The African court on human and peoples’ rights: a test of African notions of human rights and justice

Doctor Legum - LLDThe African Court on Human and Peoples’ Right (the Court) is the most recent of the three regional Human Rights Bodies. Envisioned by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Right, its structures was not planned until the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) promulgated a protocol for its creation in 1998. The Court complements the protective mandate of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (‘The Commission’) and the Court has the competence to take final and binding decisions on human rights violations. Unlike its European and inter-American versions where their courts are integral parts of the cardinal instrument of the system ab initio, the establishment of the African Court was merely an afterthought. At the initial, protection of rights rested solely with the Commission upon African justice system which emphasises reconciliation as it is non-confrontational method of settlements of. The Commission is a quasi-judicial body modelled after the United Nations Human Right Committee without binding powers and with only limited functions covering examination of State reports, communications alleging violations and interpreting the Charter at the request of a State, the OAU or any organisation recognised by the OAU. The thesis answers the question whether the adoption of the African Court means that the African model of enforcing human rights has failed or whether having the Court constitute a concession to the triumph of the western model of law enforcement. The imperative of the 30th Ordinary Session of the OAU in 1994 where the creation of an African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights was viewed as the best way of protecting human rights across the region would be treated. The relevance of such an examination is highlighted by the fact that the African Charter did not make any provision for the establishment of a Court to enforce the rights guaranteed thereunder. If we are to assume that justice by reconciliation has failed and should be replaced by or complimented with justice by adjudication as the primary means of conflict resolution, what guarantees are there that the latter form of justice will not also fail? This thesis therefore will critically evaluate the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and assessed its potential impact on the African human rights system. It will also probe the power of the Court and see whether a clear and mutually reinforcing division of labour between it and the African Commission can be developed to promote and protect human rights on the continent. This research brings to focus an area that requires attention if the African human rights regime is to be effective. It put to test the criticism against the African Charter and the Protocol to the African Charter on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and also identified the present existing flaws in the African regional system. Furthermore, it ascertained whether or not, given the availability of other options, a regional Court is, in fact, the ideal mechanism for the protection of human rights in Africa

Awareness of 3D Printing for Sustainable Construction in an Emerging Economy

3D printing has been popular in the manufacturing industry as a means of automating processes, speeding up production, and reducing waste. It is frequently seen as a relatively new technology, even though it has been in use for more than three decades. This article aims to analyse 3D printing awareness in an emerging economy towards sustainability in the construction industry. A survey research design was used to obtain primary data from the respondents using structured questionnaires. The sample frame for the research survey comprises professionals in construction and consultancy firms such as architects, quantity surveyors, projects managers, and engineers. Mean item score, standard deviation, and factor analysis were used to analyse the data. The findings from this study show that majority of the professionals acknowledged that they were aware of the existence of 3D printing, but most of them attested that they had not utilized this technology before the survey. The study reveals that the professionals in the construction industry of the emerging economy have low awareness of 3D printing technology, therefore its practices in the construction industry of the study area are significantly low. More awareness of 3D printing technology should be raised by bodies shouldered with management and regulation of the construction industry to increase professionals' awareness and enlighten them on the benefits of adopting the technology towards sustainable construction

Perinatal Mortality in a Northwestern Nigerian City: A Wake up Call

Background: In Nigeria, of the over 900,000 children under the age of 5 years that die every year, perinatal mortality is responsible for a little over 20%. Previous reports are largely from the southern part of the country. This is the first report of perinatal data from the northwest of Nigeria. Methods: A case control study of perinatal deaths in the three major public hospitals in Katsina metropolis was carried out to determine the pattern of perinatal deaths in the metropolis. Data were collected over a 6 week period on maternal socio-demographic, antenatal, and delivery variables. Data were similarly obtained on neonatal profile and morbidities. Results: There were 143 perinatal deaths (94 stillbirths and 49 early neonatal deaths) out of 1104 live and stillbirths during the study period. The perinatal mortality rate was thus 130 per 1000 births with a stillbirth rate of 85 per 1000 births and an early neonatal mortality rate of 49 per 1000 live births. Stillbirths during the intrapartum period were twice as frequent as macerated stillbirths (2:1). Maternal factors significantly associated with perinatal deaths included chorioamnionitis, ruptured uterus, multiple gestation, medically induced delivery, prolonged labor, unbooked pregnancies, antepartum hemorrhage, and prolonged rupture of membranes. Antepartum hemorrhage was the strongest determinant of perinatal death. Significant neonatal determinants were multiple gestation, severe birth asphyxia, apnea, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Apnea was the strongest neonatal determinant. The majority (83.2%) of perinatal deaths were due to severe perinatal asphyxia (SPA) (54.5%), normally formed macerated stillbirths (20.3%), and immaturity (8.4%). Conclusion: In conclusion, Perinatal Mortality in Katsina metropolis in northwest Nigeria is unacceptably high as we approach the timeline for the millennium development goals. Antepartum hemorrhage and SPA are major determinants

Toeplitz Determinants for a Subclass of Analytic Functions

A new subclass of analytic functions that generalizes some known subclasses of analytic functions was defined and investigated. The bounds for Toeplitz determinants of T2(2), T2(3), T3(1) and T3(2) were obtained

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Right: A test of African notions of human rights and justice

Doctor Legum - LLDThe African Court on Human and Peoples’ Right (the Court) is the most recent of the three regional Human Rights Bodies. Envisioned by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Right, its structures was not planned until the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) promulgated a protocol for its creation in 1998. The Court complements the protective mandate of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (‘The Commission’) and the Court has the competence to take final and binding decisions on human rights violations. Unlike its European and inter-American versions where their courts are integral parts of the cardinal instrument of the system ab initio, the establishment of the African Court was merely an afterthought. At the initial, protection of rights rested solely with the Commission upon African justice system which emphasises reconciliation as it is non-confrontational method of settlements of. The Commission is a quasi-judicial body modelled after the United Nations Human Right Committee without binding powers and with only limited functions covering examination of State reports, communications alleging violations and interpreting the Charter at the request of a State, the OAU or any organisation recognised by the OAU. The thesis answers the question whether the adoption of the African Court means that the African model of enforcing human rights has failed or whether having the Court constitute a concession to the triumph of the western model of law enforcement. The imperative of the 30th Ordinary Session of the OAU in 1994 where the creation of an African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights was viewed as the best way of protecting human rights across the region would be treated. The relevance of such an examination is highlighted by the fact that the African Charter did not make any provision for the establishment of a Court to enforce the rights guaranteed thereunder. If we are to assume that justice by reconciliation has failed and should be replaced by or complimented with justice by adjudication as the primary means of conflict resolution, what guarantees are there that the latter form of justice will not also fail? This thesis therefore will critically evaluate the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and assessed its potential impact on the African human rights system. It will also probe the power of the Court and see whether a clear and mutually reinforcing division of labour between it and the African Commission can be developed to promote and protect human rights on the continent. This research brings to focus an area that requires attention if the African human rights regime is to be effective. It put to test the criticism against the African Charter and the Protocol to the African Charter on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and also identified the present existing flaws in the African regional system. Furthermore, it ascertained whether or not, given the availability of other options, a regional Court is, in fact, the ideal mechanism for the protection of human rights in Africa

Determination of External and Internal Hazard Indices from Naturally Occurring Radionuclide in Rock, Sediment and Building Samples collected from Sikiti, Southwestern Nigeria.

A study of natural radioactivity of Rock, Sediment, and Building samples collected from different areas of Sikiti settlement, in southwestern Nigeria was carried out via gamma-ray spectrometry, using NaI (Tl) detector. The mean Activity concentration of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th in Rock samples was 935.05 ± 702.08 BqKg-1, 3.04 ± 5.44 BqKg-1 and 271.69±301.04 BqKg-1 respectively. Mean Activity concentration of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th in Building samples was 426.95±129.19 BqKg-1, 28.15 ± 16.93 BqKg-1 and 107.30±23.83 BqKg-1 respectively, while Sediments samples had 426.03±137.50 BqKg-1, 28.52±10.03 BqKg-1 and 30.32±15.35 BqKg-1 concentrations respectively. The external and internal hazard indices for rock samples were above permissible limit (i.e. >1). Also the external and internal hazard indices for sediment and building material samples were below permissible limit (i.e. <1). Therefore, rocks, sediments, and building materials found in Sikiti settlement may be used by farmers, miners and residents of the area with a lot of caution, to prevent radiation exposure which may result from long term cumulative effect. Keywords: rock, sediment, clay, building materials, activity concentration, internal hazard index, external hazard index, radiation exposure, sikiti, oyo stat

Awareness and Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening among Women in an Urban Area in Southwestern Nigeria

Introduction: Cancer of the cervix is the commonest cause of cancer death in women worldwide. This study assessed the awareness level and pattern of utilization of cervical cancer screening test among women of different professions in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used and respondents were selected from four different professions. Results: About 40% of respondents had heard of cervical cancer prior to the survey and only 40.5% were aware of cervical screening tests. Among those who were aware of the screening tests, 16% had ever utilized cervical cancer screening tests. Conclusion: This study established low cervical cancer awareness level and low utilization rate of cervical cancer screening among respondents. Therefore, there is need for sustained and concerted community health awareness most importantly at the grassroots in order to increase awareness and utilization rate of cervical cancer screening among the sampled populace

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax in a term neonate

Pneumothorax is a rare but recognized cause of respiratory distress in the newborn. It can occur spontaneously or post-traumatic.We report our experience in a term male neonate who had primary spontaneous pneumothorax. He had no surgical intervention but completely recovered with conservative management and supplemental oxygen

Infection prevention and control (IPC) at a Lassa fever treatment center before and after the implementation of an intensive IPC program

Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) programs are important to control the Lassa Fever (LF) outbreak. We reported IPC's status at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, southwest Nigeria, before and after implementing the IPC program during a surge in the LF outbreak. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal observational study among five health care professionals at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, between February 2019 and May 2019 using the IPC Assessment Framework (IPCAF). The tool has eight core components with a score of 0-100 per component and provided a baseline assessment of the IPC program and evaluation after three months. We interviewed relevant unit heads and IPC committee members in the first phase. In the second phase, we designed and implemented the IPC program, and in the third phase, we conducted a repeat interview similar to the first phase. The program initiated included training healthcare workers and providing relevant IPC items according to identified gaps and available funding. Results: We interviewed five health care professionals, two female nurses, and three male doctors responsible for organizing and implementing IPC activities at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, with an in-depth understanding of IPC activities.  The overall IPC level score increased from 318.5 at baseline to 545 at three months later. IPC improvements were reported in all the components, with IPC education and training [baseline (20), final (70)], IPC guidelines [baseline (50), final (92.5)] and monitoring/audits of IPC practices and feedback [baseline (40), final (82.5)] recording the highest improvements. Healthcare-associated infection [baseline (10), final (25)], and built environment, materials, and equipment for IPC [baseline (43.5), final (55)] had the least improvement. Poor motivation to adopt recommended changes among hospital staff were major issues preventing improvements. Conclusion: Promotion of IPC program and activities should be implemented at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.   References World Health Organization, WHO. Lassa fever. Available from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/lassa-fever/#tab=tab_1. [Accessed on 11 October 2020] Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. Lassa fever. Available from: https://ncdc.gov.ng/diseases/factsheet/47. [Accessed on 11 October 2020]. World Health Organization, WHO. Lassa fever. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lassa-fever. [Accessed on 11 October 2020]. Ijarotimi IT, Ilesanmi OS, Aderinwale A, Abiodun-Adewusi O, Okon IM. Knowledge of Lassa fever and use of infection prevention and control facilities among health care workers during Lassa fever outbreak in Ondo state, Nigeria. Pan Afr Med J. 2018; 30:1-13. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2018.30.56.13125 Mateer EJ, Huang C, Shehu NY, Paessler S. Lassa fever–induced sensorineural hearing loss: A neglected public health and social burden. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2018;12(2):1-11. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006187 Ijarotimi I., Oladejo J., Nasidi A, Jegede O. Lassa fever in the State Specialist Hospital Akure, Nigeria: Case report, Contact tracing and outcome of hospital contacts. Int J Infect Trop Dis. 2016;3(1):20-28. https://doi.org/10.14194/ijitd.3.1.4 Ireye F, Ejiyere H, Aigbiremolen AO, Famiyesin OE, Rowland-Udoh EA, Ogeyemhe CO, Okudo I, Onimisi AB. Knowledge, attitude and infection prevention and control practices regarding Lassa fever among healthcare workers in Edo State, Nigeria. Int J Prev Treat. 2019;8(1):21-27. https://doi.org/10.5923/j.ijpt.20190801.03 World Health Organization. Infection prevention and control assessment framework at the facility level. 2018; 2016:1-15. Available from: https://www.who.int/infection-prevention/tools/core-components/IPCAF-facility.PDF?ua=1 [Accessed on 11 October 2020]. World Health Organization, WHO. Communicable disease surveillance and response systems - Guide to monitoring and evaluating. Epidemic and pandemic alert and response. Published online 2006:90. doi: rr5305a1 [pii] Ousman K, Kabego L, Talisuna A, Diaz J, Mbuyi J, Houndjo B, et al. The impact of Infection Prevention and control (IPC) bundle implementation on IPC compliance during the Ebola virus outbreak in Mbandaka/Democratic Republic of the Congo: A before and after design. BMJ Open. 2019;9(9):1-6. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029717 Nzinga J, Mbindyo P, Mbaabu L, Warira A, English M. Documenting the experiences of health workers expected to implement guidelines during an intervention study in Kenyan hospitals. Implement Sci. 2009;4(1):1-9. https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-4-44. Ataiyero Y, Dyson J, Graham M. Barriers to hand hygiene practices among health care workers in sub-Saharan African countries: A narrative review. Am J Infect Control. 2019 May;47(5):565-573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2018.09.014. Gilbert GL, Kerridge I. The politics and ethics of hospital infection prevention and control: a qualitative case study of senior clinicians’ perceptions of professional and cultural factors that influence doctors’ attitudes and practices in a large Australian hospital. BMC Health Serv Res. 2019; 19(212). https://doi.org/1186/s12913-019-4044-y. &nbsp

Profit Analysis of Fish Farming Enterprises in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria

Understanding the role of fish culture enterprises in our economy is critical for designing agricultural policies to increase productivity and enhance economic growth and to reduce poverty. The research investigated profit analysis of culture fish enterprises in Ikenne Local Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. This was achieved through random selection of 100 respondents. The method of analysis used was descriptive analysis to determine the socio economic characteristics of the fish farmers; budgetary analysis and profitability ratios was applied to examine profit level of the fish farmers. The results showed that 46% were men and 54% were women. Majority of the respondents (52%) were married and 48% were in the single category. It also revealed that farmers had at least primary education. 62% of the respondents had about less than 5 years experiences in the business, majority of farmers started their business with their own personal savings. The budgetary analysis shows that the gross margin of N50, 153,780 (125,384.45. Dollars) of the farmers and a net farm income of N49, 632, 580 (124,081.45. Dollars) of the respondents, which indicates that fish farming is profitable to the farmers in the study area. It was concluded that the venture is profitable to farmers, and it was recommended that young people mostly male should be encouraged to practice fish farming, and also involve in carrying out research on fish farming as this may help in solving the problem of food security and food sufficiency