ANALYSIS OF THE PROHIBITION OF SAME GENDER MARRIAGE UNDER NIGERIAN LAW

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PROJECT TITLE PROJECT ABSTRACT PAGES
ANALYSIS OF THE PROHIBITION OF SAME SEX MARRIAGE UNDER NIGERIAN LAW Marriage as an institution has been for ages the image of unity despite differences in culture, religion and civilization, and to some extent, has reflected the belief that neither man nor woman is perfect or complete without the other. This institution of marriage is today under serious attack from many quarters such that any keen observer can discern in the secular mentality of the contemporary world, an effort to undermine its natural and religious meaning. The meaning of Marriage is today being distorted to include same sex relationships. In view of this, a law has been passed in Nigeria to protect marriage as a union of a man and a woman; thus banning, prohibiting and criminalizing all forms of same sex marriages in Nigeria. This research examines the meaning of the concept ‗Marriage‘ distinguishing it from other types of marriages ‗in quote‘ including ‗same s@x marriage‘ trying to analyze the implication of redefining Marriage as a union of two Persons; analyzing the essential elements / ingredients of these marriages as well as the likely implications if accepted as marriages in Nigeria. In the course of making these analyses, the researcher took cognizance of the challenges likely to impeach the enforcement of the same s@x marriage prohibition Act considering the position of the human right activists as well as other human right laws applicable to Nigeria. The researcher thus discovered that there are some lacunas in the Act as it failed to spell out in clear terms the necessary ingredients of what constitutes the offence of same s@x, thereby creating opportunity for possible abuse of people‘s rights. Thus the researcher recommends that the Act be amended to fill up the loopholes and that the ban against same s@x marriage in Nigeria be more strengthened by reflecting the definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman in the constitution by amending item 61 of part 1 of the second schedule to the Constitution.
 
 
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CONSTRAINTS TO ORGANISING AGRICULTURAL SHOWS IN NIGERIA

CONSTRAINTS TO ORGANISING AGRICULTURAL SHOWS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
The study assessed the constrains to organizing agricultural shows in Benue State, Nigeria. Specifically, it ascertained the roles of agencies involved in organsing agricultural shows; ascertained the procedures in organizing agricultural shows by the stakeholders; identified factors militating against the organization of agricultural shows; and identified strategies required for improving the organization of agricultural shows. The study was carried out in Benue State, Nigeria. Proportionate sampling technique was used to select 30% of the respondents from each of the five (5) agencies to obtain a sample of fifty (50) respondents. Data were collected through the use of questionnaire and interview schedule. Descriptive statistics (frequency, mean statistic, percentage) were used to present data while the statistical product and service solution (SPSS) version 16 was the statistical software package used for the analysis. Majority (74.0%) of the respondents were males while (26.0%) were females. Majority (70.0%) of the respondents were civil servants while (30.0%) engaged in farming. Majority (68.0%) of the respondents had 1-10 years of experience in agricultural show while 20.0% had between 11-20 years of experience in agricultural show. 80.0% and 4.0% had 21-30 and 31-40 years of agricultural show respectively. Majority (68.0%) of the respondents belonged to cooperative organizations. Farm inputs (94.0%) topped the list of rewards given to participants of agricultural shows, followed by certificates (90.0%), honours (82.0%); sponsorship to higher competition (72.0%); cash (64.0%); and study tour (32.0%). Factors militating against the organization of agricultural shows were lack of fund (M=2.78), policy inconsistency (M=2.55); lack of incentives (M=2.52); absence of political will by government (M=2.49); non involvement of farmers and their affiliate unions in decision making process (M=2.46); lack of infrastructural facilities (M=2.43); political interference in management (M=2.40); lack of farmers interest in agricultural shows (M=1.37); only lack of farmers’ interest in agricultural show was rated as having the lowest grade. The major strategies for improvement of agricultural shows as suggested by the respondents included; functional policy for agricultural shows to be held regularly (M=2.3); conception of agricultural shows by organizations with strong capital base (M=2.59); theme selection to address sensitive and topical issues (M=2.94); capacity building (M=2.17); and cost recovery measures (M=.200). It was, recommended that a major strategy for improving agricultural shows is for functional policy to be made a regular feature. There should be provision of adequate funding and timely release of funds by agencies to properly plan and organize agricultural shows. Farmers should be organized into viable associations to ensure their active participation in the organization of agricultural shows

CHALLENGES IN ADMINISTERING THE CROSS RIVER STATE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, NIGERIA

CHALLENGES IN ADMINISTERING THE CROSS RIVER STATE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, NIGERIA
 
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to identify the challenges in administering the Cross River State Ministry of Agriculture, Nigeria. All the staff of the ministry constituted the population for the study. A proportionate sampling technique was used in selecting respondents, with twenty percent (20%) of respondents from each of the departments. Thus the total sample size for the study was one hundred and thirteen (113) respondents. Percentages, mean and frequency were used in the presentation and analysis of the data collected. The result of the study showed that the majority of staff (85.5%) were married and 64.5% of respondents were males; the mean age of staff was 43.85%. About 43.5% of the respondents had Bachelor of science (B.Sc) as their highest educational qualification, above average (55.3%) of the staff specialized in agricultural science related discipline. Results revealed that the State government (85.5%) was the  ministry’s major source of funding, and 80.9% indicated that fund was insufficient. They agreed the approved budget was three hundred and sixty nine million, four hundred and nineteen thousand, three hundred and sixty five hundred, forty one kobo (N 367,419,365.41) rather than a proposed budget of one billion, five hundred and sixty eight million, six hundred and twenty two thousand, eight hundred and sixty three naira, zero kobo (N1,568,622,863.00) for different departments. The ministry is understaffed by three hundred and fifty seven persons (357) and lacks infrastructure as only buildings for offices was indicated as available (71.8%) and functional (62.7%) by respondents. Major constraints identified from this result were: poor funds for purchase of equipment (M=2.18), improper and inadequate staffing (M=1.55), insufficient electricity supply (M=2.49), inadequate funding of State ministry’s interrelationship activities (M=2.54). Results also show that the State ministry had weak linkage with universities (M=1.31) and the research institutes (M=1.37). Suggestions to address the challenges are: increased budgetary allocation (54.5%), training and retraining of staff (58.2%), constant recruitment (36.4%), funding for research work and facilities (32.7%).

IMPACT OF SWAMP RICE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES AMONG FARMERS

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ABSTRACT
 
In spite of the use of available production technologies by swamp rice farmers, much of the world’s intensive food production is still on small land holdings. Although swamp rice contributes significantly to the food requirements of the population, its production is far below the national requirements. Hence this study was designed to assess availability and use of swamp rice production technologies among farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria. Primary data were obtained from 96 swamp rice farmers through the use of a structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression and logit regression equation were used to analyze the data. Findings indicated that (13.3%) of the respondents had no formal education, with a mean household size of 6 persons. Majority of the respondents (43.2%) borrowed their farmland and cultivated an average of 3.8 hectares of land yearly. The percentage of the respondents that belonged to at least one organization was (78.6%), while about 21.4% were not members of any organization. Majority of the respondents (60.6%) had no access to credit facilities, and 52.4% had no contact with extension agents while the average contact made by the farmers was 9.5 contacts in the past one year. Findings of the  swamp rice production technologies available to the farmers included: Rice varieties such as Nerica and Faro (95.7%), recommended seed/seedling rate (95.7%), planting with 20×20 cm or 25cm x 25cm spacing (92.0%) control weed using herbicides such as propanyl-plus (90.4%). Also, the number of respondents that were categorized as high users was 14.2% while 21% were medium users, 11.5% were categorized as low users and 3.3% did not use any production technologies. The respondents perceived the following as factors promoting level of use of  swamp rice production technologies; ability to enhance income of farmers (M = 2.52), adaptable to culture of users (M = 2.35) and access to available technologies (M = 2.28) among others. The respondent’s perceived constraints to the use of available swamp rice production technologies include pest, diseases and weeds, (M = 2.64), drought issues such as rainfall, solar radiation, (M= 2.49) and land tenure issues M = 2.46 among others. The regression results show that there was a significant relationship (f = 2.341., p< 0.05) between the socio-economic characteristics of the SR farmers and the use of available SR production technologies. Furthermore, results of the hypothesis revealed that years of farming experience (t = 0.032: P = 0.021), membership of social organization (t = 2.179: p= 0.001) number of contacts with extension workers (t = 0.965; P = 0.000) had positive significant relationship on farmers use of available swamp rice technologies. The overall finding of the study shows that the identified constraints to the use of available swamp rice production technologies should be tackled by government and non government organizations in
order to enhance farmers ability to use available technologies effectively. CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

  • Background information

The two major species of rice commonly cultivated are Oryza glaberrima and Oryza sativa, with Nigeria and Madagacar accounting for 60% of the rice land in sub Saharan Africa (SSA) (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), 2006). Nigeria is currently the highest rice producer in West Africa, producing an average of 3.2 million tons of paddy (2 million tons of milled rice) (Damola, 2010). Rice indeed is no longer a luxury food in Nigeria, and it has become a major source of calories for the urban poor. The report further adds that the poorest of urban households obtain 33 percent of their cereal-based calories from rice and therefore rice purchases represent a major component of cash expenditure on cereals.
            Swamp rice (SR) is a major food crop of the world by virtue of the extent and variety of uses and its adaptability to a broad range of climatic, edaphic and cultural conditions. It is grown under shallow flood or wet paddy conditions. Swamp  production is concentrated in areas where management is convenient on flat low lands, river basins and delta areas. The crop flourishes well in humid regions of the sub tropic and temperate climates. About 90% of the world’s swamp rice is produced in tropical, semitropical areas and consumed where it is grown by small-scale farmers in low-income developing countries (Food and Agriculture Organization,   (FAO) 2008).Swamp rice is cultivated in virtually all the agro-ecological zones in Nigeria (Akande,2001). According to Damola (2010), swamp rice is relatively easy to produce and is grown for sale and for home consumption. In some areas there is a long tradition of SR growing, but for many, swamp rice has been considered a luxury food for special occasions only. With the increased availability of rice, swamp rice has become part of the everyday diet of many in Nigeria.
National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI) (2008) identifies three (3) prevalent types of swamp rice production systems in Nigeria viz rainfed lowland SR, rainfed SR and irrigated swamp rice production systems. Rainfed lowland SR production system (RLSPS): accounts for about 48% of Nigerian’s rice area. It is very common in the South Eastern part of Nigeria such as Enugu, Ebonyi etc.  The rice yield is generally high and ranges from 2-8 tons/ha and it is also estimated to contribute about 53% to national rice production source (Atala, 2009) Rainfed SR production system (RSRPS): accounts for 30% of the total rice production area with more than 1.30mm of annual rainfall. It is predominant in the southern part of Nigeria and mostly found in the flooded river valleys, which accounts for about half of total rice areas and has an average yield of 2.2 tonnes (Akpokodji, Lancon and Erenstein, 2009).  Irrigated swam price production system (ISPS) which is the most recently developed rice environment in Nigeria is common in the Northern and Southern part of Nigeria. Irrigation is supplied from rivers, wells, bore holes among others to supplement the rain for full rice crop growth. It contributes about 16% of cultivated rice land and yields range from 2-8 ton/ha thus accounting for 27% of national rice supply.  (Saka, 2010)
Other less common rice production systems include the deep water (floating rice) (Deep water swamp rice production system) which constitutes about 5% of the national rice production area. The yields are very low due to the predominant use of unimproved rice variety (Oglaberrima steud), which yields less than 1 ton /ha. It accounts for about 3% of the national rice output. Also, the tidal (mangrove) Swamp rice (TSPS) which lies between the coast line and fresh water swamps has potential for one million hectares of cultivable rice area but at present contributes less than 2% to national rice production with low rice yields of only about 1 ton/ha.  (FAO, 2009).
Consequently, rice production technologies have been developed for swamp rice farmers, but these technologies have not been fully utilized  by the farmers. Such rice production technologies  include: use of appropriate seed/ seedling varieties such as Nerica, Faro 44, 43 etc, use of appropriate seed rate such as 30 – 40kg seed per hectare, use of pre and post emergence herbicides, land preparation  technologies such as ploughing and harrowing, time of planting, appropriate spacing, pest and disease control etc. (FAN, 2007).
Nigeria is the largest swamp rice producing country in West African region and swamp rice production increased gradually over the years with area expansion to surpass major rice producing countries like Cote d’voire and Sierra Leone    .(WARDA, 2004) Unfortunately, the increase in demand in recent times has not been accompanied with a corresponding rise in production. This is attributed to wide spread poverty, dominance of the nation’s agriculture by small holders, the use of relatively primitive tools for farm operations lack of exposure to improved agricultural technologies (improved seeds, fertilizers, pesticides etc) and inadequate farm mechanization aids by government (Damola, 2010).
Ani and Kwaghe (1997) observed that the process of increasing efficiency of agricultural production through agricultural modernization depends mainly on the extent to which farmers can incorporate improved agricultural practices into farming operations. This, according to Sule, Ogunwale and Atala (2006) necessarily entails shifting away from the drudgery of age-long use of traditional methods to the ‘utilization of modern production techniques so as to accomplish self sufficiency in food production and improvement of life in the rural areas. It has long been recognized by experts in this field that the only way to significantly increase the productivity of the small scale farmers in developing countries is to improve the farmer’s technological capabilities.
Technology may therefore be defined as the specialized knowledge, skills, methods and techniques required for production and distribution of goods and services. Agricultural technology can also be embodied in people, tools, crop varieties, agricultural practice, and processing equipment. Technology according to Ayoola (2001) includes the totality of how the society performs particular activities. Specifically therefore, agricultural technology consists of the nature and types of available inputs (for example, seeds, fertilizer, chemicals, tools, machines, farm power e t c.) and the way in which these inputs are combined (for example, land fertilizer ratio, labour-machine ratio).
Recent studies has shown that SR production technologies have not been able to meet the increasing demand for rice (FAO, 2002). In the West African sub region, Nigeria has experienced a well established growing demand for rice caused by rising per capita consumption and consequently the insufficient domestic production had to be complemented with enormous import both in quantity and value at various times (Saka and Lawal, 2009). According to the United State Agency for International Development (USAID) (2010), Nigeria’s rice sub sector is dominated by weak and insufficient producer-market linkage due to poor infrastructure and limited efficiency of distribution network which has resulted to low productivity and participation of farmers in the rice field.
In order to reduce the rate of rice importation, Saka and Lawal (2009) were of the opinion that disseminating improved varieties and other modern inputs as a composite package to rice farmers is very important. Nwite Igwe and Wakatsuki (2008) indicated that the adoption of rice production technologies should lead to substantial yield increase in rice production. However, this invariably underscores the important role technology stands to play in attaining the much needed growth in the rice sub sector. As a result of this, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (1996) opined that new rice varieties that combine higher yield potential with excellent grain quality, resistance to biotic and abiotic stress and input use efficiency are desperately needed to reduce the importation of foreign rice. Kebede (2001) indicated that growth in production can be gained through the use of technologies and allocative efficiencies of farmers in response to the changing techniques and production environment. Hence, adoption of technologies should lead to substantial yield increase.

  • Problem Statement

The main problem facing developing world today is not lack of technologies and scientific discoveries needed for economic growth and rural change but that of converting them as instruments of economic growth and social change (Torimiro, Adedoyin and Ala, 2000). This is particularly important when it is recalled that the gap between developed and developing nations can be largely attributed to differences in the level of technological development, transfer and usage. Poor farming, characterized by poor farming tools, local seeds and planting materials and obviously low level of productivity continues to linger on, despite rapid advances in agricultural technology (Ekpe and Obeten, 2007). Much of the world’s intensive food production is on small land holdings. In other words, farmers with limited resources are the mainstay of the food supply for billions of people and this situation is likely to continue for decades, perhaps centuries. Hence, the potential for increased food production, therefore, would be tremendous if yield were increased on each hectare.
Despite the fact that swamp rice contributes a significant amount in the food requirements of the population, its production is far below the national requirements. The rise in domestic demand and consumption of rice far exceeds local production, precipitating, an increase in rice importation bill to as high as 160 million US dollars in 2008 (FAO, 2009). To meet the increasing demand, the importation of milled rice was used to bridge the gap between the domestic demand and supply with its attendant negative implication on Nigerian economy. Consequently, emphasis by government and other stakeholders have been on the way to improve domestic production of rice to meet the increasing demand. In view of this, attempts have been made at developing appropriate technologies in rice production.
Farmers in Enugu State have been involved in SR production since early 1960s but their production levels remain low because of the prevailing use of traditional technologies that have low and declining productivity (Chukwunta, and Uzoechi, 2004). This cannot sustain the rapidly increasing population and growing demand of the people for better living standards that include cheaper food availability on a regular basis. The government’s awareness of this problem has led to a significant increase in public investment in the agricultural sector over the years. The main thrust of this increased commitment has been the introduction of new production technologies to boost the productivity of these farmers.  Nigeria has been identified as one of the largest world importers of rice, second only to Indonesia (Damola, 2010). Nigeria is also by far the largest rice importer in West Africa with an average yearly import of over 2 million metric tones since the year 2000 (Emodi and Madukwe, 2008 and USAID-MARKETS, 2010).
In 2008, Nigeria produced approximately 2 million metric tones of milled rice and imported roughly 3 million metric tones, including the estimated 800,000 metric tones that is suspected to enter the country illegally on an annual basis (FAO, 2008 and Damola, 2010). Total consumption stands at 4.4 million metric tones of milled rice, while, while annual consumption per capita stands at 29kg and this has continued to rise at 11% per annum since 2000 (USAID/Nigeria, 2012). To meet this shortfall, government recognizes the potential of large- scale mechanized irrigated agriculture, using improved modern techniques, and wishes to promote further expansion of rice production by the private sector (Emodi and Madukwe, 2008 and USAID-MARKETS, 2010). The following questions may therefore be asked: What are the swamp rice technologies available to the farmers?  What is the level of use of existing swamp rice production technologies by the rice farmers?  What are the perceived factors promoting the swamp rice production technologies and what are the constraints to the use of swamp rice production technologies?
 
 
1.3       Purpose of the study
The purpose of this study was to ascertain the availability and use of swamp rice production technologies among farmers in Enugu State.
The specific objectives were to:

  1. identify the swamp rice production technologies available to the farmers;
  2. determine the level of use of available swamp rice production technologies by the respondents;
  3. identify perceived factors promoting the level of use of SR production technologies; and
  4. identify perceived constraints to the use of SR production technologies available to the farmers.

Hypothesis of the study
The null hypothesis was formulated for the study thus:
The socio-economic characteristics of the swamp rice farmers had no significant relationship with the use of available SR production technologies.
1.4       Significance of the study
It is hoped that the findings of this study will help to expose the swamp rice production technologies available to farmers in Enugu state.
The result will be useful to the extension agents by revealing the extent of use of swamp rice production in the area which could help them in future adoption studies.
Policy makers through this study will establish alternative approaches for better rice production. Public knowledge systems will be strengthened to create a balance between providing incentives for private investment in research. This will encourage collaboration between researchers and rice farmers in the analysis of available production technologies and testing of alternative farming practices. The work would  also be useful to other researchers who would want to work on similar study.

Constraints On Journalistic Practice In Private Owned Media Organizations In Nigeria

Constraints On Journalistic Practice In Private Owned Media Organizations In Nigeria A Study Of Cross River State
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION

  • Background of the Study

 
Perhaps, it is correct to assert that of all the human efforts to survive on this planet earth journalism is one of the most important ones. This fact stems from the centrality of the business of Journalism which is essentially the business of information and communication.
All the social institutions such as the family the economy, education and law to mention a few need information and communication within and among themselves to function properly. According to Wood, (2006:2):
Unlike some of the subjects you study, communication is relevant to almost every aspect of your life. We communicate with ourselves when we work through ideas, psych ourselves up to meet challenges, rehearse ways to approach some one about a difficult issue and talk ourselves into or out of various courses of action. We communicate with others to build and sustain personal relationships, to perform our jobs and advance our careers, and to participate in social and civic activities. Every facet of life involves communication
In enumerating the functions of magazine which is undoubtedly one of the most potent tools of journalism, Ohaja, (2004:6) posits that “Success Magazines seek to help their readers advance in their careers, keep their marriages intact and their fortunes growing through wise investment” .
Emphasizing the influence of information in any human society, Darmola, (1999:4) states that “it is now known to possess the capacity to shape the views and mould the minds of people, to influence the course of events and to pressure the authority”. Okunna (1999:108) states that “The information function of the mass media is all embracing and indispensable for
 
the meaningful existence of members of the society” Udoakah, (2006:78) states:
Over the years, there had been popular demands for freedom of the press for some reasons. Such reasons include the belief that the press incorporating all the mass media, would enhance the free flow of information in the society, promote peace, freedom, wealth and truth and end conflicts by the advance of reasons, accumulation and dissemination of information and knowledge. This serves as the mission of communication in the society.
 
The above positions and opinions by these numerous authorities in communication demonstrate adequately the enormous powers of information in any society. Thus, ownership of the institution of mass media responsible for gathering and distribution of information should be the cynosure of both the media stakeholders and the general public.
The history of media ownership in Nigeria dates back to 1859 when printing press was introduced in Nigeria by the missionary, Rev. Henry Townsend
According to Ogunsiji (1989:6) “The history of Nigerian press can broadly be divided into four segments, these are the era of missionary journalism, the era of the alien- dominated press, the emergence of the indigenous press and the down of modern Nigerian newspaper” Ogunsiji (1989:6) went further to paint a good picture of this period when he states.
One of such missionaries turned journalist was Henry Townsend in 1859, established his own printing press and inaugurated a printing school in the mission compound in Abekuta Five years later, he founded the Iwe Irohin for the reading pleasure of Egba people, the newspaper was published in Yoruba fortnightly but later became bilingual in 1860 when an English language edition was published. The Iwe Irohin thrived well and was a force to be reckoned with by the time it folded in 1867 as a result of cultural and
 
political crisis between the European settlers and the indigenes of Egba land. The crisis led to the expulsion of all Europeans in Egbaland including the missionaries. The expulsion put an end to the mission printing press in Abeokuta.
 
It is interesting to note that Iwe Irohin which was the first newspaper in Nigeria was equally the first victim of media ownership in Nigeria. This is because the newspaper closed down following the expulsion of the Europeans in Egba land. If the newspaper was owned and financed by an indigene it would have survived the expulsion of the Europeans from Egbaland.
We must equally observe that ownership of media organization and practice of journalism in any of these periods were faced with difficulties. This was expectedly so because of the harsh socio-political and economic milieu in which they operated.
Anyanwu (1992:3) captures this situation vividly when he states:
 
These early Nigerian newspapers were economically weak because their circulation was limited by low literacy rate, poor communication network, general poverty among the people and the political mood of the time which reflected largely in the treatment of the news by the newspapers. Since a majority of these newspapers received no subsidies from government, their earning capacity was limited and, consequently, their growth as business enterprises was adversely affected and, in some cases, completely crippled.
 
It is relevant for this study to note that at this early period no government in Nigeria showed interest in the ownership of the media. This enabled the press to maintain independent positions in some critical national issues.
This non involvement of government in media ownership continued until after political independence. According to Oguneiji (1989:13):
 
The Nigerian press had a dramatic change and orientation when, after independence, governments in the country entered the newspaper industry. The period between 1960 and 1966 saw many government newspapers springing up. Among them was the Morning post which was established in 1961 by the Tatawa Balewa government for the purpose of providing adequate and better publicity for its activities.
In collaboration with the above position Nwanze (2003:7) states that “when Nigeria achieved flag independence in 1960, the Federal Government naturally inherited ownership of the media” .Government’s interest in the media ownership was demonstrated in different ways. Gowon’s regime bought 60 percent of equity shares of the Daily times and New Nigerian states:
Ever since the government stepped into the media business, many Nigerians have expressed the fear that Nigerian press would become the lapdog of the government instead of the watchdog of the society. Ogunsiji, (1989:15) states:
It is on record that Nigerian journalists let politicians use them as tools for political gains. The newspaper industry was as politicized as the country itself, particularly during the second republic. Editors were known to be jealously guarding the political interests of their mentors, as they never allowed any negative stories about the party to which they belonged to appear on the pages of their papers.
 

  • Statement of the Problem

 
Historically, the media are regarded as the fourth estate of the realm. The functions of the media are to inform and educate the public on the day- to-day activities of the government and equally mirror the feelings and attitudes of the people back to the government. Emphasizing on what should be the ideal functions of the journalist, Sunday (2007) agrees that “the social
 
responsibility of the journalist include the promotion of universal principles of human rights, democracy, justice, equality, peace and international understanding”.
However, the media practitioners have not lived up to these expectations.
 
Uwakwe (2003:281) lamented that:
 
Negative aspect of the press has evolved in a form of a paid press whose function is canned and nearly stereotyped; press whose heart shares empathy with business mogus and political gladiators. A good chunk of the press is controlled by this business and political class leaving the will of the press in the hands of the conscienceless tiny business and political extraction.
With the help of hindsight, we also remember that in 1987, a section of the Nigerian media announced the death of Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe while Zik was then hale and hearty at his Nsukka residence. Also in 2008, a television station located in Lagos announced the death of Human Rights crusader Chief Gani Fawehinmi while he was receiving treatment in London.
Regretting some of these unprofessional attitudes of the Nigerian journalists Uwakwe (2003:281) laments that:
The fourth republic events have not produced heart-warming trends as many state-owned media engaged in acts that did not paint a good image of the profession. It is regrettable that though many state governors in the fourth republic performed dismally, state-owned media did not raise alarm on the misadministration plaguing many states of the federation. Ironically, state media have been awash with spurious and curious “landmarks” of the already failed governments.
The unprofessional and unethical acts abound in Nigerian media. What could be responsible for these? Could it be the influence of ownership on journalism practice in Nigeria because there is the age-old dictum that he who pays the piper dictates the tune?. The fundamental problem motivating this
 
study is the unprofessional and unethical acts in Nigerian journalism like reporting unbalanced interviews and reporting events without verification. The study will attempt to provide answers to these biting questions.

  • Objective of the Study

 
The objective of this study include:
 

  1. To determine the influence of media ownership on journalism practice in Cross River State,
  2. Determine who the private media serve
  3. To determine the influence of ownership on other interests such as advertising and public relations in
  • Significance of the Study

 
The study, constraints on journalistic practice in private owned media organizations in Nigeria a study of cross river state when concluded will help journalism practitioners and the general public in the following ways:
The study will help journalism practitioners to determine where to practise.
It will equally enable communication researchers to solve the controversies generated by private media ownership over the years.
The general public will be able to determine whose interest private – owned media serve.
The study also will help advertisers and other media stakeholders to determine which media to patronize.
Finally, it is hoped that this study, while serving as a reference material for communication researchers, will equally elicit intellectual debate and contributions for solving the controversies generated by the issue of media ownership in Nigeria.
 

  • Research Questions

 
The following research questions are raised to guide this study:
 

  1. Does media private ownership influence journalism practice in Cross River state?
  2. Whose interest do the privately owned media serve?

 
 

  1. What other interests in the society influence media ownership in Nigeria?
  • Scope and limitation of the study

 
This research is to study the constraints on journalistic practice in private owned media organizations in Nigeria a study of cross river state. The major limitation of this study is time constraint. The time available to complete
this study was too short when compared with the content and the geographical spread of the study.

  • Definitions of terms

 
Certain terms have been defined in the context they are used in the course of this study.

  • Ownership: This refers to the person, group of persons, government, or corporate bodies who own, manage and control a medium or media as well as make policies for its
  • Journalism: This is the job or activity of writing news reports for newspaper, magazine, television or It also include the activities of public relations practitioners and advertisers
  • Media Organization: The word “media” has several definitions and connotations. For the purpose of this research media organization is adopted to refer to any group or organization whose job or activity is to collect and disseminate information. These include radio, television, newspapers and
  • Influence: To alter or affect the conduct, thought or character of someone or something by indirect or intangible

STRATEGIC FOR UTILIZATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS OF EFFECTIVE LEARNING AN SECONDARY SCHOOL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study … … … … … … … 1
Statement of the Problem … … … … … … … 8
Purpose of the Study … … … … … … … 10
Significance of the Study … … … … … … 11
Scope of the Study … … … … … … … 12
Research questions … … … … … … … 12
Hypothesis … … … … … … … … … 13

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Conceptual frame work … … … … … … … 14
Concept of Instructional Materials … … … … … 14
Concept of management and management of Instructional materials 17
Qualities of good Instructional material … … … … 23
Improvisation of Instructional materials … … … … 24
Problems militating against effective management of
Instructional materials … … … … … … … 26
Theoretical Framework … … … … … … … 33
The scientific management theory … … … … … 34
The human Relations theory … … … … … … 36
The behavioral science theory … … … … … … 37
The systems theory … … … … … … … 39
Review of empirical studies … … … … … … … 42
Summary of the literature review … … … … … 45

CHAPTER THREE
Design of the study … … … … … … … 48
Area of the Study … … … … … … … … 48
Population of the Study … … … … … … … 49
Sample and sampling technique … … … … … 49
Instrument for data collection … … … … … … 49
Method of data Collection … … … … … … 50
Validation of the Instrument … … … … … … 50
Reliability of the Instrument … … … … … … 50
Method of data analysis … … … … … … … 51

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS
Research Question 1 … … … … … … … 52
Research Question 2 … … … … … … … 53
Research Question 3 … … … … … … … 55
Research Question 4 … … … … … … … 56
Hypothesis one … … … … … … … … 58
Hypothesis two … … … … … … … … 59
Summary of findings … … … … … … … … 59

CHAPTER FIVE
Discussion of Findings … … … … … … … 61
Implication of the Study … … … … … … … 61
Recommendations … … … … … … … … 68
Conclusion … … … … … … … … … 69
Limitation of the study … … … … … … .. 69
Suggestion for further study … … … … … .. 70
Summary … … … … … … … … … 71

REFERENCES
Appendix I
Appendix II
Appendix III
Appendix IV
Appendix V

Contents

THE INFLUENCE OF AUDIO VISUAL MATERIALS IN THE EFFECTIVE DISSEMINATION OF KNOWLEDGE BY TEACHERS

THE INFLUENCE OF AUDIO VISUAL MATERIALS IN THE EFFECTIVE DISSEMINATION OF KNOWLEDGE BY TEACHERS A STUDY OF SOME SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOL  IN OSHIMILI NORTH LGA, DELTA STATE

CHAPTER ONE/ INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

Teaching and learning activities are interesting when audio-visual materials are used effectively and efficiently in a classroom-teaching situation. It is necessary for teachers in Selected schools in Nigeria to use audio- visual materials as instructional tools in order to make their teaching more interesting, that is to arouse the learning interest and sustain attention for effective learning. Although among the challenges facing some of the Selected schools in Nigeria is that audio-visual materials are not available and even where they are available, teachers do not use them effectively. The reason for this attitude may be teachers have engaged themselves in so many other relevant and irrelevant activities.
The term audio-visual materials are defined by Dike (1993) as those materials which do not depend solely upon reading to convey meaning. They may present information through the sense of hearing as in audio resources, sight, as in visual resources or through a combination of senses. Indeed, the variety of such resources is a striking characteristic.
According to Anzaku (2011), “the term audio-visual materials are commonly used to refer to those instructional materials that may be used to convey meaning without complete dependence upon verbal symbols or language”. Thus according to the above definition, a text book or a reference material does not fall within this grouping of instructional materials but an illustration in a book does.
Some audio-visual components are in the nature of process and experience, for example, dramatizing an event or a procedure or making diorama. Some of the audio-visual materials like the motion pictures require the use of equipment to release their latent value. Some do not need equipment at all like an exhibit or a study print. This term designates in common usage both material things as well as processes such as field trips.

Statement of problem

 
The relevance of audio-visual materials in dissemination of knowledge cannot be underestimated. In  Nigeria, some teachers have desired to cover the syllabus or scheme of work instead of making learning more meaningful and impacting. Also, non-availability of these materials in some Selected schools may not be blamed on teachers but rather some heads often do not motivate teachers in terms of providing them with adequate audio-visual materials.

Purpose of the study

This study seeks to find out the following:

  1. i) To study the effectiveness of using audio-visual materials among learners in Oshimili L.G.A Delta State
  2. ii) To know learners’ views about the difference they found before and after learning through audio-visual materials;

iii)     To study the awareness of learning through audio- visual materials;

  1. iv) To know learners’ perception about the use of audio- visual materials;
  2. v) To know the problems faced by the learners in using audio-visual

Research questions

 

  1. i) What types and quantity of audio-visual materials are available in some schools in Oshimili L.G.A Delta State?
  2. ii) How often do teachers use audio-visual materials while disseminating of knowledge?

iii)     What are the hindrances to the use of audio-visual materials in the study area?

  1. iv) In the perception of teachers, what benefits do learners derive from the use of audio-visual materials?

Significance of the study

Audio-visual materials have been in existence for a longtime, but they are often underutilized. It is expected that, following the identification of the hindrances to maximum utilization of audio-visual materials in schools, effort may be made to minimize the effect of the hindrances and promote adequate utilization of the available materials. Discoveries from the study may guide teachers, government, sponsoring bodies and donors on the purchase of not only printed materials but also non-print materials for literacy centres. When the use of audio-visual materials is encouraged, there may definitely by a high demand for the materials and the producers may put in more efforts in the production and even come out with more methods of applying them to teaching and learning. This may tend to expose the learner more to thinking than relying on the facilitator.

Scope of the study

The study is limited to the geographical area of Delta State. It covers specifically teachers in some literacy schools in Oshimili Local Government Area of the state.

Operational definition of terms

Availability of audio visual aids refers to the audio visual materials which the school authority is able to locate and afford.
Teachers’ use of audio visual aids refers to the teachers’ easy manipulation of the audio visual aids in a teaching situation.
Audio visual aids are those facilities, equipments and materials like computer, power point, television, model, specimen, white board, etc which are utilized by a teacher to illustrate, emphasize and explain a lesson with the intention of  making the lesson clearer to the learner.

The Impact Of Grassroots Challenges To Trash Incinerators In Nigeria

The state of solid waste management in cities of most developing countries is fast assuming the scale of a major social and environmental challenge (Daskalopolous, 1998a). In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in particular, the combined influence of poverty, population growth and rapid urbanization has tended to worsen the situation (Walling et al., 2004). The gravity of this problem is perhaps best reflected in the level of attention given to it in the United Nations (UN) Millennium Declaration (September, 2000). Three of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) outlined in the declaration have waste or resource efficiency implications (UN, 2007): o Ensure environmental sustainability by integrating the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programmes and reverse the loss of environmental resources. to Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by halving between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people whose income is less than $1 a day. o Develop a global partnership for development by addressing the special needs of least developed countries, landlocked countries and Small Island Developing States. In response to the waste challenge many developed countries have embarked upon ambitious environmental reforms, recording remarkable advances in best practises and sustainable management of their Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). However many developing countries such as Nigeria have fared less well in this regard as a result of several barriers militating against sustainable municipal solid waste management (Ezeah et al., 2009a). To illustrate this point, a four country study by the African Development Bank (AfDB, 2002) on Solid Waste Management Options for Africa, revealed the following findings: 1. No country in Africa has detailed solid waste management legislation yet. 2. Solid waste management in most African countries is characterized by inefficient collection methods, insufficient coverage of the collection area and improper disposal of waste.

THE NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION’S APPROACH TO INFRASTRUCTURE AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA

THE NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION’S APPROACH TO INFRASTRUCTURE AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA
CHAPTER OE
 
ITRODUCTIO
 
1.1        Background to Study
 
Oil was discovered in Nigeria in the late 1950s in the Niger Delta Region (NDR); since then the country has been faced with many challenges such as infrastructure development, environmental degradation and struggle for resource control. During the oil boom of the 1970’s, Nigeria joined the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and billions of dollars generated from production in the oil-rich Niger Delta flowed into the coffers of the Nigerian state. As oil production and revenue rose, it became the main earner of foreign exchange and driver of the economy. The government focused on the oil industry and neglected other sectors of the economy making her an oil dependent State. The region accounts for 40% gross domestic product (GDP) and 80% gross revenue for the country. To date, Nigeria is the largest oil producing country in Africa and 12th in the world with a capacity to produce over 2 million barrels of oil per day (bpd).
 
The NDR enriched the Nigerian State but its people became poorer. Exploitation of crude oil in the region has been going on for over 50 years with no form of development commensurate with wealth accrued to the national coffers. Rather, the people of the region live in abject poverty, unemployment, lack of basic amenities, environmental degradation and hopelessness. A large portion of the wealth generated from the region has been mismanaged and invested in white elephants by corrupt past military dictators and politicians.
 
The situation in the NDR is unlike other world oil regions. Firstly, In Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran, most oil facilities are sited away from human habitation and these governments have well established environmental protection laws. In the Niger Delta, farmers with farming tools meander through pipelines crossing farmlands; communities live close to the flared gas and are at the receiving end of the negative effect of oil operations. This has severely affected the easiest source of livelihood for the people: agriculture. Secondly, the Niger Delta is made up of mangroves, swamps and rainforest posing a difficult and fragile terrain which has made development possibilities in the area a serious challenge (Thomas 2001). There is a problem of accessibility to the creeks
of the region due to poorly developed transportation networks including waterways, roads and bridges.
 
The genesis of the problem in the Niger Delta can be tied to government’s legislation promulgated by the military government of General Olusegun Obasanjo which enacted the controversial Land Use Decree of 1978 and the Petroleum Act. The Decree vested the ownership of land in the country on the Governor of the State who would hold such land in trust for the people. With such a Decree enforced, it denied the communities the right to claim royalties from oil sourced from their own land and multinational oil companies were under no contractual obligation to develop these communities.
 
The Federal Government has attempted several times to address the needs of the region through establishment of development agencies but too many times have these bodies failed to live up to expectation because of government’s strong involvement, inadequate and irregular funding, official profligacy, corruption, lack of transparency and accountability, and high overhead expenditure. These claims are addressed further in the course of this research. On December 21, 2000 the Government officially inaugurated the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with a vision to offer a lasting solution through addressing the development of social and physical infrastructure, ecological / environmental remediation and human development.
 
Government’s neglect in paying special attention to the developmental needs of the region over the years has evolved to restiveness in the area giving birth to insurgents, vandalizing of oil pipelines, kidnapping of expatriates, upsurge of violence all to get government’s attention. To bring calm to the region, President Olusegun Obasanjo inaugurated a committee to develop a 15 years development master plan for the region under the NDDC and the present administration of President Umaru Musa Yar’adua created a Federal Ministry of Niger Delta

THE EFFECT OF MILITARY RULE ON NIGERIA POLITICAL ECONOMY

THE EFFECT OF MILITARY RULE ON NIGERIA POLITICAL ECONOMY(A CASE STUDY OF ABACHA REGIME 1993 – 1998)
ABSTRACT
Military rule has been one of the greatest factors responsible for the set back of the African continent. Infact General Sanni Abacha’s regime has been described by many scholar’s, as the most unconcerned government when it comes to the issue of economy. Therefore, this project assesses the effect of military rule on the Nigeria economy choosing the General Sanni Abacha’s regime as a case study. Chapter one serves as the general introduction to the study. Chapter two reviews the past relevant literatures on the issue of military rule of General Sanni Abacha’s regime in particular. In chapter three, General Sanni Abacha’s intervention in Nigeria politics and its aftermath on the economy and discussed. Chapter four guest the in-depth comparative analysis of the regimes policies with its achievements. Chapter five serves as the conclusion of the study where recommendations are govern. The research work, having observed the shortcomings of military rule concludes that all stakeholders in Nigeria politics should do everything possible to prevent military from coming to power in Nigeria.