Studies on Heavy Metal Accumulation in Plant, Insect and Soil in a Public Dumpsite in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

Studies on heavy metals’ accumulation in plants, insects and soil was carried out in a municipal dumpsite located in Ado-Ekiti. The concentrations of five heavy metals, cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu) in the samples was evaluated for the bio-assessment of environmental heavy metal pollution. The concentration of heavy metals in the plants, soil and grasshoppers from the waste dumpsite in Ado-Ekiti was found to be proportional in the order Cu > Co > Ni >Pb>Cd. It was noticed that Lead and Cadmium were undetected in all the samples of soil, insect and plant screened hence suggesting no immediate threat of poisoning. However, there were considerable levels of Copper, Nickel and Cobalt in the plants, insects and soil with the soil having the highest amount of cobalt and the grasshopper having high amounts of copper detected. Heavy metal pollution of the environment, even at low levels, and their resultant long-term amassed health effects are among the leading public health concerns all over the world. This study therefore recommends the prevention of any form of farming on dumpsite soils, wastes’ segregation at the point of generation and the use of geo-synthetic clay liners as protectors so as to prevent leachate percolation into underground soils

Effectiveness of road safety education in Nigeria using a quasi-experimental trial: Findings from the Road Safety Intervention Project

Road traffic injuries pose a serious public health problem worldwide, especially in low-income countries. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a post-license road safety education intervention programme in terms of increased knowledge and self-reported behaviour among commercial minibus drivers in Lagos, Nigeria. This was a quasi-experimental study conducted in three phases. Participating motor parks (selected by simple random sampling) were assigned to either the intervention or control group. All eligible minibus drivers were included with no matching. Data analysis was done with Epi-info version 3.5.1. Comparison was done in terms of group driver education versus no education, and pre- versus post-intervention. Out of an estimated 500 male drivers, 407 participated in the study. Most had some form of formal education. For both groups, pre-intervention knowledge scores were poor but improved significantly post-intervention in the intervention group. None of the drivers in the intervention group had good scores but this increased to 66,1% post-intervention. Their mean score increased from 34,4 ± 9,1 to 72,3 ± 10,2. Adherence to speed limits did not improve. The control group showed no significant changes. Post-license road safety education significantly improved knowledge but not self-reported adherence to speed limits. Similar, sustainable programmes should be offered to improve commercial drivers’ poor knowledge. Further studies are needed to determine deterrent factors to behaviour change.Keywords: road safety, intervention, commercial drivers, Nigeri

Street vended foods in Nigeria: An analysis of the current state of affairs and the way forward

AbstractThis review article focuses on the safety of street-vended foods (SVFs) in Nigeria, a cultural phenomenon that has become a major source of income and nutrition for many, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite their popularity, SVFs have been associated with unsanitary practices and public health risks due to inadequate monitoring by government agencies and limited coverage in the National food safety policy documents. In this review, we examine the challenges faced by SVFs in Nigeria and recommend better collaboration between food safety stakeholders and the government to address these issues. We also suggest the passage of the Food Safety and Quality Bill (FSQB) as a solution to the gaps in the regulation of street foods and institutional reform of food safety management through the establishment of a National Food Safety Commission. By implementing these recommendations, we can ensure the safety of street-vended foods in Nigeria

The Need for Nigeria to Embrace the Hygiene Rating Scheme

Foodborne diseases pose a primary global health concern, affecting people across high- and low-income countries, with the less privileged often suffering the most. This research proposes the adoption of a Hygiene Rating Scheme (HRS) to help customers make informed decisions about where and what to eat. The scheme has already demonstrated success in countries such as the United States, Northern Ireland, Wales, and England in reducing the risk of foodborne diseases. This article highlights the significance of Nigeria embracing the HRS and its potential to combat foodborne diseases. Adopting the scheme will incentivize food business owners to improve their sanitary conditions and food quality by implementing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). The scheme’s transparent inspection results make it easier for customers to choose higher-rated outlets, reducing the cost of disease outbreaks and promoting public health. In conclusion, the HRS provides a practical solution to addressing the issue of foodborne diseases and promoting food safety