Ughelli North Local Government Area Research Articles

Information needs and seeking behaviour of police officers in Ughelli-North Local Government Area of Delta State

This study examined the information needs and seeking behaviour of police in Ughelli-North Local Government Area of Delta State. The descriptive survey design was used. The population of study comprised four divisional police stations in Ughelli-North consisting of 502 police officers and the sample size was 100 respondents. The instrument used was the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that police officers need information to carry out investigation, arrest and complex criminal cases within and outside the country. The timelines of their job resulted in the use of physical evidence, witnesses, suspects, psychological profiling, crime analysis and the general public as means of seeking behaviours which includes use of mass media, arrest of suspects in lnstitutes, Ambush laying for criminals, detention and interrogation of suspects, among others. The major challenges are unavailability of sophisticated weapons, standoff situation in investigation, and inadequate communication facilities and equipments. Therefore, the study recommends that there is need to re-launch the strategy of community policing to involve the people more in creating a good police and public relationship. The government should provide good roads, adequate equipments and suphisticated weapons for the police to enable them withstand and defeat the criminals out there, and with the advent of new technologies every day, there is need to incorporate modern combacting gadgets and communication facilities in the police force to come to par with and conquer the smartness exhibited by law breakers.

ESTIMATION OF AQUFER TRANSMISSIVITY FOR TYPICAL OIL PRODUCING COMMUNITIES OF WESTERN NIGER DELTA USING ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY SURVEY

Geophysical electrical resistivity method (Vertical Electrical Sounding) using Schlumberger configuration was employed to investigate subsurface formations and aquifer transmisivity in Agbarotor, Agbarha-Otor and Edoiede Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli North Local Government Area in Delta State, Southern Nigeria with VES evenly carried out in the aforementioned study areas. ABEM Signal averaging system (SAS) 1000 Terrameter, was one of the major equipments used in obtaining the resistivity field data with a maximum current electrodes spreading of 500m done with the aid of a tape. The interpretation of the data gotten from the field was done using WINRESIST software coupled with the qualitative and quantitative curve matching to obtain modelize parameters and curves type for various VES points. The model parameters displayed up to six formations layers which include topsoil, laterite, clay and sand (fine, medium and coarse) formation. The resistivity of the confined aquifer ranges from 1037.6-4986.5Ωm with thickness varying interval of 16.3m and 42.9m. The investigation denote that VES 1 of Agbarotor, VES 6 for Agbarha-Otor and VES 7,9,10 of Edoiede Agbarha-Otor are the best locations for citing boreholes in the studied areas since they are characterize with higher resistivity (low corrosivity) and moderate or higher transmisivity. Thus aquifer transmisivity in the cited areas are of good quality and the produce can sustain the people of the areas and neighboring environs for long period of time. I recommend that the samples of VES water locations should be tested from time to time to ascertain its Level of contaminations for future remedial measure and a water system for the general public should be drilled in the aforementioned VES points.

Assessment of Soil to Cassava Transfer Factor of Radionuclides in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria

Background:
 This research was conducted to estimate the activity concentration level of 40K, 238U and 232Th in soil and cassava and determine the transfer factor from soil to cassava in Ughelli North, Delta State, Nigeria.
 Materials and Methods:
 These were examined using gamma spectrometry and considering a lead-shielded 3 x 3inch coaxial type Sodium Iodide Thallium doped detector.
 Results:
 The mean activity concentrations of 40K, 238U and 232Th are 45.49 ± 4.28 BqKg−1, 3.15 ± 0.77 BqKg−1 and 0.56 ± 0.06 BqKg−1 respectively in soil samples and 134.08 ± 11.59 BqKg−1, 3.89 ± 0.93 BqKg−1 and 0.81 ± 0.09 BqKg−1 correspondingly in cassava samples. The mean transfer factor of 40K, 238U and 232Th from soil to cassava are 3.44 ± 0.75, 1.94 ± 0.32 and 1.34 ± 0.54 respectively. Peak values of the TF were noted as 8.52 for 40K at U18, D18, 25.58 for 238U at U12, D12 and 5.71 for 232Th at U11, D11.
 Conclusion:
 The activity concentration of 40K, 238U and 232Th in the area are lower than the world average values. Consequently, it will not pose any radiological hazard if consumed. The high value of Transfer factor is attributed to the richness of the organic matter in the soil and may indicate high ability to transfer radionuclides in the soil to food crops but from the concentration information, these radionuclides present in the soil are low as well as annual effective doses. There is no radiological risk of ingestion.

Environmental degradation and community response to eco system invasion in delta state

Delta State has long been facing many environmental challenges, mainly from oil exploration activities by the multinational companies which have, to a large extent affected the ecological environment of the State. This study examines community response to environmental degradation in Delta State. The study specifically examines the influence of environmental degradation on communal conflict and pipeline vandalism. Survey research design was employed. Three oil-producing communities were sampled for this study. They are Ebedei in Ukwuani local government area, Uwheru in Ughelli North local government area and Esama in Bomadi local government area, representing the three senatorial zones of the State. Ukwuani local government area has a population of 119,034, Ughelli North local government area with a population 320,687 and Bomadi local government area has a population of 86,016. The total population of these three local government areas is 525,737. Based on Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) table for determining sample size, for a given population of 525,737, a sample size of 400 would be needed to represent a cross- section of the population. The study employed simple percentages as the technique of data analysis and it revealed that conflicts in oil producing communities in Delta State are reflective of the extent of the environmental degradation in that area. The study also showed that pipeline vandalization is caused by youth restlessness resulting from the economic hardship in Delta State. The study concludes that environmental degradation is fuelling communal conflicts and pipeline vandalism in Delta State. The study recommends that the State government need to embark on programme and projects that have direct bearing on the people of the region. The study also recommends that the multinational corporations operating in the region need to address seriously their corporate social responsibility to host communities.

A Critical Analysis of the Effects of Flooding on Human Health and the Environment. A Case Study of Ohoror Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

A Critical Analysis of the Effects of Flooding on Human Health and the Environment. A Case Study of Ohoror Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Effects of Malaria on some Haematological Parameters among Pregnant Women in Delta State, Nigeria

Aim: To determine the effect of malaria parasitaemia on some haematological parameters of pregnant women in Delta State, Nigeria.
 Study Design: The experiment is a vertical survey of pregnant women.
 Place and Duration: The study was carried out in five designated Local Government Area in Delta State, Nigeria. They include Ughelli South, Ughelli North, Udu, Uvwie and Ethiope East Local Government Area, between January-August 2021.
 Methodology: Vein puncture technique was used to obtain 5ml of blood from 1000 pregnant women in the five selected government hospital in Delta State. Malaria parasite examination was done using thin and thick blood films, following standard parasitological techniques. Haematological parameters comprising packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocyte and basophils were determined and CD4 count was done using flow cytometry. Socio economic data was obtained with the use of structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using student T-test and Anova.
 Results: Out of the 1000 pregnant women examined, 624 (62.4%) tested positive for malaria. Those with secondary education had the highest prevalence where 234 (23.4%) examined and 202 (86.3%) infected. Data revealed that married women and artisans had very high infections of (70.9%) and (78.7%) respectively. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the level of PCV, HB, TWBC, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Eosinophils, Monocytes and CD4 count of those infected when compared to those uninfected. Women with 1+ve Plasmodium count had CD4 count of 712.68 ± 12.23, those with 2+ve Plasmodium count had CD4 count 628.88±9.11, while those with 3 +++ve Plasmodium count had CD4 count of 578.71±2.10.
 Conclusion: Plasmodium parasitaemia had influenced the haematological parameters of pregnant women in the study. Pregnant women should be advice on the proper use of preventive strategies which include intermittent preventive treatment IPTp and the proper use of insecticide treated bed net.

Influence of academic control and academic stress on online test anxiety: A structural equation modelling study

This study focuses on the influence of academic control and academic stress on online test anxiety using structural equation modelling approach. Two hypotheses guided the study. The data for the study was collected from one thousand secondary school students (540 females and 460 males) using purposive sampling techniques in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. CFA revealed that the three factors conformed well to the structure of the model and fitted to the data, with indices of CFI = 0.952, AGFI = 0.878, RMSEA = 0.051; and a statistically significant chi-square χ2/df = 1.758. In the structural model, the three factors conformed well to the structure of the model and fitted to the data, with indices of CFI = 0.932, AGFI = 0.888, RMSEA = 0.059; and a statistically significant chi-square χ2/df = 1.838. The results of the study also indicated that academic self-control and academic stress have significant influence on online testing anxiety. The researcher recommended that the school principals should organize workshops and seminars for students on how to control online test anxiety.

Utilization of antenatal, delivery and postnatal care services in primary healthcare centres in selected rural communities in Delta State, Southern Nigeria.

Background: In Nigeria, there is a dearth of evidence on predictors of maternal care utilization in primary healthcare centres (PHCs). Objective: In this study, we examined the predictors of antenatal care (ANC), delivery care, and postnatal care (PNC) utilization in PHCs in four rural communities in Ughelli North Local Government Area in Delta State, Southern Nigeria. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional household survey which used a pretested structured questionnaire to elicit information from 380 women within the reproductive ages in their homes. Descriptive and predictive analyses were undertaken to assess the prevalence of ANC, delivery care, and PNC in PHCs. The odds for utilizing the three indicators were estimated using multivariate logistic regression. Results: The data revealed that 72.96% (n = 224/380) of the women utilized ANC in PHCs. Among women who reported recent birth, 56.34% (n = 191/339) delivered in PHCs, 4.72% (n = 87/339) in other government hospitals, 13.27% (n = 445/339) in private hospitals and 25.66% (n =87/339) delivered either at home or in the homes of Traditional Birth Attendants. Also, 64.24% (n = 106/339) of women who reported recent birth use PHC for PNC. Women who required to walk for 30 -59 min and ≥ 60 min to the nearest healthcare centre were, respectively, 56% [Odds ratio (OR) = 0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0. 18 -1.04] and (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.19 -0.72) significantly less likely to use PHC for ANC. Those who had primary educational qualification (OR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.19 –9.76) and at least secondary educational qualifications (OR = 0.43;95% CI: 0.20-1.18) were respectively 64% and 57% significantly less likely to use PHC for delivery care. Attending ANC in PHCs significantly increases the chances of using PHC for both delivery care (OR = 10.52;95% CI: 5.94 -18.61), and PNC (OR = 2.11; 95% CI: 0.99-4.53). Also, using PHC for delivery care (OR = 11.72; 95% CI: 5.14-26.69) is associated with 1,072% increase in the odds to use PHCs for PNC. Conclusion: The study concluded that the rate at which women in the study area deliver at home is high despite proximity to PHCs. Also, the use of PHCs for a lower level of care influences its usage for a higher level of care. The study among other things recommends that quality of care rendered in PHCs should be upgraded and more PHCs should be sited in the study area.

Evaluation of African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) Seed Oil as a Potential Feedstock for Industrial Application

Aims: Evaluate possible application of African Star Apple seed oil as industrial raw material geared towards possible conversion of waste to wealth with no negative impact as it borders on food scarcity. Also unveiling the possibility of a sustainable environment via the eradication of waste from the environment, thereby creating a clean environment.
 Place and Duration of Study: Fresh ripped fruits of African Star Apple were bought from some local market sellers at Agbarha-Otor market which is located in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria on longitude 6° 2' 54" E /5° 30' 40" N, between November, 2019 and March, 2020.
 Experimental Details: Soxhlet extraction with n-hexane as solvent was used for the oil extraction of 100 g per batch of extraction. Pretreatment procedure of oil was done prior to transesterification. Homogenous base-catalyzed transesterification reaction was used in this study under controlled experimental conditions such as temperature, reaction time, methanol to oil molar ratio and catalyst type and concentration were examined under varied ranges to ascertain optimum experimental conditions for the reaction. Extracted seeds oil were analysed for its physicochemical properties using standard methods via: specific gravity, acid value, refractive index, saponification value, iodine value and free fatty acid using standard methods.
 Results: The results showed an oil yield of 14.9%, an indication that the seed reflects a poor source of abundant oil. Results obtained for the physiochemical properties, revealed that; specific gravity, refractive index, saponification value, acid value, free fatty acid and iodine value showed values of 0.896 kg/m3, 1.549, 231.32 mgKOH/g, 3.23 mgKOH/g, 2.07% and 47.63 mg/100 g respectively. Also, results for Methanol: Oil ratio showed that maximum yield was obtained at 6:1 molar ratio. Maximum conversion efficiency for molar concentration was achieved at 0.75% for both catalysts. While a reaction time of 125 min projected better yield.
 Conclusion: The seed of African star fruit are discarded as waste, therefore its use as a source of oil for industrial feedstock and other domestic application, poses no challenge with regards to food security. Its non-drying potential based on its low iodine value, makes it suitable lubricating oil for industrial application. Similarly, potential application of the oil as feedstock for the production of biodiesel is justified on the basis of its low acid value. Conclusively, the seeds may not have sufficient oil volume potential to be used as edible (domestic) and industrial oil. Consequently upon its low yield, application for biofuel production in commercial scale becomes unrealistic.

Mosquito Species Abundance, Distribution and Diversity in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria

This research was carried out to record mosquito species abundance, distribution, diversity and breeding sites in four villages of Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. Potential habitats of mosquitoes were sampled using dippers, hand-lens and plastic containers between June and November 2014. A total number of 274 sites were examined and only 146 were positive for mosquito larvae. The habitats sampled include domestic containers 107(39.05%), puddles 59(21.53%), tyres 47(17.15%) and drains 61(22.26%). The variation in the number of larvae collected from the various habitats were not significant (P=0.1203, F=2.705 and df= 3). One thousand six hundred and fifty-three (1.653) mosquito larvae were collected and reared to adults. Seven hundred and twelve (712) of the larvae emerged as adults that were separated into three genera: Anopheles, Aedes and culex and identified up to species level. Culex quinquefasciatus was found to be the most abundant (29.35%) in the study area, followed by Aedes aegypti (25.70%). C. nebulosus was the least abundant species with 2.95 %. Domestic containers were the most preferred breeding habitats for all the mosquito species and the variation in the species of mosquito with respect to types of habitat showed significant association in Ofuoma (P=0.0167, F=4.322,df=3) and Adjekota (P=0.0252, F=3.852, df=3). There was significant difference in the occurrence of mosquito species in the month of September (p value 0.0085) compared to June (p value 0.0518), July (p value 0.2370), August (p value 0.1920), October (p value 0.0534) and November (p value 0.0241. Variations existed in the physico-chemical parameters in the different sources of collections in different locations. Temperature ranged from 20.0 to 24.60C while pH (hydrogen ion concentration) range was 6.9 – 7.7 and Dissolved oxygen (D.O) ranged between 1.4 and 2.7(mg/L) as Conductivity ranged between 67.9 and 82.1(μs) and turbidity varied from 62.0NTU in the container samples to 84.2NTU in the gutter samples and depth varied between 6.3 and 68.3(cm) across the different locations but depth ranged from 6.3cm to 68.3cm and temperature was (22.8±2.6), Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and mean was used to determine the significant differences (p<0.05) in habitats and species distribution while Shannon Wiener and Simpson indices were used to determine species diversity and abundance. There is need for concerted efforts in mosquito control in Ughelli North to mitigate the incidence of mosquito transmitted diseases.

Pattern of diabetes mellitus complications and co-morbidities in ughelli north local government area, Delta State, Nigeria

Context: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder associated with reduced life expectancy, microvascular complications, increased risk of macrovascular complications and diminished quality of life. Aims: To assess the pattern of DM complications and co morbidities in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. Settings and Design: This was a 7 year retrospective study conducted in General Hospital Ughelli Delta State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A designed pro forma was used to collect the basic information from patients who presented themselves from the year 2010–2017. Statistical analysis used: The collected data were entered into the computer and analysed using the SPSS software version 20.0. The data were presented in simple percentages and charts, whereas Pearson correlation was used to test for correlation among variables of interest at the level of significance (P

Evaluation of groundwater potentials of Orogun, South\u2013South part of Nigeria using electrical resistivity method

An investigation has been made of the groundwater potentials of Orogun Town, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, using electrical resistivity survey. This study motivated to determine electrical resistivity parameters of the area. The aim of this work is to use electrical resistivity method to explore the groundwater potentials of Orogun Town with the determination of its Dar Zarrouk parameters. A total of eight vertical electrical sounding (VES) were conducted with maximum electrode spacing of 150 m. The data were acquired using ABEM SAS 4000 Terrameter and processed using IPI2win and Interpex softwares. The groundwater potentials of the area are evaluated based on the longitudinal conductance (S), transverse resistance (T), coefficient of electrical anisotropy (λ), resistivity for the formation (rho_{text{m}}), reflection coefficient (RC) and resistivity contrast (FC). The results reveal four subsurface geoelectric layers in seven of the eight VES while one VES revealed three subsurface geoelectric layers. Resistivity values for all the layers in the study area are very high, higher than what is expected in a sedimentary basin as we have in the study area. The resistivity values range from 8470 Ωm (layer 1, VES 7) to 118,030,000 Ωm (layer 3, VES 8). Depth to aquifer in the study area ranged from 1.61 m (VES 2) to 12.41 m (VES 1), while resistivity values of the aquifer ranged from 64,182 Ωm (VES 3) to 118,030,000 Ωm (VES 8). The results from the formation parameters evaluated showed that the area has good groundwater potential but might have been highly contaminated, especially from hydrocarbon sources and other man-made pollutants. The suggested contamination of the aquifer is as a result of the high values of resistivity of the aquifer layers.

Determinants of adoption of risk management strategies in electronic banking among agro-entrepreneurs in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

This study examined the determinants of adoption of risk management strategies in electronic banking (digital finance) among agro entrepreneurs in Ughelli North local Government area of delta state, Nigeria. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire, administered on 79 respondents using two-stage sampling procedure. The data were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics and regression analysis. This study showed that 34.0% of the respondents were male while 57.0% of the respondents were female, 39.2% of the respondents were in the age bracket of 41-50 years. The regression result shows that gender, age, marital status, level of education, farming status were all significant factors that influence risk management strategies in electronic banking. Household size, business experience, income and savings were not significant. Also, it was found that constraints faced by agro entrepreneur in adopting these risk management strategies includes the length of time it takes for unsuccessful funds transfer to be returned, the delayed response of banks to issues relating to electronic banking risks, ATM are not readily available and the ones that are, are usually congested resulting to agro entrepreneurs using the ATM at odd hours, amongst others. Proper awareness on these risk management strategies should be given to these rural entrepreneurs, and government should charge banks with the sole responsibility of providing a more secure and coordinated methods of carrying out these activities. Keywords: digital finance, electronic banking risks, ATM and cyber security

Duration and Gender Variations of Gas Flaring and Crude Oil Contamination Exposures on Blood Pressure in Delta State, Nigeria

As adverse effects and health implications of human exposures to petroleum products (crude oil) remains an issue of public concern, interests on the different adverse effects on various body system has grown in recent years. Current study investigated the duration and age dependent effect of exposure of the cardiovascular system (CVS) to gas flaring and crude oil contamination in selected communities of Delta State, southern Nigeria. Two Hundred and Forty (240) subjects, who were exposed to gas flaring and crude oil contamination were ethically recruited from Agbarho [Ughelli North Local government Area (LGA)] and Bomadi (Bomadi LGA) in Delta State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty (120) non-exposed individuals were also recruited (control) from Abraka, a non-gas flaring community in Ethiope East LGA of the same state. Thereafter, subjects were matched by gender, age, and duration of stay (exposure) to gas flaring and oil contamination in selected towns. In any case, cardiovascular parameters [systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP)] were measured, while obtaining their pulse and mean arterial pressures (PP and MAP respectively) from measured variables. After statistical analysis (using the student t-test), study observed (at p < .05) a statistically significant increase in SBP and MAP for subjects above 10 years and 6 – 10 years of gas flaring exposure (Experimental groups) compared to those who had been exposed for just 1 – 5 years (Control). Study also observed a statistically significant increase in SBP and DBP (of females) for crude contamination exposed subjects for ages greater than 5 years compared to control. A duration-dependent exposure of subjects to increased SBP and DBP, following exposure to gas flaring and crude oil contamination was thus established. Apparently, exposed males showed an increase in average values of PP, MAP, SBP and DBP than the female counterparts. Study therefore ascertained findings from previous studies relating to cardiovascular changes on gas flaring and crude oil exposed humans; confirming gas flaring and oil contamination as potent elicitors of hypertension. Thus, environmental pollutants may act as markers for the screening and identification of CVS high-risk population, prior to actual diagnosis, intervention and prognosis of hypertension. We recommend periodic epidemiological assessment of environmental pollutants as a factor for indexing municipal risk of hypertensive individuals.

Study of air pollution using the leaves of some plant species from two cities in Delta State, Nigeria

The comparative study of air quality in two cities in the Niger Delta Region of Delta State, Nigeria was investigated. Eleven duplicates of fully matured leaves samples of Vernonia amygdalina , Magnifera indica , Citrius sinesis , Psidium guajava , Colocasia esculanta L ., Anacadium occidentale , Carica papaya L ., Elais guinensis , Bambosa Bambosa , Delonix regia and Musa paradisiacal L . cultivated in Agbarho metropolis in Ughelli North local government area and Osubi metropolis in Okpe local government area both of Delta State were randomly collected and analyzed for their ascorbic acid content, water retention capacity, chlorophyll and pH. Data from this study reveals higher relative water and chlorophyll content in experimental site as compared to the control site. This study further reveals that about 82% of plant species collected from the experimental sites showed higher ascorbic acid and pH content. While the air pollution tolerance index values were higher in experimental site as compared to those from the control site, the percentage increase in APTI values in the leaves of the plant species ranges from 5.42 to 26.49. The plant species under investigation shows increasing tolerance to air pollution in the order of Vernonia amygdalina (5.42) > Magnifera indica (6.54) > Citrius sinesis (6.69) > Psidium guajava (7.13) > Colocasia esculanta L . (7.61) > Anacadium occidentale (7.93) > Carica papaya L . (11.46) > Elais guinensis (16.20) > Bambosa bambosa (22.00) > Delonix regia (26.01) > Musa paradisiacal L . (26.49). Though, this study reveals conflicting results for the individual biochemical parameters to the tolerance of air pollution in both experimental and control sites, combining the various biochemical parameters for computing the APTI values gives more reliable results. Hence, a relationship is not only observed in the accumulation of chemical substance used in determining the extent of damage done by pollution in the leaves of all the plant species under investigation, but a gradient also exist for the individual parameters in the experimental sites as compared to those from the control sites and it is thus reflected in the APTI values recorded from both sites. Keywords: Air, APTI, Ascorbic Acid, Biochemical, Delta State, Pollution Water retention capacity

Contribution of Women to Household Expenditure in Rural Communities of Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Contribution of Women to Household Expenditure in Rural Communities of Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

PH level, ascorbic acid, proline and soluble sugar as bio - indicators for pollution

The analysis of four biochemical parameters such as pH, ascorbic acid, proline and soluble sugar were carried out to investigate their response to pollution stress. Fifteen samples of plant leaves were collected in duplicate along the Ughelli – Patani metropolis in Ughelli North local government area of Delta State, Nigeria. The pH of the leave samples were measured after calibrating the pH meter; Ascorbic acid content (expressed in mg/g) was measured using spectrophotometric method; Proline content in the leaves of plants was determined following the protocol based on the formation of red colored formazone with ninhydrin in acidic medium which is soluble in organic solvent like toluene. Soluble sugar was determined by ion exchange chromatography. While the biochemical content of the leaf species under investigation shows a trend of a decrease of pH values; increase ascorbic acid and proline content and a reduced sugar content all from the polluted sites except for Musa paradisiaca L. and Manihot esculenta that shows alternate results and vice versa. An overview of the entire results obtained from this study reveals that different plants respond differently to air pollution with plant growing in polluted site having higher ascorbic acid content, proline values and lower pH and soluble sugar content as compared to the polluted sites and vice versa. Keywords: Ascorbic acid, Proline, soluble sugar, pH, pollutant

GIS mapping of impact of industrial activities on the terrestrial background ionizing radiation levels of Ughelli metropolis and its environs, Nigeria

The assessment of industrial activities and effluents on the external background ionizing radiation (BIR) levels of Ughelli metropolis and its environs has been conducted, using a digilert 100 nuclear radiation monitor and geographical positioning system for GIS mapping. The monitoring of the terrestrial BIR levels was carried out for 2 years (from May 2013 to June 2015) in 21 locations within the city and 21 other major villages/towns in Ughelli North local government area of Delta state. Measured exposure rate in Ughelli metropolis revealed a mean value of 15.20 ± 2.80 µRh−1 (1.28 ± 0.23 mSvy−1), while a mean value of 15.19 ± 2.70 µRh−1 (1.28 ± 0.23 mSvy−1) was obtained in the villages/towns. The estimated mean outdoor absorbed dose rate for the Ughelli metropolis and Ughelli environs is 132.16 ± 24.36 ηGyh−1 and 132.15 ± 23.50 ηGyh−1, respectively. The mean annual effective dose equivalent is 0.16 ± 0.03 mSvy−1) while the mean excess life cancer risk is (0.56 ± 0.11) × 10−3 mSvy−1. GIS maps of the study area revealing the BIR distribution and higher radiation levels were recorded in areas/communities where there are industrial activities and oil and gas facilities. The overall results of the measured exposure rates and the estimated radiological indices show that 73.5% of the sampled location exceeded their permissible limits. The mean equivalent dose rate obtained is higher than the safe exposure limit of 1.0 mSvy−1) recommended by UNSCEAR, and the mean radiation exposure levels in the study area is well above the normal background radiation level of 13.00 µRh−1 which shows that the studied area is radiologically contaminated. Though these values obtained may not cause immediate health hazard, there is the likelihood of long-term accumulating health side effects on the residents of some of these locations and communities sampled. Recommendations are made on the possible ways of reducing the impacts on the populace.

Analysis of Maize Processing in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

This article was centered on the analysis of maize processing in Ughelli-North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to identify the socio-economic characteristics of farmers involved in maize processing, analyze the methods of maize processing, ascertain the level of awareness of improved technology in maize processing and identify the various products of maize in the area. One Hundred questionnaires were administered to the respondents. The data collected were analyzed using simple statistical tools such as frequency distribution, percentages and regression model. Some findings from the analysis revealed that female (91%) were more into maize processing than male (9%). The research also revealed that 91% of the respondents used traditional processing method and their level awareness to improve maize varieties and product is 65%. The level of access to modern technology is low. The result from the analysis showed that R = 0.702, R2 = 0.690 at P = 0.034. This showed that some of the socio­economic characteristics of the farmers did affect maize processing. Necessary recommendations included males particularly youth should be encouraged to go into maize processing and should not be regarded as females’ jobs, all age categories and farmers with no formal education should be encouraged to go into maize processing, more awareness on improved varieties should be brought to farmers and credit facilities should be made available to farmers and increase in accessibility to modern maize processing techniques.

New Dimensions to Pastoralists–Farmers Conflicts and Sustainable Agricultural Development in Agadama and Uwheru Communities, Niger Delta

ABSTRACTThe Niger Delta in Nigeria is known for conflicts linked with control of oil related natural resources but not with the pastoralists and farmers. Agadama is a coastal agrarian community in the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Pastoralists are usually associated with their traditional arid environments in Northern Nigeria. But their recent presence in southern humid environments brought new dimensions to the conflicts with their farming neighbors. The pastoralists–farmers conflicts have a long history in Nigeria, as they are often linked to competition for natural resources like pasture and water. This article is an ethnographic study, which employs qualitative methods of data collection such as participant observation and in-depth and key informant interviews while using Victor Turner’s theory of social drama and symbolic interactionism as a theoretical framework. Data analysis was done using thick descriptions of observed phenomenon. It reveals that the recent invasion by pastoralists into the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria has altered the peaceful milieu of the agrarian community, thereby leading to a gradual collapse of Agadama’s subsistence base and impeding the growth of sustainable agricultural development in the community. New dimensions to the pastoralists–farmers conflicts in the Niger Delta include the rape of female farmers and shooting anyone found spraying chemicals on grasses/weeds that serve as pastures for cattle. It concludes that the government intervention has been reactionary.