Rivers State Research Articles

Influence Of Anchor Borrowers’ Scheme On Rice Production In Northern Agricultural Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria

Influence Of Anchor Borrowers’ Scheme On Rice Production In Northern Agricultural Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria

Ecoanatomical Affiliation of Halophyte in Hydrocarbon Polluted Sites in Parts of Bodo Coastal Creeks, Rivers State, Nigeria

The increasing demand for energy supply and revenue has led to an ever increasing oil exploration and exploitation in parts of the Niger Delta, Nigeria. This has also led to an increase in hydrocarbon pollution leading to the destruction of the plant and animal ecosystems in parts of Rivers State. This study was aimed at investigating the impact of hydrocarbon pollution on the stem and root anatomy of a special group of plants- “Halophytes” present in polluted and unpolluted areas of Bodo Creek, Gokana in Ogoni land Rivers State. The result reveal diverse structural aberrations and challenges involving the species inability to pick up stains thereby limiting the clarity of focus, conversion of air/intercellular spaces into vacuoles filled with oil, rearrangement of the vascular bundles, thickening of the sclerenchyma cells, damage of vital parts of stem and root tissues as well as shrinkage and detachment of cortex from the epidermis leading to the reduction of the air compartments. All these are the anatomical distortion associated with the impact on hydrocarbon pollution on the internal structures of these halophytes when compared with the structures of sections in the controlled unpolluted site.

Optimal selection and design of grid-connected hybrid renewable energy system in three selected communities of Rivers State

The pursuit of electrifying rural areas has been a multi-decade quest, emblematic of Nigeria's longstanding efforts to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependence on traditional fossil fuels. Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate the electrification status and perform a techno-economic analysis of a hybrid system to ensure electricity reliability, bill reduction and reduced grid demand for three representative rural communities in Rivers State using HOMER Pro Software. Subsequently, five hybrid system scenarios that encompassed different combinations of the grid, PV modules, wind and battery, were examined using the CRITIC-PROMETHEE II methodologies. Each community was assessed based on its own hourly electricity demand, using data obtained from the injection substation. The Aluu, Choba and Rumuekini communities experienced an average daily electricity supply of 4.6, 5.4 and 6.2 h respectively from the national grid with energy usage of 5436.4 MW for Aluu, 3375.4 MW for Choba and 1626.1 MW for Rumuekini, in 2022. The findings indicate that the grid/PV module was the optimal choice for the three communities. Moreover, the cost of energy (COE) for the proposed systems ranged from 0.0181 $/kWh to 0.0185 $/kWh, significantly lower than the grid's COE of 0.08625 $/kWh in the respective communities. This research further includes a sensitivity analysis of the optimal system, examining variations in PV cost, discount rate, inflation rate, annual scaled solar irradiance and electrical demand. The results provide a comprehensive framework to support decision-making, optimize system design and align renewable energy solutions with project goals and stakeholder priorities.

Availability and Use of Electronic Information Resources by Postgraduate Students in Rivers State University Library

Availability and Use of Electronic Information Resources by Postgraduate Students in Rivers State University Library

Marketing Strategies and Supply Chain Performance of Fast Food Outlets in Cross River State

The study examined the role of marketing strategies on supply chain performance of fast food outlets in Cross River State. The specific objectives of the study are; to examine the effect of pricing strategy, packaging strategy, promotional strategy and location strategy on supply chain performance of fast food outlets in Cross River State. In the course of this study, the researchers adopted survey design. Data information for this research work were collected from primary sources. The study employed multiple regression analysis to measure the degree of relationship between variables tested in the article. Findings from the research demonstrated that pricing strategies, packaging strategies, promotional strategies and location strategies have a significant influence on supply chain performance of fast foods outlets in Cross River State. On the basis of the findings from results, the following recommendations were made: marketing managers of fast food outlets should carefully adopt the current research model to effectively implement extensive use of discount pricing, competitive pricing, menu pricing and bonuses in order to enhance their supply chain performance. With regards to packaging, the marketing manager should design the firm’s offer such that meals that are packaged should be linked to a special event in the customers’ life.

Managing School Climate for Teachers’ Job Performance in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Rivers State

This study investigated managing school climate for teachers’ job performance in public senior secondary schools in Rivers State. Four research questions and four null hypotheses were used for the study. A Descriptive Survey Research Design was used for the study. The population of this study comprised 6,893 teachers in public senior secondary schools in Rivers State. A sample of 1,379 teachers representing 20% of the 286 public senior secondary schools in Rivers State was used for the study. Stratified random sampling technique was used for the study. The research instrument that was used in this study was a 20 items self-structured questionnaire titled: Managing School Climate For Teachers’ Job Performance Questionnaire (MSCTJPQ). The instruments were validated and reliability index was determined by the use of Cronbach alpha reliability statistics tool which yielded 0.82. The statistical tools used for answering the research questions was Mean and Standard Deviation; while t-test was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 Alpha level of significance. The findings of the study showed that; Leadership practices, Collaborative culture, Professional development and Teachers’ well-being enhance teachers’ job performance in public senior secondary schools in Rivers State. Based on the findings, the study therefore conclude that effective management of the school climate plays a pivotal role in enhancing teachers’ job performance in public senior secondary schools in Rivers State. The study therefore recommended that; Rivers State ministry of education should invest in leadership training for school administrators to enhance their skills in creating and sustaining a positive school climate. Effective leadership sets the tone for a supportive and collaborative environment. Also, Rivers State school administrators should foster the creation of PLCs where teachers can collaborate, share ideas, and support each other's professional growth and also, involve teachers in decision-making processes related to school policies, curriculum development, and other relevant matters. This collaborative approach enhances the overall school climate.

Conflict Management Strategies and Organizational Performance of Oil and Gas Firms in Rivers State

This study examined the relationship between conflict management strategies and organizational performance in oil and gas firms in Rivers State. The study adopted correlational survey research design. The population of the study constitutes the elements within the study unit. The population of the study comprised twenty-five (25) oil and gas companies. The data for this study were collected through primary data source; the questionnaire was the instrument used in collecting primary data. A total of one hundred and twenty-five copies of the questionnaire were distributed in a frame of 5 copies per firm. Reliability analysis was performed on the data using the Cronbach Alpha coefficient and it stood at 0.88. The data collected for the study were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The Spearman Rank-Order Correlation was adopted. The findings revealed a significant relationship between accommodation strategy and organisational performance of oil and gas firms in Rivers State. Also, a strong significant linear relationship was revealed between collaboration strategy and organisational performance of oil and gas firms in Rivers State. The study concludes that oil and gas firms should embrace collaboration and accommodation strategy as preferred strategies for effective conflict management within the organizational context. The study recommends that oil and gas firms should focus on increasing the utilization of conflict management strategies like collaboration and accommodation strategy to increase organizational performance.

Educating Students for Creativity and Entrepreneurship Skills Development in Public Secondary Schools in Rivers State

The main trust of this study was to investigate how we can educate students for creativity and entrepreneurship skills development in public secondary schools in Rivers State. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study which adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 8, 694 teachers in the 274 public secondary schools in Rivers State. A sample of 870 teachers (470 male and 400 female) was drawn through stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected with a self-structured questionnaire entitled: “Educating Students for Creativity and Entrepreneurship Skills Development Questionnaire (ESCESDQ)”. The instrument which was well validated by experienced scholars in the Department of Educational Management, Rivers State University, had a reliability index of 0.86 established through Cronbach Alpha Method. Mean, Standard Deviation and rank order were used to analyse the research questions while z-test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results of the study revealed that ways we can educate students for creativity include among others: setting up learning activities that allow students to explore their creativity; encouraging creative thinking through the use of provocative questions; and through giving open ended assignments. While, ways we can educate students for entrepreneurship skills develop include among others: use of activity- based teaching method; through school-industry linkage and by organizing internship programmes for students. Based on the findings, conclusion was drawn and the following recommendations among others were made: government should on regular basis organize seminars/workshops to refresh teachers pedagogical skills; and teachers should motivate their students to acquire creative and entrepreneurship skills because they are critical to individual and national development.

Beyond the Norm: Natal Teeth in a Term Male Neonate in Rivers State, Nigeria—a Rare Case Report

This case report sheds light on a challenging obstetric and neonatal scenario involving a 31-year-old gravida 3 para 2 (2 alive) who presented with complications from a traditional birth attendant (TBA) home and subsequently was delivered of a stillbirth with two maxillary incisors in Rivers State, Nigeria. This case underscores the significance of inadequate antenatal care. It also highlights the challenges parents face in decision-making following the management of a stillbirth with natal teeth.

Comparative ecotoxicological study on the current status of artisanal crude oil contaminated mangrove swamps in Rivers State, Southern Nigeria

The rise in illegal crude oil theft and refining in the southern Niger Delta region of Nigeria, especially in Rivers State, has led to significant environmental damage to aquatic ecosystems. A study was carried out to assess the impact of crude oil bunkering on aquatic environments and fish samples from Oproama, Sama-Naguakiri, and Abalama over six months. Findings revealed that Oproama had the highest levels of biological oxygen demand (3.60 ± 0.79 mg/L), electrical conductivity (34.07 ± 3.62 μS/cm), total dissolved solids (28.17 ± 3.77 mg/L), and temperature (29.50 ± 0.74 °C). In contrast, Sama-Naguakiri recorded the highest pH (6.72 ± 0.14) and dissolved oxygen (3.35 ± 0.11 mg/L). Though minor variances were noted between Sama-Naguakiri and Abalama, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between these areas and Oproama. Importantly, all measured values adhered to WHO/FAO standards. Analysis of potentially harmful metals in sediment and water indicated notable distinctions among the three sites, with Sama-Naguakiri exhibiting the highest levels of Zn (114.5 ± 1.5 mg/kg), Cu (237.8 ± 0.9 mg/kg), Pb (3.6 ± 1.2 mg/kg), and Cd (1.1 ± 0.4 mg/kg). Conversely, Abalama showed the lowest zinc (105.2 ± 1.5 mg/kg) and lead (2.4 ± 0.5 mg/kg) concentrations, while Oproama displayed the lowest copper level (0.8 ± 0.3 mg/kg). The concentrations of heavy metals in the water, sediment, and fish surpassed the permissible limits established by NESREA, the EPA, and WHO, except for arsenic. The presence of heavy metals in this region could pose significant ecological and health hazards, underscoring the urgency for immediate remedial measures to safeguard the environment and this fish-dependent community.

Application of Growth Pole Strategy to Improve Rural Quality of Life in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Application of Growth Pole Strategy to Improve Rural Quality of Life in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

PROBLEMS OF VERTICAL INTEGRATION AMONG FISH FARMERS AND WAY FORWARD IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

This study examines the impact of private investment on economic performance in Nigeria using time series data from 1980 -2018. Multiple regression and co-integration methods are employed to analyze the data. The objectives of this study is to, among other things, examine the casual relationship between private investment and economic growth in Nigeria and to investigate the impact of private domestic investment on economic performance in Nigeria. Being a time series data, the first step is to test for the stationarity of the data by using Phillips Perron-Fuller unit root test. Ordinary least square (OLS) and Auto regressive distributed lag (ARDL) technique is used to estimate the models. The results of the unit root test show that some variables; Labour Force Participation rate (LPR), Private Domestic This study assessed problems of vertical integration among fish farmers in Rivers State, Nigeria. The paper looked at distribution of respondents’ socio-economic characteristics and problems of vertical integration among fish farmers in the study area. Data for the study was collected from 37 vertically integrated fish farmers that exist in the State. To analyze the data, collected descriptive statistics and Likert-type rating scale was used. The study revealed that the vertically integrated fish farmers were mostly within the range of 41-45 years, married having household size of 6-10 persons. The study revealed that the vertically integrated fish farmers were experienced, learned, and majored only as fish culture farmers. However, farmers complained of large capital required for starting, irregular electricity, sinking of local feed produced, poor drying of fish, and stressful activities of feed production, fingerling hatching and processing of fish. It was suggested that fish culture farmers should be provided with credit at low interest rate, up-to date knowledge in fish culture and extension services to enhance productivity.

Towards Optimum Service Delivery: A Geospatial Distribution of Financial Institutions in Port Harcourt Urban of Rivers State Nigeria

Financial Institutions in Nigeria are established for the purpose of rendering public and social services to the public. The cashless financial policy briefly introduced by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Central Bank exposed some flaws of Financial Institutions from discharging her responsibilities with hundreds of customers left displeased and frustrated. The demand for effective and stress free banking services by populace prompted the need for this study which is aimed to examine the geospatial distribution of Financial Institutions in the study area. The study utilizes geospatial technique which involves direct field observation with Germin 76sc GNSS receiver to obtain spatial information of Financial Institution locations in the study area. The observed data were charted in Open Street Map (OSM) of 2022 and were identified as point feature. Arc-GIS 10.1 vector based GIS software was used for processing and map production. The results revealed that commercial banks were not spread across the study area. A total number of One Hundred and Twenty Three (123) Financial Institutions were identified, this cuts across densely urbanized areas, such as Rumuokoro, Diobu, Government Reserved Area, Rumuokwuta and Town axis with very few located in Trans-Amadi axis amongst others. Clustered, linear and random distribution of Financial Institutions were also noted as no Bank was found in highly urbanized areas such as Rukpoku, Ozuoba, Ogbogoro, Rumuagholu and Rumuekini. Establishment of sufficient Financial Institutions at selected locations is essential to ensure optimum services delivery in the study area, factors responsible for the deficiency of Financial Institutions in noted locations should also be addressed.

Components Of User Education Programmes For Undergraduates In Universities

This study investigates the key components of user education programs offered to undergraduate students at universities in Cross River State, Nigeria, with the goal of enhancing their academic and research skills. These programs are crucial for developing the necessary information literacy among students, and understanding their specific implementation in Cross River State is significant for fostering academic success. However, the effectiveness of these programs in meeting the students' needs has not been thoroughly evaluated. The research addresses the questions: What are the components of user education programs provided to undergraduate students at universities in Cross River State, Nigeria, and are these students satisfied with their use? This area has been under-researched due to a lack of focus on the unique educational context of this region. Using a survey research design, the study sampled 285 out of a total population of 987 third-year undergraduate students, selected through proportionate stratified random sampling using the Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected using questionnaires administered personally by the researcher with assistance from two research aides and analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency counts and percentages. The findings indicated that the user education programs include components such as information literacy, digital literacy, research skills, library usage, and academic writing skills. Most students reported satisfaction with the programs. The study recommends enhancing these programs with more practical sessions and additional resources to improve the student learning experience.

Knowledge and Utilization of Post-Abortion Care Services among Women of Reproductive Age in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt Nigeria

The study assessed the knowledge and utilization of post abortion care services among women of reproductive age (15–49years) in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. It was designed to determine women’s understanding of post-abortion care, the extent to which women use post abortion care services and identify reasons for non-use of post abortion care services among women of reproductive age. A simple sampling technique involving purposive sampling was used to randomly elicit 114 respondents. Data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire and analysed using frequency, means, percentages and regression analysis. The result showed that the respondents had an average age of 28years, 2 times deliveries and one abortion/miscarriage done averagely on the 11th-12th week. 50% were married, 43% were single, 91.2% were Christians and 74.6% have attended higher institution. The results showed the respondents had good understanding of post-abortion care. About 63.2% of the women were currently preventing pregnancy by regularly using barrier method e.g., Condom (1st in ranking/usage), Injectable (2nd), Pills (3rd) and Natural method (4th). The results also showed that the health facility’s distance (farness) from home, the cost of obtaining post abortion care services in the health facility, fear that some post abortion care services such as family planning injections can cause infertility, and healthcare providers’ attitude were the reasons for non-use of post-abortion care. The multinomial logistic regression analysis showed a highly significant difference of the effect of education on women’s knowledge of post-abortion care. The result of the multiple regression analysis however, showed no significant difference of the effect of occupation on the use of post-abortion care services. The study recommended that awareness programs on sex education/family planning and post-abortion care among women should be intensified.

Spatial analysis of electrical distribution system in obio-akpor local government area, rivers state, Nigeria

The distributions of quality electrical energy to end users and, achieving a reasonable level of customer’s satisfaction from the electricity distribution companies servicing most area are faced with divers’ spatial problems particularly with the use of dilapidated infrastructures and poor services. This study used spatial techniques to analyze the spatial characteristics of the electrical distribution system in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State. It also examined the ward pattern of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) customer’s satisfaction and also predicted the ward level of customer’s satisfaction within the study area. Primary and secondary data were used for the study. The primary data on customer’s satisfaction of PHED services was obtained from questionnaire survey. Purposive sampling method was used for this study and the population for the study is the entire customers of PHED in the study area. The secondary data consist of ward boundary map of the study area, satellite image, PHED network spatial data and attribute data of all the 3200 (three thousand two hundred) transformers (11/0.415KVA and 33/0.415KVA) within the study area as at the time of this study. Geospatial analysis such as clip analysis, buffering were carried. The data attribute were analyzed using average nearest neighbor analysis, kernel density, zonal statistics, inverse distance weighting and geographical weighted regression to obtain the desired aim of the study. The result show that, the location pattern of PHED transformers are clustered. Result further reveal that the ward pattern of customer’s satisfaction are geography dependent with either positive, negative or mixed relationship.

Assessing the impact of flood risk and associated factors on profitability of fish farming operations: evidence from South- South Nigeria

Fish farming plays a crucial role in food security and economic development in Nigeria. However, the country’s susceptibility to floods due to its geographical location and climate change has raised concerns about the profitability and sustainability of fish farming operations. This study aims to assess the impact of flood risk and associated factors on the profitability and sustainability of fish farming operations in South-South, Nigeria. The research employs a purposive random sampling techniques to generate data on flood frequency and severity, associated factor affecting profitability fish farms locations in the three (3) states, and other associated factors affecting profitability of fish farmers, their production figures are collected and analyzed to identify areas prone to flooding and the extent of damage caused to fish farms. Additionally, two hundred and one (180) fish farmers were sampled for the study (Delta 96, Bayelsa45 and Rivers 60 fish farmers) to gather information on flood risk effects, perception and profitability during flood occurrence. Preliminary findings indicate that flood severity is statistically significant at a 5% level (t-ratio: -2.4806) with a negative coefficient (-0.4876). Flood frequency is statistically significant at a 1% level (t-ratio: -4.5934). with a negative coefficient of -3.8035. This suggests that more severe flood events are associated with lower profitability among fish farmers. The result also revealed that at a probability of 0.1%, fish farmers in Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States were susceptible to flooding with about 92.9% experiencing flood events although at a probability of 0.2%, it was noticed that only 7.1% of fish farmers were facing flood events. The study recommends that adoption of climate- smart farming practices, such as choosing flood resistant fish species and diversifying income sources, can enhance resilience, prioritize conducting thorough risk assessments specific to each fish farming location. These assessments should consider historical flood data, local climate conditions, topography, and the vulnerability of infrastructure. These findings will inform farmers and policy makers about the level of risk and guide mitigation efforts.

Patterns and Variability of Rainfall and Temperature in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Patterns and Variability of Rainfall and Temperature in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Entrepreneurial Skills as Correlate of Technical and Vocational Education in Rivers State, Nigeria

Entrepreneurial Skills as Correlate of Technical and Vocational Education in Rivers State, Nigeria

Effect of dumpsite on groundwater quality: A case study of bonny island rivers state

This study investigates the effect of dumpsite activities on groundwater quality in Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria. Bonny Island, an ancient coastal city with significant economic importance due to its oil and gas industries, faces potential environmental threats from dumpsite activities. The research utilized vertical electrical sounding (VES) and 2D resistivity profiling (ERT) to assess subsurface contamination. Measurements were taken to determine the lateral and vertical spread of contaminants at the dumpsite. Complemented by laboratory analysis of groundwater samples from the two dumpsites, groundwater samples were analyzed for a range of physical, chemical, and biological parameters, such as pH, TDS, TSS, DO, Nitrates, Sulphates, Chlorides, heavy metals, and other pollutants. Results obtained indicate that the groundwater near the dumpsites exhibits varying levels of contamination. The VES and ERT profiles revealed low resistivity zones at shallow depths, indicating possible clay-rich soil or topsoil contamination from leachate. High resistivity areas in the middle depths suggest cleaner zones, but low resistivity at both ends of the profiles indicates further spread of the leachate. Laboratory analyses of groundwater sample showed that most parameters were within acceptable limits set by WHO and NSDWQ, except iron, which exceeded the permissible limit, suggesting contamination of iron at the site. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and remediation efforts to prevent further deterioration of groundwater quality. This study underscores the critical importance of protecting groundwater in economically vital and ecologically sensitive regions like Bonny Island.