| 1 |
Author(s):
Minini Raymond (Ph.D), Deeebari Gbaranor Keeper.
Page No : 1-9
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Youths and Economic Development in Nigeria
Abstract
No country seeking economic development which is the good and better life can afford to neglect the youth or abandon them to constitute a major social problem. This is because the youths are the engine of growth and development. Their action and inaction can develop or destroy the fabrics of their country. In other words, they determine the future of the country. It is on this backdrop that this paper is out to address the importance of preparation and training of the youths in order to achieve sustainable economic development. It adopted a theoretical approach as its methodology and found that there is indisputable evidence of poor economic development due to lack of preparation and training on the part of the youths. The paper therefore recommended that the government should adequately fund the educational sector and should also have the farmer’s mentality and do away with the hunter's mentality.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Rebecca Oluwatosin Banjo.
Page No : 10-19
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Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and The Conduct of 2023 Presidential and National Assembly Elections in Nigeria: A Paradigm Shift
Abstract
It is an established fact that Nigeria’s electoral process has always been marred with irregularities over the years. The 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections are a paradigm shift in the history of electioneering in the country. Though some challenges were encountered in the conduct of the elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was given a pass mark by many local and international observers and thus made the general election a watershed. This makes it imperative in this paper to examine the conduct of the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria. The paper infers that if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can continue to discharge its functions out of political influence and move away from the status quo where a political party dominates the constitution of drivers of INEC, there is every tendency that there will be continuous better conduct of election in the future. The paper taps various means of getting relevant materials to put this study together for onward academic utilisation and to reshape the conduct of Nigeria’s subsequent general elections like the maintenance of established punishment for electoral offenders, strengthened voter education, and establishment of training institutes for prospective politicians.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Thankgod Mark, Vivian Ozah.
Page No : 20-34
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Role of Government in Promoting Real Sector Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Nigerian Experience
Abstract
This paper investigated the role of government in promoting real sector development in sub-Saharan Africa with a focus on the Nigerian economy. The government’s role was measured using fiscal and monetary policy variables such as total government expenditure, broad money supply and interest rate, while the ratio of manufacturing value added to GDP formed the basis for measuring real sector development. Time series data on the variables were sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin and analysed using econometrics tools of error correction mechanism (ECM) and Granger causality test. The unit root test results revealed that all the variables are first difference stationary. It was also found from the cointegration test that variables have a long-run relationship. It was found from the parsimonious ECM that broad money supply and rate of interest are statistically insignificant in influencing manufacturing output. The results further reveal that the second and third leg of the government expenditure ratio to GDP significantly impacts manufacturing output. 1 percent increase in the first leg of government expenditure increases manufacturing output by 5.962 percent. Similarly, with a percentage in the second lag of government expenditure, manufacturing output increases by 3.182 percent. Additionally, the pairwise Granger causality test results reveal that unidirectional causality flows from the ratio of government expenditure to manufacturing output. Overall, the results indicate that fiscal policy, especially government expenditure, can be relied upon in predicting changes in manufacturing output. Thus, it is recommended for proper monitoring of fiscal policy measures, especially public expenditures, to ensure they are accounted for holistically and effectively utilised in fostering real sector development.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Obi Evelyn Chinwe, Chiazor Anthonia Chiaghana, Okoli Ogechukwu.
Page No : 35-56
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Exposure, Perception and Response to Ketogenic Diet Information among Working Class Adults Female in Anambra State
Abstract
Ketogenic diet is used in weight control. This study aimed at finding out exposure, perception and working class adult females response to Ketogenic diet information. The specific objectives are: To examine the exposure level of the working class adults in Awka Anambra state to ketogenic diet information, to determine how they perceive the ketogenic diet information, and finally, to examine how the working class adult females respond to Ketogenic diet information. This study was designed as a survey. Using an online sample size calculator, a sample of 384 civil servants was drawn from 21 Ministries in Anambra State. The study was anchored on the health belief model and uses and gratification theory. Findings from the survey indicate that a greater number of working class adult female in Awka Anambra are exposed to ketogenic-diet information through the social media and interpersonal communication. It was also discovered that majority of the working class adult females in Awka Anambra State sees the ketogenic – diet information in a good light but respond to it minimally due to some challenges mention in this work. The study recommended that the influencers of the ketogenic diet on the internet should be properly informed on the benefits and effects of this diet while disseminating necessary information. And as well let the dieters know beforehand that in as much as there are benefits of engaging in the diet plan there are also some unpleasant experience they might encounter. It has been established in this study that ketogenic information helps the respondents make informed decision concerning their health. This study however also recommends that Ketogenic diet ingredients should be made available and affordable at all time.
Keywords: Exposure, Perception, Responses, Ketogenic, Diet, Information, working class, Adult Female
| 5 |
Author(s):
Ibrahim Musa, Sule Magaji.
Page No : 57-70
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Nexus Between Household Income and Child Labor in Northeastern Nigeria
Abstract
This study examines the nexus between household income and child labor in Northeastern Nigeria using Logit Regression method as methodology. The study uses a multistage sampling technique to obtain data from 9 selected Local Government Areas in Adamawa, Bauchi, and Yobe States. The data was sourced by administering questionnaires to 810 children through their household heads in 3 wards of each Local Government Area. The results of the study show that household income significantly determines child labor in Northeastern Nigeria. The coefficient of household income was found to be -1.612 which indicates that household income negatively impacts child labor. Therefore, the study recommends that the government provide policies that will enhance the level of household income in the region.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Samuel B. Kalagbor (Ph.D), Deinibiteim M. Harry (Ph.D).
Page No : 71-82
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Ethnic Diversity and Democratic Governance in Nigeria: A Consociational Perspective
Abstract
This study explored the relationship between ethnic diversity/plurality and democratic governance in Nigeria. Nigeria has over 300 different ethnic groups, with diverse beliefs, customs, traditions and norms. These diversities have threatened the unity of the country and the system of governance. Political rivalry among the different ethnic groups substantially hampers the institutionalization of democratic governance in the country. Efforts at accommodating the ethnic groups in governance processes by successive administrations have not yielded significant results, hence threat of secession by some ethnic groups. The result of these threats in the country is the lack of harmony and/or cohesion in the polity, particularly in the areas of national identity and unity of purpose. Therefore, the main objective of the paper is to demonstrate that ethnic plurality does not necessarily negate democratic governance in a society. The study adopted the Consociational Democratic Theory to analyze the imperative for national unity cohesion, peace and harmony among the different ethnic nationalities under a democratic system of governance. The study used mainly secondary data, related to ethnic diversity/plurality, democratic governance and the politics of accommodation for harmonious national development. The study revealed that tension in the polity is attributable to the different ethnic groups struggle to capture and/or maintain state power for the benefit of mainly people from the leader’s ethnic group and/or region. This has increasingly made people of the different ethnic extractions clamour for “one of their own” to occupy the seat of power at federal, state and/or local government levels. The paper concluded that for Nigeria to make progress and achieve oneness of purpose under a democratic administration, there must be sincere accommodation of all ethnic groups in the governance process. The paper recommended, among other things, that leaders should live above ethnic biases in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities; there is a need to create sustainable national consciousness and identity among Nigerians in order to reduce ethnic rivalry in the country to the barest minimum.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Deinibiteim M. Harry (Ph.D), Samuel B. Kalagbor (Ph.D).
Page No : 83-95
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Electoral Violence and Political Instability in Nigeria: Implication for National Cohesion
Abstract
Nigeria had her first election in 1922 under the Clifford’s Constitution. Since then, under different dispensations, elections are held to fill various positions in both the legislative and executive arms of government. Elections in Nigeria are largely characterized with violence leading to loss of lives and wanton destruction of properties. Also, political parties are adorned with ethnic and regional colouration. Consequently, voters are largely ethnically and regionally biased in an attempt to put into office “one of their own.” This is the principal basis for the widespread electoral violence witnessed since independence in 1960. Successive governments have made frantic efforts to de-ethnicize and de-regionalize political contests and consequently achieve violence free and credible elections, particularly since the commencement of the Fourth Republic. These efforts have not achieved much in terms of stemming the occurrence of electoral violence. The corollary is fragmentation of the polity along ethno-religious and regional lines, thereby creating political instability and attendant inhibition of national cohesion since independence, six decades ago. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to show that electoral violence and the resultant political instability negatively affect national cohesion. The study adopted the State Compromise Paradigm to explain the need for sincerity among the political leaders of the different ethnic groups in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities in order to achieve national cohesion. The study relied mainly on secondary data focusing on political instability and weak national cohesion in the country. The study revealed that efforts at de-ethnicizing and de-regionalizing political contests as well as discouragement of violence in political contestation with ethno-religious bias had not yielded much positive results in the country. The paper concludes that unless and until electoral contestation in Nigeria is violence free, enduring political stability and national cohesion may remain unattainable. The study recommends, among other things, that state institutions should function for the benefit of all citizens, political leaders should avoid fanning the embers of ethnicity during elections and government should put in motion a sincere policy and programme for national cohesion.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Faruk Abdullahi.
Page No : 96-111
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Foreign Policy: Character of Nigeria’s President in Foreign Relationship (Case of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan)
Abstract
This piece of write-up is aimed at examining whether or not Nigeria’s foreign policy under former President Goodluck Jonathan contributed to improving the image of Nigeria globally. The study reveals that Nigeria’s foreign policy over the years has been greatly sabotaged by inconsistencies and ambiguities. The study also shows that more than external challenges, it is the internal challenges that are dampening Nigeria’s attainment of positive international image and national transformation. Some of those challenges include leadership crisis, corruption, insurgency and terrorism amongst others. It is therefore recommended that major reorganization of the foreign services, such that positions in the diplomatic corps and other key positions will no longer be politicized and the government should integrate professional international public relations practitioners in its interactions with the international community at large, in order to effectively boost the global image of Nigeria.
| 9 |
Author(s):
O.M. Oyeyipo.
Page No : 112-120
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Referral Counselling Method and Financial Counselling Method
Abstract
This study sought to reappraise the study Referral counselling method and financial counselling method among mothers in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study was purely a sampling and purposive sampling technique. The questionnaire called (SMCQ) was the instrument used for data collection. The instrument was subjected to face validity by one expert in Guidance and Counselling and two experts in measurement and evaluation in the Faculty of Education, University of Calabar. The reliability estimate of the instrument was established through the Cronbach Alfa reliability method. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was the statistical analysis technique adopted to test the hypotheses under study. All hypotheses were subjected to testing at .05 level of significance. The study showed that women whose referral counselling method was low were significantly different in their safe motherhood practices among women of reproductive age from those whose referral counselling method was either moderate or high. Also Women whose referral counselling method was moderate were significantly different from those who were high in safe motherhood practices among women of reproductive age.From the data analysis, the researcher found that: referral counselling methods andfinancial counselling methods significantly influence safe motherhood practices among women of reproductive age. The financial counselling method had a significant influence on safe motherhood practices among women of reproductive age, a post hoc analysis was employed using Fishers’ Least Significant Difference (LSD) multiple comparison analysis. Based on the findings of the study the researcher recommended among others that disrespectful treatment of mother would discourage them from taking counselling classes and practising safe motherhood and the researcher suggest that perhaps maternal referral counselling usage is low because of the delays mothers encounter in the facilities in the facilities they are referred.
Keywords: Referral counselling method and Financial counselling method, maternal Health, childbirth, Focused antenatal care
| 10 |
Author(s):
Ven. Ayodele Adeyinka Atowoju (Ph.D).
Page No : 121-132
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The Roles of the Church in Addressing the Conflicts Generated by Massive Influx of Fulani People into South-Western Nigeria
Abstract
Nigeria is home to over 380 ethnic groups, with over 500 languages, producing great cultural diversity and plurality. The largest ethnic groups include Hausa consisting 23%, Fulani constituting 6% of the population, Yoruba 21% and Igbo 19%. Every Nigerian is legitimated constitutionally to live and engage in lawful business and relationship anywhere in the country; however, recent expansionist tendencies of Fulani to virtually every city in Southern-Nigeria, has become inimical to territorial policies, security, religious, social and economic development. Fulani sporadic migration has generated violent clashes, causing death, property loss, disregard for civility, desecration of religious institutions and cultural values. Farmlands have been forcefully taken over; and schools turned grazing fields and residences. Ethnic and religious cleavages and inter-ethnic fears and tensions currently pervade Nigeria. Such fear of ethnic politicization bedeviled Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi to mention but a few. This paper is premised on Lewis Coser’s Social Conflict theory, which is defined as a struggle over values or claims to status, power, and scarce resources, in which the aims of conflicting parties are not just to gain desired values, but also to neutralize, injure or eliminate their rivals. Theological hermeneutics, historical and qualitative approaches were employed for data collection. The Church’s role in promoting peaceful co-existence has become critically imperative.
| 11 |
Author(s):
Ele Augustine Augustine, Dr. Nwekpa K. C., Sunday Isaac Eneh (Ph.D).
Page No : 133-163
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Application of TQM Practices on Organizational Performance: A Study of Lafarge Africa Plc. Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study evaluated the application of TQM practices on organizational performance of Lafarge Africa Plc. The specific objectives were to examine the extent to which top management commitment, customer focus, process/product design and training and education on quality are applied or implemented in producing quality products in order to enhance performance. The study employed survey research design. The population of the study was 463 respondents. The study used a structure questionnaire using 5 points Likert Scale of SA=5, A=4, U=3, D=2, and SD=1. The sample size was 210 respondents using Krejcie and Morgan Table of 1970 for sample size determination. Cronbach Alpha Coefficient was used to validate the reliability of the instrument with the coefficient index of 97%. Simple Linear Regression Model was employed to test the hypotheses using SPSS version 23.The study revealed that the application of top management commitment to quality has a positive and significant effects on organizational performance of Larfarge Africa Plc. Calabar, Cross River State. The study revealed that the application of customer focus has a positive and significant effect on organizational performance. The study also found that the application of process design on quality has a positive and significant effect on organizational performance. The study also revealed that the application of training and education of workers on quality has a positive and significant effect on organizational performance. The study recommended that the management of the organization should put in more efforts and commitment to quality issues and decisions in order to improve quality products and services continuously. The management should also ensure that quality of products are maintain based on customers specification and expectations in order to enhance organizational performance steadily. The management should design the product and production processes based on quality standards set or established by SON and NAFDAC in the system in order to improve performance steadily. The management of the organization should ensure that workers are regularly train and educated on quality issues in order to produce quality products on a continuous basis.
