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Author(s):
Dr. Ele Augustine Augustine, Omini Patricia Ettah, Dr. Mbam John Nwuguru, Samuel Abdullahi, Ekpoto Egbe Ezeta.
Page No : 1-20
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Critical Factors Responsible for Low Corporate Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Cross River State, Nigeria
Abstract
With the rapid expansion of unemployment rates is alarming and devastating problem that merited an urgent and eminent attention in Cross River State. The small and medium scale enterprises can be employed as a mechanism or internal strategy to salvage the alarming growth rates of unemployment in our society. But it is impossible for the SMEs to do this more effectively and efficiently due to some critical factors affecting the corporate performance of the small and medium scale enterprises in the system. The low corporate performance of SMEs is attributed to some critical factors or bottlenecks such as difficulty in accessing micro-finances, inadequate management, and lack of experience, market competition, and many other problems. Therefore, this study examined critical factors responsible for low corporate performance of SMEs in Cross River State. Survey design was used in this study. The population of the study was six hundred and fifty-three (653) of small and medium scale enterprises in the area. The sample size was 248 using Taro Yamane formula. The hypotheses formulated were tested using Simple Linear Regression Analysis Model using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 20). The study revealed that different obstacles such as inadequate funding and poor capital outlay; lack of easy access to funding/credit facilities; lack of infrastructural facilities; poor management expertise, etc. do significantly affect the corporate performance and growth as well as development of small and medium scale enterprises in Cross River State. It also revealed that the level of corporate performance (productivity) of small and medium scale enterprises significantly affect the growth and development of the area. It was recommended that the operators, owners and management should take a concerted effort in considering the various factors/problems associated and encountered by small and medium scale enterprises and profound possible solutions to it, in order to enhance the growth and corporate performance of SMEs in Cross River State. The government should also establish a well-equipped entrepreneurial programmes and provide funds/grants for small and medium scale enterprises operators in order to boost the economic development of the state.
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Author(s):
Okechukwu Felix Nwachukwu (Ph.D).
Page No : 21-30
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Inter-Religious Dialogue in Nigeria: Problems and Necessities
Abstract
Inter-religious dialogue has gained prominence in Nigeria against the milieu of cultural and religious plurality as well as several other issues of violence, vandalism, killings and majorly the disruption of peaceful co-existence of the numerous ethnic groups in the country. The complication of diverse faith, beliefs, traditions, culture, language and mainly the threat of religious fundamentalism and extremism, thus brought about many ugly flashpoints and situations in many areas across Nigeria. This study seeks to unearth the significance and need for commitment of the various stakeholders towards addressing the challenges occasioned by this plurality of religious faiths in terms of the efforts required from religious organizations, traditional institutions, government and non-governmental organizations including Christian organizations and Muslim groups. Since religion plays a great role in the politics, social and security of lives of Nigerians as a nation, there can therefore be no sustainable peace among people of this great nation without constant dialogue among them, hence the necessity for this study. This work employed the use of primary and secondary sources in gathering of information. The paper identified a lot of challenges and issues bothering on intolerance, existing conflict of interest, injustice, inequity, superiority of one religious group over the other, while advocating for the removal of entrenched misconceptions and hatred. The paper encouraged for more understanding, mutuality and peaceful co-existence.
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Author(s):
Ahmed Usman Egye.
Page No : 31-42
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Impact of Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) on Election Integrity in Nasarawa State
Abstract
The election umpire sought to improve election integrity in Nigeria with the introduction of the bimodal voters' accreditation system replaced the earlier Card Reader, which was only intended to identify and recommend voters on election day. BVAS was designed as a game changer since it could identify, authenticate, and validate prospective voters to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in the country. However, the outcome of elections nationwide and the pending litigations on election fraud and integrity are contemporary discourses among scholars and citizens. Therefore, this study examines the impact of the bimodal voters’ accreditation system on election integrity in Nasarawa State, Nigeria with a specific focus on the 2023 general election. This study adopted a descriptive research design, primary data were collected through a self-structured questionnaire and interview guide to elicit information from the respondents. The study utilised technology theory as the theoretical framework for the study. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used to select a sample size of ninety (90) respondents for questionnaire administration. The findings of the study revealed that the bimodal voters' accreditation system has eradicated overvoting/double voting, increased public participation in the electoral process, enhanced the public level of trust and confidence in the electoral process and improved electoral transparency and integrity in the study area. The study concluded that though the bimodal accreditation system has helped improve the electoral system, however, there is a need to improve its effectiveness to prevent loopholes. The study recommends among others, the need for the autonomy of electoral umpires to prevent political meddling.
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Author(s):
Tadios Chisango, Tafadzwa C. Matewe, Wilberforce Kurevakwesu , Shelton Tafadzwa Jacob.
Page No : 43-60
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Psycho-social experiences of community health workers during the Covid 19 epidemic at Edith Operman, Mbare in Zimbabwe.
Abstract
This study explores the experiences of community health workers at Edith Operman Clinic, Mbare in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative research methodology was used, together with a phenomenological research design. The target population comprised fifteen CHWs and five trainers of trainers, selected through purposive sampling. The study found that CHWs faced challenges such as stigma, transport problems, limited personal protective equipment, and fear of infection. The CHWs employed different coping mechanisms such as support from friends, family, and peers, listening to music, watching television, praying, and using home remedies. The study recommends that psychosocial interventions be put in place to take care of the CHWs, especially during pandemics like COVID-19.
