Epe Local Government Area Research Articles

Interrogating Climatic Change/Environmental Challenges through Theatre for Development(TfD) in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State

The impact of climate change is increasingly felt across the globe, with communities in developing countries particularly vulnerable to its effects. In Nigeria, climate change poses a threat to food security, public health and economic stability, particularly in rural areas where the majority of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods. In response to these challenges, Theatre practitioners have used a variety of techniques, such as participatory theatre and forum theatre, to engage community members in discussions about climate change and encourage behavioral change towards sustainable practices. These practices include sustainable agriculture, waste management, and energy conservation. Through a combination of literature review and qualitative research, including interviews with community members, the paper examines the impact of Theatre for Development (TfD) initiatives on climate change awareness and behavioral change in the local community. The paper identifies several challenges faced by community members in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos state, including limited funding, lack of government support, and low levels of community engagement. In conclusion, the paper argues successfully that Theatre for Development (TfD) has the potential to be an effective tool for raising awareness of climate change and promoting sustainable practices in Epe Local Government. However, to fully realize this potential, there is a need for increased funding and support from government and other stakeholders, as well as greater community participation and engagement in theatre initiatives.

Chemical composition and In Vitro Digestibility of five selected forages used for production and management of small ruminants in Odoragushin of Epe Local Government Area, Lagos State.

A large number of forages exist in Nigeria with varying adaptations pertaining to ecological zones. These forages are known for their acceptability and nutritive value by ruminants during dry season. Being different in structure and texture, physiochemical component may differ. Thus, this study was undertaken to determine chemical composition of five selected forage species (Mimosa pudica, Aspenlenum bulbiferum, Commelina benghalensis, Chamaecoustus cupidatus and Panicum maximum) used as feed resources in Odoragunshin, Epe Local Government Area, Lagos state. 500g sample of each plant was collected from different mature plants before flowering. Chemical composition and in vitro digestibility parameters were measured. The result obtained showed variations (P< 0 .05) in the proximate composition and invitro digestibility. The crude protein content was highest in Commelina benghalensis (21.46%) and was least in Chamaecoustus cupidatus (11.88%). Ether extract ranged from 7.70% - 15.38% in Mimosa pudica and Chamaecoustus cupidatus respectively. Higher ash value (15.38%) was recorded in Commelina benghalensis. The estimated organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolizable energy (ME) and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) were significantly different (P< 0.05). The study showed that the selected forages could be used as part of feed for ruminants, especially during the period of scarcity without harmful effect to the animals. Un grand nombre de fourrages existent au Nigeria avec des adaptations variables selon les zones écologiques. Ces fourrages sont connus pour leur acceptabilité et leur valeur nutritive par les ruminants en saison sèche. Étant différents en termes de structure et de texture, les composants physicochimiques peuvent différer. Ainsi, cette étude a été entreprise pour déterminer la composition chimique de cinq espèces fourragères sélectionnées (Mimosa pudica, Aspenlenum bulbiferum, Commelina benghalensis, Chamaecoustus cupidatus et Panicum maximum) utilisées comme ressources alimentaires à Odoragunshin, dans la zone de gouvernement local d'Epe, dans l'État de Lagos. Un échantillon de 500 g de chaque plante a été collecté sur différentes plantes matures avant la floraison. La composition chimique etles paramètres de digestibilité in vitro ont été mesurés. Le résultat obtenu montre des variations (P< 0,05) dans la composition immédiate et la digestibilité in vitro. La teneur en protéines brutes était la plus élevée chez Commelina benghalensis (21,46 %) et la plus faible chez Chamaecoustus cupidatus (11,88 %). L'extrait d'éther variait de 7,70 % à 15,38 % respectivement pour Mimosa pudica et Chamaecoustus cupidatus. Une valeur de cendres plus élevée (15,38 %) a été enregistrée chez Commelina benghalensis. La digestibilité estimée de la matière organique (DMO), l'énergie métabolisable (EM) et les acides gras à chaîne courte (AGCC) étaient significativement différents (P < 0,05). L'étude a montré que les fourrages sélectionnés pouvaient être utilisés dans le cadre de l'alimentation des ruminants, notamment en période de disette, sans effet nocif sur les animaux.

Analysis of the Factors Contributing to the Lagos State Public Housing Development Scheme Vandalism

The Lagos state government has expressed disapproval of the looting and vandalism of its housing scheme, which frequently results in delays in its housing delivery agenda and sustainability violations in its housing estates. This study aims to investigate the factors contributing to the persistent vandalism of public housing developments in the study area using a quantitative approach. It seeks to determine the order of importance of these factors and identify the underlying causes. The research strategy in this study involved adopting a quantitative approach to gather data on factors contributing to vandalism in public housing developments in Agbowa and Igbogbo towns, in Epe Local government area and Ikorodu Local government area, Lagos State respectively. Three hundred semi-structured questionnaires were distributed among the household heads in Agbowa and Igbogbo of Epe LGA and Ikorodu LGA respectively, with a 76% response rate. The data analysis involved the Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank contributing factors and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to identify and validate the underlying significant factors. The RII ranked factors based on their perceived importance, highlighting unemployment, poverty, and insecurity as the most important factors contributing to vandalism. Subsequent EFA revealed three underlying factors—economic breakdown, societal challenges, and socio-cultural challenges—explaining 68.70% of the total variance. Factor rotation was applied to enhance interpretation accuracy, resulting in a clear structure of three components. The study confirms instrument reliability and validity through Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability calculations. Practical implications for policymakers and stakeholders in addressing housing infrastructure vandalism challenges are discussed.

Nutritional Knowledge and Cultural Food Beliefs on Dietary Practices of Pregnant Women

The paper assessed the nutritional knowledge and cultural food beliefs on dietary practices of pregnant women in Epe Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria. A descriptive research design was adopted for this study. The population of the study consisted of all registered pregnant women in seven (7) antenatal clinics in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State. A sample size of 270 was drawn using proportionate sampling technique. The collected data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and the Chi-square test of association. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between knowledge of nutrition and dietary practices, χ2 (2) = 78.201, p<0.05. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between cultural food beliefs and dietary practices, χ2 (1) = 1.151, p>0.05. The finding also showed that cultural food beliefs do not influence the dietary practices of pregnant women. The study recommends that the government and health agencies should continuously train health workers on nutritional issues, particularly on how to enhance the nutritional knowledge of expectant pregnant women prior to conception. This will help potential mothers improve their dietary practices.

Trends and patterns of maternal deaths from 2015 to 2019, associated factors and pregnancy outcomes in rural Lagos, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

maternal mortality is still a problem attracting global attention, with an estimate of 289,000 maternal deaths annually. Over half of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria accounting for 14% of the global maternal deaths. This study assessed the trends and patterns of maternal deaths, associated factors, and pregnancy outcomes in a rural area in Lagos, Nigeria. this study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive research design. A retrospective assessment of all maternal deaths that occurred at Epe Local Government Area (LGA) from 2015 to 2019 was done. A validated checklist was used to retrieve information from the records of 96 deceased. Ethical approval was obtained for the study. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Analyses were done using descriptive and inferential statistics at a significance level of 0.05. highest number of maternal deaths 24 (23%) were recorded in the year 2015. The maternal mortality ratio was 1,645 per 100,000 live births. The highest direct cause of maternal death was eclampsia (27.1%), while the highest indirect cause was anemia (5.2%). Chances of maternal death increased with nonregistered pregnancy (71.9%), and non-institutional delivery (79.2%). Poor pregnancy outcomes include; stillbirth (60.4%), and preterm babies (62.5%). Statistical associations were found between maternal deaths and parity (p = 0.004). the maternal mortality ratio in rural areas is still very high and far from the proposed global target of 70 per 100,000. These maternal deaths are linked to direct and indirect causes. Maternal deaths could result in poor pregnancy outcomes.

Health effects of fish processing among artisanal fish processors in Epe local government area, Lagos state, Nigeria

Health effects of fish processing among artisanal fish processors in Epe local government area, Lagos state, Nigeria

NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND FOOD INTAKE OF RETIREES IN EPE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, LAGOS STATE

This study focused on nutritional knowledge and food intake of retirees in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State. Four research questions guided the study. Cross-sectional descriptive survey research design was adopted using 100 retirees aged 60 to 70 years. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit data from the retirees. Data was analyzed using percentages, mean, standard deviation and Person (r). Results from the study indicated that the retirees possessed very high knowledge of nutrition for healthy ageing (71.8%). only 15.08% of the subjects consume foods from the seven food groups daily and met the criteria for adequate diet. Dietary intake of 35.0% of the subjects had rating of fair quality since their diets were mostly foods from five out of the seven food groups on daily basis. Financial status, physical diseases, high food prices and lack of appetite influenced the retiree’s food intake. Majority (72.3%) of the retirees ate three times a day with about 27.7% eating less than three meals daily. Also, there is a weak positive relationship (r=.410) between retirees’ nutritional knowledge and food intake. The study established a less adequate intake of protein and fruits among the retirees despite their high knowledge of nutrition. There is need for the establishment of a functional policy on the care of older adults in Nigeria in order to enhance their nutritional and health status as well as their general well-being.

Use of Herbal Medicine by Rural Residents in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Medicinal plants have been used for years in daily life all over the world. Herbal medicines (HM) may be beneficial but are not completely harmless especially with unregulated use.
 Aim: To assess the knowledge, preference and use of HM in a rural setting, western Nigeria.
 Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study among 417 residents of Epe Local Government Area, Lagos State Nigeria conducted in mid 2016. Respondents were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using Epi- info version 7.1.5.2. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done. P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
 RESULTS: Nearly half (48.7%) of the respondents were between the ages of 18-33 years, over three fourths (78.4%) were married and majority (89.2%) were Yoruba. About half 207(49.6%) of respondents had good knowledge of HM. Over two thirds (67.6%) would use HM as first line treatment and 69.3% perceive it more effective than conventional medicine. Almost all (95.7%) respondents have used HM, majority (87.4%) in the last six months prior to study. Factors significantly associated with knowledge of HM are age (p=0.001) and sex of respondents (p=0.014). Significant factors influencing HM use include level of education (Fisher's exact p=0.017), religion (Fisher's exact p=0.001), and ethnicity (Fisher's exact p<0.001).
 Conclusion: Participants were fairly knowledgeable about herbal medicine but most were oblivious of its potential side effects. Majority were HM users mainly because of its perceived effectiveness. There is need for health education in rural areas on the side effects and safe use of herbal medicines.
 Author
 T M Oyeleye 1, I P Okafor 1

Inhibitors militating against artisanal fisherfolks in Epe local government area, Lagos, Nigeria

Inhibitors militating against artisanal fisherfolks in Epe local government area, Lagos, Nigeria

MARKET SURVEY OF ANIMALS COMMONLY USED AS BUSH MEAT IN OLUWO MARKET, EPE IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA: HOW LONG WILL THERE BE SUSTAINABILITY OF EXPLOITED WILDLIFE SPECIES?

The trade of bush meat in Oluwo Market, Epe at Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State was investigated. Eleven animal species from three different classes (Amphibia, Reptilia and Mammalia) of vertebrates were found to be commonly used as bush meat. Xenopus muelleri (frog) was the most abundant animal species traded in the market followed by Crocidiora sp (shrew) and Cephalophus maxwelli (antelope) each having a weekly sale of about 30 individuals. Bitis sp (viper), Pelusioscasteneus (turtle) and Varanus niloticus (monitor lizard) were the least abundant traded animals with a weekly sale of eight, ten and ten respectively. Pertaining to ethnozoological uses, different parts of animal species were used to cure diseases, appease witches, prevent accidents, protect against evil and seek marital partner. Other traders (34%) were the highest customers of bush meat followed by the consumers (22%) and the hotel and restaurant owners (22%). Students and researchers (8%) were the lowest group of customers patronizing the bushmeat trade. Analysis of Variance showed that there was no significant difference between nutritional contents of the various bush meat species at (df= 3; P< 0.005). Appreciating the importance of bush meat both economically and ethnozoologically, it is not only imperative to emphasize and educate all stakeholders in this trade the importance of its conservation and sustainable use, but to also offer efforts that would provide alternative source of protein. Given the present trend of exploitation, many wildlife species may undergo local extinction if urgent measures are not taken

Kinetic modelling of dumpsite leachate treatment using Musa sapientum peels as bio-sorbent

Kinetics models are very vital to dumpsite operators and planners as they provide relevant information for effective treatment of leachates. The aim of this work is to model the kinetic process of treatment of Lagos dumpsite leachate using Musa sapientum peels as bio-sorbent with a view of establishing the kinetic parameters of the treatment process. Musa sapientum peels which were collected from Ayetoro market in Epe Local Government area of Lagos State were used to prepare the bio-sorbent. Kinetic process was carried out using 1 g of the prepared bio-sorbent in 100 ml Lagos dumpsite leachate in different conical flasks and at various contacting time. The kinetic data obtained were fitted to different kinetics models. The kinetics models tested were Fractional power model, Lagregren pseudo first – order model, Pseudo second – order model, Kuo – Lotse kinetic model, Blanchard kinetic model and Elovich kinetic model. Other kinetics models considered were Sobkowsk – Czerwi kinetic model, Intraparticle diffusion (IPD) model, Behnajady – Modirshahla – Ghanbery (BMG) model and Diffusion – Chemisorption model. Coefficient of determination (R2) values and the expected nature of the plots of the models were used to screen the tested models. The results revealed that the Pseudo second – order kinetic model has the best R2 value of 0.99996 and the graph followed the expected nature of the plot hence it was adopted in this work. It was concluded that Pseudo second – order kinetic model can be used to navigate the treatment process of Lagos dumpsite using Musa sapientum peels as bio-sorbent.

Utilization of Primary Healthcare Services among Women of Child Bearing Age in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State

Utilization of Primary Healthcare Services among Women of Child Bearing Age in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State

Safety Intelligence and Security Management in Public Secondary Schools in Epe Local Government Area, Lagos State

The research adopted a descriptive survey design. The respondents were selected via simple random sampling. Four hundred participants including 19 principals and 381 students were the targeted population for this study. Findings from this study show that majority of schools have the basic safety and security apparatus but lack the knowledge and experience to employ them in the event of a disaster. Results also show that there is no subject in the school curriculum from kindergarten to secondary level that teaches on safety and security management. Public secondary schools in Epe LGA do not also have constituted disaster management committees or an emergency management plan. Most students however do not know how to use safety and security gadgets in their school premises. The study therefore recommended that a disaster/emergency management curriculum should be inaugurated in public school to teach students on how to respond in cases of emergencies and prevent emergencies.

Effects of Peer Tutoring and Integrated Curriculum Instructional Strategies on Students’ Academic Achievements in Mathematics

This study examined the Effects of Peer Tutoring Instructional Strategy (PTIS) and Integrated Curriculum Instructional Strategy (ICIS) on Senior Secondary School Students Achievement in Mathematics. The moderating effects of school location and gender were also investigated. The study adopted the pretest- posttest, control group, quasi experimental design with a 3x2x2 factorial matrix. Two hundred and thirty-five senior secondary two students from four public schools and two private schools purposively selected from Epe Local Government Area in Lagos State participated in the study. Three (3) research questions were answered and two (2) null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 significance level. Three instruments were developed, validated and used for data collection. Data were analysed using percentages, bar-charts, Analysis of Covariance. The findings showed that treatment had significant effect on students’ achievement in Mathematics (F (3,231) =25.714, P<0.05). Students exposed to PTIS had the highest post achievement score. The study also revealed that school location had significant effect on students’ achievement in Mathematics (F (2,232) =10.299, P<0.05). Students in urban centres had the highest post achievement score. It also showed that gender had a significant effect on students’ achievement in Mathematics (F (2,232) =12.092, P<0.05). Furthermore, the result of the 3-way interactions showed no significant interaction effects of treatment, school location and gender on students’ achievement in Mathematics(F (12,222) =2.196, P>0.05). Among the students in the PTIS group, those in urban areas had highest post achievement scores. Therefore, it was concluded that Mathematics teachers should be trained to use peer tutoring and integrated learning packages in the classroom, since these strategies are effective in enhancing students’ achievement in Mathematics than the conventional method.

Teachers’ Content Knowledge of Early Childhood Care Development and Education Policy Documents and Pedagogical Skills: Implications for Preschoolers’ Active Participation in Learning

Early years are the most important in the life cycle of every human being. Therefore, learning at this stage is optimal and the future of growing child relies on the quality of learning experiences that are logically and purposefully carried out by knowledgeable and skilled teachers. The study therefore investigated public teachers’ content knowledge of ECCDE policy documents, pedagogical skills and the implications for preschoolers’ active participation in learning. Correlation research design was used for the study. All teachers/caregivers in public preschools in Epe local government area of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria constituted the population of the study. The sample comprised of eighty (80) preschool teachers/caregivers from fifty-one (51) public primary schools with linkage classes in the study area. Purposive sampling technique was used, based on the fact that, the study covers the entire target population. Two self-designed instruments were validated and used for data collection, which were Teachers’ Content Knowledge of ECCDE Policy Documents Questionnaire (TCKEPDQ a= 0.86) and Teachers’ Pedagogical Skill /Preschoolers’ Learning Participation Observation Schedule (TPSPLPOS a= 0.81). Result showeda positive significant relationship between preschool teachers/caregivers’ level of knowledge of ECCDE policy documents and their pedagogical skills. The study also revealed that most preschoolers were passive participants in learning processes due to teacher-centered approach employed. The study therefore recommends periodic training for preschool teachers/caregivers and regular monitoring of learning activities in public preschools.

Evaluation of Itoikin Irrigation Scheme Using Performance Indicator

Irrigation is of major importance in many countries. It is important in terms of agricultural production and food supply, the incomes of rural people, public investment for rural development, and often recurrent public expenditures for the agricultural sector. Nigeria’s irrigation system is confronted with many challenges which included a widening gap between demand for food and domestic supply as a result of population growth and changing patterns of consumption. The evaluation study was carried out at the Itoikin Irrigation Scheme using performance indices. The site is one of the irrigation projects under the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (O-ORBDA) located in the Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State. The potency and vulnerability of Itoikin Irrigation Scheme were evaluated. The physico-chemical properties of soil, soil and water inventory were used to carryout the evaluation. Soil samples were collected at different depth and taken to the laboratory for measurement and Analysis. Soil and water inventory, Crop water requirement and evapotranspiration, Irrigation scheduling for maize and rice at the scheme and Analysis of moisture content were assessed. The range of electrical conductivity (EC) is measured and the values range from 102.8 ms cm-1 to 308 ms cm-1. The lowest electrical conductivity is 102.8 ms cm-1 at F4, depth 30-45 cm while the highest is 308 ms cm-1 at F3, depth 15-30 cm. The hydraulic conductivity (k) ranges from 3.75 × 10-4 to 8.99 × 10-4 cm s-1. The lowest of the hydraulic conductivity was in F3 at depth of 25-50 cm in silt clay loam, while the highest was in F2 at depth of 25-50, in silt clay. The (EC) is too high and needs to be reduced. Root development will not pose as a problem as the bulk density will not restrict the development of the root, while the soil pH will allow the cultivation of maize, rice and vegetables. The minimum temperature ranged between 21.8ºC and 24.1ºC while the maximum temperature ranged from 28.2ºC to 33.2ºC. The average minimum and maximum temperatures are 22.8ºC and 30.8ºC respectively. The highest humidity was recorded on June (100%). The wind speed ranged between 156 km day and 207 km day and the values does not pose any adverse effect on the productivity of the crops. The evapotranspiration (ET) ranged between 2.5 mm day-1 and 4.22 mm day-1 with an average of 3.44 mm day-1. High values of evapotranspiration (ET) recorded in the months of February, March and April indicates that more water is loss during this period. The (ETcrop) and crop water requirement for maize at the scheme varied from 1.36 to 6.35 mm day-1 and 5.1 to 63.5 mm dec-1 respectively. The total amount of water consumed by the crop is 398.2 mm dec-1, while the effective rainfall was 212.2 mm dec-1 during the farming season. The total evapotranspiration is 494 mm dec-1. The crop evapotranspiration (ETcrop) and crop water requirement for rice at the scheme varied from 0.35 to 4.30 mm day-1 and 1.0 to 47.1 mm dec-1 respectively. The total amount of water consumed by the crop is 494.3 mm dec-1, while the effective rainfall was 250.3 mm dec-1 during the farming season. The total evapotranspiration is 491.9 mm dec-1. The soil moisture contents were investigated to the depth of 45 cm. The minimum and maximum values are 20.6 mm and 34.66 mm on plot 6 were recorded. Down the profile, there is an increasing trend which posed the water at the scheme to be lost by deep percolation than runoff and evaporations.

PROBLEMS OF FUNDING RURAL AGRIPRENEURSHIP IN EPE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Agripreneurship at all levels provides huge potential for sustainable development; yet in Nigeria, the rural agricultural small and medium scale enterprises sub-sector has stagnated and remains relatively small in terms of its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product. Finance is one of the critical factors for the development of cooperative societies and rural agricultural enterprises in any nation. The study was conducted to examine the problems of funding agriprenuership in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. In the study, 360 structured questionnaires were distributed to the selected rural agripreneurship located in three rural areas at an average of one hundred and twenty questionnaires for each area. The Chi-square results showed that there are problems in financing rural small scale enterprises through the cooperative societies. The results shows that there is no problem in financing rural small scale enterprises through the cooperative societies as such the null hypothesis (H1) should be rejected, and Hi be accepted. In order words, there are problems in financing rural small scale enterprises through the cooperative societies. The study concludes the sources of funding rural small and medium scale enterprises or agriprenuership can better be sustained through the cooperative societies or formation. It therefore, recommends that government should put in place an independent small business authority and specific bank for SMEs vis-a-vis the cooperative societies especially in the rural areas in Nigeria.

Comparison of Formal and Informal Land Administration Systems in Lagos State: The Case of Epe Local Government Area

The efficient harnessing of land resources remains key to unlocking the potential of economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Land administration systems provide a veritable platform for coordinating the efforts aimed at maximising the overall value of a country’s land resources. Extant studies, however, provide scanty and unorganised insight into the problems and benefits of the formal and informal land administration systems co-existing in Nigeria and how they affect physical development on land. Using a cross-sectional survey, this study investigated the benefits and problems of formal and informal land administration systems in Epe, Lagos, and ascertained the relationship between the level of land development and land occupants’ type of occupancy (which may be formal or informal). A major problem of the formal land administration system is that to be allocated land; one needs to know a government official, while its key benefit is that anyone can be allocated land anywhere irrespective of their state of origin. Under the informal land administration system, the main problem is that additional “settlement(s)” are required before one can build on the land, while its key benefit is that one purchases land in the place of one’s choice. Using logistic regression analysis, it was observed that the level of development of land is independent of the type of occupancy held by the occupant. The study concludes that formal land administration system does not necessarily lead to higher land development than informal land administration. Future land formalisation policies should seek to optimise the merits and minimise the challenges of the two systems of land administration.

Community Policing and Crime Control in Riverine Areas: A Study of EPE L.G.A. of Lagos State

Community policing is a proactive approach to policing as against traditional policing approach which is reactive in nature. This study examines the role of community policing in crime control in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State. It employed a mixed method of data collection using questionnaire and in-depth interview (IDI) as its research instrument due to the collaborative nature of the study. The quantitative data elicited through questionnaire were analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences version 23 to generate frequency tables, percentages, chi-square goodness-of-fit to test the statistical significance of responses provided by the respondents, while the qualitative data generated with the aid of in-depth interviews were transcribed, organised, cleaned and analysed to complement the quantitative data. The study’s findings showed that police-public partnership though has helped the police in controlling crime to some extent but more still needs to be done as some community members are still critical of the police. Additionally, implementation of community policing in Epe is still being bedevilled with some challenges such as inadequate training, negative police perceptions, lack of modern crime gadgets, bribery and corrupt practices, inadequate marine policemen among others. The study recommends that members of the public should be more sensitised on the need to partner with the police; and, that there is need to recruit more policemen and train them in accordance with international best practices.

Incidence of Truancy among Senior Secondary School Students in Epe Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria: Implications for Counselling

<em>This paper examined the incidence of truancy among senior secondary school students in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State and suggests ways counselling can be used to curb the problem. Three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study and the design was Ex-post Facto. The sample size was 119 Senior Secondary II students randomly selected from 5 out of the 22 public secondary schools in the local government area. An instrument titled “Incidence of Truancy among Secondary School Students” was used to collect data from the respondents. It had face and content validity through expert judgement and the reliability coefficient was 0.73. The data obtained was analyzed with the Z-test statistics. The results indicated that there is no significant difference between male and female students; urban and rural students and students from high and low socio-economic status homes in their indulgence in truancy. It was recommended that Form Masters/Mistresses should be more objective in taking class attendance and refer truants to guidance counsellors.</em>