Warri South Research Articles

Impact of single parenting on the development of the girl-child in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Impact of single parenting on the development of the girl-child in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

WEED-CROP ASSOCIATION: A CASE STUDY OF FARMLANDS LOCATED AT THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WARRI, DELTA STATE

ABSTRACT The impact of weeds on crops has remained an enigma to achieving sustainable food security. The study was conducted in the College of Education, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, to assess the prevalence and occurrence of weed species as a prerequisite to identifying sustainable control measures. A field survey was carried out using a 29cm x 29cm size quadrant with seven samples from each field. Several weed species were identified, and the data was used to calculate each species' average frequency, density, and percentage frequency. Twenty-two (22) weed species distributed among 20 genera and 15 families were identified from the different farmlands. The results showed that the most dominant species were Ageratum conyzoides, with an average frequency of 104.14, an average density of 0.124 and relative frequency of 31.95%; Oldenlandia corymbosa with an average frequency of 72.57, average density of 0.086 and relative frequency of 21.65% and Veronica serpyllifolia with an average frequency of 40.43, average density of 0.049 and relative frequency of 12.41. The least dominant species was Sida acuta, with an average frequency of 0.14, an average density of 0.000, and a relative frequency of 0.04, followed by Alternanthera philoxeroides, with an average frequency of 0.43, an average density of 0.001 and percentage frequency of 0.13. Poaceae, with four species, had the highest abundance of species. The results obtained from this study would help develop a weed control program and make informed decisions regarding herbicide selection.

Intervention Measures for Proper Food Intake and Healthy Living amongst 5-12 Years Old Children in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria

This study examined, from the perspective of health professionals, the potential benefits of intervention measures promoting proper food intake and healthy living among children aged 5 to 12 years. Survey methodology was utilized for this study. The entire health staff of the Warri South Local Government Area in Delta State, Nigeria, comprising 291 individuals, comprised the study population. 165 respondents constituted the study's sample. A structured questionnaire using a four-point rating scale—Very High Extent (VHE), High Extent (HE), Low Extent (LE), and Very Low Extent (VLE)—with values of 4, 3, 2, and 1 was the instrument for data collection. For data analysis pertaining to the research questions, mean and standard deviation were utilized. A mean score of 2.5 represented the decision level. Results revealed that campaigns opposing excessive cassava flakes consumption could help to reduce the risk of eye problems and cancer in children, prevent inadequate nutrient intake, decrease the likelihood of obesity, and promote healthy growth, among others. Effective campaigns against improper food intake should be spearheaded by churches, community-based groups and organizations, and conducted in collaboration with families, particularly parents.

Concentrations and risks of PCBs in soil contaminated with transformer oil in selected locations in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria

According to the list of persistent organic pollutants (POP), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of organic substances whose usage has been outlawed in the majority of nations. In addition to been used in paint, flame retardants, plasticizers, and lubricants, they were principally employed in transformers, capacitors, and other industrial purpose. PCBs have been found everywhere over the world because they are capable of being released into the environment through primary and secondary sources, travel over great distances in the atmosphere and are thus persistent. PCBs were examined in soil from area around transformer installations at several sites in Warri South Local Government Area (LGA), Delta State, Nigeria. Using Agilent 6975 GC-MS at three different locations, the evaluation was conducted for both total PCBs and congeners. The soil samples were cleaned with column chromatography using silica gel and hexane as the eluting solvent and extracted with a 1:1 hexane-acetone solution in an ultrasonic bath. With the following results recorded - Ubeji (0.148 ± 0.019 mg/kg), Ogunu (0.531 ± 0.063 mg/kg) and Edjeba (0.415 ± 0.34 mg/kg), the assessment demonstrate that all locations were polluted with PCBs that were below the maximum limit of 2.0 mg/kg as allowed by the United States Toxic Substance Control Act (USTSCA). The total cancer risk calculated in these chosen locations corresponds to Ubeji (5.41×10−7), Ogunu (1.95×10−6) and Edjeba (1.52×10−6). This result showed that all the locations assessed have very low to low cancer risks compared with the value advised by USTSCA.

UNRAVELING THE SUBTERRANEAN: A COMPREHENSIVE EXPLORATION OF AQUIFER PROPERTIES AND HYDROGEOLOGICAL DYNAMICS IN WARRI SOUTH, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

This paper investigates the complex relationship between apparent resistivity and electrode separation, revealing key underlying features. The research uses a range of field curve types to quantitatively and qualitatively analyse data from Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES). The study is divided into two sections: a qualitative interpretation section and a quantitative interpretation section, the latter of which focuses on the dynamics of aquifer potential in the Warri South region. Understanding the link between apparent resistivity and electrode separation is essential for hydro-geoelectric research. To increase the reliability of the results, curve matching, sophisticated modelling, and geological knowledge are used. Particularly, the predominance of HH curve types, followed by AH, HQ, KH, and KK configurations, provides a complete description of the hydrogeological terrain and a thorough description of subsurface features. To comprehend groundwater flow, distribution, and management, aquifer resistivity, thickness, depth, transverse resistance, longitudinal conductance, hydraulic conductance, and transmissivity are all researched. The complex interaction between resistivity levels and different rock types emphasises the dynamic nature of aquifer resistivity and disproves the idea that it has a set range. The patterns in the regional distribution of aquifer resistivity reflect the complexity of subsurface water supply. Aquifer thickness, depth, and transverse resistance, which highlight the complex interaction of geology and aquifer characteristics, are additional factors that aid in understanding hydrogeological processes. The hydrological potential of aquifers is discovered through variables like transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity, indicating the balance between geological characteristics and hydraulic gradients. These discoveries open the door to responsible water resource management and sustainable use by providing insights into the dynamics of hidden aquifers under the Earth’s surface.

Physicochemical Characteristics and Heavy Metals Assessment in Water and Sediments of Obodo Oilfield in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

This study investigated the physicochemical characteristics and heavy metals levels in water and sediments of Obodo Oilfield in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State using standard laboratory-approved APHA and ASTM methods. Results indicated traces of heavy metals present in the water and sediments. Temperature and TDS in the water samples were within the DPR established limits while TSS, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Salinity and Biochemical Oxygen Demand were higher than the control and well above the DPR established limits. The heavy metals present in the soil were all still within the permissible DPR limits, except for Cadmium which was higher than the control and DPR established limit. The results showed that the water and soil within the environment may have been considerably polluted and degraded by the operations of oil and gas production in the region. The study recommends that the activities of the oil and gas production companies be checked to ensure they are operating within the environmental standard regulations of the country and that the Government and necessary bodies should be proactive in checkmating illegal bunkering activities as they have become the major source of oil spills in the region.

Comparative Study on the Prevalence of Malnutrition among Public Primary School Pupils in Rural and Urban Communities in Warri South

Malnutrition among primary school-age children has continued to pose a major public health issue, especially in developing countries. Nigeria is ranked amongst the top ten countries with the highest prevalence of undernutrition in children while about 2,300 children die daily in Nigeria as a result of malnutrition. Hence, the study was conducted to determine and compare the prevalence of malnutrition among public school pupils in rural and urban communities in Warri South LGA. This school-based comparative cross-sectional study made use of a bio-data form that collected socio-demographic details and anthropometric measurements of the pupils. The nutritional status of the pupils was obtained using WHO AnthroPlus software, while the resulting data were analysed and presented accordingly. The result showed that a total of 330 pupils (165 each from urban and rural public primary schools) were recruited, out of which more of the pupils in urban areas were younger, had parents who were better educated and employed while those from rural areas had higher family sizes. However, there was no difference in the sex and type of family of the pupils. The prevalence of malnutrition was reported as 36.7% with the prevalent form of malnutrition discovered as underweight (35.0%), followed by stunting (13.9%), overweight/obese (8.5%), and wasting (7.2%). Wasting, stunting, and overweight were higher among urban pupils, while the rate of underweight was higher among rural children. This high prevalence of undernutrition among urban pupils could be attributed to poor nutrition arising from a myriad of interrelated circumstances such as poor feeding, eating practices, and recurrent infection. Hence, the need for improved sensitisation of mothers concerning correct childhood feeding and provision of balanced nutrition.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICES OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN RURAL AND URBAN COMMUNITIES OF WARRI SOUTH

Background: The application of anthropometric measurement which entails assessing the nutritional status (stunting, wasting, obesity, overweight, and underweight) of children, is an essential part of monitoring the health of a community. Aim: To investigate and compare the anthropometric indices of nutritional status among public school pupils in rural and urban communities in Warri South LGA. Materials and Method: This comparative cross-sectional study made use of a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire while the nutritional status of the pupils was obtained using WHO AnthroPlus software. The resulting data were analysed and presented accordingly. Results: The result showed that there were slightly more males (50.9%) than females (49.1%), while urban pupils were younger than their rural counterparts. Also, the mean scores for the weight, WAZ, Height, HAZ and BAZ were 26.67±5.77, -0.96±1.49, 1.32±0.10, -0.43±1.55 and -0.67±1.13 respectively, while there was no statistically significant (p>0.05) relationship between these anthropometric variables and the sex of the pupils. However, urban pupils had a statistically significant (p<0.05) higher weight and height in comparison with their rural counterparts who on the other hand had statistically significant (p<0.05) higher HAZ and BAZ which translates to a higher amount of wasting and stunting among the urban pupils Conclusion: Children in urban primary schools are taller and fatter but more stunted and wasted. Hence, appropriate nutritional education programmes should be initiated for pupils, parents, and teachers, while more efforts should be made to improve the current school feeding program. KEYWORDS: Anthropometric indices, Nutrition, pupils, Urban, Rural.

Influence of Teachers’ Background Training and Utilization of ICT Facilities on Students’ Academic Achievement in Mathematics in Delta Central Senatorial District

The study investigated the influence of teachers’ background training and utilization of ICT facilities on students’ academic achievement in mathematics in secondary schools in Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State. Five research questions and five hypotheses guided the study. The ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. The sample of the study consists of three hundred and thirty (330) SS2 students randomly selected from eight (8) secondary schools from four (4) Local Government Areas in Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State. The instruments that were used for data collection were the Teachers’ Questionnaire on Background Training and Utilization of ICT and Students’ past results in Mathematics. The face and content validities of the Teachers’ Questionnaire were determined by a panel of three, two science educators from Delta State University and one expert from measurement and evaluation from Delta State University. The researcher determined the reliability of the Teachers’ Questionnaire by administering the instrument to 10 mathematics teachers in a school in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State that is outside the area of coverage of the study and the data obtained was subjected to Cronbach Alpha. On analysis, a reliability coefficient value of 0.81 was obtained. The data analysed for the study were collected by administering the Questionnaire to the teachers that participated in the study and the students’ past results in mathematics was also collected by the researcher from the Office of the Principal of each selected schools. The Questionnaire along with the students’ achievement scores were analysed using Means, Standard deviations, t-test, Regression Analysis and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The major findings of this study are summarised as follows; (i) there is a significant difference between the mean achievement scores of mathematics students taught by teachers with background training in Education and those taught by teachers with background training in Pure Science. (ii) there is a significant difference between the mean achievement scores of mathematics students taught with the utilization of ICT facilities and those taught without utilization of ICT facilities. (iii) there is a significant relationship between teachers’ background training and the utilization of ICT facilities in teaching mathematics students. It was concluded that teachers who have background training in education and teachers who utilizes ICT facilities in teaching mathematics influences students’ academic achievement in mathematics positively. Recommendation and suggestion for further study were made based on the findings of the study.

Effect of Environmental Degradation on the Inhabitants of Obodo Community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

This study examines the effect of environmental degradation on the inhabitants of Obodo community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State in the Niger Delta Region (NDR) of Nigeria. The study utilized structured questionnaires that were randomly administered to 105 recipients, of who 80 responded. These respondents represent a cross-section of the stakeholders (oil industry/company workers, farmers, teachers, transporters as well as public servants). The questionnaire consisted of 20 structured questions grouped into two categories to cover various aspect of oil and gas related environmental pollutions. Simple percentages and chi-squared test were employed in analyzing the collected data. The study showed that there were significant relationship between environmental degradation and economic hardship within Obodo community in the NDR of Nigeria. The study recommends that Government and the various oil companies should always take steps to enhance, resuscitate and improve on the environmental related challenges of the communities within the Niger Delta.

ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS FOR SUSTAINABLE LIFE AT RETIREMENT

The study explored the Home Economics teacher’s opinion on the entrepreneurial skills that are regarded as necessary for a sustainable life at retirement in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. The objective of this study is to examine various entrepreneurship opportunities available to Home Economics retirees’ teachers after retirement from active service as a measure for sustainable retirement in contemporary Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research method to solicit information from a population of 70 Home Economics teachers on a 5-point scale. Data were analyzed using means and standard deviations. The results indicate that cooking /restaurants management, house-keeping and basic home management, finance management, laundry, and sewing machine skills are indispensable to a Home Economics teacher that is preparing for retirement. The study concludes that entrepreneurial skills put to use are vital for sustainable life at retirement. The study recommended among others that government should provide an enabling environment that would encourage retirees to effectively engage in petty businesses after disengagement from active service.

Leadership struggle and conflict in the Niger Delta, Nigeria: focus on warri south local government area of delta state, 2011-2018

The continued incidence of leadership struggle, brazen conflict, abject poverty, gross economic backwardness and total underdevelopment, as it is the case in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria, remains a great source of worry and concern among scholars .The gravity of the above problematic situation has made many Nigerians to keep pondering whether the discovery and exploration of oil is a blessing or a curse to our country, Nigeria. It is against this backdrop that the study is poised to interrogate leadership struggle and conflict in the Niger Delta, Nigeria with particular focus on Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, 2011-2018. In terms of methodology the study adopted the time-series research design within the explanatory framework of Resource Curse theory. For data collection, this research relied heavily on documentary method, while data collected were logically and textually analyzed using the textual (content) analysis method. The study reveals that conflict in the area stems more from the claim of original ownership of Warri land and ethnic divide among the people of the area. The Itsekiri people and the Ijaws have plunged themselves in intense leadership struggle cum power tussle over the territory as well as inordinate quest for resource control in the area. Also, the general untold hardship, hunger, poverty and lack of adequate socio-economic infrastructures, as the attendant consequences of oil exploration in the area, were implicated for the incessant conflicts. The study therefore recommends, among others, that leadership/power zoning strategy should be more practicable. On the other hand, the government at different levels and the oil companies operating in the area must be proactive and show greater concern/commitment to the environmental condition of the people in order to ensure real human and infrastructural development of the region.

The Potential of Wind Energy as a Source of Renewable Energy in Selected Local Government Areas of Delta State, Nigeria

The wind energy potential of five selected local Government Areas of Delta State, Nigeria was investigated using Exetech 45116 Digital Wind Anemometer and Garmin GPS 111 plus Model. Ten readings of the wind speed data was obtained from five sampled sites located within the selected local government areas. The results revealed that the mean wind speed for Bomadi, Uvwie , Warri South, Warri North, and Warri South West LGAs is 2.36 m/s, 4.50 m/s, 2.19 m/s, 2.05 m/s and 2.5 1m/s respectively. Similarly, the wind power densities (WPD) for the aforementioned areas are 8.03 W/m^2, 44.91 W/m^2, 6.46 W/m^2 5.30 W/m^2 and 9.73 W/m^2 respectively. The data obtained was analysed statistically using linear regression and the results revealed that there is correlation between the wind speed and the temperature with R^2 values 96%, 73%, 55%, 92% and 89% for Bomadi, Uvwie, Warri South, Warri North and Warri South West LGAs respectively. Thus, indicating that wind speed is a function of temperature. In addition, Bomadi, Warri South, Warri North and Warri South West are suitable for small wind generation (domestic use) and this finding is based on the results of the wind speed obtained from the locations. However, the mean wind speed for Uvwie local Government Area (4.50 m/s) indicates that area is suitable for large wind generation (commercial use). Lastly, the obtained data was compared to the Battelle Wind Energy Classification Scheme and the results of the above mentioned study areas fell into the Class 1 Wind Resource Power Category, WPD ? 100 W/m2 and for wind speed ? 4.4 m/s. This indicates that the wind resource of the areas under study are suitable for domestic use.

Environmental Degradation of the Activities of Illegal Refineries on the Mangrove Ecosystem: A Case Study of Escravos and Environ, Delta State

A study of the environmental degradation of the activities of illegal refineries on the mangrove ecosystem was carried out at Escravos the study area and its located in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State and plays host to two major transnational oil companies Shell and Chevron. In achieving the study’s objective, samples of water and sediments were collected from both remediated and impacted sites to test for heavy metal, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH). The extraction of TPH and PAH from soil was accomplished through the technique of Soxhlet method while the atomic-absorption spectrophotometry method was used to determine the presence of heavy metals. The study showed that TPH concentrations appears in the following order of RS1 > RS3 > RS2 > RS1 with the TPH in the impacted sediment were relatively higher than the values recorded for the remediated sediment. The order of abundance of metal concentration in this study is Fe > Zn >Mn>Pb> Cu > Cd and Ni. Data from this study further reveals that the net concentration of the metals investigated for both seasons show that all the metals investigated in the dry season are higher than those from the raining season. The concentrations of PAHs in this study were higher in the sediments than in the water samples.

THE PREVALENCE OF Chlamydia trachomatis AMONGST ASYMPTOMATIC PREGNANT WOMEN IN FOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF DELTA STATE

The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis among asymptomatic pregnant women in four Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Delta State, Nigeria was investigated in this study. The four LGAs were Ethiope West, Sapele, Warri South and Warri North. A total of 200 pregnant women who visited the Primary Health Care Centres for antenatal care aged between 16 and 45 years were sampled across the four LGAs comprising 50 pregnant women from each of the LGAs between October 2017 and February 2018. The women were categorized into six age groups: 16 – 20, 21 – 25, 26 – 30, 31 – 35, 36 – 40 and 41 – 45. Collected urine samples were examined in the laboratory for the presence of C. trachomatis using sedimentation and microscopy. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to identify the DNA of the isolated bacteria specimens. Results from the four LGAs showed that 93 pregnant women (46.5%) tested positive for C. trachomatis. Prevalence was highest in the subjects from Warri North LGA (27/93) (29.03%), while the least prevalent was the subjects from Warri South (19/93) (20.04%). Women aged 26 – 30 had the highest prevalence (38/93) (40.86%), while prevalence was least in women aged 41 – 45 (3/93) (3.23%). There was no significant difference in number of infected pregnant women in the four Local Government Areas (p>0.05). Findings from this study are important, considering the growing concern of cases of infertility and death of newborn. Thus, there is a need for sexually active men and women to embark on routine check up to ascertain their health status.

A Study on the Ganoderma Lucidum of Warri South Local Government Area

A study on the medicinal mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) was conducted from May to July 2015 to document the medicinal importance of Ganoderma lucidum “Itu” by the Warri South people in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. This mushroom was identified and collected during field trip and visits to traditional medical practitioners. Four mushrooms species were identified out of which 2 are edible, 1 is used medicinally and 1 is feared by the locals and trial’s of the community because of its poisonous content. These mushroom were briefly described, their uses, local names and part used were listed. These mushrooms are faced with rapid extinction because its knowledge and use are not passed to younger generation.

Gender issues and women’s participation in agricultural production in Warri South Local Government area of Delta State, Nigeria

Gender inequality of women participation in agricultural production has become a worrisome discussion in the present dispensation. This is because women constitute large portion in agriculture business. The study therefore examines this issue, stressing on the extent of women’s participation in agriculture. The highest frequency of women that engage in farming all year round is 48 (30.0%), 44 (27.6%) respondents engage in farming activities half a year, 35 (21.8%) engage quarterly in a year. While cultural practices 36 (22.5%) form the highest causes of gender inequality and women’s participation in agricultural production in Warri South Local Government Areas of Delta State, using data collected through questionnaire interview from 160 subjects. The study reveals that gender inequality of women in agricultural participation has considerable impact on the production process.

English

English

Prevalence and molecular characterization of typanosomes in dogs in Warri, Nigeria

Animal African Trypanosomosis (AAT) is a devastating protozoan disease of animal and humans caused by Trypanosoma spp. resulting in a great economic loss in the livestock industries, in the sub-Saharan Africa. A survey for canine trypanosomosis was carried out in Warri, Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Areas of Delta State, using molecular technique. A total of 110 dogs of different ages and sexes were randomly screened for trypanosome in Okpe (19), Uvwie (45) and Warri South (41) Local Government Areas of Delta State. Extracted DNA samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test using generic primers set that target the internal transcribes spacer 1 (ITS 1) (CF:5’-CCGGAAGTTCACCGATATTG-3’ and BR: 5’-TGCTGCGTTCTTCAACGAA- 3’) of ribosomal DNA (rDNA). The gel electrophoresis of the ITS1 PCR products of 5 samples revealed band sizes of 700 bp which corresponded with the expected band size of Trypanosoma congolense. One (5%) dog from Okpe was positive while Uvwie and Warri south recorded 2 (4.3%) and 2 (4.7%) positives, respectively. The prevalence was significantly higher in Nigerian indigenous dogs than exotic breeds of dogs. Overall prevalence was 5 (4.5%). We concluded that canine trypanosomosis is prevalent in Warri, Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Areas of Delta State.Keywords: Prevalence; molecular chacterization; trypanosomes; dogs; Warri

Nutritional Status of Day and Boarding Female Adolescent Secondary School Students in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State

Nutrient intake during adolescence is of critical importance because this period is characterized by an exceptionally rapid rate of growth. The poor nutritional status of adolescents, especially girls, has important implications in terms of physical work capacity and adverse reproductive outcomes. Thus, a study on the nutritional patterns of adolescent girls is imperative to improve their growth rate and reproductive outcomes. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the nutritional status of day and boarding students in public secondary schools in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. The study was a comparative cross sectional study which sampled a total of 326 students from secondary schools in Warri South L. G. A. of Delta State. A semi-structured questionnaire was self-administered to obtain information on respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, nutritional pattern and factors influencing adolescent nutrition. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and ANOVA were used to analyse the data with level of significance set at 0.05. The results show that the mean age of the respondents was 12.27±1.79 years with majority in the age bracket of between 10-15 years of age and more as day students 58.90% than boarding students 41.10%. Assessment of the nutritional status of day and boarding students show that 11.20% of the boarding students were underweight as compared to 9.40% of the day students, 87.30% were of normal weight as compared to 80.70% of the day students. However, only 4.20% of the day students were overweight as compared to 1.50% of the boarding students and 5.70% of the day students were obese as compared to none among the boarding students. Factors that significantly influences the nutritional status of the students were mothers level of education and occupation, non-palatability of the food in the hostels and skipping of meals especially by the boarders (P<0.05). Therefore, concerted efforts should be made by all stakeholders in the education ministry (Government, School Authorities and Parents) to improve the meal of the students residing in the hostels in secondary schools nationwide; while parents should continually make it a duty to improve the meals of their children at home especially the adolescent girls who are still growing in order to enhance their physical work capacity, reproductive and pregnancy outcomes and birth weight.