference (p = 0.05) between SO2 concentration with high and low traffic flow count; however, there was no difference (p = 0.05) between high traffic/medium population and medium traffic/high population density areas. The regression analysis indicated a correlation between SO2 and the hourly traffic volume in almost all the sites.

The Climate Effect of Urbanization in A City of Developing Country: The Case Study Of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

The impact of urbanization on climate with focus on minimum and maximum temperatures was examined for Ilorin city. The study period spanned through 1976-2005. Correlation and regression statistics were employed to investigate relationship and trend was also identified using ten years moving average. The result of the analyses show maximum temperature having a strong positive relationship significant at 0.01 confidence level while mild positive relationship occurred between minimum temperature and populationgrowth. Population growth account for 67.5% and 74% variability observed in minimum and maximum temperature and the trends show a general rise in all the variables.

Determination of Sulphur (IV) Oxide in Ilorin City, Nigeria, During Dry Season

Ambient concentrations of sulphur (IV) oxide (SO2) have been determined in the city of Ilorin, Nigeria between mid February and mid Novembers 2003. SO2 levels were found to vary significantly with the traffic density and human activities. There was a significant difference (P = 0.05) between the SO2 concentrations at two sites (high and low traffic volume areas); however, there was no significant difference (P= 0.05) between high traffic/medium population density and medium traffic/high population density areas. The regression analysis indicated a strong correlation (r= 0.94) between the concentration of SO2 pattern and the hourly average traffic volume in all the sites. Average level found for the city was 59.3 ± 1.9ppb, which falls within the limits of the United States Environmental Protection Agency guidelines for air quality standards. Atmospheric pollution being one of the most dominant problems associated with urbanization, urban areas are associated with high density of industries and transport networks, among other infrastructure, which generate a wide range of air pollutants .@JASEM

A Statistical Analysis of the Day-time and Night-time Noise Levels in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria

Evaluation and analysis of noise pollution in Ilorin metropolis have been carried out. A statistical analysis of the day-time noise levels (LD) and night-time noise levels (LN) in 42-locations shows no significant different (p>0.05) at busy roads/road junctions, commercial centers and high density residential areas, but there is significant different (p< 0.05) at passengers loading parks and low density residential areas. The highest day-time (LD) and night-time (LN) noise levels were 89 dB(A) at Challenge junction and 85 dB(A) at Emir`s road, respectively. The lowest day-time (LD) and night-time (LN) noise levels were 43 dB(A) at Basin and 44 dB(A) at Airport, respectively. The noise levels in Ilorin city exceeded allowed values by the WHO at 37 of 42 measurement points. At 95% confidence level, test for significant difference of the means and variances of the day-time noise levels and night-time noise levels shows no difference in all the locations surveyed. At 90% confidence level, analysis of variance for two factor experiment using F-distribution (carried out on the noise descriptors L 10 and L90) shows that noise exposure level differs significantly from one location to another.

Assessment of Water Quality along River Asa, Ilorin, Nigeria

River Asa, an important tributary to the Niger River, the main stream of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the longest river that flows across Ilorin City in western Nigeria, was chosen as a case study in order to investigate the variations in the quality of its water at different locations. This was necessitated by the peoples' consideration of water from rivers and streams as substitute to the reigning incidence of water shortage in the city. Four different locations were purposively chosen to reflect a consideration of all possible human activities that are capable of changing the quality of river water. Composite water samples were taken for laboratory analysis of certain parameters. The choice of these parameters were guided firstly, by the international standards for drinking water as presented by WHO (1977), EEC (1975) and Rodda (1976); and secondly, by the need to consider the aesthetic, toxicity and microbiological requirements of drinking water following Mohammed (1989). The observed results of the laboratory analysis were then presented, described and compared descriptively with the international standards for drinking water (WHO, 1977). It was observed that variation exists in the quality of the sampled waters and that none of these samples meet the World Standards for drinking water. Thus, the paper calls for public enlightenment in order to create public awareness with respect to the need not to rely on water from these sources for drinking purpose. The relevant water agency was implored to treat water from the dam to conform to the World Standards and improve in the context of the supply of adequate drinkable water to the people.

Erosion studies in a Nigerian city: A methodological approach

This work assessed the methods of erosion on different surfaces in Ilorin City, Nigeria. The data were sourced from direct fieldwork exercises utilising erosion pins and sediment traps. These were analysed using the Z-score additive model. It was observed that erosion problems are better studied on site utilising sediment traps, which were more efficient than the erosion pins.

Contraceptive Knowledge and Practices in Ilorin, Nigeria: 1983-88

This report describes changes in knowledge and use of contraceptives in Ilorin, Nigeria between 1983 and 1988, a period marked both by dramatic changes in Nigeria's economic climate, as a result of the decline in the value of oil exports, and by considerable increases in public programs aimed at promoting the use of family planning and reducing fertility. The report is based on the analysis of two surveys of married women aged 15-35 years who lived in the city of Ilorin. By 1988, knowledge of modern methods of contraception had become virtually universal in Ilorin, even among women with no education and among those living in the poorest areas of the city. Current use of contraceptives had also increased considerably since 1983, reaching prevalence rates of 15 percent among women with primary education, 20 percent among those with secondary education, and 40 percent among those with postsecondary education. Each of these groups of women experienced at least a doubling of contraceptive prevalence between 1983 and 1988. Although use among uneducated women was still low in absolute terms (prevalence of 4.5 percent), these women also experienced a substantial relative increase in use.

Child health and child care in Okelele: An indigenous area of the city of Ilorin, Nigeria

This paper provides a detailed analysis of the survival rates and health problems of a cohort of children born during a 5-yr period in part of the city of Ilorin, Nigeria. The findings are linked to a demographic and environmental study which indicates that the study area was relatively stable in terms of family structure and population turnover. Most people work in the informal sector, in trading, small scale crafts and service industries. At the time the survey began, in 1979, the provision piped water supplies to the area was unreliable and sanitation provisions rudimentary. Most of the people had little or no formal education and were very poor. The study indicated that health status had improved over the 5-yr period, compared to a baseline study conducted in 1979. Common causes of child mortality and morbidity included diarrhea, acute respiratory infections, measles, and malaria. The infant mortality rate was 41.5/1000. The availability of clinic care at nominal cost, and the attendance of mothers at the clinic for checkups and immunization, resulted in a higher level of health for their children than otherwise would have been possible. Some problems of primary health care in the area are mentioned, in the light of Nigeria's current budgetary problems, and the utilization of existing strong social support networks to improve health care and environmental sanitation and water supply is suggested.

Islamic reform in contemporary Nigeria: Methods and aims

Islamic reform is not a new phenomenon in Nigeria but what makes both it and the response to it appear so radical today is the means that Muslim reformers use to establish their position as Muslims, and to articulate and stake out their claims in this relatively new entity, the independent nation-state. The nation-state makes demands on Muslims and non-Muslims alike, who in turn not only make demands on it but also hold differing views as to its character and orientation. The relatively new nation-state then, and the way in which Muslims attempt to insert themselves into it or at times extricate themselves from it, provides, it would seem, the most appropriate socio-historical framework for an understanding and explanation of Islamic reform and the response to it in contemporary Nigeria. Nigeria's Muslims easily constitute the largest Muslim community in sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria itself Muslims are in a majority in eleven of the twenty-one states, including the capital Lagos. The contours of modern Nigerian Islam have until quite recently shown a distinct break between northern Islam and Islam in the rest of the country. They were laid down by a group of Muslim scholars, mainly of Fulani origin, who initiated a major reform movement in Sokoto in the late eighteenth century. The Sokoto jihad or holy war led by Usman dan Fodio (1754-1817) set its sights on the reform of Islam in Hausaland and the western Sudan. The reform movement had far-reaching cultural, religious, political, social, and economic consequences for Muslims and non-Muslims alike from Sokoto state in the north-west of the country, through the old Muslim city of Kano, east to the ancient Islamic state of Borno and south to the city of Ilorin in present-day Kwara state.' The movement, in so far as it was a military conquest, involved a loss of autonomy and a measure of enslavement for some of the non-Muslim peoples of the region, thereby creating both fear. of and opposition to Islam which persist to this day in many of the so-called 'pagan' areas in