Government Area Of Delta State Research Articles

Environmental Degradation of the Activities of Illegal Refineries on the Mangrove Ecosystem: A Case Study of Escravos and Environ, Delta State

A study of the environmental degradation of the activities of illegal refineries on the mangrove ecosystem was carried out at Escravos the study area and its located in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State and plays host to two major transnational oil companies Shell and Chevron. In achieving the study’s objective, samples of water and sediments were collected from both remediated and impacted sites to test for heavy metal, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH). The extraction of TPH and PAH from soil was accomplished through the technique of Soxhlet method while the atomic-absorption spectrophotometry method was used to determine the presence of heavy metals. The study showed that TPH concentrations appears in the following order of RS1 > RS3 > RS2 > RS1 with the TPH in the impacted sediment were relatively higher than the values recorded for the remediated sediment. The order of abundance of metal concentration in this study is Fe > Zn >Mn>Pb> Cu > Cd and Ni. Data from this study further reveals that the net concentration of the metals investigated for both seasons show that all the metals investigated in the dry season are higher than those from the raining season. The concentrations of PAHs in this study were higher in the sediments than in the water samples.

Aquifer vulnerability using geophysical and physiochemical methods in parts of Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Supply of potable water in Oghara communities in particular and parts of Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State in general is inadequate as a result of increasing population and development activities in the area. This can be resolved and sustained if groundwater resources are effectively managed. This study was carried out to determine the aquifer vulnerability and groundwater quality using geophysical and physiochemical methods in parts of Ethiope West Local Government Area, Delta State. Thirty vertical electrical soundings and four dipole–dipole profiling were administered using Abem Terrameter SAS 1000 AB. The field data were curve matched and iterated using WinResist and Dipro software. The aquiferous zone was found in the fourth layer with resistivity ranging from 159 Ωm to 100234 Ωm, thickness ranging from 12 m to 156 m, and depth ranging from 32 m to 162 m except VES 25, whose aquifer is in the third layer. The dipole–dipole resistivity structure shows low resistivity values along areas where waste dump was sited with resistivity ranging from 300 Ωm to 630 Ωm. This finding suggests that the leachate from the dumpsite is affecting the characteristics possessed by the subsurface close to it. The first order geoelectric and Dar-Zarrouk parameter study of aquifer protective capacity revealed a protection capacity value less than 0.1 for VESs 1–18 and 20–30, while VES 19 revealed a value of 0.24. Thus, Oghara communities are extremely unprotected, and the aquifer is prone to contamination. The physiochemical analysis carried out indicates that groundwater is slightly acidic with a pH value ranging from 5.40 to 6.40 when compared with the WHO permissible limit. The groundwater flow direction is depicted from the east to the west; this will assist policy planners to decide where dumpsites and companies generating waste could be sited to preserve groundwater potential.

Mosquito Species Abundance, Distribution and Diversity in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria

This research was carried out to record mosquito species abundance, distribution, diversity and breeding sites in four villages of Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. Potential habitats of mosquitoes were sampled using dippers, hand-lens and plastic containers between June and November 2014. A total number of 274 sites were examined and only 146 were positive for mosquito larvae. The habitats sampled include domestic containers 107(39.05%), puddles 59(21.53%), tyres 47(17.15%) and drains 61(22.26%). The variation in the number of larvae collected from the various habitats were not significant (P=0.1203, F=2.705 and df= 3). One thousand six hundred and fifty-three (1.653) mosquito larvae were collected and reared to adults. Seven hundred and twelve (712) of the larvae emerged as adults that were separated into three genera: Anopheles, Aedes and culex and identified up to species level. Culex quinquefasciatus was found to be the most abundant (29.35%) in the study area, followed by Aedes aegypti (25.70%). C. nebulosus was the least abundant species with 2.95 %. Domestic containers were the most preferred breeding habitats for all the mosquito species and the variation in the species of mosquito with respect to types of habitat showed significant association in Ofuoma (P=0.0167, F=4.322,df=3) and Adjekota (P=0.0252, F=3.852, df=3). There was significant difference in the occurrence of mosquito species in the month of September (p value 0.0085) compared to June (p value 0.0518), July (p value 0.2370), August (p value 0.1920), October (p value 0.0534) and November (p value 0.0241. Variations existed in the physico-chemical parameters in the different sources of collections in different locations. Temperature ranged from 20.0 to 24.60C while pH (hydrogen ion concentration) range was 6.9 – 7.7 and Dissolved oxygen (D.O) ranged between 1.4 and 2.7(mg/L) as Conductivity ranged between 67.9 and 82.1(μs) and turbidity varied from 62.0NTU in the container samples to 84.2NTU in the gutter samples and depth varied between 6.3 and 68.3(cm) across the different locations but depth ranged from 6.3cm to 68.3cm and temperature was (22.8±2.6), Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and mean was used to determine the significant differences (p<0.05) in habitats and species distribution while Shannon Wiener and Simpson indices were used to determine species diversity and abundance. There is need for concerted efforts in mosquito control in Ughelli North to mitigate the incidence of mosquito transmitted diseases.

Emotional labour and burnout syndrome among nigerian politicians

The The manner in which politicians express their emotions while interacting with the electorates determines how the electorates will perceive the ability of the politicians to fulfilltheir electoral promises if voted into power. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between politicians’ emotional labour and burnout syndrome. The sample consists of 400politicians spread around Four (4) Local Government Areas in Delta State, namely: Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili North, and Oshimili South Local Government Area of DeltaState, Nigeria, irrespective of their political party affiliations. Emotional Labour Scale developed by Diefendorff, Croyle, and Gosserand (2005), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory developed by Maslach and Jackson (1986) were used to collect data from the respondents. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, t-tests, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis. Results indicate that the politicians exhibit a high level of surface acting in the discharge of their responsibilities. It also revealed that they show the least amount of genuine emotions in their work, while the level of deep acting is moderate.In terms of burnout, politicians experience a very high level of emotional exhaustion, a moderate level of both depersonalization and lack of personal accomplishment. Results of the regression analysis show that the three dimensions of emotional labour (surface acting,deep acting and genuine emotions) are very important predictors of burnout among politicians. Consequently, this present results offer a very crucial and innovative contribution to emotional labour literature and more studies are therefore required in order to expand the scope of this research to ensure a more adequategeneralization.

Improving primary health care workers’ knowledge of cervical cancer and visual inspection screening techniques through competency-based training: prospects for expanding coverage in developing countries

Background: Health workers in resource-poor settings have not demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of visual staining procedures for cervical cancer screening. This study adopted competency-based training (CBT) to determine if it will improve their knowledge, and potentially expand screening coverage.Methods: A quasi-experimental (pretest-posttest) design was adopted in this study conducted among primary health care workers in Ethiope-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Southern Nigeria. The participants had a competency-based training following an initial assessment of their knowledge. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22. The main outcome measures were baseline knowledge of cervical cancer, its prevention, and visual inspection screening techniques, as well as the effect of CBT on knowledge.Results: Participants demonstrated correct knowledge of cervical anatomy/physiology and cervical cancer epidemiology/symptomatology to varying degrees, although their knowledge of visual inspection with acetic acid or Lugol’s iodine (VIA/VILI) was grossly inadequate as only half had adequate knowledge. Knowledge of prevention, performance of VIA and VILI, as well as overall knowledge, improved significantly to 100% post-intervention (p=0.002, p<0.001 and p=0.003 respectively). Mean knowledge scores drastically increased among the PHWs between pre-CBT and post-CBT. The lowest mean difference was recorded for knowledge of cervical anatomy/physiology: 17.58 (CI: 8.16 - 27.00); while the highest was for knowledge of VILI/VIA technique: 41.01 (CI: 29.40 - 52.62).Conclusions: CBT significantly improved knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and visual inspection screening methods (VIA and VILI), indicating a window of opportunity for expanding screening services at primary health care level.

Effects of School Location and Teachers’ Quality on Students Performance in Business Studies Examination in Public Secondary Schools in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State

The purpose of the study is to find out the effects of school location and teachers’ quality on students performance in Business Studies Examination in public secondary schools in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State Nigeria. Four research questions guided the study, and the expost facto research design was used for the study. The population of the study was 2579 students that sat for Business Studies in the Basic Education Certificate Examination in public secondary schools in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State for 2016/2017 Academic Session. No sampling was done population was used as sample for the study, as well, no instrument was develop for data collection, data were collected on request from Ministry of Primary and Basic Education, Sapele Field Office. Data collected were analysed using simple frequency count and percentage for the research questions. The results show that location does not have significant effects on students’ performance. Also, the findings revealed that qualification of teacher has significant effects on students’ performance. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that school location does not have significant effects on students’ performance in Business Studies examination in secondary schools in Delta State. As well, teachers’ qualification has significant effects on students’ performance in Business Studies examination in secondary schools in Delta State. Hence, it was recommended amongst others that Delta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education should employ qualified teachers to teach Business Studies in secondary schools in Delta State.

Bioremediation of Spent Engine Oil Contaminated Soils Using Indigenous Fungi Species

Spent engine oil is derived from lubricating oil which has been used to lubricate various internal combustion engines and it is drained out for disposal during servicing of the engine. Spent engine oil causes great damage to soil and soil microflora when disposed indiscriminately. Thus, the bioremediation of spent engine oil contaminated soil was studied using indigenous degrading fungi isolated from hydrocarbon contaminated soils obtained from automobile mechanic workshops located at both Okpe and Uvwie Local Government Areas of Delta State, in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Three (3) fungi isolates with high engine oil biodegradability potential were used for the spent engine oil (SEO) bioremediation study. The fungi isolates used for the test were identified as, <em>Aspergillus glaucus</em>, <em>Trichoderma polysporum</em> and <em>Talaromyces flavus</em>using the API 20C method. The test microcosms were incubated for four weeks at 28 ± 2<sup>o</sup>C. Physicochemical parameters such as, Sulphate concentrations, Total petroleum hydrocarbon, Nitrate concentrations, Phosphate concentrations, Total organic carbon content, pH and Hydrocarbon utilizing fungi counts were monitored weekly using standard ASTM methods to assess the biodegradation of the spent engine oil. At the end of the test duration, <em>Talaromyces flavus </em>recorded the highest percentage spent engine oil biodegradation (69.66%) for the 5% SEO experimental set up. Similarly, <em>Aspergillus glaucus </em>recorded the highest percentage SEO biodegradation (66.16%) for the 10% experimental set up. Thus, <em>Talaromyces flavus </em>and <em>Aspergillus glaucus </em>could be used to effectively bioaugment the bioremediation process of spent engine oil contaminated soils to restore the soil to its original state within a short period of time.

Effects of Crude Oil Exploration on the Physical and Mental Health of Residents of Okpai Community, Delta State, Nigeria

One of the adverse effects that may accompany prolonged exposure to gas flaring (as with Niger Delta region of Nigeria) is increasing incidences of health anomalies amidst inhabitants. Current study investigated the effects of oil exploration and exploitation on the physical and mental health of residents of Okpai community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, southern Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was used to draw a total of three hundred and forty (340) participants from the estimated population of Okpai community who have lived for a minimum of 3 years within the targeted area. Participants were then randomly recruited into three groups of equal number of interviewees of age range 18-30 (30%), 31-45 (37%) and 18-30 (33%) respectively. Majority of the respondents were in the age group of 18-30 (83%), with only 17% from 31-45 year old age group, similar to group 1. Following administration of questionnaire to participants, Socio-demographic variables were obtained after which their informed consents and approval was given. Obtained results were expressed in simple percentages, while presenting in appropriate statistical tables and graphs. Upon analysis, study observed an increase in the percentage of crude oil exploration on the physical and mental health of Okpai residents, suggesting that crude oil exploration greatly negatively affected the health status of Okpai community inhabitants. Study also established from the participants’ perception that the oil companies appeared not to be concerned or cares about the area investigated. Also from participants’ assertions, the consumption of contaminated fish and water created health problems. Participants also felt their healthcare needs were marginalized and ignored by representatives from oil companies and the local government. Most respondents described simply dealing with physical health ailments on their own or visiting their local chemist for treatments. Further studies aimed at corroborating these findings are highly recommended.

Gender issues and women’s participation in agricultural production in Warri South Local Government area of Delta State, Nigeria

Gender inequality of women participation in agricultural production has become a worrisome discussion in the present dispensation. This is because women constitute large portion in agriculture business. The study therefore examines this issue, stressing on the extent of women’s participation in agriculture. The highest frequency of women that engage in farming all year round is 48 (30.0%), 44 (27.6%) respondents engage in farming activities half a year, 35 (21.8%) engage quarterly in a year. While cultural practices 36 (22.5%) form the highest causes of gender inequality and women’s participation in agricultural production in Warri South Local Government Areas of Delta State, using data collected through questionnaire interview from 160 subjects. The study reveals that gender inequality of women in agricultural participation has considerable impact on the production process.

Stigmatization of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Background: HIV/AIDS related stigmatization has been reported to be traced to several factors. Little or no knowledge on the illness, misapprehensions, as well as chauvinism against sufferers, to mention just a few.
 Aim: In this study, the stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS in Ndokwa West Local Government Area (NWLGA) of Delta State, Nigeria, was investigated.
 Methods: A total of 300 individuals comprising of, or related to HIV/AIDS sufferers were ethically recruited from the ten (10) communities in NWLGA using a well-structured and validated questionnaire. The data obtained from their responses were carefully analyzed and expressed in simple percentage.
 Results: The results showed that about 61 (20.5%) subjects were individuals who resided in urban community and 237 (79.5%) of them in the rural settings. The results on the stigmatization against HIV/AIDS patients due to prejudice revealed that 100 (33.6%) of the respondents strongly disagreed that HIV/AIDS sufferers in the community should be disliked, while 128 (43%) of them disagree with about 50 (16.8%) agreeing and 20 (6.7%) of the respondents strongly agreeing. Furthermore, stigmatization attributable to stereotyping showed that 68 (22.8%) of the respondents strongly disagreed to that everyone infected with HIV/AIDS have high level of sexual promiscuity; were as, about 114 (38.3%) disagreed to that notion with 57 (19.1%) agreeing and 59 (19.8%) strongly agreeing to it. Moreover, HIV/AIDS stigmatization due to discrimination revealed that 66 (22.1%) of the respondents strongly disagreed on never hiring an HIV/AIDS sufferer as a worker. About 98 (32.9%) disagreed on this notion, while 106 (35.6%) of the respondents agreed and 74 (24.8%) strongly disagreeing. Respondents further added that PLWHA should not be employed in any institution or organization and that they should never rent accommodation to them.
 Conclusion: Based on the results, stigmatization level of PLWHA was society and awareness dependent.
 Recommendations: To cope with the associated menace of HIV/AIDS stigmatization, it is recommended that society be encouraged to evolve strategies, programs and governmental policies, geared towards enlightening and sensitizing the public on the non-transmittability of HIV/AIDS through contact with sufferers as erroneously believed.

Effects of Petroleum Exploitation on Spatial Pattern of Agricultural Production in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Land and associated resources are crucial factors of agricultural production; hence, continuous petroleum exploitation activities cause an imbalance in the ecosystem and subsequently on agriculture. Against this background, this study examines the effects of petroleum exploitation on spatial pattern of agricultural production in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. The primary source is a sample of 320 farmers chosen at random from two settlements selected from and outside Abura (OML 65) oil producing field. The questionnaire covered social and demographic characteristics of farmers and effects of petroleum exploitation on distance to farms, number, sizes of farms and output. Descriptive statistics and the pair-wise Student‟s t-test were used to analysed data collected for the study. The study reveals that petroleum exploitation resulted in increased distance to farms, reduced farm number and sizes and decreased agricultural output. There were significant differences in distance to farms (t= 1.000, df=9, p<0.05), farm sizes (t =1.000, df=9; p<0.05) and agricultural output (t=0.578, df=9, p<0.05) of the two settlements selected from and outside oil producing field. Impact evaluation of petroleum exploitation activities is recommended for sustainable development of agriculture in the study area.

Farmers` attitude and behavior toward savings in Ika south local government area of delta state, Nigeria

The study ascertained the attitude of farmers towards saving behaviour in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. The data were collected by questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The results revealed that the mean age of respondents was 47 years, majority of farmers’ were male (62%) and had formal education (66.2%), mean household size was four persons and farm size had a mean of 2.9 hectares. Farmers have a positive attitude towards saving but were not comfortable with commercial banks. They, however, seek alternative avenues for savings. Level of education, farm size, and years of farming experience were significant determinants of savings. Three top challenges to savings were inadequate income, family responsibility, and cost of inputs. It was recommended that policies that increase farm size/boost farm income be pursued and that commercial banks should pay particular attention to the needs of farmers in service administration to encourage them to develop a positive attitude towards commercial banks.

Influence of Teacher-Centered and Student-Centered Teaching Methods on the Academic Achievement of Post-Basic Students in Biology in Delta State, Nigeria

Teaching methods are essential for effective teaching and learning and to a great extent influence academic achievement of students. The objective of this study therefore was to examine the influence of teaching methods on the academic achievement of senior secondary school students in Biology in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State. The descriptive survey research method was adopted in the study. Two research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study comprised 1,550 biology students in public schools in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State. Simple random sampling technique was used to select forty biology students from five randomly selected schools making it a total of two hundred (200) students. A questionnaire titled “Influence of Teaching Methods on Students' Academic Achievement in Biology Questionnaire (ITMSAABQ) was the main instrument for data collection. Cronbach Alpha analysis was used to test for the reliability of the instrument and it was found reliable with a reliability co-efficient of 0.75. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Findings from the study revealed that student-centered teaching method increases students’ academic achievement while teacher-centered teaching methods decreases students' academic achievement in biology. The study recommended that teachers should create an environment that will enable students participate fully in the teaching-learning process of biology. Also, State Education Boards should organize seminars to educate biology teachers on the need for and how to use innovative methods in teaching biology.

Perception of Health Effects of Environmental Pollutants Amongst Gas-Plant workers and Residents of Selected Local Government Areas of Delta State.

Perception of Health Effects of Environmental Pollutants Amongst Gas-Plant workers and Residents of Selected Local Government Areas of Delta State.

Geoenvironmental Investigation of Some Physical and Chemical Constituents of Ground Waters in of Sapele and Environs, Western Niger Delta, Nigeria

Hydrogeochemical studies have been carried out in parts of Sapele and Warri Local Government Areas of Delta State in order to determine the different hydrogeochemical facies and understand the groundwater flow regime and its effect on the chemical composition of the groundwater so as to evaluate the anthropogenic effects on groundwater quality in the study area. Twenty-five (25) water samples were taken from Sapele (18) and Warri (7) in one liter plastic cans with temperature, pH, electrical conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) determined in-situ. The samples were then taken to the laboratory where the analyses were done using the Varian 220 flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Salinity and chloride in water was carried out in accordance with the American Petroleum Institute (API-RP) 45. Phosphate, Nitrate, Sulphate, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium and Ammonium were all determined in accordance with the American Public Health Association (APHA) 425C,427C and 417C.The analyses carried out indicated the presence of chloride ion as the dominant parameter. Chloride shows a negative correlation with all other parameters thus indicating that its source is from surface saline waters close to those areas with high chloride concentrations. The presence of ammonia in such high concentrations and its strong positive correlation with phosphate supports that its source is as a result of pollution from sewage. The positive correlation of phosphate, sulphate, nitrate and TDS also indicate pollution from sewage. GPS readings and computation of several hydrogeological parameters showed a SW direction of groundwater flow for Sapele and a SE flow direction for Warri. The presence of ammonium at levels higher than geogenic (geologically related processes) levels is a strong indicator of fecal pollution. The groundwater in the area is mostly acidic with high chloride concentrations.Contamination from anthropogenic sources is mainly as a result of waste waters from brines released as by-products of oil exploration activities and leaky septic tanks. The presence of chloride is from the proximity of areas that lie southward towards the Atlantic Ocean and the fact that water doesn't mix excessively at greater depths but the chloride levels are still within accepted standards for domestic use. Domestic wastes from septic tanks and improper waste disposal are the main sources of ammonium in the groundwater of the study area, and this reduces the groundwater quality in the area markedly.

Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Agricultural Soils of Teskelewu Community and Environs Impacted By Gas Flaring in Delta State, Nigeria

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are emerging ubiquitous environmental pollutants with reported carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic potentials on living organisms and humans. The objective of this study was to assess the concentrations of PAHs in agricultural soils of Tsekelewu Community and environs (Egbema Kingdom) in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria impacted by gas flaring using gas chromatograph system Agilent 5890 Series 11 gas chromatograph equipped with Flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The results revealed that station 1 and 2 were fairly contaminated; with mean total PAH concentration of 236.40 μg/kg and 279.75 μg/kg respectively. Stations 3, 4, 6, 7 and 9 having mean total PAH concentration of 692.45μg/kg, 726.22 μg/kg, 739.82 μg/kg, 609.38 μg/kg, and 772.99 μg/kg were moderately contaminated. Heavy contamination was recorded in station 5 and station 8 with mean PAH concentrations of 1231.08μg/kg and 1224.33 μg/kg. The dominant PAHs in soil samples were benzo(a)anthracene, phananthrene and chrysene with benzo(a)anthracene having the highest concentration across all sample stations. The PAH concentration observed in this study is thus a serious cause for concern since soil contamination from gas flaring will likely continue. Measures that will attenuate PAHs concentrations in soil should be adopted as farmers are likely exposed by largely inhalation.Keywords: Hydrocarbons; Contamination; Agricultural soils; Gas flaring

Evaluation of groundwater potentials of Orogun, South\u2013South part of Nigeria using electrical resistivity method

An investigation has been made of the groundwater potentials of Orogun Town, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, using electrical resistivity survey. This study motivated to determine electrical resistivity parameters of the area. The aim of this work is to use electrical resistivity method to explore the groundwater potentials of Orogun Town with the determination of its Dar Zarrouk parameters. A total of eight vertical electrical sounding (VES) were conducted with maximum electrode spacing of 150 m. The data were acquired using ABEM SAS 4000 Terrameter and processed using IPI2win and Interpex softwares. The groundwater potentials of the area are evaluated based on the longitudinal conductance (S), transverse resistance (T), coefficient of electrical anisotropy (λ), resistivity for the formation (rho_{text{m}}), reflection coefficient (RC) and resistivity contrast (FC). The results reveal four subsurface geoelectric layers in seven of the eight VES while one VES revealed three subsurface geoelectric layers. Resistivity values for all the layers in the study area are very high, higher than what is expected in a sedimentary basin as we have in the study area. The resistivity values range from 8470 Ωm (layer 1, VES 7) to 118,030,000 Ωm (layer 3, VES 8). Depth to aquifer in the study area ranged from 1.61 m (VES 2) to 12.41 m (VES 1), while resistivity values of the aquifer ranged from 64,182 Ωm (VES 3) to 118,030,000 Ωm (VES 8). The results from the formation parameters evaluated showed that the area has good groundwater potential but might have been highly contaminated, especially from hydrocarbon sources and other man-made pollutants. The suggested contamination of the aquifer is as a result of the high values of resistivity of the aquifer layers.

Determinants of adoption of risk management strategies in electronic banking among agro-entrepreneurs in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

This study examined the determinants of adoption of risk management strategies in electronic banking (digital finance) among agro entrepreneurs in Ughelli North local Government area of delta state, Nigeria. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire, administered on 79 respondents using two-stage sampling procedure. The data were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics and regression analysis. This study showed that 34.0% of the respondents were male while 57.0% of the respondents were female, 39.2% of the respondents were in the age bracket of 41-50 years. The regression result shows that gender, age, marital status, level of education, farming status were all significant factors that influence risk management strategies in electronic banking. Household size, business experience, income and savings were not significant. Also, it was found that constraints faced by agro entrepreneur in adopting these risk management strategies includes the length of time it takes for unsuccessful funds transfer to be returned, the delayed response of banks to issues relating to electronic banking risks, ATM are not readily available and the ones that are, are usually congested resulting to agro entrepreneurs using the ATM at odd hours, amongst others. Proper awareness on these risk management strategies should be given to these rural entrepreneurs, and government should charge banks with the sole responsibility of providing a more secure and coordinated methods of carrying out these activities. Keywords: digital finance, electronic banking risks, ATM and cyber security

Drinking water quality and handling practices among women in rural households of Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Diarrheal diseases associated with inadequate supply of potable water are the leading causes of mortality among children under five years in developing countries. In Nigeria, women are the water managers in most households. However, there is dearth of information on the effect of women’s handling practices on drinking water quality. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the drinking water quality and handling practices among women in selected rural households in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Paired drinking water samples from available sources and Household Storage Containers (HSC) were assessed for physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters using standard methods. The data obtained were compared with the WHO guideline limits. Water samples with 0, 1-10, 11-50 and > 50 E. coli/100 mL were graded as A, B, C, and D corresponding to excellent, acceptable, unacceptable, and grossly polluted quality, respectively. Pre-tested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. A 30-point scale was used to assess water handling practices. Handling practice scores greater or equal to mean handling practice score were grouped into good and those less than that were grouped into bad handling practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and One-way ANOVA at α = 0.05. The results showed physico-chemical parameters for both sources and households within WHO guideline limits. The mean total coliform counts for all sources and household containers exceeded permissible limits. E. coli was not detected in harvested rain water while counts for borehole was 10.2 ±2.2 (A) and for stream sources was 44.6±33.3 EC/100 mL (B); drinking water stored in HSC had 36.8±32.3 (A) EC/100 mL, borehole had 62.31±33.2 (C) and stream had 30.00±33.2 (B). Mean handling practice score was 19.4+6.6. Majority (60.0%) practiced some water handling technique. Drinking water from assessed sources was of poor microbial quality and it significantly deteriorated when stored in household storage containers. Therefore, there is a need to improve the microbial quality of drinking water at sources and household level through the supply of simple, acceptable, low-cost treatment methods and hygiene education.

Vulnerability of Local Communities to Oil Installation in Isoko Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Background of Study: Petroleum exploration has generated over 90 percent revenues to the Nigerian government, and as such the nation pays all her liabilities from the sales of petroleum products. Nigerian’s mono economy mostly based petroleum exploration, has brought a lot of sufferings to the people in the region where the oils are being drilled from. The people of Isoko Local Government Area (LGA) has suffered from the environmental pollution and devastation of their lands as a result of oil exploration activities for many years now, especially from numerous oil installations of the operating oil companies. This study examines the vulnerability of the local communities to these oil installations.
 Materials and Methods: The study employed the use of questionnaire to acquire data relating to the vulnerability of communities to oil installation in Isoko LGA in Delta State. 600 copies of questionnaires were administered to the residents of the chosen communities using a simple random sampling technique which gives room for equal chance of any of the resident to be chosen in the study area. Descriptive statistics was used to explain the frequencies of the variables in terms of their percentage. Results of the analysis were presented using tables, bar charts, hazard maps, among others.
 Results: it was revealed that the vulnerability to oil installation is high in the Isoko LGA, thereby leading to a high rate of environmental degradation in these communities.
 Conclusion: it is concluded that end the suffering of the people to oil installations, the operating oil companies should pay special attention to needs of their host communities and proactive to any possible hazard that might have results from oil installation. The government should enforce the environmental laws that protect the environment and ensure that the multinational oil companies adhere strictly to them.