Urban Centres In Nigeria Research Articles

English

In recent years, most of the urban centers in Nigeria are fast experiencing housing problems such as unaffordable housing and environmental challenges, all of which determine the nature of housing quality. This research centers on Iba Low Cost Housing Estate, Ojo and the Unity Low Cost Housing Estate Alimosho to carry out a comparative analysis of the residential quality. The research reveals the dilapidated state of the public estate infrastructures due to poor management, thus recommended constant upgrading of infrastructures in the estate and an establishment of local housing trust funds for the development of affordable housing to reduce the pressure on available ones. Key words: Housing, residential quality, low cost housing scheme, public and private estates.

Effects of Commercial Activities on Transportation Route in Urban Centres in Nigeria: A Case Study of Oba Adesida Road, Akure

Effects of Commercial Activities on Transportation Route in Urban Centres in Nigeria: A Case Study of Oba Adesida Road, Akure

Socio-economic characteristics of urban residents and intra-urban trip generation: an illustration from Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

The developed and emerging urban centres of today generate and attract complex trip pattern because of their multifarious functions. However, concentration of trip generation studies on developed urban centres in Nigeria creates the need for such exercise in the emerging cities. This study thus, focused on socio-economic characteristics of urban residents and their influences on intra-urban trip generation in Abeokuta, an intermediate urban centre in Nigeria. Data on twelve socio-economic characteristics of residents and trip generation pattern were collected from 429 households in the chosen urban centre. Simple bivariate correlation and multiple regression techniques were used to process data generated. Six socio-economic characteristics of residents significantly account for 53.80% (F = 82.001, p ≤ 0.01) of variation in the criterion. In order of importance, the variables and their level of contribution are: Number of workers 37.70% (t = 16.074, p ≤ 0.01), age 6.90%, (t = 7.294, p ≤ 0.01), rent 4.90% (t = 6.429, p ≤ 0.01), occupation 2.60% (t = 4.758, p ≤ 0.01), length of stay 0.80% (t = 2.693, p ≤ 0.01) and income 0.90% (t = 2.933, p ≤ 0.01). Emerging/intermediate urban centres in Nigeria have similar pattern as major centres in terms of trip generation and this deserves adequate attention to avoid the crisis experienced in the major urban centres in the future. Key Words: Trip generation, Urbancentres, Socio-economic variables, Intra-Urban travel, Trip determinants, Nigeria

Urbanization Problem and the Challenge of Youth Unemployment in Urban Centres in Nigeria

Urbanization Problem and the Challenge of Youth Unemployment in Urban Centres in Nigeria Ademu Wada Attah Abstract This paper analyses the problem of urbanization and youth unemployment in urban centres in Nigeria. The paper adopts analytical approach in the analysis. It holds that view that urbanization and youth unemployment in Nigeria is are a product of the narrow base of the economy, mismatch of qualifications with employers’ needs, lack of exposure of students to the real world of work, corruption, inappropriate economic policies, infrastructural decay, unfavourable investment climate, uneven development between urban and rural areas. This paper is of the opinion that these problems can be addressed at two levels: (1) Measures to address the problems of the economy which include diversification of the economic base, eradication of corruption, enthronement and implementation of appropriate economic policies, building and repair of infrastructure, building and repair of infrastructure (2) Measures to reposition the youth for employment that consist of public employment strategies, regulatory strategies, leadership strategies, entrepreneurship strategies. The paper concludes that governments must be directly involved in creating jobs in addition to creating jobs creation environment by mobilizing stakeholders in the economy to invest in job creating opportunities. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jeds.v3n1a8

An Assessment of the Impact of Road Construction on Land Use Pattern in Urban Centres in Nigeria, A Case Study of Jalingo LGA, Taraba State Nigeria

The rapid growth of Jalingo metropolis in Taraba State Nigeria has necessitated the development of transportation facilities to accommodate relative increases in population and vehicle traffic. This study examines the impact of road construction on land use patterns, land value changes and the economic, social and environmental impacts that result. Questionnaires were used to collect data for the study and were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, particularly frequencies, percentages and ratios. Analysis of variance was used to assess variation in land values over time along the newly constructed roads in the Metropolis. Physical inspection of the study area was undertaken to obtain first hand information on various uses along the major roads newly constructed in the study area. The findings of this study shows that land use along the major newly constructed roads has undergone a substantial level of change from agricultural farm lands and open fields to residential and commercial uses with the later becoming more prevalent. Alongside this change is a corresponding increase in both rental and capital values of landed properties on both sides of the newly constructed roads in the study area. Influx of people and traders into Jalingo metropolis because of its relative peace contributed to these actions and afterwards, the advantage of complimentarity provided by the road becomes the factor attracting more residential and business activities into the area. The study noted that with the expansion of Jalingo metropolis through the expansion of the urban road network, there is need to put adequate development control mechanism in place for maximum effectiveness. The town planning authority should enforce the implementation of the provisions of the Jalingo urban master plan to allow for balance in land allocation for various uses. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n10p82

Prescribing Pattern and Utilization of Antihypertensive Drugs and Blood Pressure Control in Adult Patients with Systemic Hypertension in a Rural Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Background: Hypertension is a major public health concern globally and is associated with high morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Although antihypertensive therapy is effective in lowering blood pressure, a large proportion of patients do not have optimal blood pressure control. Aims: To describe the prescribing pattern and utilization of antihypertensive drugs and assess blood pressure control in a rural reference tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 212 adult patients with hypertension attending the cardiology clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria, between February 2012 and July 2012. Anthropometric, clinical and therapeutic data were collected using a pre-tested pro forma. Data analysis was done using SPSS 16.0 software (IBM, Chicago, Il, US). P value < 0.05 (two-sided test) was considered to be statistically significant. Results: We study 212 adults with hypertension, 48.1% of whom were male and the male-to-female ratio was 0.9. The mean age (± SD) of the patients was 61.5±15.1 years. Thirty two (15.1%), 95 (44.8%), 67 (31.6%) and 18 (8.5%) patients were on mono-, dual-, triple- and quadruple therapy respectively. Diuretics (84.9%) and calcium channel blockers (56.6%) were the most frequently used antihypertensive drugs. Blood pressure was controlled in only 45.3% of patients. Dual- and triple-therapy produced more patients with controlled blood pressure (dual-therapy, p=0.30; triple-therapy, p=0.11). Conclusions: Our study showed that diuretics were the most frequently prescribed class of antihypertensive drugs in our rural tertiary hospital as in many studies from urban centres in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Consistent with the global trend, the rate of controlled blood pressure among hypertensive patients was low, with combination therapy achieving control in more patients.

Solar Photovoltaic Potential in Nigeria

AbstractPhotovoltaic (PV) electricity generation potentials for Nigeria, on a 1°×1° grid, have been estimated using a simple linear relationship between energy generation potential, E/Pk (kW·h/kWp) and insolation (kW·h/m2/day) with data of monthly mean daily insolation incident on horizontal surfaces obtained from the online open-access NASA surface meteorology and solar energy (NASA-SSE) database. The estimates are presented as charts of seasonal and annual E/Pk isoclines and tables of annual E/P for major urban centers in Nigeria, for horizontal and optimally tilted PV collectors. The highest E/Pk were estimated for the December–January–February and March–April–May seasons, while the lowest values were predicted for the June–July–August season. The annual E/Pk varied from 1,150 (1,200) kW·h/kWp to 1,750 (1,800) kW·h/kWp for horizontal (optimally tilted) collectors. Both seasonal and annual E/Pk generally increased with latitude, and of the 40 locations whose annual E/Pk here computed, Sokoto (13.07°N,...

Planning and Restoration of Environmental Values in Nigeria Dysfunctional Societies

Urban centers in Nigeria are becoming dysfunctional – a situation that threatens ourenvironmental values. This study, examines the pattern, process and problems of thesesocieties which experience rapid urban development pressure on account of highpopulation growth and decentralization of governance in the form of states and localgovernment creations. The study adopts extensive review of literature and findings revealthat Nigeria records very high level of urbanization and pollution, lacks effective culturaland physical planning policies, mismanages its urban open spaces, without adequatepersonnel to plan and organize the urban environments. Recommendations were madeon ways of restoring these environmental values through effective planning of urbancenters in Nigeria.

Assessment of the Quality of Urban Transport Services in Nigeria

Transport services are inadequate in quality and qualitative terms in most developing countries such as Nigeria which, relies on the importation of fairly used vehicles to meet the travel demands. The poor service delivery of transport system had created impediment towards the smooth movement of people, goods and services in some of urban centres in Nigeria. This study is designed to investigate the quality of transport services in Ibadan metropolis. The study area covered the eleven local government areas that make up Ibadan metropolis. Stratified sampling technique was used to select two political wards from each of the local government areas identified in the city. The twenty two political wards sampled were re-grouped into three geographical areas based on land use characteristics and population density. These are high, medium and low density. In each of the three geographical areas identified in the city, a systematic random sampling procedure was employed to select one in every twenty buildings along the major streets. In each of the buildings sampled, only one household is randomly selected for interview. An average of one hundred copies of the questionnaire was administered in each of the density area. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that some of the urban residents who are less accessible to transport services in their neighborhood commute on foot to meet their travel demands. Many of the urban residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the transport services available in the city. Further analysis showed that household’s income is highly correlated with modal choice in the city. The result of the analysis further revealed that some of the intra-transport services are poorly maintained. The study concluded that there is need to revitalize the transport services in urban centres in Nigeria so as to improve the accessibility characteristics of urban residents and promote sustainable transport development. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n1p49

Spatial Distribution, Pattern and Accessibility of Urban Population to Health Facilities in Southwestern Nigeria: The Case Study of Ilesa

Health facilities are not evenly distributed to the people in Nigeria. Much research works on people accessibility to health facilities are concentrated in major urban centres in Nigeria. This paper examined the accessibility characteristics of urban population to health facilities in a medium sized city of Ilesa, Nigeria. Primary and secondary data were used for the research. A total of 600copies of questionnaire were randomly distributed to the head of households in 11 zones identified in the city. Secondary data were obtained from documentary sources. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that health facilities in Ilesa were unevenly distributed in the form. Health trips in Ilesa were therefore skewed towards Zones with more health services. The result of the analysis of variance further showed the existence of significant variations in accessibility to health facility among the sampled population in the study area. The paper concludes that some of the public health facilities in Ilesa should be upgraded to the status of General Hospitals given the growing nature of the town as the most important town in its region. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n2p425

Assessment of Traffic Delay Problems and Characteristics at Urban Road Intersections: A Case Study of Ilorin, Nigeria.

Traffic delay problems are manifesting in many of the major urban centres in Nigeria. The paper examined traffic delay problem and its causes at selected road intersections in Ilorin, Nigeria. The characteristics of the intersections that predispose them to delay problem and the spatial pattern of traffic delay at the road intersections were also identified. In addition, traffic volume and delay characteristics were estimated. Data were collected through direct field surveys on intersection characteristics, traffic volume, composition, delay causes and land use activities. The analysis of data collected revealed that variations exist in traffic flows and delays at the studied intersections. Also, traffic delays are discovered to be associated with the traffic volumes at the various junctions which ultimately translate to traffic congestion. Furthermore, traffic wardens and parking problems were found to be the greatest causes of delays at the road intersections in the city. The study therefore recommends that the road intersections be signalized and vehicle parking be strictly prohibited to reduce traffic congestion and delays at road intersections in the city.

Women's experience of menopause in rural communities in Orlu, Eastern Nigeria

ObjectiveTo document women's experience of menopause in rural communities in Orlu, Eastern Nigeria, and to compare this with urban centers in Nigeria and worldwide. MethodsA total of 349 women who had not menstruated for at least 12months were included in a questionnaire-based study. The questionnaire included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, age at menarche and menopause, attitude to menopause, and knowledge and use of hormone replacement therapy. Questionnaires were administered in 13 communities by medical students during the Annual Convention of Christian Women in August 2009. ResultsThe mean age at menopause of the women was 47±4.2years. Menopausal symptoms were prevalent, and bone and joint pain were the most prevalent symptoms. Knowledge and use of hormone replacement therapy were poor. Most of the women considered the menopause to be beneficial. ConclusionAge at menopause and associated postmenopausal symptoms were similar to those seen in urban centers in Nigeria, but age at menopause was lower than in studies of white women. Despite the apparent positive attitude of Nigerian women to menopause, a program of information and education, and use of hormone replacement therapy will improve quality of life for women in Eastern Nigeria.

Pattern of Tooth Extraction in Children Attending Tertiary Health Care Centers In Nigeria: A Prospective Study

To identify the causes of tooth extraction in a tertiary pediatric center in an urban centre in Nigeria. Data was collected prospectively from 400 children attending one of the four tertiary dental clinics. The demographic profile, the indications for tooth extraction, and the tooth extracted were noted. Data was compared with result of study conducted 21 years back in the same center, and data from two other tertiary health centers in the region. The prevalence of tooth extraction was 58.8% in the study population. This occurred in significantly more male patients. Tooth loss was commonest amongst the 7-10 age group. Dental caries was the main cause of tooth loss for all age groups. Most patients (66.0%) lost a single tooth. The lower molars were the most frequently lost teeth (47%). Indications for tooth extraction were similar in the region. Dental caries remains the most common cause of tooth extraction. The indications for tooth extraction remain the same but the prevalence of tooth loss per cause of tooth loss had not changed over the last 21 years, and across institutions in Southwestern Nigeria.

Mitigating the Impact of Solid Wastes in Urban Centres in Nigeria

Nigeria’s major urban centres are today grappling with the problems caused by mounting heaps of solid wastes from their environments. This paper undertakes a study of the solid waste build up pheno...

Broadcast Media in Family Planning Matters in Rural Nigeria: The Ebelle Scenario

KEYWORDS Family Planning. Radio Programmes. Rural Nigeria. Television Programmes. Contraceptives ABSTRACT This study examined the effectiveness of the broadcast media, specifically radio and television in creating and disseminating family planning information on matters of number and spacing of children in rural Nigeria, using Ebelle community in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State as a study case. To achieve the set task, the paper employed the survey questionnaire method to gather data. Out of the 140 questionnaires administered, 100 were retrieved and analysed, using descriptive statistics. In the end, the study revealed that radio and television, through certain programmes, have helped in the dissemination of relevant information on family planning in rural settings just as they have purportedly done in urban centres in Nigeria. Hence, the paper recommended that the broadcast media should be massively deployed to disseminate relevant messages on issues such as contraceptive alternatives, distended family size, female genital mutilation, area boys cultism in the streets, sexually transmitted infections, malnutrition, among others, that have the potentials of destroying family hood. Ultimately, the redress of these challenges would redound to the cohesion and progress of the average rural family in Nigeria.

Managing High Runoff Discharge in the Urbanized Basins of Asa River Catchment Area of Ilorin, Nigeria

Incidence of flood has been on the increase in Ilorin for sometime; and this exemplifies the problem operating in most urban centres in Nigeria. Increase in runoff production in an urbanized catchment is a function, among other factors of to increase in percentage paved area brought about by deforestation activities and poor environmental attitude of the people. This study examines the relationship between runoff discharge and basin characteristics in Ilorin. Data used were collected directly from the field over a period of one calendar year. Rainfall data were collected in each basin using a standard rainguage of 20cm orifice while basin discharge was collected twice daily (8.00am and 6.30pm) using fabricated staff gauge graduated in centimeter. Basin morphometric attributes were computed from topographic map while landuse map was prepared from satellite imagery. Soil samples were collected and analysed for particle size distribution. The result obtained indicates that basin size and landuse have profound influence on the explanation of discharge in the basins. The study thus, recommends a number of options to efficient basin management in the city. Keywords: Managing; High runoff discharge; Urbanized basin; Asa river catchment; Ilorin; Nigeria

Low HDL-cholesterol with normal triglyceride levels is the most common lipid pattern in West Africans and African Americans with Metabolic Syndrome: Implications for cardiovascular disease prevention

BACKGROUND: Although designed to predict cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, the Metabolic Syndrome (MetSyn) under-predicts these conditions in African-Americans (AA). Failure of MetSyn in AA is often attributed to their relative absence of hypertriglyceridemia. It is unknown if the African experience with MetSyn will be similar or different to that in AA. Focusing on the lipid profile, our goal was to determine in West Africans (WA) and AA the pattern of variables that leads to the diagnosis of the MetSyn. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of 1296 subjects (364 WA, 44% male, 932 AA, 46% male). WA were from urban centers in Nigeria and Ghana and enrolled in the Africa America Diabetes Mellitus Study. AA lived in Washington, DC and participated in the Howard University Family Study. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetSyn was different in WA women and men: 42% vs.19%, P<0.001, and in AA women and men: 25% vs.17%, P<0.01. The three variables that most often led to the diagnosis of MetSyn in WA and AA were: low HDL-C, central obesity and hypertension. Less than 40% of AA and less than 25% of WA with the MetSyn had hypertriglyceridemia. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated triglyceride levels were uncommon in both WA and AA with MetSyn. As the relative absence of hypertriglyceridemia is associated with a lack of efficacy of MetSyn in AA, caution is warranted in diagnosing MetSyn in WA, the ancestral population of AA. Prospective studies are necessary to determine if an ethnic-specific reformulation of the MetSyn scoring system for lipids might optimize risk identification in black populations.

Taking alcohol by deception: An analysis of ethanol concentration of paraga, an alcoholic herbal mixture and factors associated with its use among commercial drivers in an urban centre in Nigeria

BackgroundParaga is a herbal mixture in alcoholic base that is widely consumed in Nigeria. Because of its perceived medicinal values, it is freely available to commercial drivers in motor parks...

Determinants Of Housing Satisfaction In Residential Localities Within Uyo, Nigeria

In urban centers of most developing countries, one of the major problems is the assessment of the quality of residential neighborhoods. This has further compounded the problem of residential choice among urban dwellers. In Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, the problem is magnified by the spatio-cultural patterns within the residential localities. By means of a survey of 20 of such localities using questionnaire, 1200 households were interviewed on housing and environment conditions expressed in 23 variables. The percentage levels of satisfaction with the conditions by the households were evaluated using factor analysis technique. Six major dimensions or factors were produced as determinants of housing satisfaction in Uyo. These factors are social infrastructure, housing facilities, consumers goods availability, health and leisure water supply and security service factors. These six factors accounted for 80% of the variation within the data set. These six factors or determinants could be used to assess the quality residential localities in Uyo and other similar urban centers in Nigeria and other less developed countries.

The Use of Adolescents as Domestic Servants in Ibadan, Nigeria

The use of adolescents as domestic servants has become prevalent in most urban centers in Nigeria. This study focused on adolescents who work as domestic househelps in urban centers with special reference to Ibadan, Nigeria. The main objective of the study is to examine their mode of recruitment, the nature of their work as well the impact of such work on them. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 adolescent domestic servants and 5 employers selected through a combination of simple and purposive sampling techniques. The result of the findings showed that most of the adolescents were girls who were recruited through various sources and got into the job because their families were largely poor. Although most of them considered their work as laborious and demanding, yet some agreed that they were receiving some material benefits from the work in the absence of any real alternative to the precarious condition of their impoverished families. All their employers were working women who considered the engagement of these adolescents for work as a form of reciprocity, and as such thought that they had not violated any secular law. The study identified poverty and high demand for domestic servants by working women as the push and pull factors exacerbating the use of adolescents for domestic service in most urban centers in Nigeria.