Ikpoba Hill Research Articles

Design and Fabrication of a Speed Breaker Mechanism for Power Generation: A Case Study of Ikpoba Hill Benin City, Nigeria

To meet the ever rising demand for power, innovative measures has to been put into place as convention power sources are fast depreciating. In light of the above, this study opines the distinctive design and fabrication of a small scale model speed breaker electric power generator by harnessing the kinetic energy from vehicles with goal of generating electric power. The model was developed utilizing available electrical and mechanical components such as flywheel (FW), battery, inverter, spring, rack and pinion, and DC motor. To this end, the aim of this paper is accomplished by demonstrating the process of conversion of kinetic energy to electrical energy using a movable speed breaker mechanism and show that it can produce adequate amount of power for streets lights and traffic lights. In light of the above, methodology employed to achieve the above includes the construction of a small scale model of the speed breaker generator; using adequate power calculations, design specification with proper review of related works. In conclusion, the proposed model was developed and constructed in such a way that little applied pressure manually (by hand) on the speed breaker caused generation of electrical power. The technical feasibility of this model is illustrated in real case scenario at Ikpoba hill in upper mission extension in Uteh community employed as a case study.

Bacteria diversity of two abattoir effluents in Ikpoba Hill and Oluku, Benin City, Nigeria and their potential public health implications

Bacteria diversity of two abattoir effluents in Ikpoba Hill and Oluku, Benin City, Nigeria and their potential public health implications

Examination of the Trend of Rental Values of Bungalows in Selected Areas of Benin City

Bungalows are types of residential properties that provide a detached single unit of accommodation basically for family units and provide rental value returns to investors who develop them. However, studying the trend of rental values from such investments is of concern to the investors as it would help them appreciate its viability. The aim of this study is to analyze the trend of rental values of Bungalows in selected areas of Benin City comprising; GRA, Sapele road, Airport road, Ekenwan, Siluko, Ugbowo, Sakponba road, Ikpoba Hill and Aduwawa, in order to determine the growth model and statistical significance of their variations within each area between 2011 and 2020. The research methodology employed was the survey research design. Responses were retrieved from Estate Surveying and Valuation Firms involved in property management in Benin. Data retrieved were analyzed using Tables, Graph, Trend analysis and One-way ANOVA. The study revealed that the trend of rental values of Bungalows indicates a steady increase over a period of time and that there is significant variation of rental values of Bungalows in the selected locations. It was therefore concluded that the trends and variations could be attributed to the size of the property, facilities available, neighbourhood characteristics, etc, and recommended that intending investors should consider such factors before delving into investing in Bungalow residential property investment in Benin City in order to enjoy maximum rental return.

MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF KUNUN-ZAKI: A FERMENTED MILLET DRINK IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Microbiological and physicochemical analyses were carried out on samples of fermented millet drink Kunun Zaki. Fifteen samples were obtained from Ikpoba Hill Market and Aduwawa Quarters. The microbiological analysis was carried out using the standard plate count technique to determine the total microbial population. The mean count of bacteria and fungi was 2.57x10 7 cfu/ml and 0.98x10 7 cfu/ml respectively. Microorganisms identified were Lactobacillus sp, Bacillius sp, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp, Mucor sp and Fusarium sp. The mean value of the pH and titrable acidity was 4.26±0.09 and 2.73±0.08ml 0.1M NaOH respectively. The moisture content was high with a mean of 85.90±0.95 and mean solid content of 14.1±0.95. This study has shown that kunun-zaki sold in Ikpoba Hill Market and Aduwawa Quarters is highly contaminated with microorganisms. Practices of good hygiene are therefore necessary in an environment where kunun-zaki is produced, stored, prepared and packaged.

Identification of Fungi Associated with Irvingia gabonensis (Ogbono) Seeds Spoilage in Benin City, Nigeria

Irvingia gabonensis (Ogbono) is one of the forest tree species of great domestic importance and its postharvest shelve life is affected by various species of fungi. This study is to investigate the effect of various species of fungi that attack Irvingia gabonensis seeds in post-harvest. Ready to use cotyledons of Ogbono were obtained from six (6) markets in Benin City (New Benin market, Aduwawa market, Uselu market, Oba market, Ikpoba Hill market, Santana market) Edo State, in sterile transparent polyethylene bags and transported to the laboratory for analyses. The proximate composition of the Ogbono seeds was determined using standard protocols. The pour plate method was used for isolation using a potato Dextrose Agar which was supplemented with streptomycin. The fungi were isolated based on their cultural and microscopic characteristics. The result of the highest and lowest fungal counts were too numerous to count and 3.3 × 103 cfu/g respectively. A total of seven species of fungi were isolated and identified in this study which included Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp., Neurospora sp., Penicillium sp., and Rhizopus sp. Aspergillus flavus was the most prevalent fungi with prevalence rate of 48 (90.6%), while Neurospora sp. was the least prevalent fungi with prevalent rate of 04 (18.2%). The presence of these fungi especially Aspergillus species portrays a serious public health implication as regard food poisoning, mycotocosis and food security. Proper handling methods of Ogbono seeds, coupled with good orientation are necessary to ensure the safety of ogbono seeds.

Analysis of Residents’ Satisfaction Levels with Housing and Residential Environment of Six Occupied Housing Estates in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Poor housing and poor environmental quality have been associated with adverse effects on health of residents and their quality of life, emotional and psychological well-being. The quality of housing and building environment is therefore essential for residents’ residential satisfaction. This study analysises and examines the satisfaction levels of residents with housing and neighbourhood /building environment of six occupied housing estates in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. Data were collected in 2018 from six (6) housing estates located at; Oluku, Ugbowo, Oregbeni, Ikpoba Hill, Iyekogba-Ebo and Evbuoriaria. The data was obtained from sources within the study area using questionnaires, personal interviews and physical observations. The statistical tools used for analysis of data include: means, standard deviations, and categorical regression analysis. The results showed that there are variations in Relative Satisfaction Index (RSI) scores across the environmental dimensions examined for both the older and relatively newer estates. For the relatively newer estates such as Iyekogba, Oluku and Andrew Wilson result revealed that the residents are quite satisfied with Allocation for Recreation Centre (RCT) and Condition of Overcrowding (CO) with RSI scores ranging from 3.00-4.711; while those for the older estates such as Ikpoba Hill, BDPA and Oregbeni also appeared fairly satisfied 3.00-3.5. Regarding Condition of Overcrowding (CO), Refuse Disposal (RD), Level of Noise Pollution (LNP), Clean Kept Surrounding (CKS), Erosion Effect (EE), and Quality of Water (QW). Findings further revealed that RSI scores for the residents in Iyekogba, Andrew Wilson and Oluku are ranked higher indicating better satisfaction levels when compared to the RSI scores for the older estates. The results of Categorical Regression Analysis revealed that the estates environmental indicators impact positively and significantly at 5 percent (p= 0.003) on the satisfaction levels of residents. Hence efforts at improving environment of the state will directly influence residents’ satisfaction. Some measures that could enhance the quality of building environment and hence the satisfaction of residents were recommended. The study concludes that good planning and management of public housing estates are very vital because living in a decent housing and environment would lead to residents’ higher satisfaction level.

A Critical Appraisal of Residents' Level of Satisfaction with Architectural Designs in Public Housing Estates in Benin City Nigeria

Housing plays a significant role in the Socio-economic and physical development of any nation. Housing which is regarded as the oldest aspect of architecture has been found to have a profound impact on its inhabitants. This is so because architecture has been attributed to have some impact on the physical, psychological and emotional needs of occupants both positively and negatively. There is therefore a nexus between architectural schemes, the environment and residents. This study examines the residents’ satisfaction level in terms of architectural designs in six built and occupied housing estates in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. Data were collected in 2018 from six (6) housing estates namely: Oluku Housing Estate, EDPA Housing Estates Ugbowo, Federal Housing Estate, Oregbeni, and Federal Housing Estate on Ikpoba Hill, Iyekogba Housing Estate, Ebo and Andrew -Wilson Housing Estate, Evbuoriaria; through administration of structure questionnaires, interviews and direct observations. Data analysis involved the utilization of descriptive statistical tools such as means, standard deviations, and categorical regression. The result revealed that architectural design of the estates has a positive effect on residents’ satisfaction and this is significant at 5% (p=0.000) which means enhancement in the architectural design of the estates results in high satisfaction levels. The paper proposes that architectural design of any building should consider the way of life of the people, the economic means and affordability of the low-income workers in order to achieve the desired goal. It further recommends that architectural design process should be explored to the fullest in the determination and realization of housing quality and hence residents’ satisfaction in the built environment.

Evaluation of Residents’ Satisfaction with Building Features in Some Public Housing Estates in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract Residential and neighbourhood satisfaction are important indicators of housing quality and conditions which affect individual’s quality of life. This study which was conducted in 2018 evaluated the level of satisfaction in terms building features in six completed and occupied housing estates in Benin city, namely the federal owned estate at Ikpoba hill, and state owned housing estates located at Ugbowo, Oregbeni, Oluku, Evboriaria and Iyekogba. Data were collected from 1000 heads of households and analysed using descriptive statistical tools, categorical regression and factor analyses. The findings showed that the building features significantly affect the level of resident’s satisfaction. The RSI scores for the relatively old estates; EDPA, Ikpoba hill and Oregbeni and are on the dissatisfied region (RSI: 1.1-2.00) while for the relatively newer ones; Andrew Wilson and Oluku, the RSI scores are on the satisfied level (RSI=. 3.1-4.00) with building features features. The study recommends that the design for future low cost housing should consider the family sizes of average Nigerian family, kitchen design that make use of cooking gas, kerosene and outdoor kitchen possible. The paper concludes that the buildings should maintain an acceptable quality standard in terms of functional spaces, structural stability and aesthetics as this will result to resident's housing satisfaction.

Design of Facultative Pond for the Treatment of Industrial Waste Water in Urban Settlement

This study evaluated the degree of pollution of Ikpoba River due to the incessant discharge of industrial wastewater into the river. The entire study area was digitised and geo-referenced in order to generate the map of the study area as well as the sampling points. Eight (8) water samples were obtained from different locations from the direction of flow of industrial discharge into the river and also within the river. The coordinate of the sample collection points were acquired using handheld geographic positioning system (GPS). Water samples for physicochemical analysis were collected in a clean sterilized plastic container and analysis were carried out in the laboratory following standard procedure. The environmental variables measured were dissolved oxygen (DO), total suspended solid (TSS), pH, total dissolved solid (TDS), turbidity, concentration of nitrate and nitrite, chloride, phosphate, zinc, barium, tin, biological oxygen demand (BOD), conductivity, manganese, magnesium, calcium etc. Results obtained showed that most parameters investigated had increasing values. The calculated water quality index (WQI) from the sampling points ranged from 40.02 to 52.62, which indicates that most of the samples are bad as classified using National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standard. This study therefore recommends that water quality around areas of industrial wastewater discharge in Ikpoba hill should be monitored and adequate treatment recommended where necessary.

Assessing Residents’ Satisfaction with Planning and Neighbourhood Facilities of Some Public Housing Estates in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract The objective of the study is to analytically assess the residents’ perception of planning of six housing estates and their satisfaction levels in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. The population of the study comprises all residents of the six housing estates in Benin City as at 2018 which is the study period. The data were collected from the six (6) estates covered by this study: Oluku Housing Estate, EDPA Housing Estates Ugbowo, Federal Housing Estate, Oregbeni, Federal Housing Estate on Ikpoba Hill, Iyekogba Housing Estate, Ebo Village, and Andrew Wilson Housing Estate, Evbuoriaria. A total of 1200 copies of questionnaires were administered across the six housing estates. However, the total response rate of 1000 was achieved as only these copies of questionnaires were retrieved in usable format. Descriptive statistical tools such as means, standard deviations, kruskal-willis test and categorical regression analysis were utilized for the data analysis. The result showed that the relative satisfaction index scores for the all the estates are on the fairly satisfied region (RSI: 2.1-3.0) and this implies that residents are fairly satisfied with the estate planning conditions. The Kruskal-willis test confirms the absence of any significant differences in RSI scores across the estates while the categorical regression analysis results shows that estate planning has a positive effect on residents satisfaction and this is significant at 5% (p=0.003) which implies improvement in estate planning results in higher satisfaction levels. The study recommends the need for Government policy to encourage a decent living environment in terms of planning of estates.

English

Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) is one of the most important crops grown in Africa. The fruit is consumed fresh by many people and hence, source of essential mineral elements, nutrients and vitamins. This study was conducted to investigate the fungi associated with black rot disease of pineapple fruits and the effect of the disease on nutritional value of the fruits. The fungi isolated from black rot pineapple fruits got from Uselu, Ikpoba Hill, Oba, Oluku and New-Benin Markets in Benin City, were grown on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) at room temperature (28±2°C) and observed morphologically and microscopically for cultural and spore characteristics. Assimilative property of yeasts was determined with carbon substrates and peptone. Freshly harvested pineapple fruits (six wounded and six unwounded) were inoculated with the fungus responsible for black rot and incubated for six days (pathogenicity test). Healthy fruits as well as infected ones were analysed for carbohydrate, fibre, moisture, protein, and minerals. Two isolates of Ceratocystis paradoxa (black rot fungus), four isolates of yeasts, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium species were identified. Black rot was prominent in wounded pineapple fruits after six days of inoculation. The four isolates of yeast assimilated the carbon substrates and peptone. Furthermore, the infected fruits showed relative decrease in nutrient composition as compared to healthy fruits. With this basic knowledge of growth of C. paradoxa, the cause of black rot of pineapple fruit, better handling and storage can be planned in order to reduce crop losses. Key words: Black rot, Ananas comosus fruit, Ceratocystis paradoxa, nutritional value.

English

Abattoir wastewater treatments were monitored using physicochemical parameters, bacterial profile and biodegradation potential for 28 days at 7 days intervals. The stages of abattoir wastewater treatment were evaluated through determination of physicochemical parameters such as pH, conductivity, total dissolved solid, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, phosphate, nitrate and iron using standard procedures. Bacterial plate counts were determined using the pour plate method with nutrient agar. Characterization and identification of bacteria was done on the basis of cultural appearance of colony, morphology, differential and selective media. The results showed that Escherichia sp., Pseudomonas sp., Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., Staphylococcus sp., Salmonella sp., Streptococcus sp. were common to both abattoir wastewater samples. Serratia sp. was identified only in Ikpoba Hill abattoir wastewater. The bacteria occurrence frequency revealed that Escherichia sp. was dominant (P>0.05) in both abattoir samples while Streptococcus sp. was least abundant. Bacterial plate count revealed significant increase in both abattoir wastewater samples. BOD5/COD ratio revealed that degradation was slow below normal limit of 0.6, and then significantly increased with time. Physicochemical parameters showed significant difference at P>0.05 for both abattoirs. These results suggest that temporal variations of the effluent bacterial community may be useful to predict the wastewater treatment performance and settleability of activated sludge. Key words: Bacteria profile, biodegradability, physicochemical parameters, bacterial community, abattoir wastewater.

Charcoal Enterprise in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Charcoal enterprise has been adopted to meet some socio-economic benefits and energy needs of the people. The study was conducted to determine peoples’ involvement, uses and reasons for using charcoal,distribution channel as well as weekly sales and profit of the enterprise. The results revealed that people involved in sales of charcoal were 28.26%, 9% and 2% of the respondents for Igun Street, Oba market/New Benin and Ikpoba Hill market respectively. The identified uses of charcoal were for roasting of maize (32. 75%), Suyapreparation and cooking of food accounted for 13.70% and 16.13% respectively, while Black Smiting and Bronze casting accounted for 13.70% of the respondents. ANOVA indicated that there were no significant differences (P >0.05) among the identified reasons for using charcoal as well as the weekly sales of the product. However,distribution channel of charcoal showed significant difference (P< 0.05) with dominant retail channel revealed using fishers least significant difference (LSD). The weekly profits of over N2,000 were confirmed by 48. 48% and 24.24% of the respondents for the rainy and dry seasons respectively. Research effort in charcoal enterprise needs to be focused in order to ensure sustainable development and realization of the desired potential of the enterprise.

Analysis Of Gunshot Injuries In A Semi-Urban Community In Nigeria

Background: Gunshot injuries are taking a worrisome dimension in all parts of Nigeria with associated significant morbidity mortality. Most cases of gun shot injuries in our community prefer to be managed by traditional healers rather than medical doctors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the pattern and outcome of gun shot injuries in Ikpoba Hill; a sub-urban community in Edo State. The study also seeks to determine incidence of gunshot injuries as seen at the study centre and to also determine why most patients with gunshot injuries prefer to be managed by traditional healers.Patients and Methods: The case files of all the cases of gunshot injuries managed at Our Clinic/Medical Centre over a five year (January 2003 to December 2007) period were analysed.Results: Gun shot injuries were more common in individuals in their 3rd decade of life and most injuries occurred between the hours of 1.00am and 4.00am. Pellets were the commonest offending agents and superficial soft injuries were the commonest form of injuries. Over 60% of the patients discharged themselves against medical advice. Late presentation was a prominent finding in most patients. The case fatality was 5.8%; sepsis being the commonest cause of death.Conclusion: Gunshot injuries are quite common in Benin City. Most of thepatients present very late with attendant consequence of significant morbidity and mortality. Health education is essential in this regard with a view to encouraging early presentation to hospital.Keywords: Analysis of gunshot injuries

Use of Hydraulic Network Model for Evaluating Fire Flow Capacity of a Water Distribution Network

A WaterCAD hydraulic network model of the existing Ikpoba Hill Benin City water distribution system was constructed and calibrated for steady state simulation studies using the network’s physical, operational and calibration data. The model was then used for available fire flow analysis and system improvement design. Our study reveals that the existing network has available fire flow of O l/s and hence cannot provide needed flow for fire suppression. However, the proposed improved network with increased diameters of existing pipes and which also takes into account expected future growth has available fire flow of between 29.6l/s and 40l/s at the nodes in the network.On the basis of available fire flow at the nodes in the system, hydrant tagging, numbering and colour coding which can effectively increase the fire fighting ability of the fire department can be undertaken.

Metal tolerant species distribution and richness in and around the metal based industries: Possible candidates for phytoremediation

Plant species growing in and around 38 metal welding workshops in Benin City, Nigeria, were surveyed. Eragrostis tenella occurred most frequently in all the sites, followed by Amaranthus spinosus, Eleusine indica, while Cucurbita pepooccurred least. The family Poaceae, was identified in all the sites visited. The frequency of occurrence of any particular plant species was used as an indicator of tolerance to heavy metals. Margalef index (R1) showed the richest locations in the study to be workshops at Ekenwan Road Quarters with a value of 2.87, followed by those at Ikpoba Hill (2.75). Shannon-Weiner’s diversity index (H) which reveals the location with the most species diversity, showed that Ekenwan Road gave the most diverse with a value of 2.43, followed by Ikpoba Hill (2.17). Wire Road was least diverse in plant species (1.33). Ugbowo quarters had the highest evenness index of 0.96, followed by Sapele Road (0.95), with Wire Road being the location with least evenness (0.82). Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) occurred in soil samples obtained from the sites. Six of the ten locations (Ekenwan, Plymouth, Siluko, Sapele, Sakponba and Ikpoba Hill Road Quarters) had elevated cadmium in soil samples obtained outside the workshops, with the highest concentration of 1.2 mg/kg detected at Ikpoba. Lead concentration was highest at Ugbowo (53 mg/kg). Metal-tolerant plants obtained in the present study are suggested as possible phytoremediating agents. Key words: Welding workshops, metal tolerant plants, cadmium, lead, phytoremediation

Metal tolerant species distribution and richness in and around the metal based industries: Possible candidates for phytoremediation

Plant species growing in and around 38 metal welding workshops in Benin City, Nigeria, were surveyed. Eragrostis tenella occurred most frequently in all the sites, followed by Amaranthus spinosus , Eleusine indica , while Cucurbita pepo occurred least. The family Poaceae, was identified in all the sites visited. The frequency of occurrence of any particular plant species was used as an indicator of tolerance to heavy metals. Margalef index (R 1 ) showed the richest locations in the study to be workshops at Ekenwan Road Quarters with a value of 2.87, followed by those at Ikpoba Hill (2.75). Shannon-Weiner’s diversity index (H) which reveals the location with the most species diversity, showed that Ekenwan Road gave the most diverse with a value of 2.43, followed by Ikpoba Hill (2.17). Wire Road was least diverse in plant species (1.33). Ugbowo quarters had the highest evenness index of 0.96, followed by Sapele Road (0.95), with Wire Road being the location with least evenness (0.82). Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) occurred in soil samples obtained from the sites. Six of the ten locations (Ekenwan, Plymouth, Siluko, Sapele, Sakponba and Ikpoba Hill Road Quarters) had elevated cadmium in soil samples obtained outside the workshops, with the highest concentration of 1.2 mg/kg detected at Ikpoba. Lead concentration was highest at Ugbowo (53 mg/kg). Metal- tolerant plants obtained in the present study are suggested as possible phytoremediating agents. Key words : Welding workshops, metal tolerant plants, cadmium, lead, phytoremediation.

Pattern and outcome of management of fractures in a Nigerian community

Background: There has been increasing incidence of road traffic accidents and gun shot injuries in Benin City in the recent past. A major complication of these events is fracture of the bones. Various patterns of fractures are reported from different communities. Aim: To determine the pattern and outcome of fractures in Ikpoba Hill, a sub-urban community in Edo State. Methods: A retrospective study of all cases of fractures that presented to “Our Medical Centre” in Ikpoba Hill, a sub-urban community in Edo State between January 1998 and December 2004 was carried out. Parameters analysed included age, sex, and occupation, cause of fracture, site of fracture, associated injuries, treatment offered and outcome of management. Results: A total of 285 cases of fractures were seen over the period of study. There was a steady increase in the number of cases of fractures over the period of study. The 20 -29 years age group was more commonly affected (25.61%). The male: female ratio was 1.9: 1. Civil servants and business people were most commonly affected (36.49% and 24.56% respectively). The humerus was the bone most commonly affected (24.32%). Road traffic accident was the commonest aetiological factor accounting for 80%. Some 69.47% of the cases discharged themselves against medical advice to seek help with a traditional bonesetter. Head injury was the commonest cause of death (44.44%). The average duration of hospital stay was 21 days. Conclusion: Road traffic accident was a common cause of fracture. The humerus was the bone most commonly fractured. Most patients with fracture prefer to patronize the traditional bone setters. Public enlightenment campaign should be mounted to discourage the attitude of most patients with fracture seeking help in traditional bonesetters\' place. Port Harcourt Medical Journal Vol. 1(1) September 2006: 17-21

The relationship between soil copper content and copper resistance in yeast of an ultisol in midwestern Nigeria.

Yeast isolates were obtained from the brewer's stock of the Guinness brewery in Benin City, midwestern Nigeria, and from local sources such as mango and sugar cane. The fruits were exposed to the immediate soil environment in eleven selected sites in the Ugbowo and Ikpoba Hill areas of Benin City, Edo State of midwestern Nigeria. A total of twenty-seven yeast isolates were obtained. Fourteen isolates were identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 13 as S. carlsbergensis. Analysis of resistance to copper sulphate revealed that the two brewer's yeast isolates were resistant to 3.5 mM and 4.2 mM CuSO4, respectively, while the local yeasts were resistant to higher concentrations ranging from 6.5 to 16.5 mM. The percentage copper sulphate resistance of yeast isolates obtained from Mangifera inidica ranged from 52.4 to 73.8%, while the percentage copper sulphate resistance of yeast isolates obtained from Saccharum officinarum ranged from 51.8 to 62.6%. The two brewer's yeast isolates (BY2 and BY4) had a percentage CuSO4 resistance of 32.4 and 38.5%, respectively. Comparison of soil copper concentration and copper resistance levels in selected yeast isolates indicated that the soil copper concentrations generally influenced the ability of yeasts to resist copper.