African Journal of Social and Behavioural Sciences

TABLE OF CONTENTS — 2024-11-16

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES (AJSBS)
VOLUME 14, NUMBER 7 (NOVEMBER, 2024)

GENDER ATTITUDES AND MALE INVOLVEMENT IN MATERNAL NUTRITION AND HEALTH CARE AMONG RURAL DWELLERS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Olivia Chinyere Afam-Anene — 2024-11-15

Recently, there has been increasing recognition of the importance of male involvement
in improving maternal nutrition and healthcare. However, studies have shown that cultural gender roles
always limit the involvement of men in areas that are socially defined as feminine. Hence, this study
investigated the importance of male involvement, their level of involvement and gender factors that
limit male involvement in maternal nutrition and healthcare in rural Imo State. The gender schema
theory propounded by Sandra Bem was the study’s theoretical framework. A mixed research design and
multistage sampling method were used for this study. For the quantitative data, 591 questionnaires were
administered and analysed via descriptive and inferential statistics, whereas 18 in-depth interviews were
conducted for the qualitative data and analysed via the content analysis method. It was found that men
are involved in maternal nutrition and healthcare in Imo State. However, the level of involvement is
low, and the reasons are not farfetched, as cultural gender roles have been identified as major factors
that undermine male involvement in maternal nutrition and healthcare. To improve male involvement
in maternal nutrition and healthcare, cultural gender roles that negatively affect male involvement in
maternal nutrition and healthcare need to be addressed. Therefore, men should be sensitized to the need
to jettison those cultural gender role prescriptions and see their involvement as significantly important
in improving maternal nutrition and healthcare in Imo State.

OTT PLATFORMS AND MAINSTREAM MEDIA PATRONAGE IN ENUGU: A DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT ASSESSMENT

Uchenna H. Eze — 2024-11-15

This study is titled OTT Platforms and Mainstream Media Patronage in Enugu:
A Digital Entertainment Assessment, aims to examine the influence of Over-The-Top (OTT)
platforms on the patronage of mainstream media channels in Enugu, Nigeria. Survey results
from 395 respondents show a significant preference for OTT platforms, driven by smartphone
use and perceived convenience. It recommended among others that media organizations in
Enugu should adopt OTT platforms to meet the entertainment demands of the increasing
number of smartphone users, as OTT platforms significantly influence mainstream media
channels; that mainstream media houses in Enugu are to incorporate the attributes of OTT
Platforms into their daily operation to attract more viewership.

ASSESSMENT OF THE CHALLENGES OF LOGISTICS OF RELIEF MATERIAL AT INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) CAMPS IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

Araoye Olarinkoye Ajiboye — 2024-11-15

Aids organisations are scrambling to give relief supplies in a shorter amount of
time due to disasters that occur unprepared. Due to difficulties in their logistics system, the
rapid demand for relief supplies by catastrophe victims has an impact on how well the
humanitarian aid logistics can meet the demand. The purpose of this research is to identify the
main challenges that the humanitarian logistics of relief supplies in the IDP camps in North
Central Nigeria are facing. The study developed a null hypothesis stating that the six major
challenges facing humanitarian logistics of relief supplies across aid organizations are not
statistically significant. The IDP camps in Malaysian Garden and Area 1 in Federal Capital
Territory were selected for this study using a purposeful sampling method. 120 questionnaires
were distributed across the humanitarian relief organisations using convenience sampling.
Eighteen challenges that were identified were factored into 6 significant challenges using factor
analysis. The data gathered from the humanitarian relief employees was analysed using
frequency, percentages, and mean index score while T-Test statistics were used to evaluate the
study's hypotheses. The study's findings, however, indicate that the major challenges
encountered by the aid organisations are inadequate data on the number of disaster victims,
inadequate handling infrastructures, inadequate resources to plan the delivery of relief items,
poor transport facilities, inadequate staff, and inadequate procurement method during disasters.
The study concluded that there is a statistically significant to the 6-major challenges of
humanitarian logistics of relief items across the aid organisation. The study therefore
recommends among others that adequate resources should be made available by the
government to aid organisations in order to plan the delivery exercise.

MEDIA EXPOSURE, COMPREHENSION, AND COMPLIANCE WITH CLIMATE-CHANGE MESSAGES AMONG RESIDENTS OF ENUGU METROPOLIS.

Somtochukwu Victor Okeke — 2024-11-15

Environmental issues have been a major worldwide problem, and Nigeria is not
exempted from this problem as the country experiences flooding, erosion and other
consequences of climate change. This study examines the exposure to climate change media
messages and compliance with climate change media messages among residents of Enugu
metropolis. The researcher adopted the survey design with a sample size of 385, which was
obtained using the Australian sample size calculator. The instrument for data collection was
the questionnaire. Data were analysed quantitatively using frequency, percentage, and mean
and standard deviation. Findings from the study revealed that Enugu metropolis residents have
high levels of exposure to climate change media messages and compliance with climate change
media messages, respectively. The study recommends, among others, that a similar study
should be carried out in rural areas since this study, which was conducted in an urban area with
a high literacy level, looks positive with regard to exposure to climate change media messages
and compliance with climate change media messages.

CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF THE 'NON- NEGOTIABLE UNITY OF NIGERIA' DEBATE IN THE NIGERIAN PRESS

Nwokedi Ozioma — 2024-11-15

This present study interrogated the ‘non-negotiable unity of Nigeria’ mantra
propagated in the media by successive administrations in Nigeria. With a particular focus on
two administrations—President Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari, this
study, using Critical Discourse Analysis, examined how the debate is represented in two
Nigerian dailies—Vanguard and Leadership. Employing Fairclough’s three-dimensional
model, this research probed the discourse articulated and circulated through the news stories in
these papers, which they produce to define the debate. The study found that both papers
exploited the “us” versus “them” dichotomy to cut an image of institutions committed to
Nigeria’s unity. The study constructs proponents of Nigeria's unity, primarily the political elite,
in a positive light as possessing agency, while it negatively frames secessionist agitators as
lacking agency. The study demonstrated that the interests of the political class served and
validated. The research indicated that the press mobilised discourses of patriotism and
nationalism. By reinforcing the non-negotiable stance of the political elite, the press was
narrowing the space for debate on Nigeria’s unity, thus, perpetuating a dysfunctional union.

ASSESSING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INFLUENCE ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC OUTCOME AT IMO STATE UNIVERSITY, OWERRI, NIGERIA

Chinedu Nehemiah Nwokorie — 2024-11-15

The abstract provides a reasonable summary, outlining the study's focus on AI's
impact on reading culture, access to academic resources, and exam success. The study
specifically examined the extent to which artificial intelligence impacts students' reading
culture, investigated the extent to which artificial intelligence impacts students' access to
academic resources and determined the extent to which artificial intelligence impacts students'
success rate in exams at Imo State University, Owerri. Relevant literature was reviewed to back
up the study, and the technology acceptance theory (TAT) formed the theoretical framework.
The study employed a descriptive research design for the survey. A questionnaire was used for
data collection, and data was analysed using frequency counts and percentages. A total of 200
respondents were conveniently selected. From the responses obtained and analysed, the
findings revealed, among other things, that Artificial intelligence has, to a high extent, impacted
students' reading. On the basis of these findings, it was recommended, among others, that
Lecturers should be well-trained in using AI to equip learners with the required skills to face
future care challenges and inadvertently improve their academic performance. University
administrators should ensure that students do not use AI unethically or illegally to gain unfair
advantage during examinations.

IMPACT OF FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL ON NIGERIANS' LIVING STANDARDS: A TWITTER-BASED ANALYSIS

Emmanuel Ifeduba — 2024-11-15

This study examines the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the living standards of Nigerians,
with a particular focus on conversations on Twitter (now X). Following the government's decision to
eliminate oil subsidies, there are growing concerns about rising fuel prices and their effects on daily life. This
research employs contents analysis of tweets related to this policy shift, spanning from the Goodluck
Jonathan administration to the present. The objectives are threefold: to evaluate how subsidy removal has
influenced the cost of living, to identify prevalent public concerns and sentiments, and to explore coping
mechanisms discussed online. The findings indicate a significant rise in living costs, with users expressing
frustration, anger, and despair regarding inflation and decreased purchasing power. Many lower-income
individuals feel disproportionately affected, highlighting the policy’s broader socioeconomic implications.
Coping strategies shared among users reveal a resilient yet strained population adapting to new economic
realities. This analysis underscores the importance of considering public sentiment in policymaking and
suggests the need for targeted interventions to support vulnerable groups amid ongoing economic
challenges.

ANALYSIS OF THE NEXUS BETWEEN NATIONAL SECURITY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Abbas Otakey Hassan — 2024-11-15

This paper analysed the nexus between National Security and Socio-economic
Development. In the study, we proposed a conceptual framework for examining the concept of
national security and development; the paper also examined various types of national security;
the paper presents perspectives of scholarly thinking about national security and its
Interconnectedness with socio-economic development. The paper also identified objectives,
elements/components used to measure socio-economic development. Furthermore, the paper
identified some national security threats that have disruptive effects on Nigerian society due to
their impact on national security and on critical infrastructure such as basic social amenities,
economic and agriculture sector. The study utilized secondary sources to review literature,
such as articles, journals, expert interviews, essays, and national policy documentation. Finally,
we explore the proposed framework from an empirical perspective and apply it to Nigeria.
Social Contract theory was adopted to explain and understand. The nexus between national
security and socio-economic development.

MEDIATING ROLES OF SCHOOL BELONGINGNESS AND FAMILY FUNCTIONING IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CAREER INDECISION AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.

Emmanuella U. Anozie — 2024-11-15

Academic performance is widely recognized as an indicator of students’
knowledge improvement and mastery in their fields. However, several factors have been found
to impede students' academic performance, preventing them from reaching their goals. This
study investigated the relationship between career indecision and academic performance and
whether this relationship is mediated by school belongingness and family functioning. The
study adopted a cross-sectional design. Participants were 1408 secondary school students
(males = 827, 58.7%; females = 581) drawn from 11 secondary schools from four states in
Southeast Nigeria using a multi-stage sampling method. The mean age of the participants was
15.50 years (SD = 1.27 years). They completed the Psychological Sense of School Membership
Scale, Family APGAR questionnaire and Career Decision-Making Difficulties Questionnaire.
Data on academic performance were obtained from the student’s report cards from the previous
third-term examinations in their various schools, which is usually a summation of the session’s
performance. Data was analysed using Pearson’s correlation and Model 4 of the Hayes
PROCESS Macro in SPSS. Results indicated that school belongingness and family functioning
were positively associated with academic performance, while career indecision was negatively
associated with it. Further, results indicated that the relationship between career indecision and
academic performance was mediated by school belongingness but not family functioning. It
was recommended that intervention programs that aim to improve students’ academic
performance be incorporated to improve students’ sense of school belonging, family
functioning, and career indecision.

THE EFFECTS OF SPOUSAL VIOLENCE ON SPOUSES DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS OF BENUE STATE

Stephen Terver Anyo — 2024-11-15

One of the significant social issues affecting families recently is spousal
violence (SV). Lockdowns are noted to have triggered spousal violence globally at an alarming
rate. This study examined the rate of spousal violence during the COVID-19 lockdown in
Makurdi metropolis, assessed the effects of COVID-19 lockdown and spousal violence among
households in Makurdi metropolis of Benue State, Nigeria and suggested ways on how
household members can mitigate spousal violence. The study was anchored on Anomie’. A
cross-sectional survey research design was employed for this study. The study population was
comprised of members of households, specifically adult males and females aged 18 and above,
married, and residents of Makurdi Metropolis. The sample size of this study was determined
using Cochran’s (1977) formula. Questionnaire and key informant interview methods were
used for data collection, and data was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The
study’s findings revealed that the COVID-19 lockdown created a breeding ground for spousal
violence during the lockdown period. Findings further revealed that the rate of spousal violence
during COVID-19 increased. The effects of spousal violence were social, psychological,
economic and physical. The study concluded that spousal violence has impacted negatively on
the wellbeing of spousal relationships. The study, therefore, recommended that counsellors
should encourage spouses to have a mutual understanding among them in order to foster family
unity and progress. Awareness or sensitisation should be made public so that victims of spousal
violence can easily access services on physical assault.

THE EFFECT OF NATIONAL SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMS AGENCY ON POVERTY REDUCTION IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

Nnaemeka Hillary Anikeze — 2024-11-15

This study investigated the Effect of the National Social Investment Programs
Agency on Poverty Reduction in South East Nigeria from 2015 - 2023. Specifically, the study
is designed to examine the effect of the N-power program on job creation in Southeast East
Nigeria, ascertain the effect of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment program in
enhancing small-scale business in Southeast East Nigeria, determine the effect of conditional
cash transfer in addressing income inequality in south East Nigeria. The study was carried out
in five randomly selected major cities in South East Nigeria (Enugu, Umuahia, Abakaliki,
Anambra, and Owerri). The study employed survey research method. The population for the
study comprised eight hundred and seventy-six (2876) residents in the five selected major cities
in South East Nigeria, while three hundred and fifty-one (351) respondents were sampled using
Taro Yamane sampling techniques. A questionnaire designed by the researcher served as the
instrument for data collection. The data collected were analysed using simple percentages while
the hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using chi-square. The findings of the
study revealed that the National Social Investment Program has a positive significant effect in
enhancing the standard of living in South East Nigeria; the National Social Investment Program
has a positive significant effect in creating job opportunities in South East Nigeria. Based on
the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made: national social
investment agency should develop programs that are tailored to the specific needs and
challenges of South East Nigeria, which will help address the succession agitation in the area;
local communities should be actively engaged in planning and implementation of social
investment programs; national social investment program should focus in investing in
education and vocational training programs to equip individuals with the skill needed for
gainful employment.

POLITICAL RADIO ADVERTISEMENT AND VOTERS' CHOICE OF CANDIDATE DURING ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA

Moyosore Alade — 2024-11-15

This study investigates the influence of political radio advertisements on civil
servants' voting choices during the 2022 Osun State Gubernatorial election, exploring the
effectiveness of this campaign amidst low voter turnout. The study employed a survey research
design through the use of a questionnaire, which was used to gather data among civil servants in the
Ede North Local Government, with a sample size of 173 respondents. The findings indicate that
while respondents frequently engage with radio content, their assessment of the educational and
persuasive quality of political ads is moderate. Notably, ads were seen as critical of opponents, yet
their influence on voters' choices was ambiguous, with many respondents indicating a limited impact
on their electoral decisions. This aligns with previous studies emphasizing the dual role of media in
both informing and influencing voter behaviour. The research highlights the complexities of political
advertising in shaping electoral outcomes and offers recommendations for more effective
communication strategies tailored to the electorate's needs in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

INFLUENCE OF SELF-ESTEEM AND SUBSTANCE USE ON DEPRESSION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Suleiman Aliyu Abubakar — 2024-11-15

This study examines how self-esteem and substance use impact depression
among undergraduates at the Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria. Three hundred and ninety
(390) participants with ages ranging from 19-25 years (Mean= 18.779; SD=11.42) were
selected using a simple random sampling technique. A survey research method was adopted
for the study. Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale, Substance use questionnaire, and Beck’s
depression inventory were used to collect data. Linear regression was used to analyse
hypotheses one and two, and multiple regression was used to analyse hypothesis three. Findings
indicated that self-esteem significantly influenced depression among undergraduate students
of the Federal University of Lafia (R = 0.863 = R2 = 0.547 (F (1,389) = 192.192, t = 14.170, p
< .05). Also, it shows that substance use significantly influenced depression among
undergraduate students of Federal University of Lafia (R = 0.536 = R2 = 0.213 (F (1,389) =
63.820, t = 4.711, p < .05). Similarly, the results revealed that self-esteem and substance use
jointly influenced depression among undergraduate students of Federal University of Lafia (R
= 0.724 = R2 = .520 (F (2, 388) = 107.544, t = -5.087, p < .05). It was recommended that;
University management should ensure the availability of mental health resources and support
services for students. This could include counselling services, workshops on self-esteem
management and well-being, and access to mental health professionals. There should be regular
assessment of the mental health and well-being of students through surveys or confidential
feedback mechanisms. This can help identify individuals who may be at risk of depression and
enable targeted interventions or support. Substance use tests should be done regularly in order
to checkmate the illegal use of substances by students.

PREVALENCE OF MALARIA AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG THE ELDERLY IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATION FOR POLICY INTERVENTION

Owie Ukponahiusi — 2024-11-15

Malaria is a widespread public health issue that affects not just children under
five and pregnant women but also the elderly, who are also susceptible to malaria infection like
other age cohorts. This study specifically examines malaria prevalence and associated risk
factors among Nigeria's older population and its implications for policy intervention. It adopted
secondary data from the 2015 Nigerian Malaria Indicator Survey report. A total of 1778 elderly
persons were considered in the study. Analyses were carried out at different levels. At the
bivariate level, the chi-square test was carried out to explore the factors that were associated
with malaria incidence. At the same time, the multivariate logistic regression considers the
impact of each of the variables on malaria incidence while adjusting for other variables. The
test was conducted at a 5 percent level of significance, and the results were presented using the
adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and p-values. Findings revealed a
high prevalence case of malaria among the elderly, with the rural areas having the highest
incidence cases. All reported ages (≥ 60 years) showed a high prevalence level, while there was
slight variance by age group among the different age intervals of the elderly. The study
concludes that the high malaria prevalence rate in the study area is influenced by factors such
as education, age, and place of residence. To combat malaria effectively, prevention and control
programmes should be extensive and all-encompassing across all ages, especially the elderly.

EMPLOYEES’ BENEFITS AND ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN JULIUS BERGER NIGERIAN PLC

Nnenna Nancy Chukwuma — 2024-11-15

This study examines the relationship between employee benefits and
organizational performance in construction companies, with a particular focus on Julius Berger
Nigeria Plc, one of the leading construction firms in Nigeria. This study adopted descriptive
survey design, which is concerned with determining the frequency with which something
occurs or the relationships between variables. The total population is 324 permanent staff
members at the head office and site supervisors. The researcher targeted 40% of the entire
population, which included 130 employees. A purposive sampling of the targeted population
was employed. The study used questionnaires to collect the data and consulted secondary
sources and literature for comparison. This study adopted the multiple regression analysis
technique to analyse the data. The results of the study revealed that training and development,
as well as health and safety benefits, have positive and significant effects on organizational
productivity, whereas retirement-related benefits have an insignificant negative effect on
organizational productivity. Based on these findings, the study concluded that employee
benefits are an important strategy for motivating staff to improve performance. The study
suggests that organizations should continue providing health and security benefits to all
employees, as these benefits positively influence employee performance and increase overall
productivity in the company.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG PRINCIPALS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN IMO STATE

Afam C. Ndu — 2024-11-15

This research was carried out to determine principals’ information management
and human resource management practices in secondary schools in Imo State. It sought to
determine if there is a relationship between principals’ information management and their
orientation of new teachers, staff development, motivation and discipline of teachers. The study
drew heavily from the resource dependency theory, organizational information processing
theory and organizational information theory. It employed a correlational research design. Four
research questions guided the study. The four hypotheses developed for the study were tested
at a 0.05 level of significance. A proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used
to select 113 schools, which is 40 percent of the 279 schools in Imo State. Again, 40 per cent
of teachers in the 113 schools were selected using a stratified sampling technique. Data was
collected by means of a 68-item questionnaire consisting of two sections, one on information
management and the other on human resource management. The section on human resource
management was organized into four categories, namely staff orientation, staff development,
staff motivation, and staff discipline, in order to highlight essential human resource
management practices undertaken by secondary school principals. Only teachers were used as
respondents. The instrument's reliability was assessed using the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient,
which yielded a reliability index, while the Pearson Moment Correlation Coefficient was
employed for data analysis. The study observed a highly positive relationship between
principals’ information management and all four categories of human resource management
studied. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that schools should, among
other things, upgrade their information resources and facilities like libraries, databases and
internet connectivity.

CYBERCRIME-RITUALISM AND VICTIMIZATION IN CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT OF KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Jimoh Buhari Edun — 2024-11-15

The general aim of the study is to assess cybercrime, ritualism, and criminal
victimisation in the Kwara Central Senatorial District of Kwara State, Nigeria. Two specific
objectives are considered, which include the prevalence of cybercrime-ritualism and the effect
of invocation on criminal victimization. The development of information and communication
technology (ICT) has revealed an ever-expanding knowledge field that seeks to bring global
activities to everyone doorstep. Apart from facilitating the emergence of a global village, the
increased access to the internet has opened a window for both legitimate and illegitimate
transactions. A thematic review of the literature is carried out. The study used Rational Choice
Theory for its theoretical framework. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design in
Kwara Central Senatorial District, using 611 respondents to whom structured questionnaires
were administered. All the youths and women leaders from selected wards were engaged in an
in-depth interview. The result indicated that 26.5% agreed that many people have fallen victim
to cybercrime-ritualists in Kwara central senatorial district. The study concluded that
addressing criminal victimization associated with cybercrime-ritualism required a
comprehensive approach, with the recommendation that the Kwara state government should
organise an anti-ritual program side by side with an anti-cybercrime program.

GLOBALIZATION AND LOCAL CULTURE: ADAPTATION AND ADOPTION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Sylvia Efe Ekuerhare — 2024-11-15

In the midst of globalization, the indigenous culture could undergo a
transformation that could either hamper or enhance the development process of the local culture
due to several issues, such as the inability of the imported tradition or development effort to fit
into the local environment. Therefore, this paper examined how adapting or adopting
globalisation could transform the local culture towards attaining sustainable development in
Nigeria. It adopts a systematic review method, using search engines such as google scholar,
Google, ResearchGate, among others, considering articles between 2010 and 2023, and content
analysis was used to group materials into major themes, thereby subjecting them to thematic
analysis towards addressing the objective of the study. The findings of the study revealed that
when globalisation and its elements transcend into local culture they do not synchronise with
or fit into the local culture, such efforts could deter and distort local culture and its development
in the long run. However, when they are tailored to fit into the local culture, such efforts could
enhance development and, hence, sustainable development. In conclusion, globalisation and its
elements tailored to the mainstream local culture could either be adopted or adapted into the
local environment, depending on the peculiarity of the local culture, to be able to enhance
sustainable development in such local culture.

CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES FOR RECRUITING REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLES IN RESEARCH AND IMPLICATIONS FOR GENERALIZABILITY

Suleiman Aliyu Abubakar — 2024-11-15

This paper examines the challenges in recruiting representative samples, the
impact on generalizability, and practical strategies for improving recruitment in diverse
populations. It starts by explaining the concept of representative samples and then explains the
generalization of findings. The paper further defines recruiting of representative samples as a
process whereby research employs a subset of the population in order to collect data so as to
generalize the information gotten from the sample to the general population. The paper further
explains the consequences of recruiting the samples. Also, it discusses the factors that influence
generalization, importance of representative samples, it also explains the challenges in
recruiting representative sample in research. Furthermore, the seminar looks at the approaches
to mitigate challenges in recruiting representative samples which include; designed-based
approaches, recruitment-based approaches, data collection approaches, analytical approaches
and partnership-based approaches. Finally, the paper gave some recommendations for the best
practices in recruiting representative samples and generalizability of findings.

INFLUENCE OF PACKAGING ON CONSUMER PURCHASE DECISION

Peter Abude — 2024-11-15

Packaging plays an important role in the marketing of not only company’s
offering but also corporate image. It is in consideration of this basic fact that good product
packaging is advanced. It is a fact that most packages in the Nigerian market have been
deceptive and labels do not carry sufficient information concerning the product content, usage
and storage. This packaging defect is traceable to the fake products and the aggressive need
for profit making on the part of manufacturers. One has discovered that packaging is an
important marketing tool, which should not be overlooked since effective packaging produces
fortune to the company. Through the review, one discovered that the success of most products
especially the newly launched ones largely depend on the amount of packaging directed
towards it. The Nigerian consumer has grown both in education and awareness. To this effect,
manufacturers should emphasize on those aspects of packaging characteristics that attract the
consumers in order to enhance the product choice. The benefit of product packaging touches
both the consumer and the manufacturer. The consumer benefits in terms of after use benefits
of the packaging and satisfaction derivable. The manufacturer benefits in terms of enhanced
corporate image coupled with abundant product sales. Besides, packaging gives family
semblance to products from the company’s product line. In line with the observation of this
work, it is hereby suggested that manufacturers give priority attention to their packaging. This
is a surer way of selling not only their products but their unassailable corporate image. The
author also recommends that government should strengthen its agencies charged with the
protection of consumers’ rights and by so doing government intervention will be noticeable.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF CULTURAL DISSONANCE

Sylvia Efe Ekuerhare — 2024-11-15

This study examines the role of cultural dissonance in mediating the impact of
cultural diversity on sustainable development in Nigeria. The paper adopts a systematic review
method and obtains information from Google Scholar, Google, and ResearchGate, among
others, and only articles between 2010 and 2023 were used in this study. Content analysis and
thematic analysis were used to analyse the articles obtained so as to address the objective of
the study. The findings reveal that while cultural diversity holds potential for positive
development, cultural dissonance introduces conflicts that hinder sustainable progress. In
conclusion, cultural diversity, in the presence of cultural dissonance, could affect sustainable
development negatively due to conflicts and confusion. Therefore, the study recommends that
cultural dissonance should be mitigated and canvassed against, and encouraging cultural
harmony through education, introducing policies that encourage cultural harmony and the use
of social media, which could change the attitudes of the citizens towards appreciating the
different cultural values in the society that would enhance sustainable development in Nig

WOMEN’S INVOLVEMENT IN TERRORISM: A CRITICAL LOOK AT THEIR ROLES IN SELECTED TERRORIST ORGANISATIONS

Tunde Agara — 2024-11-15

The study examined why societies are slow or not inclined to imbibe the
directive on gender equality, as terrorist organisations are using this directive to entice more
women by offering them opportunities to hold positions of prominence, which are denied by
the societies in which they live. While the research study employed content, process theories
and push and pull factors were also examined. The study adopted a multi-layered methodology
in which four cases of transnational terrorist groups were selected and qualitatively analysed.
The study concludes that women play a variety of roles in terrorist organisations, in some cases
more than men do, and the implications of this role for the global war on terror have led to a
long way in devising effective counterterrorism strategies and policies. For example, Boko
Haram may be abducting girls and women to use as future recruiters or suicide bombers.
However, in espionage parlance, they are called 'sleepers' who can be 'awakened' later in the
future for certain jobs, such as suicide bombing or targeted assassination. Like the Russian
KGB, many such 'sleepers' were deliberately planted in America as American children and
families during the heydays of the Cold War.

EXAMINING THE ROLE OF ORGANIZED LABOUR IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS.

Dorka Godbless Deedam — 2024-11-15

The thrust of this paper is examining the role of organized labour in Nigeria:
Challenges and Solutions. The paper argues the changing roles of organized labour from that
of a union regarded as working in solidarity to achieve industrial peace, the dignity of labour,
social justice for workers and fighting for poor masses. The paper avers that organized labour
before now, through the instrumentality of strikes and collective bargaining, influenced the
government’s anti-people, pro-rich policies and practices that were perceived as obnoxious.
The intentional fragmentation of organized labour or trade unionism by the government and
slow reactionary measures towards workers' welfare, among other key issues, have necessitated
this research work. The paper opined that organized labour has abandoned championing the
course of the millions of Nigerian workers and poor rather than as an extension of the political
party in power in the last few years. The main objective of this paper is to critically examine
the role of organized labour in Nigeria and to what extent they have solved the problem of
Nigerian worker's welfare in the face of the harsh economic situations and poor Nigeria in
general. Also, determine the challenges faced by organized labour in Nigeria and proffer
solutions. This paper adopted a qualitative research method. It is a purely descriptive study
relying heavily on theoretical literature. The paper concluded that organized labour should be
seen as a more viable and visible partner in the struggle to better the welfare of workers and
poor citizens in Nigeria.

SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF CYBER AND NON-CYBER RELATED CRIMINAL BEHAVIOURS AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN IMO STATE’S TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

Julie Ijeoma Chidiezie-Chineke — 2024-11-15

The study was on the sociological analyses of cyber and non-cyber-related criminal behaviours among undergraduates in tertiary institutions in Imo State. The study was a survey adopting a correlational research design. Three research questions were posed for the study. The target population of the study was 55,000 undergraduates. The study sample was 598 students based on the data of students of tertiary Institutions in Imo State of Nigeria in the custody of central Police station Owerri. A pro forma titled: Criminal Behaviour as Related to Demography profiles of undergraduates in tertiary institutions of Imo State between 2013 and
2019 was used. The research questions were answered using mean scores and percentage ratings. Findings showed, among others, that cultism is the most common criminal behaviour among undergraduates. Children from families with high social backgrounds families mostly indulge in cyber and non-cyber-related criminal behaviours. It was then recommended, among others, that the government, through the Ministry of Education, should carry out serious awareness programmes on the dangers associated with cultism among undergraduates. Parents with high social backgrounds should create time to monitor the activities of their children and always admonish them when they try to go astray. It has been recommended that these tertiary institutions in Imo State and other parts of the country should accelerate campaigns targeted at cybercrime awareness among their students. This is from the vantage point of making them understand that cybercrime is a criminal offence punishable under the Nigerian criminal act
with the attendant adverse consequence of jeopardizing their educational career if they are caught and convicted.

SAMPLING BIAS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH VALIDITY

Enoch Danie — 2024-11-15

This paper explores sampling bias and its implications for research validity. It
starts by explaining the concept of sampling bias. The paper further defines sampling bias in
research as the collection of samples that do not accurately represent the entire group. The
paper further explains the types of sampling bias and the causes of sampling bias. It also
discusses the sampling bias and implications for research validity with some examples.
Furthermore, it looks at the approaches to mitigate sampling bias, which includes Probability
sampling, Weighting and adjustments, response rate optimization, and pilot testing. Lastly, the
paper gave some recommendations for the best practices in sampling from a population in order
to avoid sampling bias.

ANALYSIS OF CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF ROAD TRANSPORT ACCIDENTS ALONG ZARIA-SOBA ROAD KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Olutoyin Moses Adedokun — 2024-11-15

This work examines the locations, causes and effects of road traffic accidents along the Zaria-
Soba highway in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The data used for the study were obtained from people
along the route. Using simple random sampling, questionnaires were administered to the
respondents. A total of 150 questionnaires were administered in ten selected villages along the
route. Descriptive statistics, especially percentages and tables, were used to analyse the data.
The results of the study showed that the major causal factor of accidents along the route is bad
road, 58.7%, 22.7% was as a result of careless driving, 6.5% was due to overspeeding,
drunkenness accounts for 3.3%, lack of regard for road signs due to illiteracy account for 2.0%.
It was also discovered that 35% of the accidents occurred between 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm, 26.5%
occurred mostly at night (5-10 pm), and 13.5% occurred in the morning. It is, therefore,
suggested that the government reconstruct the route or, in the short run, refill the potholes,
especially in areas with high cases of accidents. Public awareness and traffic education, such
as the use of seat belts, interpretation of road signs, regular vehicle checks, etc., should be
carried out by the FRSC. Road infrastructure, such as road signs and pedestrian bridges that
need to be improved along the study route, should be provided, with a view to making the
Zaria- Soba route accident-free.

INCIDENCE OF PSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH DISTURBANCES AMONG NONMEDICAL TRAMADOL USING EMERGING ADULTS IN OWERRI, IMO STATE

Ann Ukachi Madukwe — 2024-11-15

This study screened twenty-eight (18 male & 10 female) emerging adults aged 16 -27 years
selected from a normal population, who had used tramadol for at least one month. Respondents
were drawn through the snowball sampling method. The Tramadol Questerview and Drug Use
Screening Inventory-Revised were used to evaluate respondents’ non-medical use of tramadol
and the severity of psychosocial health disturbances, respectively. The study adopted a
descriptive design and descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Findings showed that
respondents had significant overall problem density ranging from 24.48 at the lowest to 67.34
at the highest. Tramadol use was associated with significant absolute and overall problem
densities in the six domains of psychosocial health screened. Also, 80.8% of the respondents
used 200mg to 600mg day daily, and dosage per day was significantly associated with
the health status domain. The study concluded that long-term nonmedical misuse of tramadol
has a negative impact on the psychosocial health of young persons. It is recommended that
tramadol should remain scheduled as a controlled drug in Nigeria; and be prescribed in rare
cases and for very short therapy periods for older persons.