Ikwerre Local Government Area Research Articles

Socio-spatial Implications of Sustainable Cultural Tourism in Ikwerre Local Government Area,Rivers State, Nigeria.

Socio-spatial Implications of Sustainable Cultural Tourism in Ikwerre Local Government Area,Rivers State, Nigeria.

Analysis of Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Quality of Life in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria.

Analysis of Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Quality of Life in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria.

Adoption of Some Novel Techniques in Aquaculture Practises by Some Fish Farmers in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

In Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria, this study assessed farmers’ knowledge of and use of fish farming technology. In order to gather pertinent study data, a total of 120 structured questionnaires were given out; 80 of those were eventually retrieved. Using descriptive statistics, the study’s data were examined. The study’s findings showed that 95.0% of farmers were fully aware of some advancements in fish farming technology under consideration, 3.75 % were slightly knowledgeable, and 1.2 % were not. Through trainings and meetings with farmers associations, the majority of farmers became aware of this technical knowledge. The main barriers to the adoption of fish farming technology in these regions, on the other hand, were a lack of sufficient money, the high cost of fish feed, and weak extension linkages. It was suggested that government and non-governmental organizations establish intervention programs to guarantee that farmers adopt new technology through subsidies of aquaculture inputs, particularly feed.

Status of Soil Quality in the Vicinity of Artisanal Refining Sites in Rivers State, Nigeria

The environmental quality and sustainability in the Niger Delta region are severely undermined by the increasing practice of artisanal crude oil refining. This study aimed to assess the impact artisanal crude oil refining on soil nutrients stability vis-à-vis plant/vegetal resources of farmlands. Farmlands in Elele-Alimini and Ibaa in Emohua Local Government Area (LGA), Ogbodo in Ikwerre LGA and Umuanyagu (control) in Etche LGA, Rivers State (Nigeria) were sampled in this study. A total of fifty (50) sampling points in both test and control locations, were randomly selected using a standard spatial (grid-based) sampling technique. Soil and plant samples within the farmlands were collected to determine the physicochemical parameters and macronutrient contents. During the dry and wet seasons, mean values of pH, EC and moisture content in test soil were in the ranges 4.60-4.85 and 4.55-4.79; 66.67-130.0 µS/cm and 31.3-33 µS/cm, and 7.21-11.49 % and 11.71-66 %, respectively. The values of pH, EC and moisture content in the control soil ranged from 4.78-4.84 and 4.81-5.14; 130-152 µS/cm and 31.5-33.0 µS/cm, 11.86-11.88% and 63-66% respectively. Electrical conductivity and pH of soil showed almost a similar trend (Control > Ogbodo > Ibaa > Elele Alimini) for both top and sub-soils and in both seasons. During the dry and wet seasons, mean values of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Soil Organic Matter (SOM) in test soils were in the ranges 0.11-0.17% and 0.11-0.18 %; 0.13-0.23 mg/kg and 0.04-0.06 mg/kg; 22.82-51.87 mg/kg and 14.23-35.60 mg/kg; 1.30-2.00% and 1.36-2.0%, and 2.22-3.45% and 2.24-3.16, respectively. Mean values of N, P, K, TOC and SOM in control soils during the dry and wet seasons were in the ranges 0.12-0.19% and 0.14%; 0.29-0.33 mg/kg and 0.08-0.09 mg/kg; 50.33-52.18 mg/kg and 42.75-50.24 mg/kg; 1.35-2.14 and 1.83-2.08%, and 2.53-3.70% and 2.12-2.85%, respectively. The levels of N, P, K, TOC and SOM in the farmlands were low, and could result in poor crop growth yield.

Use of Macro-Minerals of Fluted Pumpkin in Evaluation of Remediation Potentials of Crude Oil Impacted Soil by Cow Horn Powder at Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

The objective of this work is to assess the remediation potentials of cow horn powder using fluted pumpkin grown on crude oil contaminated soil at Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Data shows that the ZgCH group showed a better treatment than XgCH and YgCH in enhancing the level of the minerals (Na =67.1±0.00, N = 111±0.41, Ca = 493±0.00) when compared with the level of the minerals in the -Ve C (Na = 39.0±0.06, N = 65.4±0.03, Ca = 367±0.00). The results after the 8th week of remediation showed that cow horn powder significantly improved the macro minerals concentration of fluted pumpkin leaves grown on crude oil-impacted soil across all the cow horn powder treated groups compared to the -Ve C and NC groups. In conclusion, cow horn powder can enhance the mineral concentration of plants grown on crude oil-impacted soil.

Soft Skills and Mathematics Teacher’s Job Performance in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Ikwerre Local Government Area

This study was carried out to determine the relationship between soft skills and mathematics teachers’ job performance in public senior secondary schools in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. Three research questions and three null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The Correlational research design was used for the study. The population of the study consisted of all the 41 Mathematics teachers in the 14 public senior secondary schools in Ikwerre Local Government Area. Simple random sampling technique was used in selecting 100 SS2 Economics students for the study. Data was collected using a researcher developed two instruments named, Soft skills Questionnaire (SSQ) and Mathematics Teachers’ Job Performance Questionnaire” (MTJPQ). The instruments were subjected to face validity by three experts; Each of the experts was from Educational management, Social studies and Measurement and Evaluation. The reliability of the instrument was determined by randomly selecting 9 mathematics teachers who were not part of the study sample to respond to the instrument. Data generated was subjected to Cronbach Alpha Reliability statistics to determine the consistency of the test instrument. The SSQ and MTJPQ had a reliability coefficient of 0.81 and 0.80 respectively. Data analysis was done using Pearson product moment correlation (ppmc) statistics. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant relationship between teamwork, time management, communication and mathematics teachers’ job performance in public senior secondary schools in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. Recommendations were made among others that Mathematics teachers should always collaborate with his/her colleagues or students to gain new knowledge in his/her area of subject matter.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Food Samples of Oil and Non-Oil Producing Communities in Rivers State, Nigeria

Aim: To compare heavy metal concentrations in locally consumed vegetables and food crops grown in oil and non-oil-producing communities in Rivers State.
 Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Kegbara Dere and Omerelu communities in Gokana and Ikwerre local government areas, Rivers State, Nigeria between November 2021 and January 2022.
 Methodology: Heavy metal concentrations (lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) mercury (Hg), and arsenic (Ars) of vegetables, food crops, and sea animals selected from the local markets and rivers of the two communities were determined. Data entry and analysis were done using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)version 21. T-test was used to compare the mean differences in heavy metal concentrations of vegetables and food crops between the two communities.
 Results: Mean concentrations of Lead (0.70 vs 0.01) Cadmium (0.09 vs 0.00) and Arsenic (0.18 vs0.00) respectively of vegetables grown in the oil-producing community were higher than that of the non-oil-producing community. The difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Mean concentrations of Lead (1.48 vs 0.00) Cadmium (0.28 vs 0.00), and Arsenic (0.41 vs 0.00) of the food crops in the oil-producing community were higher than that of the non-oil-producing community. However, only the difference in the lead concentrations was significant (P<0.05) The concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Ars in sea creatures collected from the surface waters of the oil-producing community were above WHO-recommended limits.
 Conclusion: Food grown in oil-polluted environments has higher heavy metal concentrations compared to non-polluted environments and therefore highlights the need for continued and increased efforts towards complete remediation of the polluted regions of the Niger Delta.

Assessment of Antimicrobial Activities of Sida Acuta, Dioscorea Bulbifera and Citrus Aurantifolia Extracts on Selected Bacteria (Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherihia Coli 0157:H7 and Vibrio Cholerae)

Medicinal plants are the primary source of medication used as complementary or alternative treatments to orthodox medicine. The assessment of the effects of plants, Dioscorea bulbifera (Air potato), Sida acuta (wired weed) and Citrus aurantifolia (Lime juice) extracts on selected bacteria (Escherichia coli0157:H7, Salmonella typhymurium and Vibrio cholerae) were investigated. The study area was Omuanwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria were the plants were collected. The test organisms were identified by polymerase chain reaction technique, while the antimicrobial effects of the plant extracts were examined against the different bacterial species by agar well diffusion method and sensitivity interpreted in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute. Phytochemicals extracted were Flavonoids, Cardiac Glycosides, Tannin, Phenols, Alkaloids, Steroids, Terpenoid and Saponins, however, the concentrations of phytochemicals extracted by ethanol and aqueous showed statistical significant difference of p<0.05. The organisms were more sensitive to Citrus aurantifolia with 83.3%, followed by Sida acuta with 75.0% and Dioscorea bulbifera with 41.7%, also evident in the mean zones of inhibitions of the plant extracts, as the highest mean of 16.333mm was observed in Citrus aurantifolia against all test organisms followed by Sida acuta (15.083mm) and Dioscorea bulbifera (8.583mm). Escherichia coli0157:H7 was most sensitive to Sida acuta, Salmonella typhimurium was most sensitive to Citrus aurantifolia, while Vibrio cholerae showed equal-high sensitivity to Sida acuta and Citrus aurantifolia. Considering different percentage concentrations of plant extracts of 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% against the test organisms, the mean zone of inhibitions was in the order of increasing concentrations, the higher the concentrations the higher their zones of inhibition. The ability of the plant extracts to have shown cleared zone of inhibitions in this research showed the extracts to be potent antimicrobials against these test organisms.

Agricultural Technology Transfer Methods and Adaptability of Rural Farmers in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State

The study investigated that agricultural technology transfer methods and adaptability of rural farmers in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. The sample size used for the study was 120 rural farmers. Cluster random sampling was used to select ten (10) rural women farmers from 12communities of Ikwerre Local Government Area. Two instruments for data collection were used in the study. One was “Agricultural technology transfer methods questionnaire”. The second research instrument was “Farmers Adaptability to Agricultural Technology Questionnaire”. The study found that farmer-to-farmer method and household method of transferring agricultural technologies have strongest and significant relationship with farmers’ adaptability to new technological innovations than other methods. It was recommended that government should provide adequate fund for extension workers basically for encouraging household, farmer-to-farmer method in transferring agricultural innovation.

ASSESSMENT OF TRAINING NEEDS OF SMALL-SCALE OIL PALM PROCESSORS IN IKWERRE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

The study assessed the training needs of small-scale oil palm processors in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. In conducting the study, multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 80 oil palm processors. Data collection were through structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and percentage while ordinary least square multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis formulated for the study. Findings show that the mean age of the oil palm processors was 42.68 years. The mean farm size of the oil palm processors in the study area was 0.69 hectares and the mean household size was 6 persons per household. The mean monthly income of the respondents was N43,603.86 per month and the mean years of processing experience of the respondents was 11.63 years. Findings also reveal that skimming (x= 3.99), accessing loans and grants (x= 3.91), sterilization (x= 3.89), threshing (x= 3.88), digestion (x= 3.86), access to improved oil palm seeds (= 3.81), filtering (x= 3.79), mechanized boiling (x= 3.73), packaging and branding of palm oil (x= 3.71), extraction (x= 3.68) and training on marketing and management skills (x= 3.61) were the training needs of oil palm processors in the study area. The study also reveals that the age of respondents (-2.396**), level of education (2.844***) and farming experience (2.437**) significantly influenced the training needs of small-scale oil palm processors in oil palm processing in the study area. The study concluded that small scale oil palm processors were highly in need of training in various areas such as skimming, sterilization, threshing, digestion, access to improved oil palm seeds, filtering, mechanized boiling, packaging and branding of palm oil, extraction and training on marketing and management skills. The study recommended that the extension agencies should intensify efforts in educating small scale oil palm processors through workshops, seminars and farmer trainings on their identified training needs especially in the areas of accessing improved oil palm seeds and the use of improved oil processing techniques.

Impact of Socioeconomic Characteristics and Productivity on Output of Okra Farmers in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study investigates the impact of socioeconomic characteristics and productivity on output of Okra farmers in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State. The objectives of this study were to examine the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents in the study area, investigate how productivity improve the output of okra farmers in the study area, and identify the problems associated with Okra production in Ikwerre Local government area of Rivers state and examine how profitability of Okra farmers enhance production of small-scale farmers in Ikwerre LGA. The population of the study is 2989 registered okra farmers in Ikwerre Local Government Area. Data were collected from 149 respondents drawn from the study area using multi-stage sampling stage techniques.Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean scores (four-point Likert scale), stochastic frontier production function, Gross margin and multiple regressions. The results from the analysis (gross margin) revealed that the total variable cost at N8, 530.130 and total revenue at N11, 520,000 gave a gross margin of N2, 989,870 and a rate of return of N1.35k. this implies that, Okra farming is profitable in the study area

Impact of Oil Pipeline Transportation and Vandalization on Economic Development in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study is on the impact of pipeline transportation and vandalization on economic development in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. Pipeline transportation is the preferred means of transportation of petroleum products in Nigeria. Significantly, this mode of transporting petroleum products has also become a major source of concern in that it appears to negatively affect the economic development of communities in the Niger Delta region. The study therefore, explores the impact of pipeline vandalization on economic development of Ikwerre Local Government Area. The methodology is qualitative. Data for the study is sourced from text books, newspapers, magazines, journals, periodicals, and documented materials. The findings highlight that the damage from pipeline operations has become chronic and cumulative and has compromised livelihoods and health of the impoverished communities leading to further economic under-development. The study recommends adoption of effective sustainable reforms to encourage responsible petroleum transportation activities in ways that will discourage vandalization and positively influence economic development of host communities in the near and long term.

Assessment of Solid Waste Management Strategies in Elele Community, Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Solid waste management has become the greatest problem facing many semi-urban and rural communities like Elele in Nigeria, and is fast becoming a serious health concern. The study therefore was carried out to assess the strategies developed by Elele community in solid waste management and recommend proper solid waste disposal strategies. Materials and Methods: The study adopted survey research method using data collected through self-administered questionnaire which were analyzed to generate data for the study. Results and Discussions: The result from the field research showed that majority 96.19% of the respondents have heard of solid waste, and (34.83%) of the solid wastes generated in Elele community was Garbage, composed majorly of food waste which were compostable to make local manure; 29.62% refuse waste made up of papers, plastics, cans and glass were generated. The result revealed also that dumping in open spaces (69.82%) was the most prominent disposal method practiced in Elele and only 1.09% of the population practice Land fill (Burial method). There was inadequate provision of closed top compacting trucks (29.03%) to handle refuse collection with protective measure in mind. The respondent’s acknowledgement on the indiscriminate disposal of Solid waste in Elele was high (96.67%) and listed factors responsible like: lack of awareness on accepted methods of solid waste disposal (38.55%), Lack of Community Participation (16.23%), and Financial inadequacy of government (l4.78%). Conclusion: The study revealed that dumping in open spaces (69.82%) was the most prominent disposal method, while the least was land fill practice (Burial method) 1.09%. The study recommends the participation of the Local Governments in enhancing and building the capacities of local communities to identify and promote proper waste disposal and management. In addition, develop strategies that minimize waste at household and community levels through re-use like in manure, or recycling in their vicinity.

Geotechnical Properties of Foundation Subsoils in Parts of Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

The study was carried out with the objectives of determining the stratification, geotechnical index properties of the soils in part of Port Harcourt city and Obio/Akpor local Government Area, Rivers state. Field Exploration and laboratory studies of soils samples were obtained from 0-20.25m deep. Subsurface soil profiles were delineated followed by determination of their index and mechanical properties, including Atterberg limits, particle sizes distribution, undrained shear strength, shear box test and consolidation coefficient. Results reveal an overlying light brown sandy clay, soft to firm consistency, clay thickness vary from 9.0 to 13.5m. Beneath this overburden lie yellowish brown to light grey fine to medium to coarse grained sand, loose to medium dense to dense consistency and poorly graded sand, thickness vary from 6.75 to 11.25m. The clays show low to intermediate clay plasticity (CL-CI). The shear strength parameters of these c- soil gave values range of 40-60KN/m2 . Allowable bearing capacities for the shallow foundation and bored pile foundation analysis was also carried out for the soil profiles with diameter 306, 406, 460 and 600mm for the deep foundation for various study areas were calculated.

Utilization of Delivery Services among Mothers in Aluu Community, Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State.

Utilization of delivery services is paramount to achieving a safe delivery outcome and preventing maternal mortality/morbidity among mothers. In semi-urban communities, delivery services are provided by both health and non-health facilities and are influenced by either socio-demographic or economic factors. This study aims to evaluate the utilization of delivery services across various places that provide such care and to identify the factors that influence the utilization of delivery services in the Aluu community. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 5 out of 9 villages in the Aluu community. A total of 415 respondents were recruited for the study. The study was carried out between April 2021 and October 2021. A multistage sampling method was used, and data was collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. The Chi-square test was used for inferential analysis and a significant level was set at p≤ 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Out of 415 respondents, 44.03% were delivered in a healthcare facility while 55.97% were delivered in a non-health care facility. Tribe, religion, educational status, occupation, and Obstetrics and gynecological factors were found to influence the utilization of delivery services. More than half of women utilized delivery services provided by non-health facilities and there was a significant relationship between tribe, religion, educational status, occupation, and Obstetrics and gynecological factors and the utilization of delivery services in the Aluu community.

Assessment of the Effects of Leachates on Groundwater Quality in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study focuses on the assessment of the effects of leachates on groundwater quality in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Ten (10) water samples comprising of five (5) leachate and five (5) borehole water samples were collected and analyzed as well as measurement of static water level (SWL). The sampling was done by using standard techniques. These analyzed parameters were compared with the World Health Organization guidelines for drinking water quality. The analyzed parameters were below the permissible limits of water quality guidelines, except for the leachate samples that were analyzed for chloride which concentrations ranges from 2850 - 3100mg/l below the 250mg/l and sulphate concentration ranges from 170.5 - 289.2mg/l below the 250mg/l. Iron concentration ranges from 3.6 - 4.7 mg/l above the permissible limits of 0.3 mg/l. The high concentrations of iron in the leachate is probably due to the dumping of metal scraps at the dumpsites, which corrodes, leaches out and infiltrates to contaminate the groundwater. The hydrochemical facies of the leachate samples corresponds to the region of saline water type (Na+ -K- Cl-- SO4 2-) as a result of the high concentration of Sodium. The static water level (SWL) of the area ranges from 2.5m to 8.7m. The water level data was determined in different boreholes in the study area. The maximum static water level in the study area occurs around BH4, at 8.4m below ground surface followed by BH2, with 6.2m below the ground surface. Values of static water level decreased in BH5 at 5.7m, BH1, 3.4m and BH3 at 2.5m. These values show shallow water levels which makes the aquifer in the area vulnerable to contamination from leachate and solid wastes. It is recommended that proper waste management practice(s) should be carried out in order to maintain a high level of environmental protection and sustainability as low as reasonably practicable.

School-Type and Gender Influence on the Efficacy of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy on Reducing Bullying Among Secondary School Students in Rivers State

The study determined school-type and gender influence on the efficacy of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) on reducing bullying among students in senior secondary schools in Ikwerre Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria. Bullying was the dependent variable while CBT was the independent variable. School-type and gender were the moderator variables. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. A sample of 45 students identified as bullies from a population of 2,368 SS2 students in Ikwerre Local Government Area using a non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. Olweus Bullying Questionnaire (OBQ) was the instrument used for the study. OBQ had its content validity estimated by the total item cumulative variance of 75.25% while its construct validity was estimated by factor loading matrixes that ranged between .45 and .88. The reliability of OBQ was established using Cronbach alpha at r=.80, p<.05 level of significance. Data collected were analyzed using independent t-test. Results of the study indicated that school-type had no influence on the efficacy of CBT on reducing bullying. This is due to the fact that the mean reduction difference of public and private school students on their bullying reduction level was not significant at 0.05 alpha level of significance, when tested with independence t-test. Gender had no influence on the efficacy of CBT on the reduction of bullying. This is due to the fact that the mean reduction difference of male and female students on their bullying reduction level was not significant when tested with independent t-test statistics. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that counsellors and psychotherapists should make use of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in reducing students’ bullying behaviour without the fear of these variables interfering with the treatment.

IDENTIFICATION AND SOURCES OF MISCONCEPTIONS HELD BY SECONDARY SCHOOL PHYSICS STUDENTS IN HEAT ENERGY IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

<p>The study identified misconceptions held by secondary school students about the concepts of Heat energy and investigated the sources of the misconceptions in Rivers State, Nigeria. A mixed method research design, specifically the descriptive survey and the exploratory analysis, was adopted for the study. The study was guided by two research questions. Using the random sampling technique, a sample of 300 Secondary School 1 (SS 1) Physics students was selected for the study in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State. Data was collected using three research instruments titled “Heat Energy Performance Test” (r = 0.80), Sources of Misconceptions in Heat Energy Questionnaire” (r = 0.74) and “Misconception in Heat Energy Interview Template”. This study revealed that secondary school students have misconceptions about Heat energy. This study further revealed that teachers' instructional presentation ranked 1<sup>st</sup> as the source of misconception in the concept of Heat energy, social interactions ranked 2<sup>nd</sup>, prior knowledge ranked 3<sup>rd</sup> while textbooks and reference materials ranked 4<sup>th</sup>. The study thus recommends that Physics teachers should always conduct a diagnostic test before instruction to correct any wrong preconceived notion held by the students about a particular concept before instruction. Also, well-designed and technology-assisted instruction should be adopted by Physics teachers to facilitate an accurate scientific understanding of heat energy.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0708/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

CULTURAL TOURISM AND ALUU COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN IKWERRE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, (LGA) RIVERS STATE

This Study investigated the relationship between Cultural Tourism and Aluu Community Development in Ikwerre Local Government Area, (LGA) in Rivers State. The objectives of the Study were to determine relationship between Tradition and Belief and Aluu Community Development in Ikwerre LGA in Rivers State, evaluate the influence of Norms and Values on Aluu Community Development in Ikwerre LGA in Rivers State; ascertain the relationship between Lifestyle and Aluu Community Development in Ikwerre LGA in Rivers State. The Study adopted descriptive design to help in describing the different information concerning Cultural Tourism and Aluu Community Development. The population of the Study covered indigenes of Aluu Community. 185 respondence were drawn using Simple Random Sampling Technique. Face and Content Validity were employed to assess the relevance of the instrument; while; Cronbach Alpha Statistics was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. The dimensions of Cultural Tourism and Measures of Community Development were analyzed using Mean and Standard Deviation. The Hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, (SPSS) version 22. The findings revealed that there were significant relationships between the dimensions of Cultural Tourism, (Traditional Belief, Norms and Values and Lifestyle) and Measures of Aluu Community Development., (Infrastructural Development and Revenue Generation). It was therefore, concluded that Aluu Community should preserve their Traditional and Cultural Activities to attract the attention of Tourists to the community. The presence of Tourists will attract Infrastructural and Community Development which will in turn influence the Lifestyle of the people of Aluu. We therefore, recommended that Aluu Community should not neglect their Norms and Values as these will motivate Tourists to get acquainted with the Community, thereby Aluu Community Development will be influenced.

The Effect of Educational Intervention on Rational Prescribing in Public Health Facilities in Selected Local Government Areas of Rivers State: An Interventional Study

Background: Despite progress made so far in identifying intervention models to improve drug use, irrational use of drugs has remained a serious global health problem. The study intends to determine the effectiveness of an educational intervention on rational prescribing among prescribers in selected local government areas of Rivers State.
 Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study that measured the effect of educational intervention on rational prescribing of drugs among prescribers in public health facilities in two selected Local Government Areas (LGA) of Rivers State: Ikwerre LGA (KELGA) which served as the control and Port Harcourt LGA (PHALGA) which served as the intervention by using cluster sampling with randomization. Paired data were analysed using McNemar’s Chi-square test and the paired t-test. The level of significance was set at P≤ 0.05. The EPI-INFO version 7.02 statistical software was used in the analysis.
 Results: Findings showed that the largest category of prescribers was nurse/midwives representing 48.61% and 44.4% in the intervention and control LGA respectively. There was an improvement in the knowledge and attitude of respondents in the facilities in the intervention LGA at one month and three months post-intervention (P<0.05). The average number of drugs per encounter (ANDPE), the percentage encounters with an antibiotic (PEA), the percentage encounters with an injection (PEI) were lower for the interventions group compared to the control (P<0.05). Percentage generic drug prescription (PGD) was higher in the intervention group compared to the control (P=0.001).
 Conclusion: Educational intervention was an effective and sustainable means of improving rational prescribing in the state. Update courses and continuing medical education on rational drug use should be held periodically for health care professionals by the State and National Primary Health Care Development Agency as well as other interested stakeholders.