Appraisal of Budgeting and Economic Growth in Nigeria

Federal government of Nigeria budgeted huge sum of money for transport infrastructures and health sector every year. Despite the fund earmarked for transport infrastructures and health sector, Nigerian roads are in bad positions while some roads are death traps and inadequate health facilities bedevil our hospitals.  Therefore, this study examines effect of federal government budget on transport infrastructures and health sector on economic growth of Nigeria. The study used ex-post facto design and collected data through secondary source. The study covers Federal Government of Nigeria budgets for the period of 1999 to 2017. The study observed that government spending on transportation infrastructure does not significantly affect economic growth while spending on health has significant effect on economic growth. The study recommends among others that all health agencies within health sectors and other stakeholders should be involved in budget implementation to ensure efficient use of money meant for the sector

Modelling White Shrimp (Nematopalaemon hastatus) Value Chain Using Combined SWOT and AHP

The objective of this study is to model white shrimp (Nematopalaemon hastatus) value chains in the Coastal areas ofOndo State, Nigeria using a strength, weakness, opportunities and threat (SWOT) analysis in combination with an analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Nineteen (19) participants in the value chain comprised of shrimpers, processors, marketers, consumers, fishery managers, and resource economists identified and prioritized the SWOT factors at each stage of the N. hastatus value chain including shrimping (fishery), processing, marketing, and the consumption level. The results provide the base for recommendations for policy and research in Nigeria and other developing nations aimed at ensuring sustainable shrimping, efficient processing and marketing as well as improvements in consumers’ awareness and satisfaction through the development of standards and sustainable operation procedures for fishery, the development of cheaper and safer processing technology, the modernization of markets, and thedevelopment of value‐added shrimp products

Maize Farmers’ Knowledge and Management of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frupigerda) in Southwest Nigeria

This study investigated maize farmers’ knowledge, control methods, and perception of the invasive and highly destructive insect pest, fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in southwest Nigeria. A four-stage sampling procedure was employed in selecting 195 maize farmers in the study area. Data were obtained with the aid of structured questionnaire and analysed using percentages, means, standard deviations, and chi-square test. The majority (88.7%) of respondents observed fall armyworm attack within two months after sowing, only 30.8% of them reported total damage to maize plants by fall armyworm. Most (75.9%) of the respondents could describe the destructive larval stage of fall armyworm, 58.5% of respondents exclusively applied synthetic insecticides for fall armyworm management. The most common insecticides used by respondents were organophosphates (37.2%), pyrethroids (29.0%) and avermectins (18.2%). Perception of fall armyworm damage as a serious and worrisome problem was very high (4.82) amongst maize farmers. Strong and significant association (χ2 = 41.3) was found between farmers’ agroecological zones and the severity of fall armyworm damage reported. Integrated pest management approach is a sustainable alternative to the sole use of insecticides and should be promoted. Information provided in the study will enhance decision-making for fall armyworm management interventions in southwest Nigeri

HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF CHRYSOPHYLLUM ALBIDUM AGAINST CARBON TETRACHLORIDE INDUCED HEPATIC DAMAGE IN RATS

The leaf extract of Chrysophyllum albidum was studied for hepatoprotective activity against rats with induced liver damage by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The rats were divided into five groups of eight rats per group. Animals of group A served as normal and were given only vehicle (distilled water) for 7 days. Animals of group B (positive control) were administered with vehicle on the first four days, and with the vehicle and CCl4 on the fifth, sixth and seventh day. The animals of groups C, D and E were respectively administered with 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg of extract & distilled water for the first four days, and with distilled water, extract and CCl4 on the last three days. Animals were subsequently anaesthetized and blood samples were collected for alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, total protein and albumin assays; liver organ was isolated and processed for histopathological studies. The results showed that the levels of AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin were significantly higher in rats treated with CCl4 indicating liver injury, while these parameters were reduced significantly (p < 0.05) after treatment of rats with the extract. The hepatoprotective activity of C. albidum was also supported by histopathological studies of liver tissue. The liver tissue of rats in the group treated with CCl4 showed marked centrilobular fatty degeneration and necrosis while the groups treated with plant extract showed signs of protection against this toxicant as evidenced by the absence of necrosis

The role of health service delivery networks in achieving universal health coverage in Africa

Most countries in Africa are faced with health system problems that vary from one to the next. Countries with a low Human Development Index (HDI) seem to be more prone to challenges in health service delivery. To mark its 70th anniversary on World Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) selected the theme “Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Everyone, Everywhere” and the slogan “Health for All. ”UHC refers to ensuring that all people have access to needed health services (including prevention, promotion, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliation) of sufficient quality to be effective while also ensuring that the use of these services does not expose the user to financial hardship. UHC is a WHO’s priority objective. Most governments have made it their major goal. This paper provides a perspective on the challenges of achieving UHC in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It also endeavors to spotlight the successful models of Health Service Delivery Networks (HSDNs) that make significant strides in making progress towards achieving UHC. HSDNs propose models that facilitate the attainment of affordability and accessibility while maintaining quality in delivering health services. Additionally, it brings up to speed the challenges associated with setting up HSDNs in health systems in SSA. It then makes propositions of what measures and strategic approaches should be implemented to strengthen HSDNs in SSA. This paper further argues that UHC is not only technically feasible but it is also attainable if countries embrace HSDNs in SSA

The role of health service delivery networks in achieving universal health coverage in Africa

Most countries in Africa are faced with health system problems that vary from one to the next. Countries with a low Human Development Index (HDI) seem to be more prone to challenges in health service delivery. To mark its 70th anniversary on World Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) selected the theme “Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Everyone, Everywhere” and the slogan “Health for All. ”UHC refers to ensuring that all people have access to needed health services (including prevention, promotion, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliation) of sufficient quality to be effective while also ensuring that the use of these services does not expose the user to financial hardship. UHC is a WHO’s priority objective. Most governments have made it their major goal. This paper provides a perspective on the challenges of achieving UHC in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It also endeavors to spotlight the successful models of Health Service Delivery Networks (HSDNs) that make significant strides in making progress towards achieving UHC. HSDNs propose models that facilitate the attainment of affordability and accessibility while maintaining quality in delivering health services. Additionally, it brings up to speed the challenges associated with setting up HSDNs in health systems in SSA. It then makes propositions of what measures and strategic approaches should be implemented to strengthen HSDNs in SSA. This paper further argues that UHC is not only technically feasible but it is also attainable if countries embrace HSDNs in SSA

Postharvest Handling Methods, Processes and Practices for Pepper

Pepper belongs to the family Solanaceae. It is cultivated for its pungency, flavor, color, taste, export potential, capsaicin and oleoresin content. It is classified as sweet or hot pepper, depending on the capsaicin content of the fruit. World pepper production was around 3.5 million tons between 2009 and 2019, with 35% from Vietnam as the largest producer and exporter, followed by India and Indonesia. Vietnam pepper production increased progressively by 12.4% in 2014. The country was the major producer, followed by Brazil, Indonesia and India. To enhance adequate supply of pepper fruits and stabilize its soaring price, there must be efficient postharvest handling, processing and preservation methods compatible with the socio-economic and cultural practices of the producer. Data showed that improper postharvest handling of pepper results in huge postharvest losses. With this, handling must be a crucial part of an integrated systematic approach to maintaining the final product’s quality

Phytochemical analysis of Ficus thonningii: A qualitative study

This study assessed the phytochemical contents of the aqueous, ethanol, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the fruit, leaves, root, and stem of F. thonningii at selected concentrations. The contents of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, volatile oils, phenols and flavonoids were determined qualitatively in these extracts at selected concentrations. The results obtained showed that alkaloids are present in the leaves, roots and stem barks of Ficus thonningii. The volatile oil is found in the stem bark, root bark, and fruit (aqueous only) of the plant. Saponin is found to be concentrated in all the extracts of the plant. Phenol is found to be concentrated in the fruit of the plant. Its presence is also confirmed in the leaves (at few concentrations) and present in trace amount in the stem bark. Tannin is found in the fruit, root bark and leaves of Ficus thonningii.  Flavonoids are found in all the parts of Ficus thonningii. The variety of phytochemicals confirmed in the fruit, leaves, stem, and root barks of Ficus thonningii show that the plant is pharmacologically active

Antioxidant activities of the leaves of Chrysophyllum Albidum G.

Chrysophyllum albidum G. is a tropical plant and commonly found in Nigeria. It belongs to the sapotaceae family and used in folklore in the treatment of yellow fever, malaria, diarrhea, vaginal and dermatological infections. The study was aimed at investigating the antioxidant properties of this plant by employing the in vitro and in vivo experimental models. The effect of DPPH free radical scavenging activity on the fractions of petroleum ether, ethanol, butanol, ethylacetate, and water of C. albidum was determined. The ethyl acetate fraction was purified in colunm chromatography to obtain myricetin rhamnoside. Structure elucidation was done by NMR and mass spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, ethanol extract was administered to five groups of eight rats per group. The animals in the normal group were administered with vehicle alone for 7 days. The positive control animals were given vehicle on the first four days, and with the vehicle and hepatotoxin (CCl4) on the fifth, sixth and seventh day. The animals in the treatment category were respectively administered with 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg b.w. of extract &amp; distilled water for the first four days, and with distilled water, extract and CCl4 on the last three days. Animals were subsequently anaesthetized and blood samples were collected for catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced gluthathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) assays. The petroleum ether fraction showed the least antiradical activity (4057.5 ± 809.6 g/kg) while ethyl ether exhibited the highest activity (414.4 ± 92.0 g/kg). Myricetin rhamnoside also exhibited an excellent radical scavenging activity (314.1 ± 60.2) which was comparable to the positive control. Result from animal study showed that C. albidum exhibited significant (p &lt; 0.05) differences on the activity of CAT, MDA and GSH. The plant could therefore be employed as sources of natural antioxidant boosters and for the treatment of some oxidative stress disorders in which free radicals are implicated

Experts Evaluation of Flex Billboard On Study Technology for Teaching and Learning

There is a need for a method that will shift the attention to the learners, while the lecturers play the role of facilitator of learning. One of the methods that can promote this learning style is Study Technology. Study technology is a student-centered learning technique that helps the learner to study successfully by providing solutions to all barriers encountered in the process of studying. This study investigated experts’ Evaluation of flex billboard on study technology for teaching and learning. The findings established that the flex billboard is efficient to create an awareness on study technology and it can be operated without the use of electric power supply. It was however recommended that curriculum planner should include in its curriculum, orientation programmer for the pupils on study technology as this will aid or enhance learning process