Women Empowerment Perspective of Tourism Development at Idanre Hills, Ondo State, Nigeria

Tourism has established new opportunities for the female gender through generating and propagating independence and income, particularly in developing countries and rural communities. This study identifies socio-demographic characteristics, employment status and women  empowerment initiatives at Idanre Hills, Ondo State, Nigeria. The study employed the use of structured questionnaire targeted randomly at 120 women residents of Idanre community. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 21 and results were presented descriptively; through charts, percentage tables and inferentially; through chi square. Results indicated that majority of the women are within age group of 36-45 years (36.7%) and have secondary education (50.8%). Also, highest percentage of the women are not employed by the ministry of tourism (89.2%) while majority of the women employed are cleaners (46.67%). The women are majorly basic food sellers (38.3%) at the tourism destination and this forms their role in tourism activities there. Furthermore, there is a significant relationship between employment status and socio-demographic characteristics of the women (p<0.05). Women are presently under-utilized and underempowered and should be involved more in core tourism activities at Idanre Hills. Keywords: Employment, Empowerment, Gender, Tourism, Women

Tourists’ Choice For Tour Guides In Enhancing Site Experience At Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos State

The use of appropriate mechanisms for the interpretation and dissemination of information plays a fundamental role in improving the visitor’s experience. This study thus aimed to find out tourists’ preference for tour guides as well as their perception on the services of tour guides at Lekki Conservation Center, Lagos State. Well-structured questionnaire; purposively directed at 100 tourists were used to obtain primary data at the site. Data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially. Results revealed that the tourists preferred the use of tour guides over touring alone at the site and they were satisfied with the services of the tour guides. Results further revealed that tour guides interact well and answer questions raised during tours, the tour guides also make the site interesting through their good communication skills. Inferentially, there are statistical significant differences in the tourists’ perceived effectiveness of tour guides based on all their socio-demographic characteristics. This study concludes that tour guides are important in enhancing tourists’ satisfaction and their services should therefore be encouraged in tourism destinations globally

Aesthetic Attitude and Studio Ethics among Student of Ife Art School in Nigeria

Attitude is everything, and attitude in all societies is cultivated by responding positively or otherwise to ethics- sets of moral standards and principles guiding human operations and interactions. This paper discusses aesthetic attitude, art studio ethics, and responsiveness of art students to ethics and use/maintenance of studio facilities. Using the Fine and Applied Arts Department of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife as a template, the paper draws heavily on pedagogical art criticism and participant observation technique of art historical inquiry to establish the connectedness of aesthetic attitude, aesthetic experience and aesthetic standard, in relation to art training and artistic creativity. The study shows that an appreciable percentage of the students exhibited poor aesthetic attitude, which is traceable to a faulty (or imbalanced) visual aesthetic education provided within the context of Nigerian education curriculum. The study also reveals inadequate studio space, which constrains creativity and creative processes. The paper posits the grounding of visual art students in positive aesthetic attitude, maintenance culture and ethical behaviour to guarantee students’ holistic development as art professionals. It concludes that students’ attitude, with respect to art facilities and studio ethics, is a consequence of individual aesthetic education and experience; hence, it is behavioural. Keywords: Visual Art, Aesthetics, Art Studio, Aesthetic Attitude, Ethics DOI: 10.7176/ADS/101-04 Publication date:August 30th 202

Examining Motivation and Perception of Visitors at Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) in Nigeria

People are driven to take up various actions due to motivation. The study examined the motivation and perception of visitors as well as examining the future behavioural intentions of the visitors at Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC), Lagos state, Nigeria. The study employed self-administered questionnaire to obtain information from the visitors. Random sampling method was used to select a total of 200 visitors involved in the survey. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 21) and results were presented descriptively and inferentially. Results obtained indicated that attractions such as canopy walkway, games served as pullattractions for the visitors to the site while adventure, sightseeing, relaxation and rest were highly ranked as push-motivations for the visitors to the site. The visitors also perceived the site experience as a satisfactory one while affirming they would revisit and recommend the site to other. Chi square analysis revealed a significant relationship between visitors’ motivation and perception (p=0.000). The site posed minimal challenges for visitation and as such is a good place to visit as it affords visitors an entertaining and satisfactory experience. Motivation study is important for tourist sites to improve their competitiveness in the market as it facilitates improvement of visitors’ satisfaction

Assessment of Open Grown Trees Composition and Diversity in Selected Research Institutes in Peri-Urban Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria

Urban green spaces are rapidly deteriorating in most parts of Nigeria. The study assessed open grown trees composition and diversity in selected Research Institutes within Ibadan Region with the aim of comparing the ecological diversity in the study locations. This was achieved through species identification and mensuration of all open grown trees species that were accessible in the study areas. Open grown trees with Diameter at breast height ≥ 10cm were assessed for growth characteristics of total height and diameter at breast height. Basal area and volume were estimated from measured growth characteristics. Tree species were identified by a taxonomist at Federal Herbarium in Ibadan. Biodiversity indices of Shannon diversity index, species evenness and species dominance were computed to see variation in tree community of the areas. The Shannon diversity index calculated was higher in IITA with a value of 3.04 compared to that of CRIN with a value of 2.36. A dominance value of 0.15 and 0.05 was obtained for CRIN and IITA respectively. The study concludes that both institutes are repository of large diversity of tree species thereby, helping in the conservation of biodiversity while ameliorating weather. It is recommended that educational institutions from all levels located within the region as well as private organizations and individuals should plant trees within their domains in order to create conducive green environments that would promote sustainable environment in the region. This is possible when government provide adequate incentive and annual rewards for establishments with the best green environments

An Empirical Investigation into Urban Informal Tire Repair Service in Ilorin, Nigeria

The employment generation capacity of the formal sector comprising the public and organized private sectors in Nigeria is shrinking. The informal sector therefore offers a ray of hope for employment and earnings for urban unskilled and semi skilled labour. The promotion of informal sector activities by the government requires an insight into their mode of operation for better policy targeting. This paper therefore examines the operational characteristics, financing, training, employment and earnings, and challenges of tire repair business in Ilorin, Nigeria. The data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and phi coefficient. The study finds that tire repair provides employment and income for low skilled labour, most of whom are underemployed, earning about US$7.36 per day. The study finds that age, apprentice access and tire repair service index have significant association with earnings. About 92$ 7,36 américains par jour. L'étude constate que l'âge, l'apprenti et l'indice d'accès de service réparation de pneus ont une association significative avec les gains. Environ 92% des opérateurs provenant de leur financement pour les start-up capital du secteur financier informel. La formation informelle est requise par le régime d'apprentissage, qui est largement déficiente dans les questions de sécurité relatives à la notation des pneus, la charge maximale, la date d'expiration, résistance, etcL'écart de sécurité dans le schéma de formation des apprentis doit être comblé par la formation et de séminaire. Les agences d'appui au secteur informel devrait être remanié pour offrir des services de financement, techniques et de vulgarisation pour les opérateurs du secteur informel.Classification JEL: G29; O17; R41Mots clés: Secteur informel; Réparation de pneus; Fonctionnement; Emploi, Sécurité routièr

Barreras a la utilización de los servicios de salud mental en el sureste de Nigeria: las implicaciones de género

Ease of access to healthcare facilities was presented as a major factor in the use of healthcare services in developing countries, particularly Nigeria. Many interacting factors, including access, availability, gender referral practices, and help-seeking preferences, affect the use of mental healthcare services. Although there are studies on the use of mental health services, gender differentials have received little attention. Therefore, this study examined gender dimensions in the use of mental health services in South West, Nigeria, using triangulated qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The data were based on a cross-sectional community survey and four neuropsychiatric hospitals in Nigeria’s Ogun State. The sample was 967 randomly selected adults. Five in-depth interviews were conducted among caregivers of mentally ill persons (PLWMI) residing in the study area (those receiving treatment and those recovering). Using descriptive and inferential statistics, quantitative data were analyzed while content was analyzed. Results from this study showed that the respondents’ average age was 22.2 years. Of the total, 52.2 percent were female, while 45.8 percent were male. On the use of mental health services, 26.4 percent and 73.6 percent of male and female respondents, respectively, indicated that the use of mental health services was hampered by funding. From the study, it can be concluded that women are more intoned with the reality of their dependents’ disease condition as they bear more of both the financial (73.6 percent) and emotional burden of managing people living with mental illness (PLWMI).La facilidad de acceso a los centros de atención de salud se presentó como un factor importante en el uso de los servicios de atención sanitaria en los países en desarrollo, particularmente en Nigeria. Muchos factores que interactúan, incluido el acceso, la disponibilidad, las prácticas de referencia de género y las preferencias de búsqueda de ayuda, afectan el uso de los servicios de salud mental. Aunque existen estudios sobre el uso de los servicios de salud mental, las diferencias de género han recibido poca atención. Por lo tanto, este estudio examinó las dimensiones de género en el uso de los servicios de salud mental en el suroeste de Nigeria. Se utilizaron métodos triangulares de recopilación de datos cualitativos y cuantitativos. Los datos se basaron en una encuesta comunitaria transversal y en la información obtenida de cuatro hospitales neuropsiquiátricos en el estado de Ogun en Nigeria. Se seleccionaron aleatoriamente 967 adultos. Se realizaron cinco entrevistas en profundidad entre los cuidadores de personas con enfermedades mentales (PLWMI, por sus siglas en inglés) que residen en el área de estudio (las que reciben tratamiento y las que se recuperan). Utilizando estadísticas descriptivas e inferenciales, se analizaron datos cuantitativos mientras se analizó el contenido. Los resultados de este estudio mostraron que la edad promedio de los encuestados fue de 22.2 años. Del total, el 52.2% eran mujeres, mientras que el 45.8% eran hombres. En cuanto al uso de los servicios de salud mental, el 26.4% y el 73,6% de los hombres y mujeres encuestados indicaron que el uso de los servicios de salud mental se vio obstaculizado por la financiación. Del estudio, se puede concluir que las mujeres están más en sintonía con la realidad de la enfermedad de sus dependientes, ya que soportan más la carga financiera (73.6%) y emocional de manejar a las personas que viven con una enfermedad mental (PLWMI, por sus siglas en inglés)

Growth Performance of Tetrapleura Tetraptera (Schum and Thonn) Seedlings to Green Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer

The use, types and method of fertilizers for agricultural and forest plants should be sustainable, ecofriendly and natural to the environment. Application of green manure is being used nowadays for soil nutrient management, growth and plant yields because of their natural effects. This study investigated the use of green manure andinorganicfertilizer on the growth performance of Tetrapleura tetraptera. Topsoil, leucaenana leucoephala (leave powder) and inorganic fertilizer (NPK 15: 15:15) were used. The fertilizer were weighed and applied to the 5kg of soils at 0g, 10g and 20g each and were replicated six times. Growth parameters such as seedling heights, number of leaf and stem diameter were assessed weekly for aperiod of three months. The application leucaenana leucoephala’s leave powder as green manure showed significantly high effects on the growth parametersof Tetrapleura tetraptera seedlings at p ≤ 0.05. This study has shown the efficacy of leucaenana leucoephala’s leave powder as green manure for optimum growth of Tetrapleura tetraptera seedlings

Assessment of barriers to the implementation of blockchain technology in construction supply chain management in Nigeria

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to assess the barriers to the implementation of blockchain technology in construction supply chain management in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – This study employed a quantitative research approach through a questionnaire survey that was conducted among professionals in the Nigerian construction industry using the snowball sampling method, which resulted in a selection of 155 respondents. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), while Cronbach's alpha was used to assess the reliability. Findings – The analysis revealed that all barriers ranked above the average mean item score. It also revealed that all professionals have a convergent opinion on the barriers. EFA was used in clustering the identified barriers into two categories: technological and socio-political barrier. Research limitations/implications – This research was carried out in the Southwestern region which is one of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria using a cross-sectional survey method. Practical implications – The findings provide valuable insights into the barriers to the implementation of blockchain in supply chain management for professionals and practitioners in the Nigerian construction industry. Originality/value – The research categorised the barriers into technological and social-political barrier and identified that lack of digitalisation is the major barrier to the implementation of blockchain technology in construction supply chain

Women Empowerment Perspective of Tourism Development at Idanre Hills, Ondo State, Nigeria

Tourism has established new opportunities for the female gender through generating and propagating independence and income, particularly in developing countries and rural communities. This study identifies socio-demographic characteristics, employment status and women empowerment initiatives at Idanre Hills, Ondo State, Nigeria. The study employed the use of structured questionnaire targeted randomly at 120 women residents of Idanre community. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 21 and results were presented descriptively; through charts, percentage tables and inferentially; through chi square. Results indicated that majority of the women are within age group of 36-45 years (36.7%) and have secondary education (50.8%). Also, highest percentage of the women are not employed by the ministry of tourism (89.2%) while majority of the women employed are cleaners (46.67%). The women are majorly basic food sellers (38.3%) at the tourism destination and this forms their role in tourism activities there. Furthermore, there is a significant relationship between employment status and socio-demographic characteristics of the women (p<0.05). Women are presently under-utilized and under-empowered and should be involved more in core tourism activities at Idanre Hills