Nasarawa State Research Articles

Factors Affecting Internal Party Democracy of The People’s Democratic Party’s Selection of Women Candidates in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Factors Affecting Internal Party Democracy of The People’s Democratic Party’s Selection of Women Candidates in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

EFFECT OF HERDERS-FARMERS CONFLICT ON FOOD SECURITY IN BASSA COMMUNITY, KOKONA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NASARAWA STATE

The study is designed to assess the impact of Herders-Farmers Conflict on Food Security in Bassa Community, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The study employed a social survey design to collect data from a large population by using a representative sample to generalize. The data collected were analyzed using simple percentages and results were narrated descriptively and tabulated according to the response area of the questionnaires collected. The study found that the struggle over land between farmers and herdsmen has affected crop production and the violent clashes between farmers and herders have greatly denied the people of Bassa access to quality, safe water, fish ponds, and enough food supply within and outside the community. Based on the findings, the study recommended that conflict management committees should be set up by the government to collaborate with farmers and herdsmen’s unions and associations in creating comprehensive awareness and compliance with designated stock routes. Proper modalities should be put in place by the government to ensure a total end to these violent clashes between farmers and herders.

Prevalence of AHD Among PLHIVs in Six Health Facilities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Prevalence of AHD Among PLHIVs in Six Health Facilities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in HIV-positive and negative groups in some selected semi-urban areas in Nasarawa state, Nigeria

Objectives: The objective of the study is to determine the occurrence of intestinal parasites among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and negative groups. Materials and Methods: A case–control study was conducted in four semi-urban areas in Nasarawa State. The study enrolled 422 participants. Stool samples were collected and examined for the presence of intestinal parasites. Blood sample was collected to investigate for HIV infection. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal infections among HIV-positive individuals was 37.7% (78/207). For geohelminth infections, HIV-positive individuals were more commonly infected by hookworm at a rate of 9.7% (20/207). For Protozoa infections, HIV-positive groups were identified more with Giardia lamblia, at a rate of 8.2% (17/207). The binary logistic regression showed that factors significantly associated with parasite infections among HIV-positive individuals included being under 43 years of age (odds ratio [OR] = 2.192, confidence interval [CI]: 0.082, 3.736) and subjects with diarrhea (OR = 1.521, CI: 0.112, 2.891) for geohelminth parasite. While in the case of Protozoa infections, parasitic infections are higher among study subjects with diarrhea (OR = 1.767, CI: 0.111, 3.009). Conclusion: HIV-positive individuals are more susceptible to coinfections with hookworm (geohelminth) and G. lamblia (Protozoa), which are more prevalent among those with poor personal hygiene habits. This indicates a need for an integrated approach to hygiene promotion, surveillance, and treatment.

SOIL QUALITY AND HEIGHT DIAMETER MODEL ASSESSMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GMELINA ARBOREA PLANTATION IN NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, NIGERIA

Gmelina arborea is a very important timber species as it provides wood for furniture, serves as carbon sink and creates micro-climate with decrease soil temperatures enabling smaller niches to be formed within the forest ecosystem. Also, the nutrients composition of forest soil determines its stand structure and composition, growth rate and dominance, including other silvicultural practices. The study assessed soil quality and height-diameter (H-D) models in the management of Gmelina arborea plantation in Nasarawa State University. Thirty (30) temporary sample plots of 0.01 ha size were randomly selected from the sampling frame with 30% sampling intensity. Thereafter, the total height and the Dbh of each tree within the selected plots was measured for height-diameter model assessment. Also, ten (10) soil samples were randomly collected from the thirty (30) selected plots for H-D modeling in order to assess the soil properties of the plantation. Soil samples obtained were analyzed in the Faculty of Agriculture Laboratory to obtain data and further subjected to statistical analysis. The results of height-diameter models revealed that model one (1) with Akaike Information Criterion (62.19), Bayesian Information Criterion (66.39) and Residual Standard Error (0.64) had the lowest model selection indices when compared with other four models applied. Therefore, model one (1) was selected as the best and grand model for Gmelina aborea plantation in the study area. Also, the result of soil quality showed a significant difference between the soil properties in the study area. The Least Significant Difference result also showed that...

INCIDENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES OF CATFISH (Clarias gariepinus) FROM RIVER NASARAWA, NIGERIA

Parasites attack fish causing destruction of skin and gill epithelium and injury to tissues or organs in the process of burrowing or consuming food. The gastrointestinal parasites of Clarias gariepinu (Catfish) from River Nasarawa were investigated in this study. Two hundred (200) samples of Clarias gariepinus of different sizes and sexes were obtained fresh and brought to Zoology laboratory, Nasarawa State University, Keffi for intestinal parasites examination. The fish were dissected through the abdomen by making a longitudinal slit on the ventral surface from the point of pectoral fins to the anus using a blade. The gastrointestinal tract was sectioned into oesophagus, stomach and intestine. The contents of various parts of the gastrointestinal tract were examined for parasites using floatation and sedimentation methods. Sixty (60) out of 200, that is 30% fish samples examined were found to be infected with parasites. A total of 74 parasites were isolated from different parts of gastrointestinal tract belonging to five (5) species. 3(3.33%) parasites of Proamallanus spp were isolated from oesophagus, 45(60.00%) parasites of Hexamita spp, 10(13.33%) parasites of Protoopalina spp and 12(18.34%) parasites of Microsporidian spp were isolated from stomach while 4(5.00%) parasites of D. latum were isolated from the intestine. Parasitic infection presents a potential threat to the health of fish and as a result of this, an understanding of the intestinal parasites of fish in the wild is important in order to find ways of avoiding mortality and disease.

SOURCES OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AMONG SURGICAL PATIENTS SEEN AT THE DALHATU ARAF SPECIALIST HOSPITAL LAFIA NASARAWA STATE NIGERIA

Sources of healthcare financing especially among surgical patients in Nasarawa state is presently unknown. Sub-Saharan African countries have introduced a number of methods to funding healthcare system. The Nigerian government commenced implementation of a social health insurance scheme (National Health Insurance Scheme; NHIS) so as to improve on healthcare funding for its citizens. This study determined the sources of financing surgical cases, type of surgeries and compared the cost of treatment among patients attending the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital and other Health Centers in Nasarawa State. It was a hospital based cross-sectional descriptive study among 420 adults aged 18 years to 75 years in a study that lasted for two years. The data collected was analyzed using Statistical package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0. Significant p was < 0.05. The average age of patient was 28.6 ± 11.9 years. There were more females (75.5%) with most (73.8) of our participants living in rural areas. Majority (60.0%) had Caesarean Section and one-sixth had exploratory laparotomy respectively. Most spending for healthcare needs was Out-Of-Pocket (OOP) with only a handful (6.7%) enjoying insurance coverage. The average cost of surgery was 41,337.73 Naira and 28,426.47 Naira among the low and high socio-economic class respectively. Most of the participants in this study were on Out-Of[1]Pocket healthcare financing with only one out of fifteen having health insurance coverage of the NHIS. Most of the surgical patients are from the rural areas, are females, do not attend tertiary level of education and are of low socio-economic status. Caesarean section and exploratory laparatomy were the predominant indications for surgeries. Those from the lower socio-economic status pay more for surgeries even though they earn less. We recommended that the state consider State health insurance agency and this should cater for people in both the formal ana the non-formal sectors. In addition, rural dwellers and surgeries such as caesarean section and emergency laparatomies should not be left out.

Prevalence of herpes simplex virus and associated risk factors among female students of natural and applied science, Nasarawa state university, Keffi

Herpes Simplex Type 2 Viruses (HSV-2) are one of the most common viral sexually transmitted diseases worldwide, which are now a significant health concern. This study aim at prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 IgG and IgM and the associated risk factors among female students of Natural and Applied Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi. Blood samples were collected from 150 female students of Natural and Applied Science. The socio-demographic information of the participants was collected by using a structured questionnaire. The sera samples were screened for IgGand IgM using NADALR HSV-2 IgG/IgM Rapid Antibody Test Cassette (Bulgarian Company for Biotechnology). The overall prevalence of HSV-2 IgG/IgM was 3.3% and 2.6%. The occurrence HSV-2 IgG in relation to the Age was high among age 26-30 years (100 %) and least among 21-25 years (2.0 %). The occurrence of HSV-2 IgM in relation to the Age was high among age 16-20 years (2.9 %) and least among was 21-25 years (2.0 %). the total prevalence of co-occurrence of HSV-2 IgG/IgM was 1.3%. the prevalence of In relation to knowledge of HSV-2 IgG and IgM in relation knowledge of HSV-2 infection was highest with no knowledge of HSV-2 recorded the IgG 4.5% and 3.4% with IgM. In relation to history of STI participants with history of STI recorded highest in IgG (23.5 %) and IgM (2.7 %). In relation to sharing sanitary facilities participants that share sanitary facilities recorded highest IgG 5.7% and IgM those that don’t share sanitary recorded highest 3.0 %. The prevalence of the HSV-2 infections was high among female students of Natural and Applied Science.

An Ecological Assessment of Tree Species Diversity, Richness and Status in Faculty of Agriculture Shabu-Lafia, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nasarawa State Nigeria

Trees are very important to mankind in different capacity. This study was carried out to assess the diversity, richness and status of tree species in Faculty of Agriculture Shabu-Lafia Campus Nasarawa State Keffi, Northern Nigeria. The study area was divided in four independent site. A line transect of 1000M were established at each site by passing through the center of the site along which 10 sample plots of 50 m × 50 m in size were established in alternate position along each transect at 80m interval. Species diversity richness were measured using Shannon-Weiner index (H) and Margalef species richness index (D), respectively, percentage relative density was used to measure trees status. Thirty six (36) tree species belonging to twenty one (21) families were recorded. Family Fabaceae had the highest number of species. From the results of the study invasive tree species are the most dominat. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H) were 2.74 for total site, 2.18 for site A, 2.10 for site B, 2.24 for site C and 2.29 for site D. The Margalef species richness index (D) values for the species were; total site = 4.89, site A = 2.66, Site B = 2.60, Site C = 2.28 and Site D = 2.50. The result of the status showed that 19.44% of tree species were abundant, 5.55% of the species were occasional, 27.77% of the trees species were rare, and 47.22% were threaten or endanger. In conclusion tree species diversity ranging 1.5-3.5 is in line with standard. The tree species richness is low. Majority of the species were either rare or endanger. The study recommended that, there should be legislation against felling or cutting down of any tree that is ≥ 10cm in diameter be it local or invasive species in the study area. Annual enrichment planting of trees species should be adopted. Awareness on the potential ecological benefits of tree stands on farmlands to the people within and surrounding the study area will play a vital role in conserving the tree species.

Influence of Financial Management Practices on the Performance of Women Petty Trading in Nasarawa North Senatorial District of Nasarawa State

The main objective of the study was the determination of the role financial management practices play in the performance of petty trading among women in Nasarawa North Senatorial District. Cross-sectional primary data was provided for the study by a random sample of 343 women petty traders across Akwanga, Wamba and Nassarawa Eggon, via a questionnaire survey. The collected data was used in the estimation of an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model. The study found that disaggregated financial management practice components of investment appraisal and working capital management exerted positive and significant effect on the performance of women-ran petty trading businesses in the Nasarawa North zone. Therefore, businesses should focus on improving their investment appraisal practices and, women petty traders should manage their working capital more effectively through ensuring that they have enough cash on hand to meet their day-to-day expenses.

Phenotypic Correlation and Prediction of Body Weight from Body Linear Measurement of Nigerian Indigenous Pigeon in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State

The study was conducted using one hundred and fifty matured domestic pigeons to measure body linear parameters as well as external and internal egg quality characteristics in other to determine phenotypic relationships and predict body weight from body linear measurements. Data were collected on body weight, shank length, breast girth, body length, wing length, tail length and beak length at maturity. Two hundred eggs were collected and analyzed for both external and internal quality characteristics. The data obtained were analyzed using the correlation and regression procedure of SPSS Statistical software. The result obtained from this study body weight correlate positively with all other body linear parameters. However, the relationships between beak length and other body parameters except body weight were negative and mostly low. The strongest relationship in this study was between body weight and shank length. The coefficient of determination was highest for shank length (0.710), followed by wing length (0.680), breast girth (0.630) while tail length had the least coefficient of determination (0.360). It was suggested that the best equation for predicting body weight from linear body measurement could be: BW = 40.9+1.96BL-0.84WL+3.98BG+0.112SL. From the findings of this study, it was concluded that shank length is the most suitable body measurement that could be used for selection of domestic pigeon due to its strongest phenotypic correlation with body weight and other body parameters.

Petty Trading and Household Livelihood among Women in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State

The main objective of the study was the determination of the impact of petty trading on household livelihood among women petty traders in Akwanga Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa state. This was achieved through two specific objectives – to determine the contributions of women petty trading on household income, and its role in attaining household living standard. The study relied on the use of primary data, obtained from a random sample of 343 women owners of petty businesses in Akwanga. Data was collected through a questionnaire survey involving the administration of copies of a structured questionnaire with closed-ended items forming each variable scale. The collected data was used to estimate a structural model using the PLS-SEM statistical technique, to test the pertinent formulated hypothesis and evaluate variable relationships. The result obtained showed that women petty trading businesses had positive and significant effect on household income and living standard. in Akwanga. It was therefore, recommended that due to the importance of petty trading into our growing economy, government and non-governmental organization should encourage more women to go into trading by supporting them with adequate finances for development and women petty traders need to analyzed the kind of business they want to engage onto so as to reduce the magnitude of certain uncertainty in the future.

Assessment of Early Growth Response of Albizia lebbeck to Different Seed Sources, Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers in the Nursery

A field experiment was carried out to assess the effects of seed source, NPK fertilizer and organic fertilizers on the early growth parameters of womens toung (Alibizia lebbeck). The experiment was conducted at the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture Shabu- Lafia Campus, Nasarawa State University Keffi. It was laid out in a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD), analyzed with respect to three sources of seed and three (3) types of manure, the growth variables measured were: plant height, collar girth, leaves number, leave length, and leave width. The results of parameter assessed on the basis of locations shows that seedlings from Wamba had the highest mean height of 8.19±2.60cm at 14 week, closely followed by seedling from Keffi with mean height of 7.93±2.36cm while seedling from Lafia had the least mean height of 7.32±2.23cm. The result of leave count revealed that seedling from Wamba had the highest leave count of 90.71±41.72 followed by Keffi with 81.84±39.39 while leave count of seedlings from Lafia had the least leave count of 77.71±35.83. The result of growth variables revealed that, Albizialebbeck seedlings treated with NPKwere7.66±2.18cm for height, 1.68±0.48mm for collar girth, 95.42±38.81 for number of leaf, 1.39±0.54cmfor leave length while mean value of seedlings treated with poultry dropping were 8.65±2.76cm for height, 1.83±0.46mm for collar girth, 101.01±38.48 for number of leaves, 1.47±0.58cm for leave length while mean value of seedlings treated with cow dung were 8.45±1.99cm for height, 1.55±0.49mm for collar girth 85.91±23.42 for number of leaves, and 1.23±0.53cm for leave length. The result of the ANOVA revealed that, the effects of location and all the treatments were highly significant on plant height, collar girth, number of leaves, leave length and leave width respectively at P<0.05 probability level. It is evidence from this study that seeds from different source demonstrated different growth performance. It also showed that organic manure (poultry dropping) support rapid growth of Albizialebbeck seedlings more appropriately in the nursery.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a common indoor pollutant that is quite dangerous if inhaled. It is a “silent killer”, as it is extremely hazardous to people when emitted in an enclosed area as it gets absorbed into the bloodstream and displaces oxygen due to a much higher affinity, resulting in cellular hypoxia. Children are vulnerable as they are less likely to take preventive measures and have higher oxygen requirements due to higher metabolic demands. We reported this case series among five siblings aged between 4 – 16 years (two boys and three girls) in Lafia Nasarawa State. The parents are petty traders, with secondary level of education. The children live with their parents in a one-bedroom apartment and the family possesses a small petrol generator usually situated outside the house when in use and kept within the apartment after use to avert theft. The children bought fuel from a local vendor (a black marketer) to watch a movie on a day the parents are away. They kept the generator within the apartment in a space between the bathroom and their store while keeping all windows and other air outlets closed so as to circumvent the noise from getting to neighbours. The children got exposed to CO fumes which had engulfed the apartment and were met unconscious by the mother when she came back from night vigil. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, before eventual referral to our facility after the demise of one of them aged 12 years. We reported CO poisoning among siblings with death in one of the five. Oxygen administration plays a vital role in the successes recorded.

Newspaper Content Analysis of 2012-2015 Ombaste Ethnic Conflict in Nasarawa State: A Framing Theory Perspective

This study examined the newspaper coverage of the Ombatse crisis that hit Nasarawa State from 2012-2015. The Ombatse was a movement that wanted to resurrect the Eggon culture in a kind of renaissance and ensure a culture of high morality and chastity; laudable as these objectives were, the group suddenly turned dreadful, assuming a more militant posture; attacking and killing enemies real or perceived including security forces in their hundred. The study employed content analysis, which is a quantitative method of data generation. It applied four predetermined frames: actor frame, action frame, reaction frame, and consequence frame. 2112 dailies were censured for the period of four years. Study applied purposive sampling technique in the selection of the Daily Trust and Leadership newspapers where 180 copies of the papers were examined. The found that reaction frame was the predominant slant of the Nigerian newspapers with 61.1% of the news stories as reactions to the Ombatse activities. By implication, the findings revealed vacuity of the Nigerian media in handling a core national issue to which the media itself is a stakeholder. The study recommended that the media must be active participant in addressing, shaping public understanding of social upheaval- because the role of the media during conflict cannot be underestimated. The media should be able to analyse consequences, the possibility of collateral damage on the parties involved, the shadow parties and the by-standers. Nigerian journalists should also be trained and retrained on guide to sensitive-conflict reporting.

Assessment of Residential Real Estate Investment Performance in Lafia Metropolis, Nigeria

Investors are expected to be guided through investment performance measurement and analysis in order to safeguard against potential loss of investment returns or the capital invested. Whereas residential real estate (RRE) constitutes a significant part of the portfolios of individual and institutional investors across the globe, the assessment of risk-return performance of RRE investment in Nigeria generally has not been well researched. Investors in real estate (RE) in the Lafia city of Nasarawa State, like other cities in Nigeria, still rely on mere intuition, sales comparison and the rule of thumb in real estate investment decisions-making. Consequently, these ill-informed investors often venture into poorly conceived and subsequently financially disastrous real estate investment projects thereby failing to achieve their desired investment objectives. Hence, this research was conducted to evaluate the performances of RRE investment in Lafia metropolis of north-central Nigeria with a view to guiding existing and potential real estate investors and practitioners in the region in making informed property investment decision. A survey research design was adopted to collect transacted residential property value data from estate surveying and valuation firms as well as reputable estate agent offices in the study area. Mean scores, property value index and holding period return model were used to analyse the rental/capital value indices and total return performance respectively. The modified value-at-risk model was used to assess risk while the modified Sharpe ratio was used to evaluate the risk-return performance of RRE investment performance in the study area. The research findings revealed, among others, a progressive increase in rental and capital values of RRE within the study period. RRE investment showed an average rental growth of 6.8% per annum and capital value growth of 9.4% per annum. On the basis of investment returns, it was found that Angwan Doka outperformed other selected neighbourhoods in the study area with an average mean total return and risk-adjusted return of 13.76% and 0.80% per annum respectively while Shabu underperformed other locations with average mean total return and risk-adjusted return of 12.17% and 0.55% per annum. The study recommended, among others, that potential real estate investors should consider investing in residential real estate in Angwan Doka since this location gives higher total and risk-adjusted returns on residential property investment relative to other locations in the city.

Impact of Criminal Acts on Point of Sales (POS) Business Operations in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State

Impact of Criminal Acts on Point of Sales (POS) Business Operations in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State

Intelligence Management and its impact on Security Architecture in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Intelligence Management and its impact on Security Architecture in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The Impact of Cassava Production on Poverty Reduction in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Since Nigeria is now the world poverty capital, poverty remains a life-threatening catastrophe that every level of governance in Nigeria has to fight with all available resources and strategy. Interestingly, over 70% of Nigeria’s population and 80% of Nasarawa state’s population are farmers. Therefore, agricultural sector, specifically Cassava production is identified in this study as a panacea for poverty reduction in Nasarawa state, Nigeria. The study made used of survey design; questionnaires as well as binary logit regression were used as instruments of data collection and analysis. Consequently, the study found that Cassava production has significant impact on poverty reduction in Nasarawa state and recommended amongst other that government should encourage cassava production in a more definitive manner by providing farmers with necessary support, assistance and facilities.

Identification and Evaluation of the Determinants of Brand Image in the Food and Beverages Industry in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Most studies on brand image and corporate entities, especially in Nigeria, seem to focus on the effect of brand image on corporate performance with little consideration for the factors that determine or shape such images ab-initio. This study therefore seeks to identify some of the factors or brand characteristics that customers consider in making their brand image preference and determine how important each of these factors is in brand image formation in the Nigerian food and beverages products industry. Based on responses from 348 customers; data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) with confirmatory Factor Analysis; (CFA) specifically. Results show that ten factors determine customers’ brand image of food and beverages products in Nigeria. Results also show that three of these ten factors; (i) awareness or popularity of the brand name itself, (ii) availability (convenience) and (iii) social image, (prestige) account for about 85% of brand image formation in the food and beverages products industry in Nigeria. The study therefore recommends that marketers should endeavor to improve, especially on these three aspects of their brands; to enhance their brand images and improve their corporate performances.