Makurdi Metropolis Research Articles

Development of Predictive Models for Energy Demand and CO2 Emission Trends for Households in Makurdi Metropolis

This study aimed at developing predictive models for energy demand and CO2 emission trends for households in Makurdi metropolis. As part of the study, households were randomly selected to represent a reasonable spread. Four major emission sources: electricity; transportation; solid waste and cooking fuels were considered, and data on the sources were obtained using records from relevant departments as well as questionnaires, surveys, and interviews of the occupants. This data was analyzed and used to calculate the CO2 emissions of the households using IPCC standard guidelines and formulae. The CO2 emission and energy demand predictive models were also developed using Design Expert 13. The ANOVA for the CO2 emission and energy demand shows a significant model (Significance F value of ≤ 0.0001) and a high R-squared value of 0.9981 and 0.9802 respectively. This indicates the adequacy of the models, and they can therefore be used to predict the CO2 and energy demand of households in Makurdi metropolis. The limitation remains the imbalance in living standards across the respective areas of the metropolis which definitely impacts on the demand and use of energy. It will be useful for policy makers and implementers in ensuring sustainable energy demand planning and CO2 emissions mitigation.

Epidemiological Dynamics of Canine Morbillivirus in Resident Dogs of Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Canine distemper is an endemic viral disease of dogs in Nigeria. Knowledge of the carrier status of dogs is key to successful control of the disease. In this study, the carrier status of apparently healthy dogs’ resident in parts of Makurdi metropolis was determined using the immunochromatographic rapid antigen assay kit for qualitative detection of canine morbillivirus antigens in ante-mortem samples. Ocular-, nasal-, and rectal- swabs, as well as serum were taken from each of 204 dogs bringing a total of 816 samples. The results showed that 26.96 % of the dogs sampled were positive for Canine morbillivirus antigens. Viral antigens were detected in 9.8%, 11.27%, and 4.41% of nasal, ocular, and rectal swaps respectively, and in 6.37% of the serum samples collected. An age-related susceptibility was observed as viral antigens detection rate was higher in younger dogs compared to older ones. Similarly, 40.43% of vaccinated and 22.93% of unvaccinated dogs were positive for canine morbillivirus antigens. Of significant importance is the prevalence rate in unvaccinated population of dogs. In terms of breed-related detection rate, 23.93% of Nigerian local dogs and 40.63% of exotic breeds tested positive for viral antigens, and it was observed that 25.54% of dogs which had history of contact with other dogs and 40% of dogs which had no such history carried canine morbillivirus antigens. The significance of this study is that it details the current epidemiological dynamics of canine morbillivirus in resident dogs of Makurdi metropolitan area, and the findings are discussed. Subject Areas: Animal infectious disease epidemiology.

Assessment of Early Marriage for Girl-Child from Islamic Perspectives in Makurdi Metropolis of Benue State

Assessment of Early Marriage for Girl-Child from Islamic Perspectives in Makurdi Metropolis of Benue State

Occurrence of Anaplasmosis among Cattle in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease affecting cattle, poses significant economic challenges in Benue State, Nigeria. Despite its prevalence, detailed studies on its pathology and economic implications are limited. The study investigated the prevalence and seasonal occurrence of anaplasmosis in cattle, along with its distribution across different age classes and sexes. Blood samples were collected over a three-month period covering both dry and wet seasons. Samples were obtained from 432 cattle via jugular vein puncture and processed using the thin blood film method. Microscopic examination was conducted to detect tick-borne hemoparasites. Statistical analysis, employing the chi-square test, was performed to evaluate differences within categorical variables. Of the 432 cattle examined, 31.0% were males and 69.0% females. Female cattle exhibited a higher overall prevalence of infection (68.1%) compared to males (31.9%). A prevalence of 58.7% was recorded for the wet season compared to the dry season (41.3%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Adult cattle had the highest prevalence of anaplasmosis (71.0%), followed by juveniles (14.6%) and calves (14.1%). Among males, adult cattle had the highest infection rate (28.3%), while among females, adult females had the highest prevalence (71.7%), with statistical significance at P < 0.05 compared to other age classes and sexes. The findings provide valuable insights into the epidemiology of anaplasmosis in cattle and underscore the importance of considering location, season, age class, and sex in disease management and control strategies.

Microorganisms Associated with Tomato (Lycopersicum Esculentum) Rot and Effect of Neem (Azadirachta Indica) Extract in Rot Control in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) is a vital agricultural crop globally, yet it is significantly affected by various microbial pathogens leading to post-harvest rot, which threatens food security and economic stability. This study aimed to identify the microorganisms associated with tomato rot in Makurdi Metropolis and evaluate the efficacy of neem (Azadirachta indica) extract as a biocontrol agent. A total of 60 tomato fruits were sampled from the five major markets within the Makurdi metropolis. They were cultured on Nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, Potato Dextrose agar, Mannitol salt agar, and Eosin Methylene blue agar. The organisms identified were Klebsiella sp, Salmonella sp, Proteus vulgaris, Enterobacter sp, Shigella sp, Staphylococcus sp, Bacillus sp, Escherichia coli, Rhizopus sp, Mucor sp, Aspergillus sp, and Fusarium sp. Neem extract was used for susceptibility tests on the bacterial isolates at 10%, 50%, and 100% concentration, and it was found most effective on some bacterial isolates at higher concentrations of 100% with wider zones of inhibitions. Vegetative growth of the fungi on neem extract decreased with increase in concentrations. This finding proved the potentiality of plant extracts for controlling the fungal rot of tomato fruit. A pathogenicity test was conducted with readings taken at intervals of days and it was noticed that the microbial isolates were actually the cause of tomato rot. This study underscores the importance of identifying microbial threats to tomato crops and highlights neem extract as a promising natural alternative for managing tomato rot, promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Makurdi Metropolis and Nigeria at large.

Assessment of factors influencing fuelwood utilization in Makurdi metropolis, Benue state, Nigeria

The study was conducted to assess the factors influencing the utilization of fuelwood in Makurdi metropolis due to the paucity of information on the factors in the area. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 125 people in 25 houses from five locations in the study area. Data for the study was obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire, interview, and personal observation. Field data was analyzed using descriptive, Likert scale rating and regression models. Results of analysis of field data show that seven tree species were utilized for fuelwood in the study area with Prosopis africana (34%) being the most preferred fuelwood spp utilized while Burkia africana (2.1%) was the least utilized fuelwood spp. The Multilinear regression model was selected as the best-fit model in explaining the factors influencing fuelwood utilization in the study area based on its high r2 value and low standard error estimated compared to the other three regression models. None of the socioeconomic variables investigated had a significant influence on fuelwood utilization (P > 0.05). However, age, income, family size, unit price, and availability of the commodity positively influence fuelwood utilization in the study area. The socioeconomic factors were able to explain 67% of the variation in fuelwood utilization in Makurdi Metropolis. Fuelwood is highly utilized in the area. Therefore, the conservation of the preferred fuelwood tree species in community forests and agroforestry practices should be encouraged by the Government, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private individuals to enhance the sustainability of the resource.

Effect of Job Stress and Empoyees Productivity of First Bank Branches in Makurdi Meteroplis Benue State Nigeria

The paper examined the effect of Job stress and employee’s productivity of First Bank Branches in Makurdi Metropolis of Benue State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to: examine the extent of the effect of work overload on efficiency of First Bank Branches in Makurdi Metropolis and ascertain the effect of role conflict on services delivery of First Bank Branches in Makurdi Metropolis. This study adopted survey research design, made uses of 115 sample size from First Bank Branches in Makurdi Metropolis of Benue State, Nigeria as a small population, data were collected using a self-mixed questionnaire with response rate of 115 percent. The analysis of data was done using simple frequency distribution and percentages. Multiple regression analysis t-test was used alongside with Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) technique in estimation. The Findings revealed that that effect work overload has significant effect on employee’s productivity of First Bank Branches in Makurdi Metropolis and role conflict has significant effect on employee’s productivity of First Bank Branches in Makurdi Metropolis. The study revealed that job stress affected work overload has significant effect on employee’s productivity of First Bank Branches in Makurdi Metropolis. The study concludes that work overload and role conflict positively affected work overload has significant effect on employee’s productivity of First Bank Branches in Makurdi Metropolis. The study recommends among others that; management of First Bank Plc in Makurdi should concentrate on reducing work overload on staff to enhance their employee’s productivity and regularly monitor employee performance and provide constructive feedback. Recognizing and rewarding employees' efforts to boost morale and motivation.

IMPACT OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTING ON FRAUD DETECTION IN NIGERIAN DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS

This study investigated the impact of forensic accounting on fraud detection in deposit money banks within Benue State, Nigeria, utilizing a cross-sectional research design. The population consisted of 145 employees from three deposit money banks operating in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State. A census sampling technique was employed, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated through content and construct validity methods, achieving a Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.872. The study employed binary logistic regression to estimate the impact of forensic accounting variables on fraud detection. The findings reveal that Engagement of Forensic Accountants (EFA) significantly enhances fraud detection, with a coefficient (B) of 1.671 (SE = 0.414), Wald statistic of 9.830 (p 0.001), and odds ratio (Exp(B)) of 3.911. This implies a 291.1 increase in the likelihood of fraud detection with the engagement of forensic accountants, underscoring their pivotal role in improving financial transparency and accountability. Conversely, Litigation Support Skills (LSA) did not show a statistically significant impact on fraud detection (B = 0.541, SE = 0.378, p = 0.152), suggesting limited effectiveness in this context. However, Forensic Investigative Professional Skills (FIS) demonstrated a significant positive impact (B = 1.203, SE = 0.406, p = 0.015), increasing the likelihood of detecting fraud by 104.4. The study recommends that banks prioritize the integration of forensic accountants into internal audit processes to bolster fraud detection capabilities effectively. Furthermore, continuous professional development in forensic investigative techniques should be emphasized to enhance staff skills and readiness in identifying and mitigating complex fraud schemes.

Marital Infidelity among Married Couples: Roles of Emotional Intelligence and Narcissistic Personality Traits in Makurdi, Benue State

This study investigated emotional intelligence and narcissistic personality traits as predictors of marital infidelity in Makurdi Metropolis Benue State. Two hundred married couples from the area, who had been married for up to five years (2018 - 2022), participated in this cross-sectional research. The sample consisted of 96 (48%) males and 104 (52%) females, with an average mean age of X=2.64, and standard deviation of SD=.80850. The Brief Emotional Intelligence Scale, Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale (HSNS), and Marital Infidelity Scale (MIS) were used for data collection. Simple linear and multiple linear regression analysis were employed to test three hypotheses. The results indicated that emotional intelligence significantly predicted marital infidelity among married couples in Makurdi Metropolis [R=.418, R2=174 F (1,194) = 40.973, p<.01]. Similarly, narcissistic personality traits significantly predicted marital infidelity among couples in the same area [R=.418, R2=174 F(1,194) = 40.973, p<.01]. Additionally, the combination of emotional intelligence and narcissistic personality traits had a significant predictive influence on marital infidelity [R = .435, R2 = .189, F(2,187) = 21.627 p<.01]. Based on these findings, it is recommended that couples improve on willingness to communicate - communication skills and understanding of each other’s emotions is very important before making and taking any actions. This can help navigate conflicts and challenges more effectively. Marital Institutions can offer comprehensive pre-marital counselling programs that include discussions on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and relationship expectations.

Zoonotic parasite contamination of some green, leafy and spicy vegetables sold in major markets of Makurdi metropolis, Benue state

Consumption of contaminated vegetables can result in parasite ingestion with subsequent health problems. The spread of zoonotic parasites through contaminated vegetables is a complicated problem that requires attention to ensure food safety and protect public health. This study investigated the zoonotic parasitic contamination of some green, leafy, and spicy vegetables sold in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State. A cross-sectional study was designed in which four hundred green, leafy, and spicy vegetables consisting of five different vegetables, were collected from five markets in Makurdi town, Benue state. Sediments obtained by washing the vegetables with normal saline were centrifuged at 1500 rpm for five minutes before being subjected to flotation, sedimentation, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen techniques, and viewed under the microscope at various magnifications. The overall prevalence of zoonotic parasites was 59.75%. Strongyloides spp. larvae (40.5%), Cryptosporidium spp. Oocyst (0.5%), Balantidium coli cyst and trophozoite (7%), Ascaris spp (5.75%), Taenia spp. (9%), Strongyle ova (4.5%), and Giardia lamblia cyst (1.5%) were identified. Results showed a significant relationship between vegetable type and parasite contamination of vegetables (p < 0.05), but no significant relationship between market location and parasite contamination (p > 0.05). The high prevalence of zoonotic parasites observed in this study highlights the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated vegetables. The study recommends public enlightenment of vegetable sellers and consumers in Makurdi on the importance of hand hygiene and safe handling of vegetables to prevent exposure to pathogenic microorganisms.

Evaluation of Charcoal Usage and Its Influence on Deforestation in Makurdi Metropolis Benue State, Nigeria

Charcoal is the dark grey residue consisting of impure carbon obtained from vegetation substance and produced by pyrolysis, the heating of wood in the absence of oxygen. Charcoal is considered the major source of energy for the inhabitants of Makurdi metropolis. The study was conducted to assess the consumption of charcoal in Makurdi metropolis. Five council wards were selected purposively for data collection. The selected wards are noted for having large quantities of charcoal and consumers almost all year round. The wards selected are Agan, Fiidi, Wadata, Modern Market, and North Bank. From each council ward, 20 respondents were drawn using a random sampling technique. 100 respondents were selected and interviewed using a pre-tested checklist (questionnaire) to collect primary data. From the result, Prosopis africana was the highest used tree species for charcoal with 83.5% then Vitellaria paradoxa with 7.9%. Also, 88% of the respondents preferred charcoal for cooking in providing food for the family because of its affordability compared to other cooking energy sources. Therefore, it is inferred that charcoal has a positive impact on the lives of consumers since affordability is considered the main reason why the majority of households use charcoal. However, the continuous use of forest trees threatens the future of our forest estate and biodiversity leading to land degradation, endangering of species and enhancement of global warming. Therefore, Alternative energy sources should be encouraged for household fuel to ease the pressure on charcoal.

Bacterial Contamination of Drinking Wells in Makurdi Metropolis

This study was carried out to assess the bacterial contamination of drinking wells in Makurdi metropolis. Fifteen (15) untreated water samples, five (5) each were collected from wells in High Level, Wurukum and Wadata areas for physicochemical and bacteriological analysis was done using pour plating and the bacteriological quality was assessed by measuring the total viable, total coliform and fecal coliform counts of bacteria in the samples using Mac Conkey agar and Nutrient agar. The results of the analysis showed that the pH ranged from 6.70 ± 0.16 to 7.40± 0.87, the temperature levels ranged from 28.72 ± 0.04 to 28.87 ±0.05; biological oxygen demand values ranged from 0.02 ±0.04 to 0.02 ± 0.41; the dissolved oxygen values ranged from 1.50 ±0.16 to 170 ± 0.14 while the Electrical conductivity values ranged from 599.20 ±88.98 to 1582.80±199. The results also showed the total viable count, total coliform count and fecal coliform counts ranging from 75.80±16.01cfu/ml to 117.40±34.45cfu/ml; 5.60±5.13cfu/ml to 6.60±6.88cfu/ml and 0.40±0.89cfu/ml to 4.20±3.77cfu/ml respectively. The total viable counts ranged from 75.80±16.01 to 117.40±34.4 (Wadata having the highest and Wurukum having the least), the total coliform counts ranged from 5.60±2.61 to 6.60±6.88 while the fecal coliform count ranged from 0.40±0.89 to 4.20±3.77. The variation in Total Viable Count (TVC) across locations could be as a result of localized factors influencing microbial populations and geographical differences such as land use, anthropogenic activities, and environmental conditions. The bacterial isolates were Bacillus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Proteus spp, Enterobacter spp, and Staphylococcus spp. The frequency of occurrence and prevalence percentages of the bacteria isolated from the well water samples show that Klebsiella spp had the highest percentage (23.33%) while Enterobacter spp and Escherichia coli had the least prevalence percentage, representing 10.00% each. Overall, High Level had the highest contamination rate, accounting for 43.33% of the total contamination while Wurukum had the least contamination, representing 23.33% of the total contamination. The distribution patterns of bacterial isolates among the studied locations illuminate discernible trends. The prevalence of pathogenic bacteria in well water sources could be possibly linked to higher urbanization and population density, highlighting the dynamic and site-specific nature of microbial communities. The study highlights the importance of using specific plans to manage water quality. These plans should take into account the special features of each area.

Phytochemical screening and investigation on the antibacterial activity of fermented noni (Morinda citrifolia) fruit juice extracts on selected microorganisms in Makurdi Metropolis

Plant products are generally useful for medicinal purposes, one of which is the noni plant. Noni or pace (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit juice was extracted using aqueous and methanol solvents, then fermented and screened for the presence or absence of bioactive constituents (phytochemicals) using the modified standard procedures. The major phytochemical constituents revealed were alkaloids, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, and flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins, tannins, reducing sugar, saponnins, carbohydrate and terpenoids. Bacterial cell viability and MIC values were also determined by turbidity test. The lowest concentration of the extract with clear suspension was considered the MIC values. The lowest concentration of the extract in the post-incubation suspensions which did not harbour any bacterial growth upon spotting on MHA after overnight incubation at 37° C was considered the MBC values. The test was performed in triplicates alongside antibiotics ciprofloxacin (5μg) as a positive control at a concentration of 0.1mg/ml. Antibacterial activity was perfumed against three bacteria (Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus) by agar-well diffusion method. Activity was observed for both methanolic and aqueous extracts of Morinda citrifolia L. fruit juice against the organisms tested. The extracts had both bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against the test microorganisms. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) test revealed that the bacterial isolates were inhibited between concentrations of 50mg/ml and 25mg/ml for the methanolic extract, and between 100mg/ml and 50mg/ml for the aqueous extract of the fermented fruit juice. The extract was bactericidal from the range of 100mg/ml to 200mg/ml for both extracts, though with the exception of S. aureus which was bactericidal at 50mg/ml for methanolic extract.

Evaluating the Effects of Building Characteristics of Worship Auditoriums on Speech Intelligibility in Makurdi Metropolis

To enjoy the comfort of the indoor environment of any enclosed space, it is important to have a reasonable measure of understanding of any spoken word in the room. In line with the above this study assessed the characteristics of worship auditoriums with regards to speech intelligibility in Makurdi metropolis with the view to identifying building characteristics that affect speech intelligibility worship auditoriums. The study was carried out through the employment of walkthrough survey and physical observation; a well structured checklist was employed for the study. Measurements of lengths, widths and heights were carried out, from which the room volume was obtained to have an insight of the space under consideration. The auditoriums of ten worship centres in Makurdi Metropolis were studied. The findings that showed all the auditoriums were rectangular in shape. It was found that there was use of inappropriate application of materials for surface finishes in the auditoriums. In terms of room volume, it was found that G recorded the highest volume with 17064.00m3 while E recorded the lowest volume of 756.00m3 . The mean volume of the auditoriums was calculated to be 517.64m3 , the Standard Deviation (SD) was 4733.44 and the Coefficient of Variation (CV) was found to be 81.36%. The study recommended that proper selection and application of surface finish materials be ensured during construction of worship centres. Also, that acoustic treatment is applied in auditoriums where defects are identified, with the aim of effectively enhancing speech intelligibility in worship auditoriums in Makurdi Metropolis.

Antimicrobial efficacy of cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) on toenails dystrophy amongst females attending pedicure outlets in Makurdi metropolis

Antimicrobial efficacy of cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) on toenails dystrophy amongst females attending pedicure outlets in Makurdi metropolis

Effects of corporate governance on organizational effectiveness in some selected deposit money banks in makurdi metropolis, Nigeria

The effectiveness of a few Makurdi Metropolis deposit money banks was examined in this study in relation to corporate governance. Finding out how board size influences the organizational effectiveness of a few particular deposit banks in Makurdi was one of the study's main objectives. The study focused on the five hundred and fifty (550) workers of a few carefully chosen deposit money institutions. 220 persons made up the sample size, which was determined using the Taro Yamane formula. First-hand information was used in the study. A questionnaire was the main instrument used to collect data. The statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS 21) were employed to evaluate the developed hypotheses, and regression and correlation analysis were the techniques used to analyze the data. The unprocessed data from the original source was displayed using tables and simple percentages. The study found that deposit money banks with beta coefficients of .247.197 perform significantly better when they have a diverse, large, and independent board, as well as when director compensation is high, 022 and 205. As per the beta coefficient, the board size had the highest beta values, measuring .247. In conclusion, the study discovered that certain deposit money institutions in Makurdi metropolis benefited from board diversity, board size, and director remuneration.

Investigation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Bread Baked and Sold in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State Nigeria

Heavy metals are pollutants that are of global significance due to their toxicological properties when their intake significantly exceeds recommended levels. They are persistent in the environment, and may be unintentionally present in raw materials used for production of bread; they may migrate from packaging into food, or find their way into finished food products due to anthropogenic activities. The present study investigated the presence of heavy metals in bread baked and sold in Makurdi, Metropolis, to ascertain their safety for consumption. Twenty different bread brands were sampled twice from bakeries and distribution outlets within Makurdi, metropolis respectively. The heavy metal analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The varied concentrations of heavy metals in mg/kg of Fe, Pb, Cr, Zn, Ni, and Cd in Bread Loaves from Bakeries (BFB) and in Bread Loaves from Distribution Outlets (BFD) were determined. Cd was not detected in BFB and flour, but it was present in one sample in BFD. Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was employed to separate the means. Though, most of the studied heavy metals were within permissible limits, caution should be taken when consuming bread, because of their ability to persist and bio-accumulate in bio-systems.

Effects of Work-Life Balance on Organisational Performance: A Study of Selected Deposit Money Banks in Makurdi Metropolis, Nigeria

This study looked at a few deposit money institutions in the Makurdi Metropolis to see how work-life balance affected organizational performance. The study aimed to accomplish the following goals: to ascertain how work-life balance affects the organizational performance of a few selected deposit banks in Makurdi. The study concentrated on the employees of a few selected deposit money institutions in the 606-person Makurdi metropolis. The Taro Yamane formula was used to calculate the sample size, which resulted in a sample size of 252 people. The study used first-hand information. The major data collection tool was a questionnaire. Regression and correlation analysis were the methods utilized to analyze the data, and the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS 21) was used to assess the hypotheses that were developed. Tables and straightforward percentages were used to portray the raw data that was taken from the primary source. According to the study, certain deposit money banks in the Makurdi metropolis perform significantly better when they have flexible working arrangements, wellness programs, family responsibilities, and work-life conflicts, all of which have beta coefficients of 0.203, 0.468, 0.269, and 0.293, respectively. According to the beta coefficient, wellness programs had the highest beta values, with a beta value of 0.468. In summary, the study found that work-life balance issues, family responsibilities, and flexible work schedules all benefited certain deposit money institutions in the Makurdi metropolis. The study’s ultimate finding is that effective wellness initiatives offered by banks are essential for raising staff productivity and organizational effectiveness.

Assessment of Event Decoration Enterprise in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

This research examined the assessment of event decoration enterprise in Makurdi metropolis. Specifically, the study seek to find out the types of even decoration arrangement in Makurdi metropolis; determine the type of challenges encountered by event decorators; and suggest possible ways through which these challenges can be minimized to improve event decoration in Makurdi metropolis. The choice of the study came as a result of unemployment in government ministries, thereby necessitating many graduates to venture into event decoration enterprise. The population for the study comprises of event decorators from the registered 115 event decoration ventures in Makurdi. The sample size of 67 was obtained using cluster and purposive sampling. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. The instrument was validated by three experts in the university. Mean and standard deviation was used to analyze the data. The findings of this study showed that, the types of event decoration enterprise comprise of fabric, flower and balloon among others. The results shows that fabric decoration was rated high with mean score of 3.74. This is because fabrics can be re-used several times for decoration purposes. Possible ways through which decoration enterprise challenges can be minimized include the careful planning of budget which had the highest mean score of 3.67. It was therefore recommended that proper budgeting should be made by providing extra allowance in the budget in case of changes in the price of items in the market.

Bacterial Contamination of Drinking Wells in Makurdi Metropolis

This study was carried out to assess the bacterial contamination of drinking wells in Makurdi metropolis. Fifteen (15) untreated water samples, five (5) each were collected from wells in High Level, Wurukum and Wadata areas for physicochemical and bacteriological analysis was done using pour plating and the bacteriological quality was assessed by measuring the total viable, total coliform and fecal coliform counts of bacteria in the samples using Mac Conkey agar and Nutrient agar. The results of the analysis showed that the pH ranged from 6.70 ± 0.16 to 7.40± 0.87, the temperature levels ranged from 28.72 ± 0.04 to 28.87 ±0.05; biological oxygen demand values ranged from 0.02 ±0.04 to 0.02 ± 0.41; the dissolved oxygen values ranged from 1.50 ±0.16 to 170 ± 0.14 while the Electrical conductivity values ranged from 599.20 ±88.98 to 1582.80±199. The results also showed the total viable count, total coliform count and fecal coliform counts ranging from 75.80±16.01cfu/ml to 117.40±34.45cfu/ml; 5.60±5.13cfu/ml to 6.60±6.88cfu/ml and 0.40±0.89cfu/ml to 4.20±3.77cfu/ml respectively. The total viable counts ranged from 75.80±16.01 to 117.40±34.4 (Wadata having the highest and Wurukum having the least), the total coliform counts ranged from 5.60±2.61 to 6.60±6.88 while the fecal coliform count ranged from 0.40±0.89 to 4.20±3.77. The variation in Total Viable Count (TVC) across locations could be as a result of localized factors influencing microbial populations and geographical differences such as land use, anthropogenic activities, and environmental conditions. The bacterial isolates were Bacillus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Proteus spp, Enterobacter spp, and Staphylococcus spp. The frequency of occurrence and prevalence percentages of the bacteria isolated from the well water samples show that Klebsiella spp had the highest percentage (23.33%) while Enterobacter spp and Escherichia coli had the least prevalence percentage, representing 10.00% each. Overall, High Level had the highest contamination rate, accounting for 43.33% of the total contamination while Wurukum had the least contamination, representing 23.33% of the total contamination. The distribution patterns of bacterial isolates among the studied locations illuminate discernible trends. The prevalence of pathogenic bacteria in well water sources could be possibly linked to higher urbanization and population density, highlighting the dynamic and site-specific nature of microbial communities. The study highlights the importance of using specific plans to manage water quality. These plans should take into account the special features of each area.