South-East Region Of Nigeria Research Articles

Retention in Care Among People Living with HIV in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

In 2021, Nigeria had an estimated 1.9 million people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) and 1.7 million (90%) on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Study Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis. This meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. We searched PubMed, Embase, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Global Index Medicus, and Cochrane Library. Studies were included if they reported on ART retention in care among PLHIV in Nigeria. The random-effects meta-analyses were used to combine the studies that had complete retention data. The I2 statistic was used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies. A sensitivity analysis was then done by conducting a leave-one-out analysis. Afterward, data were analyzed using STATA version 18. The search yielded 966 unique articles, of which 52 studies met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis, and four experimental studies were split into their component arms. The total number of study participants was 563,410, and the pooled retention rate was 72% (95% CI: 67%, 76%; I2=99.9%; n=57). Sub-analysis showed that the Southeast region of Nigeria had the highest retention of 86% (95% CI: 78%, 92%), and the South-South had the lowest retention (58%; 95% CI: 38%, 79%). In Nigeria, the pooled ART retention rate is less than optimal to achieve the UNAIDS goal of 95%, thus developing new models for ART retention is needed.

Estimation of Soil Loss using Remote Sensing Data in a Regional Tropical Humid Catchment Area

Soil erosion has been and continue to be a major threat to environmental degradation especially in the developing countries. Accurate estimation of soil loss will provide reliable information in the management and mitigation solutions to soil erosion. In this study, the soil loss in an erosion prone Anambra State of South East region of Nigeria was estimated. Due to the complex nature of the catchment characteristics of Anambra State, soil loss cannot be estimated precisely by mere application of conventional soil erosion model. Hence a site-specific methodology was developed and applied. Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) was integrated with the Geographic Information System (GIS) of the environment using remote sensing to build the model. 40-years rainfall data was collated from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency and analyzed. The various parameter of RUSLE which includes: Rainfall Erosivity (R), Soil Erodibility (K), Topography (LS), Land Use and Land Cover (C), and Erosion Control practices (P) were developed and imposed into ArcGIS 10.6 to estimate the amount of annual soil loss in the area. The result indicated that about 27.58km2 (0.59%) of the study area have very low erosion rate of 0 – 5 t ha1year-1 , while the rates of erosion in 1311.52km2 (28.01%), 538.59km2 (11.50%), 1649.08km2 (35.22%), 959.09km2 (20.48%), and 196.76km2 (4.20%) of the study area are 5–10, 10–15, 15–25, 25–50 and >50 t ha-1year-1respectively. This knowledge will help decision makers in managing the land degradation problems in Anambra State of Nigeria. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-07-014 Full Text: PDF

Isolation, characterization, antimicrobial properties, and theoretical investigations of a new isoflavanol from nigerian red propolis for therapeutic applications

The chemical components of Nigerian red propolis were thoroughly examined to identify its phytochemical constituents. The investigation yielded a new isoflavanol, identified as 2′,7-dihydroxy-3′,4-dimethoxyisoflavan-4-ol (DDI), which was isolated from the ethyl acetate extract. Using advanced spectroscopic techniques, such as 1D, 2D NMR as well as HR-LC-MS, the structure and molecular composition of the new compound was determined with extreme precision. The present study offers important information regarding the chemical structure of reddish propolis sourced from the southeast region of Nigeria. The isolated compound suggests that the botanical source of the propolis could be Dalbergia spp. antimicrobial assay of the compound isolated revealed potent antibacterial and antifungal properties with diameter zones of inhibition measuring between 27 and 32 mm. The MIC, MBC, and MFC values were between 6.25 and 25 µg/mL. Further theoretical investigations of DDI were also carried out using DFT/D3(BJ)-B3LYP/6–311 ++ G (d, p) level of theory, of DDI in different environments (DMSO, Ethanol, Gas, and Water), that demonstrated structural stability of DDI in the different solvents with an energy gap of 7.0878 eV, 7.0831 eV, 6.9335 eV, and 7.0899 eV respectively. Molecular docking was employed substantiating the antimicrobial analysis, resulting in a score for receptors Candida tropicalis (1N9G), Escherichia coli (4LFU), Candida albicans (5K04), and Helicobacter pylori (4HI0) with binding affinity of -6.9 Kcal/mol, -8.5 Kcal/mol, -7.9 Kcal/mol, and -7.7 Kcal/mol respectively, compared with a conventional drug (fluconazole and amoxicillin) the docking proteins receptors. The docking for the DDI ligand against the receptor proteins of the studied organisms showed better inhibitory activity than the conventional drug (fluconazole), however, less activity with amoxicillin suggesting a more antifungal activity than antibacterial activity, presenting DDI ligand as a potential drug molecule against candidiasis.

Policy support strategies for organic farming extensification in Nigeria

To achieve a more sustainable agricultural production system, the focus should extend beyond solely promoting the adoption of organic farming to include an emphasis on extensification. A synergistic approach involving Branding/informal certification, price premiums for organic produce, and government subsidies holds the potential to drive higher levels of organic farming extensification among smallholder producers. This study encompassed 415 organic growers engaged in varying degrees of organic farming. These participants were drawn from the Southeast region of Nigeria. Employing a multi-endogenous instrumental variable regression, the research uncovered compelling insights. Notably, it revealed that providing premiums for organic products and utilizing Branding or informal certification significantly supported growers' inclination to expanding the land area under organic agriculture. Conversely, government subsidies exhibited a negative influence on extensification rates. In light of these findings, it becomes imperative to envision a more robust future for organic farming in Nigeria that hinges on strategic investments in formal certifications, thereby facilitating enhanced integration of organic producers into larger domestic and global markets.

Assessing the Impact of Naira Policy Redesign on Nigeria's Economic Development

This research investigated the impact of the Naira Redesign Policy on Nigeria's Economic Development by administering structured questionnaires to 800 participants across 3 Deposit Money Banks and 3 Tertiary institutions in the South East region of Nigeria. Of these, 160 respondents, representing 20%, either did not return or submitted incomplete questionnaires. Utilizing Cluster Mean Analysis based on Likert’s Five Point Scale, the study addressed its research inquiries. Additionally, it critically reviewed existing theoretical analyses related to the subject matter. The results indicate that the Naira redesign policy did not curtail illegal activities or corruption, stabilize exchange rates, facilitate easy access to production and investment loans, prevent vote buying or monitor campaign funding, lower interest rates, or increase financial inclusion while reducing the unbanked population. However, the policy did reveal currency holdings previously outside commercial bank vaults, aided security agencies in combating banditry and ransom incidents, but contributed to low savings and investment, resulting in citizen poverty. The study recommends a necessary redesign, production, and circulation of the Naira, aligning with globally accepted Central Banking standards. This call is particularly crucial considering the lack of such an exercise by the CBN for almost two decades. Moreover, this redesign process should occur concurrently with the withdrawal of the old currency. Keywords: Naira Redesign, Likert’s Five Point, Cluster Mean Analysis, Economic Development

Purpose-Based Career Coaching as a Strategy for Increasing Employability of Graduates: A Survey Study

This study investigated teachers’ and counsellors’ perception of a purpose-based career coaching as a strategy for increasing employability of graduates in Nigeria. The design employed to conduct this study was a cross-sectional survey design that featured desk research and sensitivity workshop. The participants were 100 teachers and 100 counsellors from South-East region of Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted in this study. Purpose-based Career Coaching and Employability Questionnaire" (PCCEQ) was used to collect data, while descriptive and inferential analysis were used to analyse data. The results obtained revealed that the knowledge level of the teachers and counsellors increased through the sensitivity workshop with respect to the use of purpose-based career coaching as a strategy for increasing employability of graduates. In addition, with a slight significant difference, the perception of both teachers and the counsellors was high in terms of application, workability and effectiveness of the purpose-based career coaching. Gender did not have any significant contribution or influence on the participants’ perceptions. Therefore, the conclusion reached in this study is that teachers and counsellors perceived purpose-based career coaching as effective, applicable and workable strategy for increasing employability of graduates in Nigeria.

Assessment of the knowledge and use of hypertonic saline among doctors working in paediatrics departments of tertiary institutions in the five states of South-East Nigeria

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and use of hypertonic saline among doctors in the Southeast region of Nigeria. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted amongst 182 doctors in the paediatric departments of the six tertiary institutions in South Eastern Nigeria. Data to assess knowledge and use of hypertonic saline were collected using self-administered, structured questionnaires. Results: After aggregating the knowledge questions (definition of hypertonic saline, knowledge of available concentrations and modes of administration) and categorizing knowledge into good or poor, 148 (81.3%) had good knowledge, while 34 (18.7%) had poor knowledge. Respondents who had ever seen an infusion of hypertonic saline were 93 (51.1%), while only 62 (34.1%) had ever used it during their practice. Among those who had used it, only 33 (18.1%) obtained it from their hospital pharmacy. Most respondents (91.2%) would support advocacy for its increased availability and use in Nigeria. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated good knowledge of hypertonic saline, however, there is low usage due to unavailability. There is a need for collaboration between paediatricians, pharmaceutical companies and other stakeholders to create demand and initiate the production of hypertonic saline.

Vaccination compliance of selected childhood immunization programs and the socio-determinant factors in Nigeria

Introduction: Adherence to full vaccination is important in preventing childhood diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of compliance to full vaccination and identify the socio-cultural factors associated with full vaccination compliance in children. Methodology: The socioeconomic variables associated with each of the four binary dependent variables of whether or not a child is fully vaccinated against tetanus, BCG, measles, and pentavalent were determined using logistic regression. Results: While compliance to full tetanus and BCG vaccinations was > 60% at the national level, less than 50% and 10% full vaccination compliance were recorded for pentavalent and measles vaccinations, respectively. The South East region of Nigeria recorded the overall highest full vaccination compliance while the least performing region was the North West zone. The mother or guardian literacy level, employment status, antenatal care attendance, and internet usage were strong predictors of full vaccination compliance (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The socio-cultural factors associated with achieving full vaccination coverage in Nigeria in this study should drive the implementation of policies that will be best suited to each geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

Perception Study on Unknown Gunmen Phenomenon in the Southeast Nigeria: The New Face of Terror

Nigeria occupied abysmally the third position in 2019/2020 Global Terrorism Index and has been classified as a country in a ‘state of war’. Virtually all the six regions of the country are dotted with various manifestations of insecurity. In the southeast region of Nigeria, which is the focus of this study, the new face of terror is the activities of the ‘unknown gunmen’. The specific objectives are to; identify the peoples’ perception about the identity of the unknown gunmen; examine the root causes of insecurity in the region; determine governments’ responses to the activities of unknown gunmen and determine the impacts of the activities of the unknown gunmen on the region. The study adopted survey research using interview and questionnaire method. The study drew a sample of 350 respondents (politicians, security agents, traditional rulers, men and women) from each of the 6 states in the southeast using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. For the data analysis, descriptive statistics were used. The results of the findings include among others; that people perceived the identity of the unknown gunmen to be political thugs of state actors in the regions; that the root causes of insecurity in the region include governments’ crackdown of IPO Bagitation/detention of IPOB leader and in-fighting among political elites from the region. Recommendations include among others; that the state and federal government should provide good governance to the people of southeast to forestall the temptation of violent youth agitation and secessionists ambition, that the politician in the region should desist from ‘dirty’ politics where youths are used as political thugs and that government should adopt dialogue in dealing with groups agitation rather than the traditional kinetic approach.

Market Share and Price-Setting Behaviour in Bilateral Areas: Evidence from Bambara Groundnut Markets in Nigeria

Marketing activities within the Bambara groundnut subsector may tend to become sub-standard because of production price uncertainty and production risk which may ejaculate into inefficiency in the market. In this respect, the study analyzed market share and Price-setting Behaviour in Bilateral areas: evidence from Bambara Groundnut Markets in Nigeria. The population of the study comprised marketers of Bambara groundnut in South-east, Nigeria. Of the five states in south-east region of Nigeria, two States were chosen purposively so as to ascertain the movement of prices between the two states. This was done in order to establish fair prices comparison between the production zone and consumption zone. The choice of the two states was based on the predominance of Bambara groundnut marketers. A two-stage random sampling technique was adopted in selecting 221 respondents that was interviewed for the study. Information for this study was obtained from primary sources employing a well-structured questionnaire, oral interviews and direct observations of Bambara groundnut marketers and was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of multivariate analysis (ANOVA) showing the variations in price margins, marketing cost and net marketing margins showed that across the eight markets sampled within the study area, there was no vital significant distinction (F= 0.381; P=0.130, F=2.558; P=0.414 and F=1.725; P=0.217) within the price margins, costs and net margins. The velocity of rural retail prices results indicated that on the average, retail prices of Bambara groundnut was enhanced at a monthly rate of N5.586853 in the rural markets of Abia State with a standard deviation of N0.8089196. Although, the modal price alteration was N5.2300 whereas the minimum price increment was N3.6610, however, the utmost increment was N7.845 per month in the rural Bambara groundnut markets in Abia State. Similarly, for urban prices of Bambara groundnut in Abia State markets, the result showed slight variations in monthly prices. Specifically, for urban retail prices in Abia State markets, Bambara groundnut monthly prices was enhanced by N5.87178274 on the average, though, the modal and minimum values of N5.496730 and N3.847711 existed respectively. The result also showed that the rural and urban prices of Bambara groundnut changed monthly by N5.9040 and N6.2051228 respectively, per month. The result additional discovered the rural/urban retail merchant price in Enugu Abia and Enugu to be N5.72931798 with variance of N0.840113346 and N1.32771324 respectively. In relation to price velocity of wholesalers in Abia and Enugu states, wholesale price velocity of N34.471035 and N36.4364033 and standard deviation of N4.99221480 and N7.05381314, minimum of N22.59371 and N19.62524 and maximum of N 48.41510 and N 49.24824 respectively was observed. However, the results of the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that there existed significant distinction (F=4.771; P ≤ 0.05) and (F=0.048; P ≤ 4.19) between rural and urban retail price velocities in Enugu and Abia State markets, respectively. The moderately high variation of prices with time necessitates governments’ action in prices stabilization to shield farmers economically. Guarantee minimum price for producers as an incentive for assured output markets can increase supply volume and promotion of Bambara groundnut industries.

Analysis of gastrointestinal acid-neutralizing potency of some commercial antacid tablet formulations

In dyspepsia, formulations known as antacids are regularly used to alleviate symptoms as quickly as possible. Gastric contents are acidic; therefore, antacids are usually weak bases with the potential to neutralize excess acid and raise gastric pH accordingly. Acid-neutralizing capacity is what determines the effectiveness of an antacid. Some antacid tablets formulation from different manufacturers were tested for their acid-neutralizing capacity and effectiveness for patients in this study. The South-East region of Nigeria had pharmacies vending antacids of different brands. To remove potential bias from the study, the brands were coded A-F. Labels on all samples indicated that they would expire more than one year from now. To determine each antacid tablet's acid-neutralizing capacity, the titrimetric method was used. In terms of acid-neutralizing capacity, brands D, A, B, C, F, and E showed the greatest acid-neutralizing capacity (8.2mEq/g), and brand E showed the lowest capacity (5.7 mEq/g). An analysis of the ANC of all the tablets found that they exceeded the FDA standard of >5mEq for antacids. An inexpensive, simple, and easy-to-use titrimetric method could be used routinely to monitor antacid tablet quality.

Evaluating the potential of wild cocoyam (Caladium bicolor) for citric acid production in a submerged culture of Aspergillus niger

BackgroundWild cocoyam (Caladium bicolar) is non-edible starchy material which is commonly known as ‘Ede umuagbara’ in the south-east region of Nigeria. Evaluating the potential of wild cocoyam for citric acid production was investigated using Aspergillus niger in a submerged culture.ResultsThis study showed that wild cocoyam flour concentration, pretreatment of wild cocoyam, inoculums size, initial pH of wild cocoyam and incubation temperature of wild cocoyam medium had significant effect on the amount of citric acid produced from wild cocoyam (p < 0.05). Citric acid concentration increased as the concentration wild cocoyam increased up to 15% with the maximum citric acid concentration of 10.0 ± 0.251 g/l after 96 h of fermentation. Also citric acid concentration increased as the pretreatment time of wild cocoyam increased from 5 to 20 min. A 20 min pretreatment time at 121 °C was the optimum with maximum concentration of 14.0 ± 0.325 g/l citric acid after 96 h of fermentation. 15% inoculums was the optimum with the maximum concentration of 16.0 ± 0.431 g/l citric acid. However, the wild cocoyam initial pH value of 5.5 was the optimum for maximum citric acid concentration of 19.0 ± 0.316 after 96 h of fermentation. Moreover, citric acid concentration increased as the incubation temperature of wild cocoyam medium increased from 20 to 30 °C. Incubation of wild cocoyam medium at 30 °C was the optimum with the maximum citric acid concentration of 23.0 ± 0.432 g/l after 96 h of fermentation.ConclusionTherefore, the result revealed that wild cocoyam which is found plenty within the south-east region of Nigeria can be converted to citric acid if well harnessed.

Drivers of Customer Loyalty in the Downstream Petroleum Sub-Sector in Nigeria

The downstream petroleum sub-sector in Nigeria has remained highly competitive since the partial subsidy removal era. Operators now adopt various marketing efforts to attract and retain customers. While several models have been used to examine the drivers of customer loyalty in the petroleum industry, no study is known that applies the 7Ps model. This study, attempts to close this gap. Data was generated from petroleum products customers in the Southeast region of Nigeria, and analyzed with the SPSS 23.0 multiple regression analysis. Findings reveal that all the 7Ps variables – product, price, place, promotion, people, process and physical evidence are significant drivers of customer loyalty. The study recommends appropriate blending of the mix elements for more positive outcomes.

EFFECT OF EMPLOYEES ICT SKILLS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

The manufacturing firms are among the relevant sectors that contribute positively to the growth and development of the Nations economy. Perhaps, one of the major concerns of the manufacturing firms is to maximize performance and compete efficiently in the market. However, there is growing intimation on the poor performance of many manufacturing industries in the South-east region of Nigeria. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the performance of manufacturing firms based on the ICT skills of the employees. One hundred and nine employees from different departments in various manufacturing firms responded to the research instrument designed to measure ICT competence and two performance domains. A simple linear regression was conducted on the data, and the result indicated a statistically significant association between employeesICT skills and increased performance of the firms. The finding, implications, and conclusions are discussed.

A Review of the Effectiveness of Adopted, Applied, and Recommended Malaria Control Techniques within the Southeast Region of Nigeria

Malaria is a parasitic disease endemic in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Nigeria accounts for about 51 million cases globally and 207000 deaths annually. Different control measures have been adopted to control malaria in the south Eastern region of Nigeria. These measures includes vector control, chemotherapy etc. The most recommended is vector control and it is achieved through the use of insecticide treated nets, pesticides etc. ITNs are effective vector control tools and positively reduces mosquito abundance and serves as barrier to contacts with human hosts but the set back with the ITN use is the difference between ownership and usage . Most people who own ITNs don’t use it. Diagnosis of malaria is vital in the control and treatment of malaria however, in the south eastern part of Nigeria, outcome of studies revealed gap in microscopy expertise and it has led to lots of false positive results. Chemotherapy using ACT is currently subdued due to counterfeit anti malaria drugs in the markets. There are emerging malaria control methods but they are yet to be adopted and applied in the southeastern part of Nigeria. Currently the malaria control methods adopted in Southeastern Nigeria are effective but may not adequately lead to malaria control. It is imperative to augment with emerging malaria control methods or optimize current methods to achieve the desired results.

North Atlantic Oscillation and Rainfall Variability in Southeastern Nigeria: A Statistical Analysis of 30 Year Period

This study analyzed rainfall variability in Southeast region of Nigeria using graphical models, as well as using statistical approach to investigate any significant relationship between the global North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) Index and the regional rainfall variability in region. The study was conducted in three States of Southeastern Nigeria namely, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States that lie between Latitudes 40 40’ and 80 50’N and Longitudes 60 20’ and 80 50’E. Data for the study included 30 years (1988 - 2017) archival time-series monthly rainfall values for the three study States, acquired from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), offices in the states, and Standardized values of NAOI (North Atlantic Oscillation Index) for the same period, which were collected from a website, on the NOAA Data Center, USA. In the data analyses, the first method was adopted by using graphs to illustrate mean annual rainfall values for thirty years. Coefficient of variability was employed in evaluating the degree of variability of values from the mean rate. The second analysis was accomplished using correlation models to ascertain any relationship between NAOI and rainfall in Southeast Nigeria. The results showed a significant variability of rainfall in the region from January to December (mean monthly) within the study period. A negative correlation value of 0.7525 was obtained from the correlation analysis, showing that the global NAO index and rainfall variability deviate in the opposite direction. Coefficient of multiple determinations (CMD) subsequently showed value of 0.031%, being the variation in rainfall as influenced by the global teleconnectivity, and this means that the NAO index has zero or no influence on rainfall variability in Southeast region of Nigeria.

Tertiary Teachers Strike (TTS) and e-Learning Deficit amidst Covid-19 Crisis in Nigeria

Amid the raging Covid-19 pandemic across the world and the debilitating tertiary teachers strike in Nigeria, this study’s objective seeks to examine the prevailing un-lived experiences of Nigerian tertiary students in e-learning. The study argues that Covid-19 has widened the digital divide between Nigerian universities and other universities in other parts of the world on the one hand and between public and private tertiary institutions in Nigeria on the other. This e-learning deficit is worsened by university teachers’ strikes, constituting a twin inhibition into which higher education is consigned in Nigeria. The study identifies poor funding of education as a major constraint to virtual learning and instruction faced by public tertiary students especially in the era of the pandemic. Data collection for the study will be carried out through oral interviews basically focus group discussion (FGD) from a sample population of 50 university students (male and female) in three universities across the southeast region of Nigeria, newspaper reports, and participant-observer methods of research analysis.

Economic Recession &amp; its Effect on Consumer Buying Behaviour towards Imported Foods in South-East Region of Nigeria

Economic Recession &amp; its Effect on Consumer Buying Behaviour towards Imported Foods in South-East Region of Nigeria

Cancer mortality pattern in a resource-poor country: A Case study of a teaching hospital in the southeast region of Nigeria

Background: There are many studies on the pattern and incidence of cancer, but there are few documented works on cancer mortality (CM). Even fewer are African studies on CM that encompass all cancers and reveal the relative contributions of the various cancers to the overall burden of CM. This retrospective study was therefore performed to determine the types and patterns of cancer deaths in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Southeast, Nigeria, during the 10-year period from 2010 to 2019. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from the death data files in the mortuary unit of the department of anatomic pathology. These death data document the cause of death as issued by the attending medical/surgical/oncology teams or the pathologist that performed an autopsy on the deceased. Data collected included the deceased's age, sex, and underlying cause and date of death. Results: One thousand one hundred and sixty-six deaths (representing 10.3% of all hospital deaths) were due to cancers. There were 472 (40.5%) males and 694 (59.5%) females in the series (P &lt; 0.001), giving a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.5. The mean age for males was 53.2 ± 22.6 years and that of females was 48.3 ± 17.9 years. A bimodal age distribution pattern of CM was noticed with peaks in the 0–10-year and 51–60-year age groups (P &lt; 0.001). The second peak occurs a decade earlier in females (51–60 years) than in males (61–70 years). In terms of type, breast, liver, and hematological malignancies were among the top three causes of cancer deaths. Cancers of the breast, liver, hematolymphoid tissues, ovary, and cervix were the largest contributors to the cancer-associated mortality burden among females. Prostate, liver, hematological, pancreas, and colorectal malignancies were the leading cause of CM among males. Hematological malignancies resulted in the death of more children and young adults younger than 31 years. Breast and liver cancers accounted for the most cancer deaths that affected patients in the 31–60-year-old age group, while deaths due to prostate cancer predominated in those above 60 years of age. Conclusion: Cancers have remained a vital cause of mortality in our setting. Screening for premalignant lesions, early detection, and treatment of cancers are therefore keys to improving dismal outcomes.

Restructuring NDDC: Pathway to Development in the Niger Delta Region

Niger Delta comprises of the South-South states, Ondo state from the South west, Imo and Abia States from the South East region of Nigeria. Despite the huge mineral resources that the region generates and the driving force to the national economy, the region remains in abject poverty, youth unemployment, poor infrastructure and high level insecurity. This paper investigates the role of NDDC, successes and challenges in the development of Niger Delta region. The Marxist instrumentalist theory was adopted as the theoretical framework of analysis. Documentary method was adopted as the method of data collection and content analysis was employed as the method of analysis. The paper found out that the federal government has created several interventionist bodies which include the Niger Delta Development Board (NDDB) (1958), the Oil Minerals Producing and Development Commission (OMPADEC) (1992), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) (2000) and the most recent, Ministry of Niger Delta (2008). In spite of this various interventionist bodies, the region is still far underdeveloped with little or nothing on ground compared to what is being exploited from the region. As an oil producing region, it ought to enjoy massive infrastructural development, job creation, empowerment programs and peaceful society, among others. However, this paper is of the view that a lot still needs to be done, as the region is retrogressing speedily instead of progressing in regards to the core indices of development. This paper also found out that corruption has eaten deep into the affair of NDDC. There is also a report of a cabal who hijacks contracts and sells it to contractors that end up doing low standard jobs not in line with the bill of quantities or not doing at all. The paper recommends total restructuring of Ministry of Niger Delta and NDDC in area of staff posting and review of organogram of the board. There should be a think-tank team of individuals with reputable character both from government and representatives of the people, towards listing out the needs of the people according to preference. A review of projects done and the ones ongoing across the Niger Delta oil producing states with the contractors involved to see if it is in line with the bill of quantities, any contractor found wanting should face the full wrath of the law.&#x0D; Keywords: Restructuring, Development, Niger Delta, Corruption, Oil Politics