Governmental Agencies and Reintegration of Returnees in Nigeria: Strategies of Recovery

The study examined the strategies put in place by the governmental agencies for the reintegration of Nigerian returnees from Libya. Primary and secondary data were utilized for the study. Primary data were collected through the administration of questionnaires and interviews. The study population (10,369) comprised the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA, 34), National Agency against Trafficking in Persons and other related crime (NAPTIP, 108), International Organisation for Migration (IOM, 34), Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM, 15) and Nigeria returnees (10,180) from Libya. The sample for the study was made up of 399 respondents. The distribution is as follows: NEMA (17), NAPTIP (54), IOM (16), NiDCOM (15), and returnees (297). Secondary data will be obtained from decision extracts of the agencies on matters relating to the subject matter, conciliation meetings, and internet sources. Data collected were analysed using frequency, distribution, percentage, and Chi-square. The study showed that vocational training strategies (x2= 3.11); loan facilities for the returned migrants ( x2= 3.32); provision for psychological strategies for the returnees (x2 = 3.22) are some of the strategies available which are put in place by governmental agencies for the reintegration of the returnees. Furthermore, the result of the Chi square analysis showed that the x2 cal (9.2) is greater than x2tab (5.99), hence, the rejection of the null hypothesis. Hence, the study found a significant relationship between governmental agencies’ strategies and returnees’ reintegration. The study concluded that governmental agencies strategies have effect on the reintegration the returnees

MICRO-ORGANISMS ASSOCIATED WITH SMOKED PRAWN (Macrobranchium spp.) IN SELECTED MARKET LOCATIONS IN ABEOKUTA METROPOLIS OF OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

This study is aimed at isolating and characterizing micro-organisms of Macrobranchium spp. gotten from markets in Abeokuta. Twelve different samples of whole smoked prawns (Macrobranchium spp.) were purchased from two different locations each in six major markets (Itoku, Omida, Iberekodo, Lafenwa, Panseke and Olomore) within the Abeokuta metropolis in Ogun State. Their microbial load was analyzed using Mac-Conkey agar (MA), Deoxycholate citrate agar (DCA), Nutrient agar (NA), and Mannitol salt agar (MSA) for bacteria isolation while Potato Dextrose agar (PDA) was used to isolate the fungi in the microbiology laboratory of the department of Microbiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Staphylococcus aureus and Citrobacter spp (22.22% each) dominated the samples while the fungal specie that occurred most frequently in the samples was Aspergillus niger (31.03%). The total bacterial counts for all the samples ranged from 9x102 to 1.0x103 cfu/g and fungal count were between 21%-90% in terms of frequency of occurrence. These microorganisms cause food spoilage and poisoning and the occurrence of such microorganisms may be as a result unhygienic handling of prawns during processing as some of the microorganisms may be post-harvest contaminants. Adequate cooking could help in reducing microorganism of smoked prawn.Â

Geology and Geochemistry of Iroko-Granites Southwestern Nigeria: Implication on Provenance

The geology, geochemistry of Iroko-granites have been studied and reported in this paper. The study area has been described as of Archaean-EarlyProterozoic terrain underlain by migmatite-gneiss-quartzite complex with supracustal rocks. Large number of granites which outcrops in Iroko-Ekiti represent a typical occurrence of granitoids sporadically distributed in thebasement and are known to belong to the Older Granite suites, which are attributable to the Pan-African Orogeny (750± 150Ma). The rocks occur,mostly as flat and low lying within sparse vegetation. Structures common on and around the outcrops include quartz vein, veinlets, pegmatite dykes which trend North-south, discrete exfoliated surfaces and xenoliths of older rocks. This study reveals that the granites belong to calc-alkalic suites,demonstrate metaluminous nature, and exhibit characteristics of I-type granites. The granite is a distinctive type in that it is relatively highly potassic, has high FeO/(FeO + MgO) ratio, and high average Zr (299.75ppm)concentration with other high field strength elements. The trace elements study implicates pronounced fractional crystallization during evolution of the granites and thus petrogenetically discriminates as Syn-collision provenance

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF TROPICAL BIOFUELLED FISH SMOKING STRUCTURES

Environmental and hygienic concerns associated with traditional fish smoking structures restrict the sale and consumption of smoked products to local markets. This study evaluated the performance of three(improved kiln oven (IKO), mud-type ovens (MTO) and extended drum ovens (EDO)) locally available Biofuelledfish smoking structures and proposed modifications to improve product quality.Three groups of prepared freshwater catfish (Clarias gariepinus) with average live weights of 1.93 kg±46 g, 1.92 kg±50 g and 1.86 kg±50 g was used as test samples. Smoking profiles, final moisture content (FMC), smoking time, smoking temperatures, percentage weight loss (WL) and organoleptic evaluation (ORE) were the performance indicators used during evaluatio

Socioeconomic inequalities and family planning utilization among female adolescents in urban slums in Nigeria

Background/statement of problem: Family planning (FP) utilization is important for preventing unwanted pregnancy and achieving optimal reproductive health. However, the modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) among women of childbearing age is still low in many low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), particularly in Nigeria, despite interventions to increase access and utilization. The low mCPR has been associated with a high prevalence of unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion, sexually transmitted infections such as HIV/AIDS, and high maternal and infant mortality in LMIC. Despite existing studies associating high family planning utilization to urban settings relative to the rural areas, the socioeconomic inequality in urban settings, especially among adolescents in urban slums has been given less research attention. This study examines the role of socioeconomic inequality on family planning utilization among female adolescents of various ethnic backgrounds in urban slums in Nigeria. Methods: The study utilized data from the Adolescent Childbearing Survey (2019). A total sample of 2,035 female adolescents of ages 14-19 years who were not pregnant at the time of the study and were resident in selected slums. Associations between socioeconomic inequalities-measured by wealth index, social status, and education-and modern contraceptive use were examined using relative and slope inequality indices, and logistic regression models. Results: The results show that only 15% of the female adolescents in the North, and 19% in the South reported modern contraceptive use. While wealth index and education were important predictors of FP use among adolescents in southern urban slums, only education was important in the North. However, the relative and slope inequality indices further indicate that adolescents with no education and those in the lowest social status group use much fewer contraceptives compared to their counterparts with higher wealth and social statuses. Those with secondary/higher education and the highest social status group, respectively, were more disadvantaged in terms of FP utilization (Education: RII = 1.86, p < 0.05; 95% C.I. = 1.02-2.71; Social Status: RII = 1.97, p < 0.05; 95% C.I. = 1.26-2.68) with results showing a more marked level of disparity when disaggregated by North and South. Conclusion: The persistent socioeconomic inequalities among female adolescents in Nigeria, especially those in the urban slums, have continued to limit their utilization. Policy measure in education, communication and subsidized contraceptives should be intensified for vulnerable female adolescents in the slums

ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES AND INHIBITORY EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF STRUCHIUM SPARGANOPHORA (EWURO ODO) LEAF ON α - AMYLASE AND α – GLUCOSIDASE ACTIVITIES

Recent studies have shown that vegetables consumption could lower the risk of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the inhibitory effect of Struchium sparganophora (Ewuro Odo) leaf on key enzyme linked to type-2 diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) as well as assessing the effect of blanching (a commonly practiced food processing technique) of this leafy vegetable on these key enzymes. Fresh leaves of Struchium sparganophora were blanched in hot water for 10 minutes, and the 70% ethanolic extracts of the fresh and blanched vegetables were prepared and used for subsequent analysis. The antioxidant properties and interaction of the extracts on α - amylase and α - glucosidase activities was determined in vitro. The result revealed that Struchium sparganophora leaf scavenged DPPH free radical and also inhibited α - amylase and α - glucosidase activities in a dose dependent manner (0.05 -0.2 mg/ml). However, blanching of this leafy vegetables caused a significant (

Complete Genome Sequence of Ochrobactrum haematophilum FI11154, Isolated from Kunu-Zaki, a Nigerian Millet-Based Fermented Food

Ochrobactrum haematophilum FI11154 was isolated from kunu-zaki, a Nigerian traditional fermented millet-based food. Here, we present the first complete genome sequence of this species. The genome consists of five replicons and contains genes related to iron uptake and phosphatase activities

Microbial Quality of Public Swimming Pools in Lagos

The microbial quality of some public swimming pools in Lagos State, Nigeria was investigated to determine possible risks of infections to swimmers. Ten swimming pools (Pools AJ) were investigated for their microbial and physico-chemical qualities. The pH of the pools ranged from 5.24-8.71 and the residual chlorine ranged from 0.01-0.07. Water samples from the pools were cultured on differential and selective media. The microbial loads varied with different swimming pools. The fungal population ranged from 0-4.7× 10 4 cfu ml-1, while the bacterial population ranged from 0-1.12 x 10 5 cfu ml-1. Eight bacterial isolates were obtained and identified using Microbact 24E kit. Fungal isolates (6) were identified by microscopy, Gram’s staining and chloramphenicol test. The isolates include Aeromonas hydrophila (4), Burkolderia pseudomallei (2), Serratia marcescens (1), Enterobacter agglomerans (1), Candida albicans (3), Saccharomyces spp.(2) and Aspergillus flavus (1). Antifungal sensitivity test showed 50% susceptibility to nystatin and 50% resistance to voriconazole, while the bacteria were resistant to most of the antibiotic tested. The Multiple Antibiotics Resistance (MAR) index for the isolates ranged from 0.125 to 1.000. The feedback from the questionnaires administered, showed that unhygienic practices and maintenance of pools could contribute to low levels of swimming pool water quality. The high microbial loads and the types of microorganisms isolated from the pools show that contaminated swimming pools can constitute a serious public health hazard to the users

Micro Mineral Concentrations of Congo Grass as Affected by Shading and Harvesting Age

This study investigated the effect of levels of artificial shading and harvesting age on four micro mineral concentrations (iron, manganese, copper and zinc) of Congo grass (Brachiaria ruzizinensis Germain & Evrard). The experiment was a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement in a split plot design with four replicates, which is three levels of artificial shading (0, 30 and 60% shading) as the main plot and three harvesting age (3, 6 and 9 weeks after cutback). The grass was established in May 2017 and grazed in 2018 and 2019, but a cutback was done in May 2020 for this study and was fertilized with NPK 20:10:10 at the rate of 200kgN/ha. The results showed that the micro minerals were affected (P \u3c 0.05) by the shading and harvesting age. The iron concentration and manganese concentration increased as the level of the shading increased whereas the copper concentration decreased with the increase in the level of shading. The zinc increased with the 30% level of shading but at 60% shading, the concentration was lesser than the concentration of the 0% shading. The effect of harvesting age showed decrease in the micro minerals with advance in harvest age. The interaction effect of shading level x harvesting age had significant (P \u3c 0 .05) on the micro mineral concentrations of the grass. The grass shaded at 60% and harvested at 3WAC had the highest Fe and Mn concentration whereas the unshaded grass harvested at 3WAC had the highest Cu and Zn concentrations. It could be concluded that harvesting the grass at advanced age reduced micro mineral concentration and that shading as well affect the mineral concentration