Yenagoa Local Government Area Research Articles

The Prevalence and Pattern of Risky Sexual Behaviour among Secondary School Adolescents in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Nigeria

Aim: To determine the prevalence, pattern and socio-demographic factors associated with risky sexual behaviour (RSB) among adolescents in secondary schools in Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa state. Study Design: A cross-sectional analytical study. Place and duration: Yenagoa Local Government Area in Bayelsa state. The study was conducted in March/April 2021. Methodology: The study utilized self-administered questionnaires among 750 secondary school adolescents selected via multistage sampling. The proportion of adolescents with RSB and the socio-demographic determinants of RSB were analysed using Chi-square test and binary logistic regression with significance level set at p-value=0.05. Results: Of the 739 responses analysed, the prevalence of RSB was 156 (21.1%) and the mean age at sexual debut was 13.42±2.62 years. All sexually exposed adolescents had an early sexual debut, 23.7% had multiple sexual partners, and 98.1% reported inconsistent use of condoms. Transactional sex and sexual intercourse after alcohol/illicit drug use occurred in 56.4% and 15.4% of them, respectively. The predictors of RSB were attending a public school (AOR:2.046, 95%CI:1.243 to 3.368), peer pressure (AOR:10.451, 95%CI:6.460 to 16.909), difficulty in communicating with mother (AOR:2.050, 95%CI:1.203 to 3.493) and low maternal education (primary:AOR:2.834, 95%CI:1.300 to 6.181; and secondary: AOR:2.067, 95%CI:1.139 to 3.753). However, age below 18years (10-13years: AOR:0.194, 95%CI:0.051 to 0.741 and 14-17years: AOR:0.259, 95% CI:0.081 to 0.832) was protective of RSB. Conclusion: RSB is high among adolescents attending secondary schools in Yenagoa. Sex education, peer-based programmes and parent-adolescent communications should be encouraged to reduce the prevalence of RSB among adolescents.

Determination of Clay and Sand Volume Using Vertical Electrical Sounding

This study presents the results of an electrical resistivity survey conducted in Agudama Epie, Yenagoa local government area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The primary objective of the survey was to estimate the volume of clay and sand within a rectangular land parcel measuring 100 m by 200m in the study area. The survey employed the Schlumberger electrode configuration and utilized nine vertical electrode sounding (VES) points.Data was collected using a Terrameter SAS 1000 and was processed using IPI2win software. The geophysical analysis revealed the presence of four distinct geoelectric layers across the study area, identified as layers 1 to 4 in the VES profiles. Layer 2, characterized by clay, exhibited an average thickness of 21.2 meters, while layer 3, consisting of sand, had an average thickness of 8.15 meters. The apparent resistivity values ranged from 8.45 to 79.43 ohm-meter to a depth of 10.14 meters for the clay layer and 8499.86 to 15013.11 ohm-meter to a depth of 33.5 meters for the sand layer. The study estimated a substantial presence of approximately 746,240 tonnes of clay and approximately 261,126 tonnes of sand in Agudama Epie. This discovery offers significant economic potential, including job creation, the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises, and opportunities within the construction industry. The local extraction and processing of clay can drive economic growth and facilitate the production of concrete and building materials. Additionally, the availability of sand in the region can reduce transportation costs and stimulate local construction projects, thereby fostering economic activity and infrastructure development.

Assessment of Radio-Frequency Radiation Exposure from Selected Mobile Base Stations in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The antennas from mobile base stations radiate non-ionizing radio frequency radiation into space. The human body can experience negative health effects from prolonged exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Because base station installations and telecommunication networks are growing, there is a growing need to address the health risks connected with exposure to telecommunication masts. Using the Electrosmog Meter Cornet Model, power density from many telecom masts owned by various network operators was measured in this investigation. At 10-meter intervals, the RF radiation in seven (7) settlements in Yenagoa town, located in the Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was measured within radial distances of 100 meters. With a mean value of 4.0569mWm-2, the measured values vary from 0.650mWm-2 to 9.810mWm-2. Still, values evolved. Nevertheless, additional factors, such as adjacent electromagnetic sources' wave interference or reference base station interference, caused readings to fluctuate. It was discovered that the greatest power density level was 9.810 mWm-2, and it was measured 20 meters away from the base station at site MBS1. As per the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and other regulatory authorities, the standard limit of 4.5Wm-2 for the 900 MHz system is not exceeded by the radiation exposure level, as the findings show. This shows that the exposure levels in these areas are low enough to not seriously jeopardize the health of those living in the research area.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Concerning Cervical Cancer Screening Among Reproductive Age Group Women in Low-Resource Settings Yenagoa Bayelsa State.

Nigeria has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Both the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) and cervical screening are effective prevention strategies against both HPV infection and cervical cancer. Lack of awareness, limited knowledge, limited decision-making agency, lack of spousal support and stigma are barriers to uptake of these preventive measures. Cervical cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Eighty three percent (83%) of the world's new cases and 85% of all cervical cancer-related deaths occur in developing countries. It is primarily caused by human papilloma virus (HPV); a sexually transmitted pathogen that could be prevented with safe sexual practice and using vaccines, among others. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of reproductive age group women in low resource setting in towards cervical cancer and its prevention in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Nigeria. This study employed the use of a descriptive study design to examine the knowledge and assessment of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age (19-54), about cervical cancer, its prevention, and their utilization of Pap smear screening; using a convenience sample of 406 women in two communities (Okaka and Agudama) in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Women voluntarily completed a structured questionnaire. Results showed that women who participated in the study were aware of cervical cancer (78.3%; n=318) but many (70.4%; n= 286) were unaware of Pap smears as the screening tests for cervical cancer. Although few of them (45.6%; n =185) knew about a screening center, out of which 17.6% (n= 32) reported that the screening center was less than 2km away from their residences. There is need for health care professionals, to intensify efforts to increase awareness about cervical cancer screening and encourage women through the different clinics to use these services. The benefits of screening and early diagnosis of cervical cancer should be emphasized to enhance the utilization of cervical cancer screening services.

Groundwater Use in Yenagoa: Impact on Residential Development and Investment

In the oil-producing metropolis of Yenagoa and its surroundings in Bayelsa State, Nigeria’s Yenagoa Local Government Area (YELGA), groundwater is the main and only safe source of water. As the capital of Bayelsa State, the city experienced rapid development, resulting in an influx of people and a subsequent freshwater deficit due to increased oil production and groundwater pollution. For the sustainable growth of water resources, preventing water or piezometer level fluctuations and quantitatively estimating the area’s available water supplies are crucial. To meet the water needs of the population, boreholes are dug using rotary technology and cable devices. The size of the borehole, the type of construction, the type of material used (casing and screen), and the availability of sachet water are some of the many factors that affect the cost of constructing a water borehole in Yenagoa and its environs. This study shows that the location of the study area in the riverine Niger Delta area of Nigeria makes the construction of boreholes more expensive. Data on the cost of drilling boreholes in the exhibited area shows a significant increase over time. It is shown that the long economic life of drilled borehole depends on monitoring of aquifers and wells, as well as maintenance of wells, pumps, and accessories, all of which prove inadequate.

Evaluation of Organic Treatments for Enhanced Bioremediation of Crude Oil Impacted Soil in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The aim of this study was to evaluate organic treatments for enhanced bioremediation of crude oil impacted soil in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Koroama community in Gbarain clan, Yenagoa local government area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria was randomly selected for the study. The experimental research design was adopted for this study, which was carried out for 28 days. The required soil samples were collected at a depth of 0 – 15cm from a 3 x 3m experimental plot developed in a farmland in Koroama community. Five sampled points, in the form of flat beds A, B, C, D and E respectively were randomly selected. Sampled beds A to D were simulated (contaminated) with 2.25kg of crude oil. The objective is to simulate conditions of a major crude oil spill. The crude oil contaminated soil samples were then allowed to condition for 6 days before treatment with 2kg organic treatments like goat manure (GM), poultry droppings (PD) and the combination of goat manure and poultry droppings (GM & PD). Bed E was unpolluted and untreated (control A) while Bed D was crude oil impacted and untreated soil (control B). The study showed that the impact of crude oil on the soil affects both the physical properties of the soil. The study also showed that the sampled organic treatments were all effective in restoring the physical properties of the crude oil impacted soil. At the end of the study, GM showed the highest TPH degradation rate (62.1%) followed by PD (57.1%) and the least, the combination of GM & PD (52.0%). Hence, the application of GM, PD and the combination of GM & PD are highly recommended for bioremediation of crude of impacted soil with special preference to GM.

Delineation of Subsurface Migration Pathways of Petroleum Contaminants in Ikarama, Okordia Clan of Bayelsa State, Nigeria

One well-known cause of groundwater contamination in developing nations that produce oil is oil leaks. Oil leaks are typically caused by a variety of circumstances, such as inadequate management and upkeep of oil facilities, equipment failure, and pipeline vandalism by oil criminals. This research evaluates the movement of underground oil contaminants in an oil production field at the Okordia clan's Ikarama hamlet in the Yenagoa Local Government Area in the state of Bayelsa. Schlumberger array was utilized in order to apply the electrical resistivity tomography technique along three (3) VES surrounding the oil spill spot. Values for resistivity were found. In the locations under study, three (3) vertical electrical soundings (VES) were conducted. Comparison of theoretical soil resistivity to measured fluid resistivity for various caption exchange Values of capacity have been researched. The resistivity values, when reversed, ranged from 0.17 m to 146.8 m. The hydrocarbon contamination (oil plumes) is the cause of the high resistivity values (21.54 – 146.8 Ωm) and the low resistivity values (0.1–15.8 Ωm). The 2D resistivity approach is an effective tool for examining pollution caused by hydrocarbon in a coastal environment, as this study has proven.

Determining the Seroprevalence and the Knowledge of Viral Hepatitis B Infection among Beauticians in Yenagoa LGA, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Cosmetology is a rapidly growing field, resulting in increasing numbers of beauty centers and beauticians. Ear piercing is a common practice in Nigeria and, in recent years piercing of other body parts has greatly increased in popularity. Beauty treatments, such as piercing, tattooing, manicuring, and barbing are used by many people. Individuals working in barber shops, hairdressing and beauty centers are likely to have contact with blood through applications such as shaving, manicure, pedicure and skin care. The aim of this study was to determine hepatitis B virus (HBV) seroprevalence in a sample of beauticians in Yenagoa local government area, Bayelsa State (Nigeria) and to assess the level of knowledge of these professionals regarding viral hepatitis. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving a total of 120 beauticians (hairdressers and manicurists/pedicurists) that were selected by a multistage sampling method. Data was collected by an interviewer-administered questionnaire for knowledge assessment and serum samples were tested for HBsAg positivity using commercial enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) kits. Data collected were analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS), version 25 software. Of the total 120 participants 16 (13.3%) were males and 104 (86.7%) were females. The prevalence of HBV infections among the respondents was 7.5%. The knowledge of beauticians on awareness of viral hepatitis B was 5.8%, and their knowledge on ways of transmission was 61.7%. Conclusions: the findings indicate that, due to their low level of awareness of viral hepatitis B existence, beauticians working in Yenagoa Local Government Area are in a risk of HBV infection even though the seroprevalence of HBV was low.

IMPACTS OF COVID-19 LOCKDOWN RESTRICTION ON RURAL HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY AND LIVELIHOOD ACTIVITIES OF ARABLE CROP FARMERS IN YENAGOA AGRICULTURAL ZONE, BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

With economic recoveries slowing, COVID-19 uncertainties and disruptions continuing, and worsening fiscal capacity, the outlook for food and nutrition security for many low- and middle-income farmers and their livelihood is of significant concern. The study analyzed the effect of COVID-19 lockdown restriction on rural household food security and livelihood activities of arable crop farmers in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Data were collected through well-structured questionnaire from 100 arable crop farmers. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The result showed that fever (x=3.8), cough (x=3.1), shortness of breath (x=3.5), headache (x=3.5), sore throat ( x=3.3) and congestion or running nose (=3.2) were perceived COVID-19 symptoms. Transportation (tricycle and taxi driving) (x=3.7), arable crop farming (x=3.4), handicraft (x=2.5), oil palm farming (x=3.4), fish farming (x=3.2), vegetable farming (x=3.4) and snail farming (x=3.1) were livelihood activities affected by COVID-19 movement restriction. Food availability (x=2.9), feeding efficiency/sufficiency (x=2.6), economic access to food (=2.5) and food quality (=2.5) were food status of the sample arable crop farmers. The regression result showed that the coefficient of COVID-19 movement restriction (2.531) was positive and statistically significant at 1%. The study concluded that COVID-19 movement restriction significantly affected food security status and livelihood activities of arable crop farmers negatively. Hence, the study recommended effort should be made by government and other agricultural agencies to establish food storage, preservation and processing facilities so that during movement restrictions farmers can have access to food and to avoid malnutrition for the aged farmers...

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Growth Monitoring among Caregivers in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Background: Growth monitoring (GM) is a strategy that enables early identification and timely intervention in children who are not growing according to the expected pattern through periodic measurement of some growth indicators preferably weight. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of growth monitoring among mothers and other caregivers in healthcare facilities in Bayelsa State. Materials and methods: The study was a descriptive, cross-sectional design involving 313 caregiver-child pairs recruited from selected health facilities in Bayelsa State. Data were analysed using IBM Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25.0 Armonk, NY. Results: Questionnaires from 313 caregiver–child pairs were analysed, 97.8% of the responders were mothers to the children they brought, and 51.1% of them were aged 28-37 years. Majority 140 (44.7%) of the respondents were from a low socioeconomic class. Two hundred and forty-eight of the children (79.2%) were aged 0-11 months, 52.1% were males, and 47.9% were females. Eighty-three responders (25.6%) demonstrated good knowledge of GM with scores of ≥75%, 132(42.2%) had poor knowledge score of < 50%, while 98(31.3%) had fair knowledge scores of 50% - < 75%. The growth chart appreciation scores were also unsatisfactory as 75.4% (236/313) of the study population showed poor appreciation of the chart, 11.5% (36/313) fair and 13.1% (41/313) good appreciation. Only 47 respondents (15%) had ever been taught how to use the growth chart and 76.6% of these were taught by nurses. Average scores for good, fair and poor attitudes were 39.3%, 59.7% and 1% respectively. On Utilisation, 308(98.4%) children had the Road to Health cards but the rate of appropriate Utilisation of Growth Monitoring in this study was 25.6% as only 80 children had ≥ 75% of their weights duly charted according to their ages. Conclusion: Knowledge of child health cards and their utilisation by caregivers in Bayelsa State .....

Effects of Fungi on The Spoilage and Nutritional Composition of Coconuts (Cocus nucifera) Harvested in Yenagoa Local Government Area and Its Relative Health Implications

Background and Objective: Fungal inversion of coconut endosperm is a factor that grossly reduces the economic, consumption value and the proximate composition of the coconut meat. The proximate composition of fresh and spoilt coconut endosperm and the most pathogenic fungi associated with the spoilage of coconut endosperm were evaluated in this study. Materials: Three mature fresh Coconut fruits were harvested from a subsistence coconut farm in Yenagoa city. Result: This study revealed that the proximate content of protein (9.80±0.02), lipids (38.75±0.02) and dry matter (92.72±0.02) in the fresh coconut are higher than the proximate content of protein (8.75±0.02), lipids (36.84±1.16) and dry matter (92.18±0.02) of the spoilt coconut endosperm. Minerals such as Ca (2.74±0.01), Mg (3.68±0.02), Na (3.75±0.02), K (6.76±0.02), Mn (0.250±0.002), Cu (0.58±0.02), Zn (5.85±0.02) and PO4 (2.56 ±0.02) in the fresh coconut endosperm are higher than Ca (2.72±0.02), Mg (3.66±0.02), Na (3.57±0.02), K (6.72±0.02), Mn (0.244±0.002), Cu (0.54±0.02), Zn (5.77±0.03) and PO4 (2.48±0.02) of the spoiled coconut endosperm. A significant difference between the proximate composition of fresh and spoiled coconut endosperm was observed. The endosperm (meat) of the coconuts were heavily invaded and decayed by a variety of fungi within 24 hours after cracking the shell and exposing the meats to open air. Fungal growth observed after exposure to open air are: Mucor, Rhizopus, Aspergillus and Penicillium. Conclusion: With the present of Aspergillus and penicillium in the samples evaluated in the laboratory, it implies that there are health implications associated with the consumption of spoilt coconut meat.

Effect of Farm and Non-Farm Livelihood Activities on the Well-Being of Arable Crop Farmers in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria

This study analyzed the effect of farm and nonfarm livelihood activities on the well-being of arable crop farmers in Yenagoa Local Government area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Nigeria. Data were collected through well-structured questionnaire from 100 arable crop farmers. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The result showed that poultry rearing (=3.5), swine rearing (=3.3), cassava cultivation (=3.3), maize cultivation (=3.1), rice cultivation (=2.9) were the farm and non-farm livelihood activities which had effect on arable crop farmers well-being. The result further showed that 60.0% of arable crop farmer had block house as the shelter and 40% had meal ratio of 1:0:1 daily. The regression result indicated that the coefficient of well-being of arable crop farmers (2.521) was positive and statistically significant at 1%. The study concluded that farm and non-farming livelihood activities had positive effect on arable crop farmers. Hence, it was recommended that arable crop farmers should be encouraged to also engage in non-farm livelihood activities.

Spartial Analysis of Groundwater Using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Water Quality Index (WQI) in Yenagoa Local Government Area Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The purpose of the study is to examine the spartial analysis of groundwater using geographic information system and water quality index (WQI) in the study area. Fifty (50) water samples were collected and analysed in accordance to APHA, 2012. The data-set were further analysed using water quality index (WQI) and geographic information system (GIS). The results of the indicate that Igbogene 1, Yenagwe 1 & 2, Akenfa 1, Ekeki 1, Yenizue-Epie 1, Swali 1, Igbogene 2, Akenfa 2, Agudama 1 & 2, Etegwe 2, Opolo 1 & 2,Yenizuepie 2, Swali 2, Akaba 2, Ogu 2, Akaibiri 2, Gbarantoru3 & 5, Ogbuna 1, 3 & 4, Okolobiri 1, 2, & 5 and Tombia 2 & 4, water quality index shows that the quality ranges from poor to very poor. While the samples, Yenigwe 1, Biogbolo 1, Kpansia 1 & 1, Amarata 1, Ogbogoro 1, Ogu 1, Akaba 1,Okutukutu 1, Kpansia3, Amarata 2, Ogbogoro 2,Akaibiri 1, Gbarabtoru 1, 2 & 4, Ogbuna 2, Okolobiri 3 & 4 and lastly, Tombia 1 & 3 all ranges from good, very good to excellent water quality. However, the study shows a very high spartial variation in water quality. Therefore, groundwater should be regularly monitored and treated.

Geotechnical Considerations for Foundation Design in Parts of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Niger Delta Nigeria

This research was to determine geotechnical properties of the subsoils in some part of Yenagoa and environs to obtain proper foundation design parameters, six towns in Yenagoa local government area, Bayelsa state was investigated. Six geotechnical boreholes was drilled and laboratory studies of soils samples were obtained from 0-20.25m deep. Subsurface soil profiles were delineated followed by determination of their index and mechanical properties, including Atterberg limits, particle sizes distribution, undrained shear strength, shear box test and consolidation coefficient. The general soil profile consists of (from top to bottom), , upper Silty clay horizon (0.0-5.25m thickness) soft to firm for Yenagoa study areas, Medium silty clay horizon (0.75 to 1.5m thickness) soft to firm Yenagoa study areas, low clayey sand horizon (0.75 to 1.5m thickness) soft Yenagoa study areas, peaty clay (1.0m thickness between 3.0-4.0m) soft Igbogene Yenagoa, upper sand horizon (3.0m thickness) silty sand Etegwe town Yenagoa, lower sand horizon (13.5 to 18.0m) silty sand to fine to medium and medium coarse appear in all the boreholes in Yenagoa. Yenagoa sub-soil show clay of high plasticity, silt of intermediate to high plasticity (CH, MI and MH) according to unified soil classification system from the results it shows that pad foundation is more economical in the study areas. Raft foundation is more economical in the six towns study areas of Yenagoa with Allowable bearing capacity of the upper clay layer ranges from 23-128KN/m2 In view of the significant variations in the stratification and engineering geological index properties of the soil in the six towns in Yenagoa while geotechnical data of one location cannot be used as a basis for design of foundation in a nearby land. Axial load carrying capacity for 305, 306mm, 356, 360mm, 406mm, 600and 610mm diameter for bore pile and tubular driven steel cased piles respectively were calculated for all the studies areas. Where high rise building is required in the various study areas. The study shows that the frequent causes of building collapse in Yenagoa are as a result of inadequate geotechnical investigations of the subsoil, poor quality materials, and poor work supervision.

Awareness and Implementation of Covid-19 Safety Protocol Among Selected Fresh Food Marketers in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Awareness and Implementation of Covid-19 Safety Protocol Among Selected Fresh Food Marketers in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Socio-demographic factors affecting access to and utilization of social welfare services in Nigeria

The study examined the socio-demographic factors affecting access to and utilization of social welfare services in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted to select 570 respondents from the study area. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were adopted in the selection of communities, and respondents. The quantitative data were analyzed using frequency distribution tables and percentages, while chi-square statistic was used to determine the relationship between socio-demographic variables and access to and utilization of social welfare services. The qualitative data were analyzed in themes as a complement to the quantitative data. This study reveals that although all the respondents reported knowing available social welfare services, 44.3% reported not having access to existing social services due to factors connected to serendipity variables, such as terrain condition, ethnicity and knowing someone in government. Therefore, the study recommends that the government and other stakeholders should push for the massive delivery of much-needed social welfare services to address the issue of welfare service deficit across the nation, irrespective of the ethnic group and whether the community is connected to the government of the day or not, primarily in rural areas.

Investigating Shoreline Migration due to Sand Mining in Some Communities of Yenagoa Local Government Area using GIS and Remote Sensing

This study investigates the impact of sand mining activities on some host communities within Yenagoa. The mining activities are considered to include the whole chain, from the dredging (mechanical or manual) to the end user (reclamation, filling, or construction). Impacts are assessed under categories ranging from environmental to infrastructural and ground damage. The methods of study include physical onsite observations and quick field assessments of soil type in areas directly connected with the river sand mining activities, and use of GIS and remote sensing techniques. Results show a direct link between the sand mining activities and damages to infrastructure, the natural environment, and shoreline migration. There is a steady increase in bare-land (i.e., land cover removal) and river expansion with increasing mining sites and dumpsites from 1990 to 2021.

Concept Mapping Influence on Student Interest in Basic Technology in Junior Secondary School in Yenagoa Local Government Area

This study examined Concept Mapping Influence on Student Interest in Basic Technology in Junior Secondary School in Yenagoa Local Government Area. Quasi-experimental design was used. Two research questions and two hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance were used to guide the study. The study population comprised 4502 JSS1I junior secondary school Basic technology students in public schools in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa. Sample of 400 JSS11 Basic Technology students was selected by simple random sampling technique for the study. Research instruments for data collection was “Basic Technology Interest Inventory Scale”. The instrument was validated by an expert and three subject teachers. The Reliability of the instrument was established using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient of 0.73. The collected data were analysed, Mean and Standard Deviation were used to answer the Research questions while z-test was used to test the Hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings of the study revealed that Students that were exposed to concept mapping instructional strategy had a higher interest in Basic Technology than their counterparts taught using lecture method. Based on the findings it was recommended that Basic Technology teachers should be encouraged to use concept mapping strategy for effective teaching and learning to arouse students’ interest.

EFFECTS OF NIRSAL ON LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN YENAGOA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

The study was carried out to analyze effects of NIRSAL on livestock production in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to identify various NIRSAL programme sub-activities involved by livestock farmers; ascertain the awareness about NIRSAL programme by livestock farmers; examine the income of livestock farmers before and after benefiting from NIRSAL programme; and identify the constraints affecting livestock farmers in assessing NIRSAL programme. Descriptive statistics such as percentage, mean and revenue analysis were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that NIRSAL shares the risk involved when beneficiaries acquire loan from banks, NIRSAL guarantees insurance coverage in livestock production for the benefit of their trainees, there was divided feelings about NIRSAL offering cash to banks to increase their lending potential to livestock farmers, having 31% of the livestock farmers agreeing to it and 34% disagreeing to it, NIRSAL gives loan to their trainees to start up their Agricultural Business. The revenue of livestock farmers who have benefited financially from NIRSAL programme was seen to increase. The study further identified that the activities of NIRSAL was of great benefit to registered members as they have the opportunity of enjoying financial benefits, insurance and also receives trainings. Constraints identified from the study were basically complex NIRSAL registration procedures and late disbursement of loans to applicants. It was therefore recommended that there should be sustained awareness of NIRSAL programme implementation, NIRSAL improves on its procedure to loan acquisition so as to out rightly disbursed credit to registered applicants without any form of delay, NIRSAL should also make provision for new business startups in order to integrated them into the financial support base of the bank and finally, the registration procedures to register as a new member should be made easier.

Prevalence of Enterobius Vermicularis Infections Among The Inhabitants of Okordia, Biseni and Zarama Communities in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is one of the helminthic worms belonging to the class nematode. It causes Enterobiasis which is a known public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. This study was carried out between November 2020 and August 2021, and aimed to evaluate the prevalence of E. vermicularis infections among the inhabitants of Okordia, Beseni and Zarama communities in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. A cross sectional survey was adopted and a total of two hundred (200) stool samples were randomly collected from the inhabitants in these communities. Wet preparations (saline and lugol’s iodine), and formol ether concentration technique were used to analyzed the stool samples. The preparations were examined microscopically with 10× and 40× objective lens respectively. Overall results revealed a prevalence of 6(27.2%) Enterobius vermicularis infections among the inhabitants in the communities of which, males 4(66.7%) and females 2(33.3%). Among the inhabitants in the three communities, people within the ages of 5-15 years had the highest prevalence rate of about 50%. Our study demonstrated a high prevalence of E. vermicularis among the inhabitants in Okordia, Beseni and Zarama communities in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. This parasite is common among the people living in these communities; hence more epidemiological survey should be carried out in the studied area.