Establishing the Nexus between Climate Change, Force Migration and Food Production/Security in Nigeria: Research Observations of Historian and Agriculturist

This research tries to interrogate the readiness of Third World countries for the challenges facing climate change, the consequences of this climate change will affect more than 200 million people which make fish resources severely reduced and other species migrate which makes inhabitant even more miserable. Coastal communities can also be displaced by rising sea levels and will be forced to find new housing and new livelihoods. This will pose new risks to food security, food security and human health. using a qualitative approach and historical research methods to find past experiences to solve this problem. This research results that most of the damage to the ecosystem is done by humans to survive without paying attention to environmental factors and we also find history. Experts have realized the importance of forests as an antidote to climate change, but the implementation in the field of protection is still lacking

Effect of processing methods on the chemical composition and functional properties of pigeon pea seed

Flour samples were prepared from raw, toasted, fermented and germinated pigeon pea seedds. The flours were analyzed for chemical composition, antinutrient contents and functional properties. The processing treatments had varied effects on the properties analyzed

Climate Change, Leadership Challenges and Food Security in Nigeria: A Historical Reflection

Climate change is a normal part of the Earth’s natural variability, which is related to interactions among the atmosphere, ocean, and land, as well as changes in the amount of solar radiation reaching the earth. This has been on for decades, but the rapidity at which it is occurring is what is alarming. This has in various ways affected agriculture and other related economic activities worldwide. In the case of Nigeria, the situation is alarming because of the neglect of the leadership to the early warning signs due to high level corruption and political rascality. The result is that while other countries have been able to experience the minimal effect through investment and control, Nigeria has been caught on aware, thus threatening not only food security, but human existence as well.  This paper (from a historians point of view) thus seeks to examine the relationship between Climate change, leadership challenges and food security in Nigeria as well as the way forward. Keywords: Climate Change, Global warming, Leadership Challenges, Food Security.

Quality evaluation of pulp powder and the developed functional jam from African locust bean fruit

The pulp powder was prepared from fruits of African locust bean tree and used to produce jam. The pulp and jam were analyzed for the chemical composition, physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties. The total soluble solids of the pulp and jam were 25.5 and 72.5 oBrix, respectively. The pulp had pH of 5.3, while the pH of the jam was 3.3. The jam had higher total titratable acidity than the pulp. The jam contained higher crude protein (3.16 %), crude fat (1.03%), ash (4.3%) and carbohydrate (76.044%) contents than the pulp. The crude protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate contents of the pulp were 2.86, 0.85, 2.93 and 68.81%, respectively. The energy content of the jam was also higher than that of the pulp. The flavonoids, carotenoids, tannins, oxalates, phytates, saponins and alkaloids contents of the jam were lower than those of the pulp. The total sugars, reducing sugars, glucose, fructose and sucrose contents of the pulp were 7.7, 10.7, 5. 5, 4.8 and 5.8%, respectively, while those of the jam were 75.5, 47.6, 20.3, 30.3 and 21.68%, respectively. The vitamins B1, B2 and C contents of the pulp were 122, 35 and 35 mg/100g, respectively and decreased to 113, 10.2 and 22mg/100g, respectively, in the jam. The citric acid increased from 12.9 in the pulp to 15.6mg/100gin the jam. The P, K, Mg, Cu, Zn and Ca contents of the jam were higher than those of the pulp, while the Na and Fe contents of the pulp were higher than those of the jam. The total plate counts of the pulp and the pulp jam were 4.0 x104 and 1.2 x 101, respectively. The yeast and mould counts of pulp were 2.4 x104, while that of the jam was 0.3 x 101. The commercial plum jam was rated higher than the pulp jam for all the sensory attributes assessed except spreadability and overall acceptability

Reaffirming a Nations Hijacked Future through the Ballot Box: X-Raying Nigerias Political Landscape since Circa 1999 AD

Since independence in 1960 and the emergence of the military into the Nigerian political terrain in 1966 the woes of the country have been blamed on the military After long period of military dictatorship in Nigeria the advent of democratic rule through the ballot box elections in 1999 brought with it some rays of hope to the general populace who had believed that the country is on the verge of saving a future especially of the youths which was hijacked by the administration of the dictatorial rule of the Khaki boys and selected political godsons However political events in the last decade since 1999 has shown that rather than liberating the people that voted them into power through the ballot boxes activities of the politicians political parties and their cohorts militicians seems to reaffirmed that the future of the country and her citizens especially the youths and resources have been hijacked This has been exhibited in the wide spread cases of corruption rigged elections electoral violence and killings as well as general state of insecurity that has pervaded the nation s landscape This paper using historical methodology seeks to examine the relationship between the political activities in Nigeria including the conduct of elections and electoral process political class since 1999 and national developmen

In Defence of God and Religion: A Historical Analysis of Killings in God’s Name in Nigeria since c. 1980 A.D.

Religious violence, championed by some religious sects, have been a major threat to national security in Nigeria since the 1980. Some of these includes: Maitatsine crisis in Kano, 1980, Bullum-Kutu 1982, Maiduguri 1982, Yola, 1984, Ilorin 1984, Bauchi 1984, Ilorin 1987, Kano 1984, Kafanchan 1987, Zuru 1980, Birnin Kebbi 1990, Katsina 1991, Tafawa Balewa 1991, Kano 1991, Jalingo 1992, Kaduna Polytechnic 1992, Kasuwar Magani (Kaduna) 1994, Gure Kahugu 1987, Kafanchan 1987, 1999, Kaduna since 1987,  Jos 2001, Kano 2001 (against the US decision to invade Afghanistan in 2001), Tafawa Balewa (since 2000), Nasarawa 2001, the Danish Cartoon  incidence 2005,Jos since 2001, Damaturu, 2011, Boko Haram siege since 2009 among others.  This most often has led to reprisal attacks in other parts of the country. The reason put forward by some of these sects for such violence is that they are doing it in defense of God and the sanctity of their religion. The result has always been the destruction of lives and properties, with the major religions in the country (Christianity and Islam) bearing huge casualty. This paper therefore seeks to carry out a historical analysis of destructions of lives and properties carried out in the name of God in Nigeria since c.1980. Keywords:  God, Religion, Religious Violence, Nigeri

Emerging Religious Movements And Their Implications In African History And Heritage

Africa has often been referred to as the Home of Civilization. This reference is based on the fact that most of the continent evidences how man has, over time, interacted meaningful with his environment to produce all that he needs to make history. Archaeological remains in Egypt have shed light on this development as far as Africa is concern. Other remains found particularly in central Eastern Africa have been widely recognized such that the area is now widely accepted as the origin of humans and the Hominidae clade (great apes). This is evidenced by the discovery of the earliest hominids and their ancestors, as well as later ones that have been dated to around seven million years ago. These later ones include Sahelanthropus tchadensis, Australopithecus africanus, A. afarensis, Homo erectus, H. habilis, and H. ergaster, with the earliest Homo sapiens (modern human) found in Ethiopia dating far back to circa 200,000 years ago. Now, this rich historical heritage is being threatened by the emergence of some religious movements in Africa. The reason for this is that these religions see the preservation of these relics as idolatry and unacceptable. Data obtained from primary and secondary sources were deployed to carry out the study, and the study was carried out with an analytical and narrative historical method. Findings indicate that while the European world continue to beg for the preservation of these artifacts and in some cases preserve these artifacts and relics in their museums, the emerging groups continue to target these historical artifacts for destruction. This paper argues that this trend is unhealthy for the development of history and preservation of the continent’s heritage. Furthermore, it asserts that once this wanton destruction is not checked, there is a high possibility that in the nearest future, nothing would be left to study in African history

Historicizing Ethnic Politics and its Impact on Nation Building and Nationalism in Nigeria in the 21st Century

In 1960, when the country gained independence from colonial Britain, analysts had predicted rapid development especially as it relates to national integration, economic sufficiency and viable leadership role at the regional and sub regional level. It was indeed this hope (coupled with the abundance of human and natural resources) that earned the country the name Giant of Africa. However, almost fifty two years after, it is clear that Nigeria is  far from attaining the much expected goal, as the country is still wrapped up in series of crises ranging from ethnic agitation for local autonomy, group struggle for self determination/self government, plundering of the nation’s treasury by a few individual to outright attempt by militia groups(claiming to represent the various ethnic nationalities) to eliminate other groups by use of force and other weapons of destruction (this started with kidnapping and vandalization of pipelines  and cables in the Niger Delta area with the most recent revolving around the activities of the Boko Haram group in the northern part of the country).  All these have led to scholars questioning the genuineness of the supposed unity with which the country fought and gained independence, while some others have simply described it as symptoms of failed state. The argument therefore is that although it is believed in most quarters that there was actually a united force which agitated for independence, but the ethnic politics which the major actors played in the course of the struggle as well as their activities immediately after independence is impacting on nation building and nationalism in post colonial Nigeria. Even after independence (especially periods when the country seems to be faced with issues that threatened her national unity, various government both military and civilian have introduced programs and policies meant to instill civic nationalism in Nigeria. Some of these examples includes state creation efforts which were partly meant to break ethnic hegemony; the National Youth Services Corps scheme meant to foster national unity and integration after the civil war; the introduction and practice of Multi-party system which was meant to break ethnic politics as well as the two party system of the military administration in the 1980’s, which also focused on attaining political party unification in Nigeria. These and many other wonderful programs and policies  have been introduced by governments in Nigeria, yet they all failed middle way achieving party unification, national unity/ integration and instilling civic nationalism in Nigeria . This paper employing the historical methodology and quantitative analysis is thus an attempt at historicizing ethnic politics in the struggle for independence, deeply examine how and why the various programs and policies of the government since independence (with particular reference to the National Youth Services Corps scheme and the political party system have failed to  work as well as  instill civic nationalism in Nigeria, its impact on nation building and nationalism in the 21st Century Nigeria and the way forward. Keywords: Nigeria, Ethnic Politics, Nationalism

Trade and Commerce along the Niger: The Igala and the Development of Egga (River Bank) Trade/ Commerce in Southwestern Bank of the River Niger

Trade and  Commerce remains  an important aspect of   human civilization. Over centuries it has led to the free flow and exchange of goods, technology, cultural exchange and idea. In some other cases, the emergence of human society  has been associated with activities associated with trade and Commerce. This is because in the cause and course of exchange, people associate free with one another, during which ideas and values are transferred and absorbed.  This is the role the trade  at the bank of the river Niger played in the history of the  settlements which presently occupy and traded along the along bank specially among Edo, Igala and Igbo  people and their neigbhours from time immemorial in the Nigerian territory. This paper using historical methodology  attempt to examine the contribution of the river Niger in the development of  trade at the bank of the Niger and how this has led to the spread and development of societies and Civilization in the area(with specific reference to the Kwa linguistic  group/ people and their  neigbhours. Keywords: Trade, Commerce, Egga, River Nige

The Place of Students and Workers Activism in Politics

History has revealed that overtime Students and Workers through their activism have played a significant role in politics as they have acted as checks in any political dispensation that is against the common interest. This is because while the proletariats (workers) produce the wealth plundered by those in authority, the students form the literati, on whose shoulders rest the conscience of the society. It was in line with this mandate that in the 19thCentury, Russian students were at the forefront of the struggle against the Czars"™ exploitative and dictatorial social system. Similarly, Chinese students constituted the most active groups in the fight against feudalism and Japanese colonization. In the 1960s, students took up arms in opposition to inhumane Western consumer societies and their exploitation and repression of the poor, black and yellow races. Also, American students were actively involved in the civil right movements, especially in the Southern parts. Under the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) they created a climate of opinion about the Vietnam War which the American people could not ignore. In Africa, outbursts in Mali, Zaire, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria and South Africa have shown students and workers as an important factor in decolonization politics. This is because the oppressive policies of the state have most often further impoverish them both physically and psychologically. However, with the attainment of Independence, this role has been crippled by the forces which they paper intends to interrogate. Data obtained from primary and secondary sources were deployed to carry out the study with an analytical and narrative historical method. Findings indicate that oppressive politics has been the major factor that stimulated their role in politics especially during the decolonization process and that in the neocolonial state, emerging forces and policies of the government are directed at destroying this role. Keywords: Workers, Students, Governance, Politic