Oil Exploration and Ethnic Militia activities in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Before the discovery of oil in the Niger Delta region, agriculture was thedominant source of livelihood of the people in the region. The explorationand exploitation of crude oil has resulted in environmental degradation,contamination of soil and waters, pollution, loss of aquatic life and Biodiversity, etc. The above conditions have led to the emergence of EthnicMilitia who continues to struggle for the emancipation and development ofthe region. The activities of these militia groups have transformed from thestruggle for emancipation and development of the region to criminality in theoil rich region of Nigeria. The study is an attempt to show how the failure onthe part of the multinational corporations and the Federal Government tomitigate the consequences of their activities and develop the region given thefact that the region contributes a huge proportion of the National income ofthe Nigerian State has led to conflict in the region. This paper will alsodemonstrate how adequate mitigation measures and Development Projectsand Programme will help to reduce conflict in the region

Ethnic Militias and Criminality in the Niger-Delta

The proliferation of ethnic militia and their activities in Nigeria, particularlyin the Niger Delta region has moved from the closing of flow stations tokidnapping for ransom. The aim of these militia groups have changed fromasking for fairness and equity in the distribution of the wealth of the Nigerian state into a serious form of criminality especially the kidnapping of indigenes and expatriates for ransom. The activities of these groups have adverse economic and security implications for the region and the nation at large. It is against this background that this paper examined the activities of ethnic militia and the consequences of their activities for the Niger Delta Region. Finally, the paper proffered solutions to the continuing crisis of militancy in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria

Human Capability and Entrepreneurial Development in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

The paper sets out to explore the link existing between the entrepreneurial interventions and human capital development in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. In order to address the major problem of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, many successive governments in Nigeria have embarked on one entrepreneurship developmental program or the other. Unfortunately, all these government efforts have failed to yield a fruitful sustainable entrepreneurial development particularly among the Niger Delta region that are mainly the target of the programs. Past studies have attributed such failure to a range of factors such as infrastructure decay and deficiency leading to poor human development, lack of proper implementation of the master plan, lack of funds, inadequacy of the master plan etc. Although, the efforts of the past studies as well as that of the developmental agencies are commendable, however, they have failed to address one important issue which is the human capability aspect of the developmental program. Therefore, this paper explores the role of human capability approach on the effectiveness of the entrepreneurship development programs within the Niger Delta region context and the political influence with a view to proposing a framework to examine the relationship between human capability and effective entrepreneurship development programs

Assessment of Cardiovascular Changes among Indoor and Outdoor Cleaners in a Tertiary Institution in Delta State, South-South Nigeria

This study is aimed at assessing cardiovascular changes amongst indoor and outdoor cleaners in Delta State University, Abraka. A total of one hundred (100) cleaners were randomly selected for the study, comprising of fifty (50) indoor and fifty (50) outdoor cleaners. Data were collected and the digital sphygmomanometerwas used to measure blood pressure and pulse rate of subjects. Results obtained ranged from 93/73mmHg – 177/102mmHg, 62 – 102beats/min and 85/50- 139/90mmHg, 60- 107beats/min for indoor and outdoor cleaners respectively. The result showed that the mean blood pressure was higher in indoor cleaner than outdoor cleaners and the mean pulse rate of outdoor cleaners was higher than that of indoor. Also, age was positively correlated with pulse rate and systolic blood pressure while the duration of work per day was correlated negatively with blood pressure and pulse rate. The study has established that blood pressure was higher among indoor cleaner than outdoor cleaner, while pulse rate was higher among outdoor cleaner than indoor cleaners. The study has also strengthened the need for cleaners to put on protective devices to reduce exposure to air pollution and encourage cleaners to undergo regular medical check. Keywords: Assessment, cardiovascular changes, indoor and outdoor cleaner

Legal regulation of internal party democracy in Nigeria

The lack of internal democracy in many political parties in Nigeria has created a general loss of confidence in voters toward the electoral process and democratic consolidation. This paper examines the extent to which political parties have adhered to or deviated from the relevant Constitutional and electoral law provisions in Nigeria toward achieving internal democracy and how this has affected voters' attitudes and confidence in the electoral process and Nigerian democracy generally. To achieve this objective, the researchers utilize the doctrinal research method in examining the relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution on internal party democracy, the relevant Electoral laws, and judicial decisions. During the work, it is observed that political party leadership in Nigeria rarely heed the relevant constitutional provisions and laws on internal party affairs. The paper finds that judicial decisions concerning this issue have not followed a similar pattern, which has greatly eroded voters' confidence. It recommended a compelling need for the judiciary to follow legally valid precedents established in earlier judgments in deciding new cases arising from intra-party affairs, especially concerning the substitution of candidates

Head phenotypes based on cephalic index among Ukwuani people, in south-south Nigeria

Background: Head shape based on cephalic index has been used by anthropologists as a measure of classifying humans. Cephalic index is derived from head length and head width.Objective: To find out the dominant head phenotypes based on cephalic index inrelation to age.Design: A cross-sectional study.Setting: The Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, between February and September, 2011.Subjects: Six hundred and five people (grouped into 6-12 years, 13-19 years and 20 years and above) were recruited to participate the study.Results: The mean cephalic index at 6-12 years is 74.37 ± 3.09 (male=73.95 ± 2.93; female = 74.78 ± 3.20). At 13-19 years, the mean cephalic index is 74.71 ± 3.52 (male = 74.04 ± 3.35; females = 75.28 ± 3.57).The mean cephalic index at 20 years and above is 76.19 ± 3.26 (male=75.90 ± 3.32; females = 76.52 ± 3.23). The dominant head phenotype at 6-12 years is dolicocephalic including males and females. At 13-19 years head type is dolicocephalic; males and females are dolicocephalic and mesocephalic head type respectively. At 20 years and above, mesocephalic head type is dominant; males and females are dolicocephalic and mesocephalic head type respectively. Poor positive linear correlation exists between cephalic index and age. There is no significant difference between cephalic indices at 6-12 years and 13-19 years. There exist statistically significant differences between cephalic index at 20 years and above, and at 6-12 years and 13-19 years.Conclusion: This is relevant in anthropology and forensic science

Sociodemographic predictors of non-communicable diseases risk-related knowledge and behaviours: A cross-sectional study of in-school adolescents in a southern Nigerian State

Background: The adolescence period is a significant phase in development of non-communicable diseases. Public health interventions that reduce risky behaviours among adolescents are beneficial across the life course. This study assessed the level of NCDs’ risk-related knowledge, the prevalence of NCDs’ risk behaviour, and the sociodemographic predictors of NCDs’ risk-related knowledge and behaviours among in-school adolescents in a southern Nigerian State. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the NCDs’ risk-related knowledge and behaviours among a random multistage sample of 607 students age between 10 and 19 years. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPS questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential analyses of data collected were carried out using the IBM SPSS version 22 software. Results: The mean age of the students was 14.7 (SD = 1.52) years, 57.2% (n=347) of which were females, and 42.8% (n=260) were males. The proportion of students with good overall NCDs risk-related knowledge was 22.7% (n=138). Age, place of residence, family's socioeconomic status, and mother's level of education were significant sociodemographic predictors of good overall NCD risk-related knowledge. Among the students, 66.2% (n=402) self-report inadequate physical activity, 65.7% (n=399) self-report consumption of unhealthy diets, 29.2% (n = 177) self-report current alcohol use, and 3.3% (n = 20) self-report they were current cigarette smokers. Conclusion: A significant proportion of the surveyed students had poor overall NCDs risk-related knowledge and engaged in NCDs risk behaviours. The relevant stakeholders concern with prevention of NCDs in government and non-governmental organisations should target adolescents in NCD control strategies in the study setting

Prevalence and sociodemographic predictors of multiple non-communicable diseases risk behaviours among in-school adolescents in Delta State, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Background: NCDs risk behaviours are modifiable and particularly patterned during adolescence. This study assessed the prevalence and sociodemographic predictors of multiple NCDs risk behaviours among in-school adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the simultaneous occurrence of NCD risk behaviours among a random multistage sample of 607 participants. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was carried using the IBM SPSS version 22 software. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 14.7 (SD = 1.52) years. The prevalence of two and at least three co-occurring NCDs risk behaviours among the study participants 46.1 % (n=280) and 16.6 % (n = 101). Increasing age (AOR=1.84; 95% CI: 1.11 - 3.05), male sex (AOR=1.75; 95% CI: 1.28 - 2.82) and being an urban resident (AOR=1.41; 95% CI: 1.06 - 2.86) were predictors of at least three co-occurring NCDs risk behaviours. Conclusion: The prevalence of multiple NCDs risk behaviours was relatively high among the study participants. This calls for urgent implementation of interventions at all ecological levels that will equip in-school adolescents with the skills to adopt healthy lifestyles and choices

Drawing the Borderline- The Equidistant Principle or Equitable Solutions in the Delimitation of Maritime Boundaries

This is hinged on the availability of new technology notonly to delimit the continental shelf and other maritimezones, but also because the huge amount ofhydrocarbon and other mineral resources which hasbrought States to negotiate a leeway out of dispute, andsometimes failing agreement, have resorted to armstruggle. Whether in negotiating or, deciding whichprinciple to adopt in the delimitation of maritimeboundary, both States and the International Court ofJustice (ICJ), as well as the International Tribunal ofthe Law of the Seas (ITLOS) have had to grapple withthe principle suitable for delimitation of maritimeboundaries