Southwest Region Of Nigeria Research Articles

Assessment of the incidence and intensity of major cocoa insect pest and Disease in southwest region of Nigeria

A field survey was conducted in the cocoa growing states in Southwest Nigeria in the 2017/2018 year with the objective of assessing the incidence and intensity of diseases and pests affecting cocoa farms in the region. Data were collected by random sampling of 100 trees on three farms in three local government areas of each state. The trees were screened for the presence or absence of insect pests, disease symptoms, parasitic and saprophytic weeds. All the data generated were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics of their various means and reported in percentages. Black pod and the cocoa swollen shoot virus (CSSV) are the primary disease affecting the region with black pod being very severe (51.56%). Major insect pests in the region are cocoa mirid (11.44%), termites (13.16%) and the pod husk borer (7.46%). Mistletoes and moss weed pests were recorded in the region. Management strategies to control the pest and to prevent the transportation of the pest and/or disease material into a state of low incidence should be developed.

A Decision-Making Approach for Ranking Tertiary Institutions’ Service Quality Using Fuzzy MCDM and Extended HiEdQUAL Model

The attainment of excellence in institutions is maintained through the institutions’ adherence to its core values and efficient service delivery. These factors are very important in facilitating global development of a country and determining the world ranking of an institution. To this effect, this study presents an effective approach for evaluating and ranking quality of services in a higher institution, taking four higher institutions in Nigeria as case studies. Service quality consists of different attributes and many of them are intangible and difficult to measure, which means that using the previously known measurement approach will be insufficient. Therefore, a fuzzy method was proposed to resolve the ambiguity of the concepts and intra-uncertainty, which are associated with human judgments in decision-making. This study adopted a contextualized service quality model for educational domain called HiEdQUAL with some extended criteria in order to evaluate the perception of service quality by respondents from the selected higher institutions: two private universities and two public universities from the south-west region of Nigeria. Four Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods: TOPSIS, Yager’s min-max, Compensatory AND, and Ordered Weighted Averaging are applied to comparatively evaluate the quality of services in the four higher institutions. The MCDM methods are engaged independently to validate the reliability of the ranking results. The importance weight of each performance criterion is found with Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) algorithm. This study has been able to practically establish Ext-HiEdQUAL as a new service quality model for higher education with six concepts and 33 criteria. The output of the Fuzzy MCDM ranking recommends institution B as the best institution to students based on the Ext-HiEdQUAL measures. Also, findings from the sensitivity analysis showed that Yager’s min-max outperform the other investigated methods in this study by being consistent and exceptionally tolerant in most instances when there is significant deviation in criteria weights.

Optimal Stochastic Forecast Models of Rainfall in South-West Region of Nigeria

Rainfall estimates are important components of water resources applications, especially in agriculture, transport constructing irrigation and drainage systems. This paper aims to stochastically model and forecast the rainfall trend and pattern for a city, each purposively selected in five states of the South-Western Region of Nigeria. The data collected from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) website are captured with fractional autoregressive integrated moving average (ARFIMA) and seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) models. The autocorrelation function (ACF) and partial autocorrelation function (PACF) are used for model identification, the models selected are subjected to diagnostic checks for the models adequacy. Several tests: Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF), Ljung Box and Jarque Bera tests are used for investigating unit root, serial autocorrelation and normality of residuals, respectively; the mean square error, root mean square error and mean absolute error are employed in validating the optimal stochastic model for each city in all states, in which the model with the lowest error of forecasting of all competing models is suggested as the best. The analyses and findings suggest SARIMA(1,0,1)(1,1,0) [12], SARIMA(3,0,2)(1,0,0) [12], SARIMA(1,0,0)(1,1,0) [12], SARIMA(2,0,2)(2,1,0) [12] and SARIMA(0,0,1)(1,1,0) [12] for (Ibadan) Oyo State, (Ikorodu) Lagos State, (Osogbo) Osun State, (Abeokuta) Ogun State and (Akure) Ondo state, respectively. The seasonal ARIMA (SARIMA) model was proven to be the best optimal stochastic forecast model for forecasting rainfall in the selected cities. The SARIMA model was, therefore, recommended as a veritable technique that will assist decision makers (Government, Farmers, and Policymakers) to establish better strategies “aprior” on the management of rainfall against upcoming weather changes to ensure increase in agricultural yields for the betterment of the citizenry and general economic growth.

Amotekun: The Southwest region’s response to the failures of the Nigerian police and worsening insecurity in Nigeria

ABSTRACT This article explores the concept of ‘Amotekun,’ the newly inaugurated security outfit of the southwest region of Nigeria. It investigates the various constructions of this initiative which have raised debates on the security potentials of the initiative. It examines the constitutional implications of this development and how it resonates with the clamour for regional police and community policing and the overall restructuring of the country. It assesses the security architecture of Nigeria in the light of pervading insecurity across the country and the inability of the federal government to provide security for its citizens. Using the Social Contract theory, the article argues that the failure of government to secure lives and properties which is a breach of its social contract with Nigerians gave rise to the ‘self help’ initiatives such as Amotekun. It contends that correcting this breach of the contract by government through a constitutional amendment or a new constitution which removes police issues from the exclusive list to the concurrent lists in the federal constitution as well as give more powers to the federating units is fundamental not only in solving the security issues in the country but also in tackling other issues confronting the country.

The Role of Trust in the Pattern of Enrollment to a Social Health Insurance Scheme and Distribution of Healthcare Facilities in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria.

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) of Nigeria established in the year 2005 aims to minimize the inequity of access to quality healthcare services in Nigeria. As of the year 2017, enrollment in NHIS-accredited facilities in the southwest region of Nigeria was significantly clustered, with more than three-quarters of NHIS enrollees registered with only 10% of the available NHIS-accredited facilities in the six states of the region. This study explored the factors associated with the skewed distribution of enrollees across facilities and the influence of stakeholders. This is a descriptive, qualitative, case study design among stakeholders of the NHIS in Ibadan, Oyo State, Southwest, Nigeria. In-depth interviews were conducted between March and June, 2019, with all selected individual stakeholders as listed earlier. Data analysis was done using an inductive thematic approach. Across the board, there was a low level of trust in government and government policies among healthcare providers and enrollees. Few healthcare providers were willing to render services under the scheme at inception. The majority of the enrollees were compelled to register with the few available healthcare providers. Among the enrollees, a few personally chose healthcare facilities and providers that were perceived to render better quality services to receive care. Priority should be given to building trust among stakeholders in the NHIS as this would facilitate cooperation and better working relationship, and reposition the scheme for better performance.

FULANI HERDSMEN SETTLEMENT IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA AND INSECURITY IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This paper examined Fulani herdsmen settlement in the Southwest region of Nigeria and insecurity problems. Insecurity has been described as the absence of peace in a country and its continuous absence due to impacts of organized crime and terrorism. In Southwest Nigeria, Fulani the activities of Fulani’s herdsmen problem had led to the loss of lives, destruction of valuable properties as well as crops, there affecting negatively the socio-economic development of the region. Its objectives include examining the drivers of violence and insecurity in Southwest Nigeria; to examine the impacts of the insecurity in the Southwest region of Nigeria and proffering solutions to this social aberration in the Southwest region of Nigeria. The study was anchored on the theory of Collective Violence and structural functionalism theory. Secondary sources of data such as journals, electronic media, books, newspapers were widely used to analyze the study. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made; government should ensure that all Fulani herdsmen who illegally acquired arms and ammunitions are arrested and prosecuted accordingly. Government should also strengthen police capacity to curb rustling and banditry. In the interim, Vigilante and Local security groups should be equipped with a view to combating incessant Fulani Herdsmen. Finally, community policing should be introduced so that states and local authorities can be accountable for the security of the people. The federal government should run an all-inclusive government where the principle of federal character is upheld. Key Words: Herdsmen, Security, Insecurity, Settlement, Terrorism

Correlation of Material Waste Types With Life Cycle Stages in Building Projects Across The States in Southwest Nigeria

This study correlates the different opinions held by Nigerian construction industry stakeholders who participated in the survey on the types of material wastes that are generated from the activities of procuring building projects across the states in southwest region of Nigeria. This was achieved through the random distribution of 261 questionnaires to build environment professionals recruited in the study. The results from 261 respondents was analysed using SPSS 26.0 and presented using tables, figure, ranking and percentile. The study found that the wastes from building construction activities are primarily physical in nature and perceived to be prominent at the post-construction and construction phases of a building project, however, it is seen to occur across the life cycle stages of a building project in varying proportions that adds up to become significant and critical. Additionally, the study found that paper was the most (31.7% and 39.5%) common form of wastes generated at the pre-design and design stages of a building project., while at the pre-construction stage, cardboard and other package materials (35.1%) were the most common form of waste generated, Also, the study revealed that at the construction stage, wood (80.5%), aluminium (88.55), sandcrete (85.0%), and ceramic (85.5) were mostly the form of waste generated, while at the post-construction stage, wire and cables (19.3%) were the mostly form of waste generated. However, the findings from this study provide a valuable reference for practitioners to develop and adopt strategic guides for managing material wastes on building construction projects across building construction stages that imbibes principle of sustainable construction.

Geo-additive modelling of children under-five sleeping under Insecticide treated nets in Nigeria

Number of children under-five at risk of malaria in Nigeria is overwhelming and despite several reported effectiveness of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) in malaria prevention, many factors deterring utilization have been reported. To examine spatial variation in South-West region of Nigeria, this study examines level of utilization among under-five children in the region. Data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey is used to examine relationships between different covariates and spatial variation using a semi-parametric model. Gaussian, Poisson and Zero Inflated Poisson distributions were assumed for the response variable and comparisons were made. The Deviance Information Criteria (DIC) is used as selection criteria. With lowest DIC among the competing distributions, Gaussian has the best fit for the model. Spatial variation is observed in the utilization across states. Ondo state has highest net usage among children follow by Ogun state. Both Lagos and Ekiti states have the least. Higher utilizations are observed among rural residents and households without some basic amenities and mass media. Utilization is found to be higher among respondents in the poor category of wealth index. Educational status of mothers is found to affect ITNs utilization. Non-linear effect of age of the children on the number of children sleeping under net has a bathtub shape, indicating decrease in number of children sleeping under net as age increases till around two years and then starts increasing. For effective utilization of ITNs, more efforts are to be put into campaigns on the importance of utilization rather than only ownership.

COVID-19 and Microfinance Banks in Nigeria

This study investigated the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the activities and performance of microfinance banks with special focus on South West Region of Nigeria. Data were collected from 100 heads of department selected from 20 randomly picked microfinance banks. Data were analyzed with simple percentage and regression technique. It was discovered that, COVID-19 impedes the activities of microfinance banks through loans repayment, deposit mobilization, customers, patronage, operational efficiency, and nonperforming loans. The study concluded that, COVID-19 imposed constraints on the activities of microfinance banks which negatively affect financial performance. It was suggested that, there is need for quick response of regulatory authorities to microfinance banks. Financial and regulatory supports should to stop the declining activities of microfinance banks because microfinance banks play supporting role to small business and less privilege in the economy. There is need for the digitization of microfinance banks' activities to cushion the negative effects of future pandemic. Periodic review should be undertaken to monitor and uncover threats in the loan portfolios, liquidity position, and financial statements of MFBs for quick policy initiatives and innovations.

Comparison of Dental Caries and Oral Hygiene Status of Children in Suburban with those in Rural Population of Southwestern Nigeria

Objective: To compare prevalence of dental caries, oral hygiene status and associated risk factors of children in suburban and rural communities in the Southwest region of Nigeria. Material and Methods: Secondary data was extracted from cross-sectional researches conducted in two study locations involving 8 to 12 year olds. Data retrieved included age, gender, family structure, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene and dental caries. Caries assessment was done using WHO Oral Health Survey methods. Oral hygiene data was collected using Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) by Greene and Vermillion. Statistical significance was established at p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of dental caries in Group A and Group B study participants were 13.4% and 22.2% respectively. Children from rural community had significant higher caries prevalence (p=0.00) and poorer oral hygiene (P=0.00) compare with their counterparts in the suburban community. There was a significant association between oral hygiene, age and dental caries in suburban participants (p=0.02) while among the rural participants there was significant association between gender and dental caries (p=0.04). Children with poor oral hygiene have increased odds of having dental caries compared to children with good oral hygiene in the two study communities. Conclusion: Dental caries was more prevalent among the rural dwellers than the sub-urban dwellers. There is a need to make oral health care services/products available, accessible and affordable for the rural community.

Career readiness of final year agriculture students in tertiary institutions in South West region of Nigeria

Career readiness of final year agriculture students in tertiary institutions in South West region of Nigeria

Analysis of Cumulative Distribution Function of 2-year Rainfall Measurements in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract: The conversion of most available hourly rainfall data to 1-minute integration time rain rate statistic is imperative for accurate estimation of attenuation due to rain employed in the design of both terrestrial and earth-to-space microwave systems. 2-year rainfall data collected at Ogbomoso, South-west region of Nigeria, between the periods of 2009 and 2010 was used in the analysis. Result shows that a power law relationship exists between the equiprobable rain rates of two different integration times. The regression coefficients a and b obtained are slightly different from the ITU-R recommendation. The conversion factor obtained at Ogbomoso is lower compared to Ile-Ife, in the South-west region of the country. The disagreement is attributed to the effect of global warming hitting the whole universe most especially the tropical regions. This study also reveals that different conversion factors are required for different locations even within the same climatic region.

Tuberculosis treatment outcomes and associated factors in two states in Nigeria

To determine the treatment success rate among TB patients and associated factors in Anambra and Oyo, the two states with the largest burden of tuberculosis in Nigeria. A health facility record review for 2016 was conducted in the two states (Anambra and Oyo). A checklist was used to extract relevant information from the records kept in each of the selected DOTS facilities to determine TB treatment success rates. Treatment success rate was defined as the proportion of new smear-positive TB cases registered under DOTS in a given year that successfully completed treatment, whether with bacteriologic evidence of success ('cured') or without ('treatment completed'). Treatment success rate was classified into good (≥85%) and poor (<85%) success rates using the 85% national target for TB treatment outcome. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square at P<0.05. There were 1281TB treatment enrollees in 2016 in Anambra and 3809 in Oyo (total=4835). An overall treatment success rate of 75.8% was achieved (Anambra-57.5%; Oyo-82.0%). The percentage cure rates were 61.5% for Anambra and 85.2% for Oyo. Overall, only 28.6% of the facilities in both states (Anambra-0.0%; Oyo-60.0%) had a good treatment success rate. More facilities in Anambra (100.0%) than Oyo (40.0%) had a poor treatment success rate (p<0.001), as did more private/FBO (100.0%) than public health facilities (60.0%) (p=0.009). All tertiary facilities had a poor treatment success rate followed by 87.5% of secondary health facilities and 56.5% of primary healthcare facilities (P=0.035). Treatment success and cure rates in Anambra state were below the 85.0% of the recommended target set by the WHO. Geographical location, and level/tier and type of facility were factors associated with this. Interventions are recommended to address these problems.

Public Library as a Source of Business Information for Small-Scale Business Enterprises in Nigeria

ABSTRACT The study investigated public library as a source of business information for small-scale business enterprises in Nigeria. Six states in the Southwest region of Nigeria were used for the study, while purposive sampling was used to select forty small-scale businesses from each of the states, which brought the population of the study to 240. As a survey research, a questionnaire was used for data collection. The findings of the study revealed that information on sources of business funding was the major information need of small-scale businesses, while books were the most available information sources in the public library. Based on the findings, the study recommends among others, that government should provide more funding to support small-scale businesses; and that public libraries should acquire more information sources particularly those on sources of business funding, to complement available ones. The study contributes to literature and its empirical data will be useful to policymakers on how to reposition public libraries for effective provision of business information to small-scale business people.

Nutritional Composition and Physio-Chemical Properties of Peeled and Unpeeled Yam Flour (White Yam, Dioscorea rotundata)

Abstract Objectives The main shelf-stable product of yam is the traditional yam flour (elubo), Yams (Dioscorea spp.) which are regarded as traditional foods are consumed in various ways but majorly consumed as yam flour in the south west region of Nigeria. This study investigated the physical, functional and sensory properties and anti-nutrients contents of peeled and unpeeled yam flour. Methods Yam bought in the popular market production procedures were followed, washing, peeling and slicing, parboiling, steeping. draining, drying, milling, and packaging for peeled yam and unpeeled yam peeling was not included in the process, the two samples were analyzed chemically according to the official methods of analysis described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemist as well as sensory evaluation. Results The results of the study confirmed the significant difference in the micro nutrients content of peeled and unpeeled yam flour in fats and water soluble vitamins respectively (K µg/100 g = 6.97,11.83, Fe(mg/kg) = 95.2, 126.9, minerals content Zn(mg/kg) 13.48, 22.92, Fe(mg/kg) 95.2126.9 and anti-nutrient properties of the ‘Amala’ made from the two products (peeled and unpeeled yam flour) the percentage of Tannin 0.0023, 0.0010 and Hydrocynaide (mg/kg) 0.92, 1.01.The proximate analysis of unpeeled yam four indicated a high value than that of peeled yam flour in protein (2.47, 2.28), fats (1.86, 0.54), ash (3.59, 2.32), and fibre (3.09, 1.31) of both samples respectively but the energy content derived from the ‘amala’ made from unpeeled yam flour is lesser to that of peeled yam flour. Significant exist between the two samples in sensory evaluation of taste, texture, color, mouldability, aroma and general acceptability. Conclusions The result shown that the consumption of unpeeled yam flour can be useful in treatment of nutrient deficiencies diseases. Funding Sources Self.

Strategic Role of Pension Fund Administrators in Motivating Contributors’ Interests in the Nigerian Pension Scheme

The focus of this research was to determine the strategic role of Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) in motivating contributors’ interests in the Nigerian pension scheme. Effort was made to ascertain the extent of payment of pension benefits to contributors as and when due and to also ascertain the level of payment of interests and bonuses to the contributors on funds invested as and when due. The study utilized structured questionnaire to obtain data from active Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders and pensioners based on their perceived interests on pension matters in Nigeria. A total of 168 RSA holders and 149 pensioners were purposively and randomly selected for the study within the South-West region of Nigeria. From the application of the regression technique, the data analysis revealed that prompt payment of pension benefits and contributions by PFAs significantly influence contributors’ motivation in the pension scheme. Also, the result showed that payment of interests and bonuses on pension funds invested has a significant effect on the contributors’ satisfaction with the pension scheme. Therefore, the study recommended that PFAs should devise means to educate the beneficiaries on the modalities for calculating pension allowances so as to improve their customer service initiatives for increased market share, and to regularly update the RSAs of beneficiaries with the interests and other bonuses from pension investments.

The Effectiveness of the use of Traditional Medicine on COVID-19 in South-West Region of Nigeria

Abstract The occurrence of the novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) was first reported in Wuhan City and Hubei Province, China on, December 8, 2019. COVID-19 epidemic rapidly spread from a single city to the entire country in 30 days and has since become a universal plague with 808,500 recorded cases, 39,706 deaths, and 174,455 recovered cases as of March 31, 2020 [1]. The published information of hospitalized patients in China have suggested that the age division of most case-patients were 30 to 79 years of age (87%), 1% were age nine years or younger, 1% were age 10-19 years and 3% were age 80 years or older.

Seismic Retrofitting: A preparatory approach against the forecasted quakes in the South-Western Part of Nigeria.

The seismic record of Nigeria shows the occurrences of quakes that range from small to medium magnitude as against the belief of some people that Nigeria is aseismic. Researchers in Nigeria have also recently raised alarm that devastating earthquake is likely to be experienced in the nearest future with attention drawn to the south west in Nigeria. The historical seismic data as published in this work had the sizes of quakes presented using the intensity scale. To further give us clarity into the actual sizes of the documented quakes, the intensities were converted to local magnitudes, hence the minimum and maximum quakes ever witnessed in Nigeria were ascertained to be 3.3Ml and 6.5Ml. In response to the seismic alerts and forecast results targeted at the south-west region of Nigeria, seismic retrofitting is recommended for the existing structures along the seismic fault in the south west while the response results published in the works of [1] is recommended as guides to the designs of subsequent structures along the fault in the south west so as to establish safety just if the forecasted quake is experienced.

Influence of Population Growth on Socio-Economic Characteristics of Households in South-West Region of Nigeria

Influence of Population Growth on Socio-Economic Characteristics of Households in South-West Region of Nigeria

Perceived Barriers to Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women of Childbearing Age in a Gynaecological Clinic

Introduction Cervical cancer is an important reproductive health problem for women in the developing countries where it constitutes 13% of all female malignancies. It is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and 83 percent of the world’s 500,000 new cases and 85 percent of the 288,000 cervical cancer deaths occur in developing countries. Evidences show that women attending various health facilities were not routinely screened for cervical cancer. Gynaecological clinics present an important access to target group for cervical cancer screening. This study assessed the barriers to uptake of cervical cancer screening services among women attending a gynaecological clinic of a tertiary health i a tertiary health facility in South West region of Nigeria, the most populous black country of the world. Methodology Adopting a descriptive cross-sectional approach and Health Belief Model (HBM), women aged 15 – 49 years attending gynaecological clinic at the health institution were interviewed. The respondents were selected using systematic random sampling technique and interviewed using a specially designed structured questionnaire. Barrier to uptake of cervical cancer screening services was defined as significant when the number of the respondents in the “agree” and “strongly agree” domains to the selected reasons for not screening for cervical cancer are at least 50%. Results Of the 100 respondents interviewed, 85 responses were found suitable for analysis. The mean age of the respondents was 33.3 (SD±8.6) years. Although a large proportion of the respondents (77.1%) were aware of cervical cancer, 95.2% with at least secondary education and 51.9% earning at least ₦50,000/month, only 23 (27.1%) had undergone the screening for cervical cancer. Age &gt; 44 years and earning &gt; ₦100,000/month were positively and significantly associated with uptake of cervical cancer screening. The significant reasons for not screening for cervical cancer by the respondents were Lack of information/counselling (77.4%), Lack of convenient clinic time (62.9%), Fear of having a positive result (61.3%), Lack of support from partners and significant others is a barrier (56.5%) and Attitude of health workers discourage women from assessing cervical cancer screening (51.6%) Conclusion It can be concluded from this this study that there is need for need for regular information on cervical screening at every opportunity for the populations that will benefit from this preventive service like women of reproductive age group attending our obstetric services. There is an urgent need for provision of more screening opportunities especially the type that will have population coverage and to leverage on other programmes like family planning services, post-natal clinic services and HIV/AIDS programmes. Screening services should be available in all secondary facilities and primary health care centres. Reminder/Recall services should be in place to ensure compliance with appointments in order to increase utilization Keywords: Perceived Barriers, Uptake, Women of childbearing age, Cervical Cancer screening DOI : 10.7176/JHMN/67-07 Publication date :October 31 st 2019