Homes In Nigeria Research Articles

Change in the Ascorbic Acid, Total Phenol and Antioxidant Activity of Sun-dried Commonly Consumed Green Leafy Vegetables in Nigeria

Sun-drying of green leafy vegetables is popularly practised in many homes in Nigeria, as a way of preserving green leafy vegetables for future use. This project sought to investigate the effect of this method of preservation of vegetables on the antioxidant phytoconstituent (Vitamin C and Total phenol) and activity (reducing property and free radical scavenging ability) of some commonly consumed green leafy vegetables in Nigeria namely Structium sparejanophora (Ewuro-odo), Amarantus cruentus (Atetedaye), Telfairia occidentalis (Ugu), Baselia allia (Amunu tutu), Solanum macrocarpon (Igbagba), Corchorus olitorius (Ewedu), Vernonia anygdalina (Ewuro) and Occimum graticimum (Efinrin). The edible portions of the green leafy vegetables were sun-dried for seven days before determining the Vitamin C and total phenol content, as well as the reducing property and free radical scavenging ability. The result of the study revealed that sun-drying of green leafy vegetables cause a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the Vitamin C content (16.67-64.68% loss). Conversely it leads to a significant increase in the total phenol content (6.45-223.08% gain), reducing property (16.00-362.50% gain) and free radical scavenging ability (126.00-5757.00% gain) of the green leafy vegetables. It could therefore be concluded that a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in Vitamin C content caused by sun- drying will not reduce the antioxidant activity of the green leafy vegetable, moreover, the phenol constituent of the green leafy vegetables contributes more to the antioxidant properties of vegetables than ascorbic acid, as its increase on sun-drying cause a significant (P < 0.05) increases in the antioxidant properties of the green leafy vegetables, irrespective of the decrease in the ascorbic acid content.

EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMS FOR OLDER POPULATIONS IN NIGERIA

Aging populations are growing at a fast rate. The situation is not different in Nigeria, although variations exist among nations. The growing number of older people has implications for social and economic development of the world, especially in developing economies, which have to spend more in the social sector than economic sector. This paper presents analyses of the growing trends in aging populations in the world as well as the trend in Nigeria, discusses the causes and implications of this growth, and suggests educational and welfare programs that can assist in addressing the problems associated with elderly people. Among the programs recommended are adult literacy, health education, skill development, professional training, women's education, retirement and pre-retirement education, social welfare, and the involvement of non-governmental organizations in provision of assistance to old people. The paper cautions against sending elderly people to old people's homes in Nigeria, because it is against our culture and, instead, recommends the establishment of day care institutions with facilities for learning, enjoying leisure, and recreation. It is hoped that this will prevent alienation associated with life in an old people's home.

Critical Themes in Some Nigerian Diaspora Short Stories

The current spate of migrations of Nigerians to other parts of the world such as Europe, the United States of America and South Africa has been of concern to many. Of recent, several migrants and those who have close insight into migrant experiences have been writing of migrants lives in diverse forms of literature. These writings have provided insight into Nigerian migration issues. The article uses postcolonial theory in studying critical themes in some Nigeria diaspora short stories in order to understand issues surrounding migrant life both abroad and at home in Nigeria. The article identifies about four critical themes that are common to most diaspora short stories such as reasons that prompt migration, perception versus reality of overseas countries, sexual issues of migrants, and racism faced by migrants abroad. The article finds that experiences migrants go through brings them to a point of recognition of the harsh realities of life in foreign countries. These conditions force them to become nostalgic of home, resilient in their attitude to life, and sometimes to decide on returning home. The article suggests that migrants and governing authorities could do more to improve social conditions at home which in effect would go a long way in stemming the high tide of migration out of the country.Key Words: bigamy, critical, diaspora, Migrants.