Existing literature has examined Yoruba customary land tenure from historical, legal, socio-economic, gender, and planning lenses. However, these rarely brought these perspectives together into a single account of how the same customary institutions resulted in protection and exclusion simultaneously. This paper addresses that gap, historically analysing how historical evolution, customs, social organisation, economics, politics, and social status of Yoruba communities shaped their customary land tenure system, and examining the contemporary legal, socio-economic, and physical development implications of that history. Drawing on documented analysis of historical, legal, and socio-economic literature, this paper traces settlement, kinship, and political history in Yoruba societies and shows how they are closely associated with a layered tenure system administered through the Oba, chiefs, and family heads, before examining how custom, social organisation, economic activity, political authority, and social status each shaped access to land. It analyses the implications of this history for land administration and dispute resolution, household livelihood and inequality, and architecture and physical planning, illustrated through a short case study of Ibadan. This paper finds that Yoruba customary tenure was never just a purely economic institution but reflects the society that produced it, continuing to shape land administration, livelihood, and the built environment today. It also argues, against a purely functionalist reading of the paper, that the discretionary authority underlying customary tenure has historically produced exclusion, particularly along lines of gender and migrant status, as often as protection. Its commercialisation has made secure land title itself a source of contemporary inequality. The paper concludes that sustainable land administration in Yoruba communities requires integrating customary institutions with statutory and socio-economic policy frameworks, and offers recommendations for land administration, dispute resolution, livelihood protection, and planning practice. Read more

This study examines Nigeria-Benin socio-economic ties vis-à-vis the prevailing kidnapping, banditry in Nigeria, in order to ascertain whether Nigeria-Benin socio-economic ties account for the deteriorating nature of national security in Nigeria, leading to incessant kidnapping and banditry in the country. The study is guided by a research question: Does Nigeria-Benin socio-economic ties account for kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria, 2015-2021?. The study adopted Neo-functionalism theory of integration as its blue-print of understanding. We raised a hypothesis that: Nigeria-Benin socio-economic ties accounted for kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria, 2015-2021. The study adopted content analysis for the purpose of analysing the documented materials generated through secondary source of data collection. Therefore, we recommended among other things the establishment of joint border task-force or patrol team for proper monitoring of the borders in order to curb the high incidence of trans-border crimes which thrives the proliferation of SALW in Nigeria. The establishment of border communities policing outfits (border community vigilante) whose monitoring responsibility complement the security agents at both the borders and within the bordering communities Read more

This study investigates the role of research and innovation in driving socio-economic development in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, and identifies the core challenges limiting its effectiveness. Globally, research and innovation are recognized as critical engines for development, fostering a complementary relationship between idea formulation and practical application to solve societal problems. In Bayelsa State, which is rich in resources but faces high rates of poverty, unemployment, and infrastructural decay, research and innovation are positioned as key mechanisms for transformation, capable of improving sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and public service delivery. Employing a descriptive survey design and thematic analysis of data gathered through key informant interviews from academics, researchers, and innovators in the state, the findings reveal that the impact of research and innovation is significantly constrained. The major obstacles identified are inadequate funding for tertiary institutions and research activities, the severe lack of supporting infrastructure (such as reliable electricity and internet), and a pervasive absence of political will and supportive policies from the government. To harness the state's potential, the study recommends strategic interventions, including supportive government policies, increased funding for research institutes, enhanced collaboration between the private and educational sectors, and the creation of specialized institutes to guide research activities toward localized developmental needs. Read more

This study examines the interrelationship between economic transformation and financial literacy, as well as their collective influence on the development of human capital in Africa. Utilizing a quantitative research methodology, the analysis incorporated data obtained from sources including the World Development Indicators (WDI) and the United Nations (UN), encompassing the timeframe from 2003 to 2024. The Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) was utilized as the estimation technique to mitigate potential endogeneity and to ensure the robustness of the findings. The findings underscore that although economic transformation plays a crucial role in the advancement of human capital, its complete potential is only actualized when it is accompanied by extensive financial literacy. Financial literacy enhances individuals' ability to make informed decisions, thereby magnifying the advantages of economic growth. The policy implications of the study underscore the necessity of incorporating financial literacy into educational curricula, advocating for the advancement of inclusive economic policies, and utilizing technology to enhance access to financial education. Future research endeavors should investigate the regional disparities in the effects of financial literacy, the significance of digital financial inclusion, and the interaction between governance and the development of human capital within the African context. Read more

This study investigates the intertwined socio-economic impacts of climate change and entrenched poverty in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research examines how climate change exacerbates existing poverty vulnerabilities, leading to decreased crop yields, reduced water availability, increased health risks, and heightened economic insecurity. The research found that climate change disproportionately affects the poorest households with limited adaptive capacity. Farmers and livestock owners face severe challenges due to unpredictable rainfall, increased temperatures, pest infestations, and declining land productivity, directly impacting income and food security. Water scarcity intensifies existing resource conflicts and further marginalises impoverished communities. The study also reveals a rise in heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases, and malnutrition, which compound the health burdens already faced by impoverished populations. These findings underscore the urgent need for climate change adaptation strategies that explicitly address poverty, including targeted social protection programs, improved access to resources and technology for vulnerable households, and strengthened public health systems. Read more

This research explored the determinants of rice consumption in households in Delta State, Nigeria. Information was gathered from 120 individuals through a structured survey that utilized a multistage sampling approach. Descriptive data analysis including frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and 4-point Likert scale were utilized, with additional inferential statistics like multiple regression model. The results showed that the respondents had an average age of 39 years old. It was discovered that the majority of the participants, totaling 65%, were female. Additionally, it was reported that 71.67% of the participants were married. Respondents on average had 5 years of farming experience. The majority of participants were discovered to have reading and writing skills. Respondents reported an average household size of 4 individuals. It was observed that the average farm size among respondents was 0.83 hectares. The average monthly consumption of local rice was 11.83 kg. Age, education, household size, government policy, cleanliness, aroma, and availability were all factors that had a positive impact on local rice consumption, while income and the price of rice were factors that had a negative impact on it. Major obstacles to local rice consumption consisted of expensive prices, rivalry from imported rice, a preference for imported rice, restricted availability, and poor consumer knowledge. Suggestions to increase the consumption of local rice involved prohibiting the entry of foreign rice, enhancing the packaging and promotion of local rice, and guaranteeing its accessibility. To increase local rice consumption, it is advised that the government tighten restrictions on importing foreign rice. Read more

This study examined the socio-economic implication of displacement on children in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. It specifically identified the concerns of children in the IDP camps in Guma LGA of Benue state; ascertained the various agencies addressing these concerns and, investigated and prioritized the identified concerns of these children to proffer the needs assessment to address these. This is undertaken given that in the aftermath of farmers' and herders' conflicts, children bore the brunt of the disruptive effects of the upheavals that undermined their survival rights. The study adopted a survey method that sourced primary data through the use of a structured questionnaire and employed descriptive statistics for analysis. The findings indicate that there are unaccompanied children in the camp who are not catered for. There is inadequate medical care for the children, raising concerns about malnutrition, infectious diseases, safe delivery, and infant mortality. School drop-out is also a concern as it leads to the risk of child labour, poor skills development, and vices. The study recommended that a proper record of all internally displaced persons across all indices of demographic and socioeconomic data should be taken for adequate planning and logistics. There should be effective psychological treatment for the children to help their psycho-social integration with the larger society. Access to medical care should be improved for the children and education services should be all-encompassing for the children to eradicate the school drop-out rate. Read more

Election postponement has gradually crept into the political lexicon and is fast becoming a tradition in Nigeria’s electoral process that has sequentially marred the conduct of elections in the country as evident in 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 general elections among others. This has raised serious concerns as to the integrity of the electoral process and the preparedness of INEC to conduct free, fair and credible elections in the country. The essence of this paper was to assessed the trends and socio-economic effects of election postponements and its impacts on Nigeria’s electoral process. The paper is historical and descriptive in nature and utilized relevant data obtained wholly from documentary sources which were analysed within the context of structural functional theory. From the analysis, it was gleaned that the electoral umpire has not learned from its previous sloppy preparations and mistakes, despite significant condemnation from Nigerians across political divides. Moreover, the paper established that security challenges, logistics inadequacies and court verdict contributed to the postponement of elections, which resulted in severe socio-economic losses for the voting public, electoral commission, political parties, security agencies, election observers, and media outlets. Accordingly, the paper recommended, among others, that the government and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s electoral process should work to ensure that adequate pre-emptive measures are put in place in advance of future elections. Again, the Electoral Act 2022 should be amended to provide for electronic registration and voting, to accommodate Nigerians in diaspora. Read more

Buffalo is the most neglected species of large ruminant, despite contributing safe and sustainable milk and meat production in Bangladesh. A survey was conducted at five unions of Shahjadpur upazilla under Sirajganj district which is called the milk pocket area in Bangladesh. The objective of the survey was to find out the socio-economic condition of buffalo farmers in these areas. Prior to conducting the survey work from February to June 2024, a questionnaire was designed and pre-tested. SPSS software was used to statistically analyze the collected data. The results revealed that majority (84%) of buffalo farmers were male and mostly (72%) practiced by middle aged (30-45years). Education level of farmers had no schooling (12%), primary (50%), secondary (22%), higher secondary (16%) and graduation (0%), respectively. In the survey area, majority (76%) of the farmers reared young male (1.5 to 2 years) buffalo of for fattening. Additionally, 72% farmers raised buffaloes with intensive system and rest 28% with semi-intensive. The involvement of respondents in farming, business and others were 84, 8% and 8%, respectively. Most (60%) of the farmers dewormed their buffalo regularly but only 28% practiced regular vaccination. The main factors limiting buffalo production in the study locations were high price of concentrate feed (88%), lack of pond for wallowing (70%), lack of improved dairy buffalo breeds (60%), lack of green fodder (30%), unavailability of lank loan (18%) and training facility (24%). The net income from fattening one buffalo per half yearly was BDT 26713. It indicates that rearing buffaloes for fattening purpose in the selected areas was profitable. Read more

The article discusses the timeless narrative of the Book of Ruth, specifically verses 1:1-5, and explores its relevance to the contemporary phenomenon of youth migration in Nigeria. It examines the socio-economic and cultural factors driving youth migration by drawing parallels between the journey of Elimelech and his family and the experiences of young Nigerians seeking better opportunities outside their homeland. It reveals the challenges Nigerian youth face as they go through the terrain of migration, including the search for economic stability, the pursuit of education, and escape from conflict and instability. Moreover, the article reflects on the themes of resilience, faith, and community support depicted in Na’omi’s story and their applicability to the struggles encountered by modern-day migrants. The paper employs an analytical method that combines sociological observations with biblical interpretation to analyse the dynamics behind youth mobility in Nigeria. For young people to flourish in their communities, it highlights how crucial it is to address the underlying reasons for migration, implement inclusive development policies, and promote a positive atmosphere. Finally, the paper advocates for a comprehensive strategy based on proactive intervention, empathy, and solidarity to combat youth migration. Read more