Social Science Research

Public Perception of the Effect of Kidnapping on the Socio-Economic Development of Ideato South Local Government Area Imo State, Nigeria

2026-04-17T15:25:02+00:00

This work investigated public perception of the effect of kidnapping on the socio-economic development of Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. The Social Disorganization Theory was adopted as the theoretical framework. The study adopted the mixed methods research design, using the multistage sampling procedure in the selection of 204 respondents. The target population consisted of adult residents, defined as people aged 18 years and above in Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State. The questionnaire and In-Depth Interview (IDI) guide served as instruments for data collection. The quantitative data were coded and processed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Frequency tables were used to analyze, describe and present the quantitative data, while the qualitative data were transcribed manually and analyzed using thematic analysis. Two research hypotheses were formulated and tested using chi-square inferential statistics. The study found economic downturn to be the major effect of kidnapping in Ideato South LGA, Imo State. Based on the findings of the study, the work recommended that the government should implement programmes aimed at reducing poverty and unemployment in Ideato South, which can diminish the economic incentives for engaging in kidnapping. The study also recommended that NGOs should advocate for stricter penalties for kidnappers, including life imprisonment or the death penalty for repeat offenders. This could serve as a deterrent against kidnapping.

Institutional Factors influencing Extra-Judicial Killings by Law Enforcement Agents in South-East, Nigeria

2026-04-17T14:08:17+00:00

The study investigated institutional factors influencing extra-judicial killings in South-East, Nigeria. The incidence of extra-judicial killings especially by the Nigerian Police is a recurring phenomenon since the inception of the Nigerian Fourth Republic in 1999 and it refers to the unlawful deprivation of life without recourse to judicial or legal processes. The social conflict theory was adopted as the theoretical framework for the study. The study employed the sequential mixed methods research design, and the sample size of 1051 was statistically determined using Fisher’s statistical method while the study participants include the town union members and self-employed youths resident in South-East Nigeria. The questionnaire and the In-Depth Interview (IDI) Guide were the major instruments for data collection. The quantitative data collected were processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20 software and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and simple percentages while manual content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The study found that the institutional factors influencing extra-judicial killings in South-East Nigeria are corruption within the law enforcement agency and inadequate training. These significantly explain the prevalence of extra-judicial killings in the region. The findings from the study indicated that extra-judicial killings affect public trust in law enforcement and the criminal justice system in South-East Nigeria. This highlights that something needs to be done urgently to restore confidence in the law enforcement and the criminal justice system. This study strongly recommends a proper police reform and this should not be a mere change of name and uniform as it has been in the past but a total overhaul of the Nigeria Police Force which will include periodic mental and psychological examination to ascertain the mental fitness of the officers. Also, the use of vigilante and militia forces should be abolished in the country, the existing ones should be disbanded and disarmed and subsequently trained and if found fit should be incorporated into the force as that will play a key role in curbing the culture of impunity witnessed in the region.

The Role of Internalized Homophobia and Body Appreciation in Predicting Risky Sexual Behaviour Among Sexual Minorities in Nigeria.

2026-04-17T15:59:32+00:00

The study investigated the role of internalized homophobia and body appreciation in predicting risky sexual behaviour among sexual minorities in Nigeria. A total of forty-eight (48) sexual minority individuals were recruited using a non-probabilistic sampling method, relying on social network strategies to access a hard-to-reach population. Their ages ranged from 18 to 36 years old, with the mean age of 24.83 and standard deviation of 4.46. Three instruments were used for data collection. They included: Revised Internalized Homophobia Scale, Body Appreciation Scale 2 and Sexual Risk Survey. It adopted a correlational research design and moderated regression analysis as the research design and statistics respectively. The result revealed: a) a non-significant negative prediction of internalized homophobia on risky sexual behaviour among the studied population (β = -0.29, p >.05), b) a non-significant negative prediction of body appreciation on risky sexual behaviour (β = -0.49, p > .05), and c) the interaction term between internalized homophobia and body appreciation was also not statistically significant (β = 0.02, p = >.05), indicating that body appreciation did not moderate the relationship between internalized homophobia and risky sexual behaviour. These results highlight the need to explore other psychosocial and structural factors influencing sexual risk-taking among sexual minorities in Nigeria, with implications for culturally sensitive clinical interventions and public health programming.

Community Policing And Grassroots Security Initiatives For Sustainable Development

2026-04-17T15:52:25+00:00

The primary duties of the Nigeria police force are detection and prevention of crime, apprehension of offenders, preservation of law and order and protection of lives and property. It appears that this formal security agency is lacking in discharging of these duties effectively and efficiently. Consequently, community policing and grassroots security initiatives have emerged in response to the seemingly failure and limitations of the Nigeria police force and other law enforcement agencies to provide adequate security for citizens and maintenance of order in communities. This is a theoretical paper which utilized secondary sources such as journals, international organization reports, and news articles, books, and others to examine the roles of community policing and grassroots security initiatives in providing security and sustainable development in different communities in Nigeria. The broken window and structural-functionalist theories provided theoretical framework for this paper. It was shown in this paper that community policing and grassroots security initiatives are pertinent for enhancing public safety, protecting human rights, and fostering sustainable community development. The paper concluded that Police-Public partnership and collaborations will be of immense help in addressing the challenges faced by formal security agencies in carrying out their basic functions. The paper recommends that community policing and grassroots security initiatives should be encouraged, adequately funded, and provided with sophisticated equipment, logistics and modern technology to enhance their effectiveness in fighting crimes, providing security and contributions towards sustainable development.

Socio-cultural Factors Affecting Maternal Nutrition During Pregnancy in Awka South

2026-04-17T15:41:34+00:00

This study investigated socio-cultural factors affecting maternal nutrition during pregnancy in Awka South LGA. The specific objectives examined the current situation of pregnant women, cultural practices affecting dietary choices of pregnant women, social factors and measures to improve the maternal nutrition of pregnant women. Three theories were reviewed namely: Social constraints theory, life course theory and health belief model. Subsequently, health belief model was adopted as the theoretical framework. The mixed methods research design and mixed sampling procedure were used in this study. The study sampled 204 persons aged 15-49 years living in Awka South LGA. The quantitative data (i.e., questionnaires) were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and simple percentages while the qualitative data (interview responses) collected in the field were analyzed using the thematic method of data analysis. Two hypotheses were tested using Chi–square (x) test statistics and results were found to have positive relationships. Other findings show that majority of the respondents agree that income is a major factor that affects maternal nutrition of pregnant women in the area. A few other contributory factors are cultural practices, Distance to markets, source of support and level of education. The results indicate that while many pregnant women in Awka South consume nutritious meals, cultural beliefs and income levels greatly influence their dietary choices. Education had no significant effect, but free supplements, health talks, and food programmes helped improve maternal nutrition. Based on this findings, the study recommends nutrition education and culturally sensitive interventions to correct harmful food beliefs. It also advises economic support, free supplements, and strong community–health partnerships to improve and sustain maternal nutrition.

Does Perceived Organizational Support Moderate the Relationship Between Effective Leadership and Psychological Contract Fulfilment Among Police Officers

2026-04-17T15:32:34+00:00

The study was aimed to investigate if perceived organizational support moderated the relationship between effective leadership and psychological contract fulfilment among police officers. One hundred and seventy-one (171) Police Officers participated in the study, they were selected from different units/police stations in Awka, Anambra State. Psychological Contract Breach and Violation Scale (Robinson & Morrison, 2000), Survey of Perceived Organizational Support (SPOS) (Rhoades et al., 2001) and BCE Leadership style (Nwafor et. al, 2014) were used for data collection. The survey research design was adopted for this study and Pearson Moment Correlation and Hierarchical Linear Regression Statistics was used in testing the research hypotheses. The results revealed that perceived organizational support is closely associated with psychological contract fulfilment at r = .41, p<. 01, effective leadership is closely associated with perceived organizational support is at r = .20, p<.0.1, Moderated regression analysis showed that effective leadership and perceived organizational support were important factors in predicting psychological contract fulfilment, and
this had the adjusted R2 for the model at .19, and this was significant at F 3(378) = 10.03, p<.01. Independently, effective leadership positively and significantly contributed and predicted psychological contract fulfilment B = .03, p<.01. Similarly, perceived organizational support positively contributed to psychological contract fulfilment at B = .02, p< .01. In Model 2, it was observed that perceived Organizational support moderated the relationship between effective leadership and psychological contract fulfilment (B = .01, p< .01). Based on the findings, it was recommended that organizations and leaders should ensure that employee are respected and valued for their contributions in the organization, and their well-being should be prioritized, also imbibe the culture of providing effective leadership by always trying to bridge the communication gap within the ranks of police force.

Spousal Support for Maternal Health Service Access and Spousal Abuse among Expectant and Nursing Mothers in Idemili South L.G.A, Anambra State, Nigeria

2026-04-17T15:17:49+00:00

This paper has investigated the relationship between spousal support for maternal access to health care and spousal abuse experiences of expectant and nursing mothers in the Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. Using the AGIL Model, the Structural Violence Theory (SVT), and the Social Support Theory (SST), the study examined the nature of interactions between structural, institutional and relational factors to influence health experiences among the study population. A descriptive-correlational survey design was adopted for the study and the data were collected using face-to-face questionnaire to as sample of 232 participants in eight primary healthcare facilities, who were selected using the proportionate convenience sampling technique. Descriptive - frequency count and percentage and inferential statistics (t-test), were used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that while financial support from spouses was relatively high, emotional and practical support were moderate to low. Overall, 69% of respondents reported occasional experiences of spousal abuse, whereas 16.6% had never experienced abuse. Statistical analysis
indicated a significant negative interrelationship between spousal support and spousal abuse (t = 7.84, p =.001), which meant that higher levels of spousal support were associated with lower incidences of spousal abuse. The study also found that male low participation in maternal care due to patriarchal orientation, financial strains, and poor institutional mobilization leads to stress and experiences of spousal abuse. The study therefore recommends that institutional support on maternal health should be enhanced, that males should be engaged in other areas other than money and that sensitisation of communities should be done to encourage equitable gender relations. Such interventions are relevant in enhancing the health of expectant and nursing mothers, as well as minimising the chances of spousal abuse in the rural Nigerian setting.

Roles of Discrimination and Self-Esteem on Deliberate Self-Harm among People Living With HIV in Anambra State

2026-04-17T16:03:10+00:00

The study explored the roles of discrimination and self-esteem on deliberate self-harm among people living with HIV in Anambra State. In the study, 128 People living with HIV served as participants. They were drawn from Federal Medical Centre, Onitsha (Inpatients and Outpatients), and Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the hospitals and systematic sampling technique was used to select the participants. The participants’ age ranged 24 to 69 years with mean age of 42.68 and standard deviation of 11.55. The gender data revealed that 71(55.5%) were males and 71(55.5%) were females. Three instruments were used: Perceived Discrimination Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Self-Harm Inventory. The study adopted correlational design and Multiple regression statistics. The study revealed that perceived discrimination indicated significant role on deliberate self-harm among people living with HIV at (F1, 85) = 29.55, p<.05. Self-esteem showed significant role on deliberate self-harm among people living with HIV at (F1, 85) = 11.49, p<.05. Perceived discrimination and self-esteem had significant interaction effect on deliberate self-harm among people living with HIV at (F1, 85) = 6.43, p<.05. Therefore, the study recommends that psychologists should be engage for psychosocial support to people living with HIV. Their services will help reduce deliberate self-harm triggered by discrimination and low self-esteem.

Role of Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Organizational Effectiveness in the Private Organisation Sector in Anambra State, Nigeria

2026-04-17T15:55:34+00:00

The study examined the role of attitude toward artificial intelligence on organizational effectiveness in Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of 220 workers were sampled for the study. A multistage sampling technique was used to sample the participants. Two instruments were used in the study: The General Attitude on Artificial Intelligence Scale (GAAIS) and the Organisational Effectiveness Inventory Model (OEIM). The study used a cross-sectional design, and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was the statistical method used. The result showed that attitude towards artificial intelligence had significant influence on goal attainment dimension of organizational effectiveness at 24.0% (F29, 190) = 1.86, p < .05. Attitude towards artificial intelligence had significant influence on system resource dimension of organizational effectiveness at (F29, 190) = 1.45, p < .05. Attitude towards artificial intelligence had significant influence on internal process dimension of organizational effectiveness at (F29, 190) = 1.80, p < .05. Attitude towards artificial intelligence had significant influence on strategic constituent of organizational effectiveness at (F29, 190) = 1.68, p < .05. Based on the study findings, it was recommended that there is need for implementation of artificial intelligence in today’s private sector organization; if organizational effectiveness must be achieved.

Nexus Between International Trade, Economic Growth And Environmental Sustainability In Nigeria

2026-04-17T15:46:47+00:00

This study examined the nexus between international trade, economic growth and environmental sustainability in Nigeria. Vector Autoregressive (VAR) Model was adopted for this research to reveal insights into the dynamic interactions between Gross domestic product growth rate (GDPGR), Trade intensity ratio (TIR) and Environmental performance index (EPI) in Nigeria. The key objectives pursued in this study are; to analyze the relationship between international trade and economic growth in Nigeria, to examine the impact of international trade on environmental sustainability in Nigeria and to examine the dynamic variance decomposition between international trade, economic growth and environmental sustainability in Nigeria. The result showed that there is co – integration amongst the key variables (GDPGR, TIR and EPI) and therefore an existence of a long – run relationship between them in the model. It was also revealed that international trade does not exert a significant influence on economic growth in Nigeria within the short-run dynamic structure. The VAR results further revealed that the GDPGR variable itself does not respond significantly to its past values, indicating a weak autoregressive structure. Similarly, the results from the EPI equation revealed that international trade does not significantly influence environmental sustainability in the short run and exchange rate appears to play more dominant role than trade, suggesting that currency fluctuations may have immediate effects on environmental quality, likely through their influence on the cost of imported green technologies and raw materials and that environmental degradation was more likely in countries lacking strong
regulatory institutions: a condition which arguably characterises Nigeria’s environmental governance. Another critical insight from the VAR results is the relatively high R-squared values across most equations, especially for TIR (0.94), EPI (0.96), and EXCHR (0.97), indicating that the model explained a significant portion of the variations in these variables. These results justify the need for green trade policies, sustainable industrial development, and environmentally-conscious trade agreements in Nigeria, strengthening of institutional framework and deliberate investment in infrastructure, to enable the revelation of any true nexus between international trade, economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Influence Of Social Media Monetization in Promoting Entrepreneurial Communication Through Content Creation Among Undergraduates in Anambra State

2026-04-17T15:36:46+00:00

Social media has evolved into a crucial tool for modern entrepreneurship, providing undergraduates with opportunities to monetize content creation and strengthen their entrepreneurial communication skills. This study investigated the influence of social media monetization on entrepreneurial communication among undergraduates in Anambra State. The specific objectives were to: evaluate students’ awareness of monetization opportunities; identify the most commonly used platforms for monetizable content creation; analyze how monetization activities influence the development of entrepreneurial skills; examine barriers encountered in the
monetization process; and assess the economic benefits derived from monetization. A crosssectional survey design was employed, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 400 undergraduates selected from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Federal Polytechnic Oko, and Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze. Findings revealed a high level of awareness of monetization opportunities, with Instagram and YouTube identified as the most frequently used platforms for revenue-driven content creation. The results further indicated that engaging in monetization activities significantly enhances entrepreneurial communication skills, although challenges such as limited knowledge and high competition persist. Based on these findings, recommendations were made to strengthen digital skill development initiatives and provide institutional support systems for student content creators.