EFFECTS OF UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG YOUTHS IN BIDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NIGER STATE

EFFECTS OF UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG YOUTHS IN BIDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NIGER STATE

ABSTRACT

The study examined the effects of unemployment among youths in Bida Local Government Area of Niger state. The study indicated that youth unemployment has many negative effects to the society, economy, family, and individuals. From the response got from the questionnaires revealed that youth unemployment leads to poverty, low productivity, losses in foreign direct investment, low revenue generation, rural urban migration, illicit activities which increases insecurity, anti-social activities such as armed robbery, prostitution, political thuggery, violence, kidnapping, restiveness and other social vices evident among the unemployed youths and this constitutes danger to the stability, growth and development of the state. The research concludes that, addressing the problems of youth unemployment, must involve all stakeholders. Suggestions from the analysis therefore, are that effective policy measures such as re-prioritization or revitalization of agricultural sector, reformation of educational system, provision of enabling environment and building of industries be pursued vigorously which will drastically reduce unemployment and poverty as well as eradicate the menace of youth unemployment in Bida Local Government area of Niger State and Nigeria as a whole.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1    Background of the Study

Globally, the world is experiencing mass unemployment of qualified and able-bodied youths and these have generated much concern for both governmental and non-governmental organizations, public and private sectors of the economy. The global economic recession of the 1980’s has caused rapid deterioration in Nigeria’s economic industrial output. In the 60’s and 70’s youth unemployment was not pronounced like today because the government then were proactively involved in providing jobs for graduates churning out from various higher institutions.

Over the years, youth unemployment has taken a centre stage in most socials and economic discourse in Nigeria because the youths remain the greatest asset and the life wire of any nation. Youth employment in any nation is universally acknowledged as the basic source of survival and economic development (Ajaji, 2008). The central issue in socio-economic development is how to create conditions necessary for rapid and sustained growth and productivity where, the ultimate goal is to improve people’s quality of life and standard through production of goods and services at affordable prices, provision of basic infrastructures, reduce poverty, create employment opportunities and conducive political, religious, social and economic environment. (Echeriri, 2007).

In Nigeria, youth unemployment is soaring high despite laudable programmes provided by federal, states and local governments to curb the growing concern of joblessness among the teeming population of the country. Several governments both past and present have tried to solve this issue but day to day it increases. President Ibrahim Babangida’s regime from (1984-1993) was the first administration to be confronted with mass unemployment which led to introduction of National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to tackle the scourge of unemployment but to no avail. President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration (1999-2007) came up with the national Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) but could not solve this menace.

President UmaruYaradua’s administration (2007-2010) with the view of solving this problem initiated the seven (7) points agenda, yet no meaningful achievement was recorded and President Goodluck Jonathan (2011-2015) administration launched Youth Enterprise with New Innovations (YOUWIN) and Alhaji Bolaji Abdulahji the minister of youth also organized a youth forum to help youths realize their goals in life, still there is high prevalence of youth unemployment in the Nigerian Sectors (Ikemefula, 2012).

The level of unemployment in Nigeria as well as Akwa Ibom State appears to grow in geometric progression every year, in contrast to its regional neighbours most of whom have far less resources. Anameza (2000), stated that Nigeria will have no prospect of measurable development or of improving the welfare of its people; unless it enhances the chances of employment for its graduates. The menace of unemployment has increasingly been recognized as one of the socio-economic problems currently facing many developing countries like Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Bida with a teaming population youths and a vast spread of natural resource endowment has the potential to be the source of growth and prosperity for the whole region. The unemployment problem in Bida remains persistent and even growing by the day with labour force approximately 70% persons (mostly youths) annually moving into job market (Adelodun, 2006). Statistics of unemployment seems to consist, not of uneducated rural populations, who have been uprooted by failing agricultural production resulting from the absence of mechanization and decreasing incomes but also of some highly educated populations, as well, who normally, would form the core of the productive vanguard in a developing country. In other words, many of Nigeria’s unemployed and consequently poor are well educated even by European and American standards. Nigeria’s underemployment and low productivity constitute a vicious cycle that explains the endemic poverty in the country.

Overall, unemployment in Bida has affected youths from a broad spectrum of socio-economic groups, both of well and less educated, although it has particularly stricken a substantial fraction of youths from low income backgrounds and limited education. From the foregoing, it is obvious that unemployment, especially the unemployment of graduates, impedes the progress of Niger State in many ways. Apart from economic waste, it also constitutes danger for political stability (Ipaye, 1998). It is disturbing to note that Nigeria’s graduates have limited chance of becoming gainfully employed. It is even more disheartening that the country’s economic condition is such that, it is hardly able to absorb an optimal proportion of the production of its own educational system. Gone are the days when employers went about looking for employees. It is now the turn of employees to move from one office to the other seeking for non-existent jobs. These days, thousands of young people are found waiting to be interviewed for just one, two or few vacant positions in some organizations or firms. Most people who cannot earn their living are prone to social vices. They look at themselves as second-class citizens for being unable to contribute to the society.

Bida Local Government Area is faced high rates of youth unemployment thereby leading to social vices and insecurity in the state. In Bida Local Government Area, the only means of survival is politics, civil service, trading and farming. No day passes by without seeing youths roaming about the streets in various offices and business centres in search of job, through advertisement in various mass media such as Newspapers, Magazines, Handbills, posters, Billboards, Radio and Television announcements. Youths all over the country spend much time and huge amount of money surfing through the internet in search of job and some being tired in searching for job and labeled as idle ones have joined bad gangs and are involved in criminal activities and prostitution.

It is on this background that the study is undertaken with the view of examining the effects of unemployment among youths in Bida Local government area of Nigeria and suggesting ways of improving and ameliorating youth unemployment in Uyo and AkwaIbom State.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

Youth unemployment in Bida LGA and Niger state is alarming as the rate is growing geometrically. Youth unemployment in the local is becoming unbearable as it threatens the growth of the state. It is apparent that youths in any society are the greatest assets of national development if given the opportunity of employment. Due to non-availability of ample employment opportunity in the state, the teeming youths with vibrant energy cannot contribute effectively and efficiently to the economic growth and development of the state but rather utilizes such energy in unacceptable means of satisfying their needs, wants and goals in life by engaging themselves in social vices such as armed robbery, kidnapping, violence, political thuggery, cybercrimes, fraud (419), murder, killing human beings and drug trafficking, with prostitution as the only means of survival. Our present society is not helping matters as it places much emphasis and values on materialism.

The problem of youth unemployment in Bida and the state has also affected the local government area, individuals, families, communities, society and government, and has indeed hindered the socio-economic growth and development of the state, thereby challenging the leadership and people of Bida State as it brings about poverty, high crime rates and deviant behaviours, malnutrition, poor health condition which later results in high death rates (Brown, 2011).

The problems of unemployment among the youths are so devastating that Nwodo, (2011) wants the Federal and State Government to urgently address the growing issues of youth unemployment, insecurity and other social vices rampaging our country. Today, the numerous problems associated with unemployment are so enormous that Njoku (1997) asserted “Nothing can be more disturbing to an independent nation than a preponderance of unemployed youths”. Hence, Okoro, (2001) says “restive youths without employment, good housing and other decent conditions of living are bound to become miscreants in the society and deviant behavior will soon become the order of the day in their lives”. To this end Umanah, (2011), pointed out that unemployment has inflicted unprecedented social and economic havoc. It has both social, economic, political, health and psychological consequences on the individual and the society. It is these seemingly insurmountable problems that necessitate this academic work, to examine the effects of unemployment among youths in Bida Local government area of Niger State

1.3       Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to find out the effects of unemployment among youths in Bida local government area of Niger State. In view of this, the specific objectives of the research work are as follows:

1. To examine the effects of unemployment among youth and armed robbery situation in Bida Local Government Area.
2. To examine the effects of unemployment among youths on the kidnapping situation in Bida Local Government Area.
3. To find out the extent unemployment among youths has affected the socio-economic well being of the individuals of Bida Local Government Area.

1.4       Research Questions

The following constitutes the research questions for the study.

1. What are the effects of unemployment among youth and armed robbery situation in Bida Local Government Area.
2. To examine the effects of unemployment among youths on the kidnapping situation in Bida Local Government Area.
3. To what extent does unemployment among youths affected the socio-economic well being of the individuals of Bida Local Government Area.

1.5       Research Hypotheses           

Following the objectives of the study as outlined in section 1.3 and the research question as outlined in 1.4, the research hypotheses are as follows:

1.         Ho: There is no significant relationship between unemployment among youths and armed robbery situation in Bida Local Government Area.

            H₁: There is significant relationship between unemployment among youths and armed robbery situation in Bida Local Government Area.

2.         Ho:      There is no significant relationship between unemployment among youths and kidnapping situation in Bida local government area.

            H₁: There is significant relationship between unemployment among youths and kidnapping situation in Bida Local Government Area.

3.         Ho: There are no consequences of unemployment among youths in Bida local government area.

            H₁: There are consequences of unemployment among youths in Bida Local Government Area.

1.6       Significance of the Study

The significance of this study is to make research on the effect of unemployment among youths who are mostly graduates and non graduates with qualified skilled labour. The result of this study will provide useful information needed by government to fight unemployment and help create employment opportunities for the teaming population of Nigerian youths.

The significance of this study lies on the fact that huge amount of resources (human and capital) are unemployed which could cause poor economic performance. This thesis will help policy makers to establish the extent of the effect of unemployment and inflation rates on economic growth. This thesis will improve the body of existing literature and also serve as a policy document. The problems of high level unemployment and inflation need to be addressed in order to improve economic growth.

1.7     SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

The scope of this study is centred on the effect of unemployment among youths in Bida Local Government Area of Niger.

It is worthy to note that every research work posses a lot of problems and limitations. However, the difficulties encountered includes, inadequate and non-availability of relevant data owing to the fact that unemployment in most under-developed countries e.g Nigeria is not evenly distributed and thus varies from one place to another, financial constraint, high cost of transportation and the difficulty in locating the various research centres.

1.7       Definition of Terms  

Socio-economic: In the context of this study, refers to the social and economic realities of social problems in our society and the extend it affects the society. It is concerned with the study of the society.

Effects: It refers to the causes, implications, result, or outcome of a thing.

Youth: Official policy defines a youth as a young person aged 18-40 years who is passing through mental and physical developmental processes in preparation to face life challenges, a period between childhood, teenager and adulthood.

Unemployment: when a great many people are unable to find work, unemployment results. It can also be defined as the inability to obtain a job when one is willing and able to work. Also, it occurs when the supply of labour outstrips the demand for labour. It also means lack of sufficient employment in the formal and informal sector.

Youth Unemployment can be defined as the conglomeration of young persons with diverse background, willing and able to work but cannot find any. It is the situation when young persons aged 18 – 35 years who are actively looking for work but fail to find any one during a long period of time.

Armed Robbery: According to the Nigerian constitution and Police report, it can be defined as the use of guns or other dangerous weapons to inflict intimidation and fear into another person to gain access to someone’s house, shop, office, or social institution. It is the use of force and arms to steal from someone. But in this study, it will be defined as those unlawful or unapproved means where young men and ladies use violence, to inflict people and property and get what they want from them.

Kidnapping means the unlawful seizing or carrying away of a person by force or fraud in order to obtain ransom for his or her release. It is the taking away or transportation of person to hidden and isolated area usually false imprisonment against the person’s will either to kill or to receive money as ransom. In this study, according to my respondents, is the method of hiding people, used by poor young men to get their own share of money from the rich.

Poverty: means the state where someone cannot satisfy the basic needs of life such as food, shelter, clothing, money and other basic necessities of life. It is the state of being poor, inferior or insufficient in amount. Here, it means the condition where one lacks wealth, money or job as a result of no opportunity or certain factors of life.

Political Thuggery: This can be defined as sponsored thugs used by politicians during political rallies, campaigns and election to win their opponents and acquire a position or office. It also means using violent, brutal behaviour, intimidate and all manners of weapons to attack, or kill an innocent opponent for reason of political differences. In this study, it is a tool or means of killing, abduction, violence or threat to life used by politicians to overthrow their opponents and acquire power or political office.

QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE CONTENTS OF FLAVONOID AND TANNIN IN PAWPAW LEAF

ABSTRACT

This study carried out a qualitative and quantitative content analysis of flavonoid and tannin in pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaf.  Flavonoid and tannin are among the major chemical compounds (Phytochemicals) that occur naturally in plants especially in Pawpaw leave. They are characterized by multilateral pharmacological activity and broad spectrum of therapeutic actions. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of Carica papaya leaves showed the presence of flavonoid and Tannin. The qualitative test was justified by their color changes with their various reagents.  

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background of the Study

Natural fruits with high dietary value play a significant role to the and urban communities in the form of food and nutrient enhancement. Plants are important in our everyday existence. They provide our foods, produce the oxygen we breathe, and serve as raw materials for many industrial products such as clothes, foot wears and so many others. Plants also provide raw materials for our buildings and in the manufacture of biofuels, dyes, perfumes, pesticides, adsorbents and drugs. The plant kingdom has proven to be the most useful in the treatment of diseases and they provide an important source of all the world’s pharmaceuticals. The most important of these bioactive constituents of plants are steroids, terpenoids, carotenoids, flavanoids, alkaloids, tannins and glycosides. Plants in all facet of life have served a valuable starting material for drug development (Ajibesin, 2011).

In modern existence, the function and advantageous effects of numerous phytonutrients from plant origins such as fruits and vegetables had drawn the much-needed attention from both the scientists as well as the general public. These phytochemicals are non- synthetic antioxidant which are often promoted owing to the concerns as regards toxicity of the synthetic ones. Asides from scavenging activity of free radicals, antioxidants identified from most of the plants possess health beneficial effects such as antibacterial, antiviral etc (Akah, Enwerem  and Gamaniel, 2007)

Carica Papaya is a brief, evergreen plant that grows up to 25 feet tall. Its hollow trunk is noticeable with leaf scars. The leaves grow in a spiraled huddle straight from the upper part of the stem on parallel petioles (leaf stalks) 1 to 31/2 feet long. The leaves are intensely divided and with an array in width from 1 to 2 feet. Naturally, the male and female flowers are produced on separate plants; however, there are hermaphrodite forms in cultivation which bear both male and female flowers on the same plant. The flowers are fleshy and waxy and have a light scent. The fruit has a taste of a combination of melons and peaches. Although, these trees are grown primarily for their fruit, however the tree contains latex from which papain, a digestive enzyme is extracted. Papain breaks down protein in meat to make it tender therefore Papaya can be used as a meat tenderizer (Baur, Sourer  and Weiss, 2008)

It has several uses in this Modern-day including Immuno-modulatory , Fiber of c. papaya is able to bind cancer-causing toxins in the colon and keep them away from the healthy colon cells, protein enzymes including papain, chymopapain and antioxidant nutrients in papaya including vitamin C, vitamins E, and beta-carotene, reduce the severity of asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It provides the human with protection against inflammatory polyarthritis a form of rheumatoid arthritis involving two or more joints. It helps the lung to be healthy and save life, rubbing the white pulp of raw c. papaya expels pimples as well as wrinkles. Papaya works as a good bleaching agent (Everette, 2013).

The ripe papaya fruit contains significant amounts of macro and micro minerals which are Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn. Ripe papaya is most commonly consumed as fresh fruit whereas green papaya as vegetable usually after cooking or boiling (Everette, 2013).  Some of its allergies are link to a latex fluid when it is not ripe, which can cause irritation and provoke allergic reaction in some people, excessive consumption of papaya can cause carotenemia, the yellowing of soles and palms, which is otherwise harmless. However, a very large dose would need to be consumed. Papaya contains about 6% of the level of beta carotene in carrots (the most common cause of carotenemia) (Everette, 2013).

1.2       Statement of the Problem

Antibiotics or antimicrobial substances like flavonoids and Tannins etc are found to be distributed in plants, yet these compounds were not well established due to the lack of knowledge and techniques. The phyto-constituents which are phenols, anthraquinones, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids and saponins are antibiotic principles of plants. Plants are now occupying important position in allopathic medicine, herbal medicine, homoeopathy and aromatherapy. Medicinal plants are the sources of many important drugs of the modern world. Many of these indigenous medicinal plants are used as spices and food plants; they are also sometimes added to foods meant for pregnant mothers for medicinal purposes (Akinpela and Onakoya, 2006). Many plants are cheaper and more accessible to most people especially in the developing countries than orthodox medicine, and there is lower incidence of adverse effects after use. These reasons might account for their worldwide attention and use. The medicinal properties of some plants have been documented by some researchers ( Akinpelu and Onukoya, 2006).

Medicinal plants are of great importance to the health of individuals and communities. It was the advent of antibiotics in the 1950s that led to the decline of the use of plant derivatives as antimicrobials (Marjorie, 1999). Medicinal plants contain physiologically active components which over the years have been exploited in the traditional medical practices for the treatment of various ailments (Ajibesin, 2011). A relatively small percentage of less than 10% of all the plants on earth is believed to serve as sources of medicine (Marjorie, 1999).

1.3       Aims and Objectives of the Study

Aim

The general aim of this study is to carry out a qualitative and quantitivate contents analysis of flavonoid and tannin in Pawpaw leaf.

Objectives

The specific objective of this study include:

• To carry out a proximate constituents analysis of pawpaw leaf
• To determine the qualitative and quantitative contents of Tannin and flavonoid in pawpaw leaf

ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PAWPAW LEAVE ON SOME MICROOGANISMS

ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PAWPAW LEAVE ON SOME MICROOGANISMS

CHAPTER ONE

1.0     Introduction

The importance of herbs in the management of human ailments cannot be over emphasized. It is clear that the plant kingdom harbours an inexhaustible source of active ingredients invaluable in the management of many intractable diseases. The active components of herbal remedies have the advantage of being combined with other substances that appear to be inactive. However, these complementary components give the plant as a whole a safety and efficiency much superior to that of its isolated and pure active components (Ahmad, 2011).

There is no plant that does not have medicinal value. The active components are normally extracted from all plant structures, but the concentrations of these components vary from structure to structure. However, parts known to contain the highest concentration of the principles are preferred to therapeutic purposes and it can either be the leaves, stems, barks, roots, bulks, corms, rhizomes, woods, flowers, fruits or the seeds (Kafaru, 2014). Some of the active principles singly or in combination inhibit greatly the life processes of microbes, especially the disease causing ones. They do this by binding their protein molecules, acting as chelating agents (selective binding polyvalent metal ions so that the latter loses its biological activities), altering their biochemical systems, preventing utilization of available interests to the microorganisms, other causes inflammation analysis of microbial cells (Garrod et al., 2015).

The bitter taste, pungent and repulsive smell in some plants; have been found to have repressive ability over the metabolic activities of a wide range of microorganisms. Sofowora, (2012) defined medicinal plants as a plant in which one or more of the organs contains substances that can be used for therapeutic purposes or which it precursors for the manufacturing of drugs are useful for disease therapy. The use of medicinal plants predates the introduction of antibiotics and other modern drugs into the African continent. Since medicinal plants do not merely save people from feeling pain but also permit them to emerge unscathed, then they deserve investigation. The active components in these medicinal attribute are expected to be inimical to the growth of at least some microorganisms especially the disease causing ones e.g. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa etc. therefore, many studies and researches had been done on the antimicrobial properties of many plants but for this study, the leaf of Carica papaya will be discussed.

The papaya, CaricapapayaLinn, is a member of the family Caricaceae joined with the Passifloraceae and it is a distinctive source of possibly useful compounds with diverse constitutions and properties (Krishna et al., 2008). Papaya exists in three sexual forms: male, female and hermaphrodite. Papaya flowers are born on inflorescences which emerge in the axils of the leaves. Female flowers are held close against the stem as single flowers or in the group of 2 to 3 (Chay-Prove et al., 2020).

Each part of papaya tree has its own economic worth when grown on a business scale (Krishna et al., 2008). The plant parts are found to have some properties like analgesic, amebicide, antibacterial, cardiotonic, cholagogue, digestive, emenagogue, febrifuge, hypotensive, laxative, pectoral, stomachic, and vermifuge properties (Afolayan, 2013). Even though the active components are usually obtained from all parts of the plant, the concentration of these components vary from structure to structure. However, parts known to have the highest concentration are ideal for therapeutic purposes and it can either be the leaves, stem, barks, roots, bulks, corms, rhizomes, woods, flowers, fruits, and the seeds (Kafaru, 2014).

Aim of the study

The aim of this study is to determine the antimicrobial effect of ethanolic extract of pawpaw leave on some microorganism.

1. Objectives of the study
2. To determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of some selected microorganism
3. To determine minimum bactericidal concentration of the extract.

PHYTOCHEMICAL MINERAL ANALYSIS OF PAWPAW LEAF

PHYTOCHEMICAL MINERAL ANALYSIS OF PAWPAW LEAF

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background of the Study

Natural fruits with high dietary value play a significant role to the and urban communities in the form of food and nutrient enhancement. Plants are important in our everyday existence. They provide our foods, produce the oxygen we breathe, and serve as raw materials for many industrial products such as clothes, foot wears and so many others. Plants also provide raw materials for our buildings and in the manufacture of biofuels, dyes, perfumes, pesticides, adsorbents and drugs. The plant kingdom has proven to be the most useful in the treatment of diseases and they provide an important source of all the world’s pharmaceuticals. The most important of these bioactive constituents of plants are steroids, terpenoids, carotenoids, flavanoids, alkaloids, tannins and glycosides. Plants in all facet of life have served a valuable starting material for drug development (Ajibesin, 2011).

In modern existence, the function and advantageous effects of numerous phytonutrients from plant origins such as fruits and vegetables had drawn the much-needed attention from both the scientists as well as the general public. These phytochemicals are non- synthetic antioxidant which are often promoted owing to the concerns as regards toxicity of the synthetic ones. Asides from scavenging activity of free radicals, antioxidants identified from most of the plants possess health beneficial effects such as antibacterial, antiviral etc (Akah, Enwerem  and Gamaniel, 2007)

Carica Papaya is a brief, evergreen plant that grows up to 25 feet tall. Its hollow trunk is noticeable with leaf scars. The leaves grow in a spiraled huddle straight from the upper part of the stem on parallel petioles (leaf stalks) 1 to 31/2 feet long. The leaves are intensely divided and with an array in width from 1 to 2 feet. Naturally, the male and female flowers are produced on separate plants; however, there are hermaphrodite forms in cultivation which bear both male and female flowers on the same plant. The flowers are fleshy and waxy and have a light scent. The fruit has a taste of a combination of melons and peaches. Although, these trees are grown primarily for their fruit, however the tree contains latex from which papain, a digestive enzyme is extracted. Papain breaks down protein in meat to make it tender therefore Papaya can be used as a meat tenderizer (Baur, Sourer  and Weiss, 2008)

It has several uses in this Modern-day including Immuno-modulatory , Fiber of c. papaya is able to bind cancer-causing toxins in the colon and keep them away from the healthy colon cells, protein enzymes including papain, chymopapain and antioxidant nutrients in papaya including vitamin C, vitamins E, and beta-carotene, reduce the severity of asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It provides the human with protection against inflammatory polyarthritis a form of rheumatoid arthritis involving two or more joints. It helps the lung to be healthy and save life, rubbing the white pulp of raw c. papaya expels pimples as well as wrinkles. Papaya works as a good bleaching agent (Everette, 2013).

The ripe papaya fruit contains significant amounts of macro and micro minerals which are Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn. Ripe papaya is most commonly consumed as fresh fruit whereas green papaya as vegetable usually after cooking or boiling (Everette, 2013).  Some of its allergies are link to a latex fluid when it is not ripe, which can cause irritation and provoke allergic reaction in some people, excessive consumption of papaya can cause carotenemia, the yellowing of soles and palms, which is otherwise harmless. However, a very large dose would need to be consumed. Papaya contains about 6% of the level of beta carotene in carrots (the most common cause of carotenemia) (Everette, 2013).

1.2       Statement of the Problem

Antibiotics or antimicrobial substances like flavonoids and Tannins etc are found to be distributed in plants, yet these compounds were not well established due to the lack of knowledge and techniques. The phyto-constituents which are phenols, anthraquinones, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids and saponins are antibiotic principles of plants. Plants are now occupying important position in allopathic medicine, herbal medicine, homoeopathy and aromatherapy. Medicinal plants are the sources of many important drugs of the modern world. Many of these indigenous medicinal plants are used as spices and food plants; they are also sometimes added to foods meant for pregnant mothers for medicinal purposes (Akinpela and Onakoya, 2006). Many plants are cheaper and more accessible to most people especially in the developing countries than orthodox medicine, and there is lower incidence of adverse effects after use. These reasons might account for their worldwide attention and use. The medicinal properties of some plants have been documented by some researchers ( Akinpelu and Onukoya, 2006).

Medicinal plants are of great importance to the health of individuals and communities. It was the advent of antibiotics in the 1950s that led to the decline of the use of plant derivatives as antimicrobials (Marjorie, 1999). Medicinal plants contain physiologically active components which over the years have been exploited in the traditional medical practices for the treatment of various ailments (Ajibesin, 2011). A relatively small percentage of less than 10% of all the plants on earth is believed to serve as sources of medicine (Marjorie, 1999).

1.3       Aims and Objectives of the Study

Aim

The general aim of this study is to carry out a phytochemical mineral analysis of pawpaw leaf.

Objectives

The specific objective of this study include:

• To carry out a proximate constituents analysis of pawpaw leaf
• To determine the qualitative and quantitative contents of mineral contents in pawpaw leaf

ENHANCING BARRACKS ACCOMMODATION IN NIGERIA ARMY THROUGH DIRECT LABOUR PROJECT

ENHANCING BARRACKS ACCOMMODATION IN NIGERIA ARMY THROUGH DIRECT LABOUR PROJECT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

There are various methods of construction project delivery. As projects became complex, formal contract were developed to defined the responsibilities of each party, member of the project team, project delivery method, that specify the ways in which owners, consultants and contractors interacts to deliver a construction projects (Mohammed and Yahaya, 2014). Each project method has so many advantages as well as disadvantages. The choice of a particular project method over another depends on the comparative advantages in terms of cost, time, quality performance as well as economic and social condition.  Mojekwu (2018) identified five methods of project procurement commonly used in Nigeria as: the traditional method; labour only method; management contracting method and design and build method and the direct labour method.

Direct Labour System is one of the several options of procurement used for project delivery process and records shows that it is the oldest procurement system and has been in used in Nigerian for back as the colonial era. It is the procurement in most countries and researchers described it as a system where by a developer plans and organised the project delivery process, carries out the design, the planning and procurement of resources and the construction of a project using client employed supervisory staff and labour. These types of system is regards as in house because clients staffs as different from contractors staff carry out the project delivery process and activities. (Idoro, Iyagba and Odusami 2007) asserted that direct labour is mainly used for government project. The use of the system is a good development in construction because it does not result in high staff strength and over load costs in the Nigerian construction industry.

Direct Labour is a system where by a developer plans and organized the project delivery process, carries out the design, the planning and procurement of resources and the construction of a project using client employed, supervisory staff and labour. (Idoro, Iyagba and Odusami 2007).

There is a growing interest in the use of direct labour system in Nigeria Construction projects especially in the private sector. It is a system that entails the clients usage of own resources to realize his project. Direct labour system is a method whereby the client design and produces his project by himself with the aid of his in house professional void of the usage of contractors (Ogunsami et. al, 2003; kadiri and Odusami, 2003). This is different from the traditional procurement system in that it does not involve the usage of contractors. This method has been in use in Nigeria before the colonial and during the colonial period to execute non-complex project. Ghana, Kenya and so on are some of African countries where it is been used extensively. Previous works have shown some level of success of this method especially in the area of cost reduction omoighe and Ibekwe, 1990. The technique and industry involved in the assembly and erection of structures, primarily those used to provide shelter. Building constructor is an ancient human activities, it began with the purely functional need for a controlled environment to moderate the effect of climate. (Alfred, 2015) constructed shelter were one means by which human beings were able to adapt themselves to a wide variety of climates and become a global species. Human shelters were at first very simple and perhaps lasted only a few days or months. Over time, however, even temporary winter home evolved into such highly refined forms as structures (Britannica, 2014).

Direct Labour is seen as a process by which a project is executed by the workers of an organization instead of project being contracted out. It can simply be described as a “do it yourself” approach to project procurement (Opadiran, 2010). According, to( Iyagba and Odoro, 2011). They also direct labour defined as a method where by a client otherwise known as the owner uses his or her own in house resources for design and execution of a project. The in house resources here will include both supervisory staff, skilled and unskilled labour forces beside equipment. Worthy of note in this system is the elimination of the contractor which makes the direct labour method distinct from other procurement method.

Military barrack could also be seen as a supervised living accommodation consisting of shared facilities and essential service amenities for the community of military personnel who use it. It is normally built and owned by military institutions, provided for inexpensive chargeable rooms, and administered to accommodate military men and women alike. Likewise, barracks are housing types specifically designed to accommodate both commissioned and non-commissioned officers, such as a ‘live-in’ residential college, boarding house, or other purpose-built development containing soldiers’ units with other essential service facilities such as good water supply, electricity, study areas, communal lounge and kitchens amongst others. Similarly, a barrack accommodation can also be referred to as a building that contains a dwelling unit occupied by two or more soldiers. This form of housing can also be referred to as “other ranks” hall of residence or soldier accommodation or soldiers’ barrack or ‘boarding house’ (Renaud, 2000).

The Nigerian military comprises an Army, Navy, and Air Force with the primary mandate to defend the state from external aggression and internal insurrection (Toppo, 2015). The Military Institutions, according to Nigerian Military Policy (FRN, 2013) are pivotal to national development based on their contributions through the provision of high-level manpower development. To concretise the foregoing, the military policy (FRN, 2013) has it that military institutions ought to achieve a high standard in providing housing units with essential quality services and resources to all military personnel. These essential services comprise water supply, electricity, health facilities, barrack maintenance level amongst others. In alignment with the aforementioned, the Nigerian Government provides accommodation units for the Nigerian Military at an affordable rate with perceived required facilities and services. These soldiers’ accommodations (barracks) are core components of military institutions and traditionally, exclusively used for military habitation (Sagada, 2009).

Housing accommodation especially the Nigeria Army Barracks encompasses not only the static structure called a house but the entire spectrum of environmental factors that make living acceptable and comfortable. Among them are good access routes, ventilation, sanitation and access to basic human need such as water. In the bid to achieve a conducive housing accommodation over the years the Nigeria Army have adopted several project execution methods such as traditional procurement methods among others. Nevertheless, the housing condition have not measure up to expectation, thus the need for alternative methods of project execution. It is against this background that this study seeks to investigate enhancing barraks accommodation in Nigeria army through direct labour project.

1.2     NEED FOR THE STUDY

The downturn in the economy experienced in Nigeria after the oil boom era, among other compelling reasons like project complexity and magnitude, has also led practitioners in the construction industry to embrace some methods of project procurement other than the popular traditional contract system. This has led the Nigeria in its quest to satisfy the need for quality accommodation to adopt procurement methods other than the traditional procurement methods. The importance of barrack accommodation for the Nigeria Army cannot be ignored, despite numerous benefits, several problems have been observed on the use of the traditional method; labour only method; management contracting method and design and build method which have resulted time and cost overrun, poor quality of product delivery among others. These have given rise to the need to investigate ways of enhancing barracks accommodation in Nigeria Army through direct labour project.

1.3     STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

Despite the fact that convenient and satisfactory barrack accommodation is crucial for effective performance of the men of Nigeria army, a considerable proportion of the population of service men live in substandard and poor housing as well as in deplorable unsanitary residential environments (Onibokun, 2014). In the recent time, the increasing pace of urbanization and the tempo of rural-urban migration make housing problem and towns very acute, this trends have directly or indirectly impacted on the barrack accommodation of the Nigeria army. Consequently, upon the above accommodation problems, houses are needed to relieve existing overcrowding in many of the Nigeria Army barracks. Also, natural increase within the force demands addition dwelling units to house the increasing population.

Several efforts have been made by the Nigeria Army to provide barrack accommodation for its service men but it has been observed however that the performance or success of such efforts have been below expectation as a result of selecting procurement systems in a cursory manner, and even the use of specific procurement system by default without making a deliberate choice (Thomas, Duc Thanh Luu & Swee Eng Chen 2002); without proper consideration of the procurement method that will best suit their needs and that of the project. Employing an inappropriate procurement system may also lead to project failure in terms of time and cost overruns (Thomas et al., 2020) which is presently a bone of contention in the Nigerian construction industry. Thus, in view of the cursory manner that Nigeria Army have imbibed in choosing method of executing project such as construction of barrack accommodation, the ever-increasing variations of procurement method now available to choose from such as the direct labour methods as a result of its numerous advantages have given rise to study. Hence this study seek to answers to the following research questions:

1. What are the benefits derived by the Nigeria Army in providing barracks accommodation through direct labour project?
2. What the factors influencing the choice of direct labour in the provision of barrack accommodation by the Nigeria Army.
3. What is the perceptions of the stakeholders in the organisation as regards to project execution through direct labour?

1.4     AIM

The aim of this study is to investigate ways of enhancing barrack accommodation in Nigeria army through direct labour project.

1.5     OBJECTIVES

1.    To examine the benefit derived by the Nigeria Army in providing barracks accommodation through direct labour project.

2.     To investigate the factors influencing the choice of direct labour in the provision of barrack accommodation by the Nigeria Army.

3.     To determine the best perceptions of the stakeholders in the organisation.

 1.6      Significance of the Study

This study will contribute valuable knowledge to procurement and project execution in Nigeria public institutions and Africa at large. The outcome of this research will be used to: enhance and facilitate public institution such as Nigeria Army efficiency in project delivery with respect to Barrack Accommodation to its service men. It enrich literature within academia for the training of construction professionals, as well as eventually contribute to high performance in the Nigeria construction industry and the public sector in particular. The significance of the study stems from the contribution that accrues from the construction industry to the economy. An efficient construction sector, according to Oyewobi and Ogunsemi (2010), is a pre-requisite to effective national development. This is because, the products of the construction industry are desired mainly for the services which they help to create, as most business, social, religious, economic and, industrial activities operate on her structural base (Nwachukwu, 2008). However, all these benefits can only accrue from the industry to the economy when construction projects are efficiently delivered.

1.7     METHODOLOGY

To achieve the desired objectives, the questionnaire method is to be use in carrying out this research work, reviewing of past similar works, journals, conference / seminar papers online materials. The purpose was to articulate existing knowledge of the subject area.

 1.7.1  DATA COLLECTION

The data shall be collected after the distribution and administering questionnaires to some selected staff and management of the case study area. The questionnaires will contain various statements for response on the appraisal of direct labour in quality production in building

1.7.2    DATA ANALYSIS

During data analysis tables, simple percentage technique shall be use to analyze the data collected using questionnaires and the response will be expressed in percentages. The percentage techniques will be use for it simplicity and this will enable the researcher to comprehend the content of the research work easily.

1.8     SCOPE OF THE STUDY This study focuses on enhancing barracks accommodation in Nigeria Army through direct labour project. The area of work of the study focuses on Nigeria army responsible for carrying out the procurement of construction works through a procurement/project/works department within their organization. The Nigeria Barrack located in the state capital was chosen as the scope due to its proximity to the institution where this research work is being carried out. Thus, projects executed or financed by individuals, property developers, owner occupiers and developers are not bounded by the findings of this research.

ASSESSING ECONOMY GROWTH IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, ROLE OF TAX COLLECTOR

ASSESSING ECONOMY GROWTH IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, ROLE OF TAX COLLECTOR

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background To The Study

Tax is a financial issue and its payment is a civil duty. It is the imposition of a financial burden for the government on individual firm and companies. In general based, the word tax means any contribution imposed by the government upon individual and companies for the use of government to provide facilities or services as rendered by the state. It is not a voluntary payment or donation but an enforced contribution made on the pronouncement or directive of legislative authorities.

The subject of taxation has received considerable intellectual and theoretical attention in the literature. Taxation is one of the most volatile subjects in governance both in the developing and developed nations. Tax refers to a compulsory levy by a public authority for which nothing is received directly in return (James and Nobes, 2015). According to Nightingale (2011), tax is a compulsory contribution, imposed by government, and while taxpayers may receive nothing identifiable in return for their contribution, they nevertheless have the benefit of living in a relatively educated, healthy and safe society. She further explained that taxation is part of the price to be paid for an organized society and identified six reasons for taxation as provision of public goods, redistribution of income and wealth, promotion of social and economic welfare, economic stability and harmonization and regulation.

According to Chaudhry and Munir (2010), tax as a source of government revenue consists of direct and indirect tax.  Direct tax is a form of tax that is levied on the income of individuals both civil servants and self-employed persons. OECD (2013) popularly called it Personal Income Tax (PIT),the burden of PIT is borne by the person on whom it is imposed. The concept of direct tax is not restricted to individual’s income in the form of pay As You Earn (P.A.Y.E) alone. It extends to profits of corporate bodies whose burden cannot be shifted. On the other hand, indirect tax is a type of tax that is levied on goods and services. Unlike direct tax, the burden of indirect tax can be shifted as in the case value added tax, import duties, among others.

Government needs a great deal of revenue in order to perform its duties effectively. Without adequate fund, development and improvement in human welfare will be hampered. The primary motive of taxation in all countries of the world is to generate funds to sustain economic growth and development. According to Osho, Ogumnyankin and Fadekinto (2020) taxation is the primary sources of government revenue. They opined that, it is an instrument for moving resources from the private hands to the public in order to achieve some of the country’s economic and social goals.

Despite the importance of PIT revenue, generation as key to economic development there has been a lot of tax evasion which is a major problem plaguing many emerging economies across the globe and Nigeria’s  situation seems peculiar when viewed against the scale of corrupt practices prevalent in the country.

Despites the importance of taxation to economy growth in a developing nation, many still evade tax in one way other other. Lekan and Kajola (2016), said that tax evasion is a deliberate practice of not disclosing full taxable income so as to pay less tax. This behavior is seen as a criminal act of disobeying the provision of tax laws. They also pointed out methods by which people evade tax to include failing to furnish correct return, statement or information or keep records required, making false return by a way of omitting or understating income liable to tax, presenting large amount of expenses in other to reduce taxable income and deliberating tax payment.

That is why Salawu (2015) further stressed that tax evasion is a crime that impedes government fiscal policy. This means that tax evasion makes government effort at regulating the economy ineffective.

Tax collectors either as an individual staff of the government or as a government agency plays a significant role in ensuring that the right income accrue from tax to the government is rightfully paid. Therefore, the need for this study to access economy growth in developing countries with the view of ascertaining the roles of tax collector.

1.2       Statement Of The Problem

It has been noted that tax system in developing countries has come to play a significant role, as a major source of revenue to the federal government  by way of imposing tax on tax payers and it is for them to pay up the tax.  The act of evading and avoiding tax by most registered companies and  some individuals has however affected the revenue base of the  government especially in providing essential services in the society. People naturally prefer to reduce their tax liabilities by deliberately overstating  their expenses and make false entries and fictions in their books of  account. Thus, their act however, causes tremendous reduction in the  revenue accruable to the government which eventually shrinks revenue to  the treasure of government. The inability of tax collectors or revenue board to collect substantial amount of money from tax is as a result of evasion and avoidance of tax. This research work access economic growth in developing countries with the view of examining the role of tax collectors.

1.3       Objective Of The Study

The general objective of this study is access economic growth in developing countries: role of tax collectors with particular references to Nigeria economy.

The specific objectives of this study are as follow

1. To analyze the state of economic growth in Nigeria
2. To evaluate the contribution of tax to the economic growth of Nigeria
3. To assess the role of tax collectors in increase tax revenue in Nigeria
4. To identify the factors or problems militating against the tax assessment and collection in Nigeria.

1.4       Research Questions

1. What is the state of economic growth in Nigeria?
2. What is the contribution of tax to the economic growth of Nigeria?
3. What is the role of tax collectors in increase tax revenue in Nigeria?
4. What are the factors or problems militating against the tax assessment and collection by tax collectors in Nigeria?

1.5       Statement of hypothesis

H0: Tax revenue did not play significant role in the economic growth of developing countries.

H1: Tax revenue plays significant role in the economic growth of developing countries.

1.6       Significance of the study

This research work would be relevant to various tax authorities; the Federal Board of Inland Revenue, Local Government revenue committee as well as their tax officials who are responsible to collect tax on individual or corporate bodies. It gives them insight on how to improve the tax administration.

The research would also help the professional bodies like the chartered institute of taxation of Nigeria and the institute of chartered accountants of Nigeria as well as their members to see the areas of deficiency in the collections and call for improvement in tax revenue.

This research would also be relevant to the future researchers and the dents of accounting, economic, business administration and other social and management sciences as well as the legislations which will also benefit immensely from this research because it will form basis of tax policy formation, implementation and administration.

1.8       Scope and Limitation of the Study

Since no single research can validly cover all areas of the topic the researcher tends that thrust of this project will be limited the scope of the study to Nigeria Economy.

Limitation of the Study

It is not unusual for research to encounter some difficulties in course at their research and these may include.

1. Finance: This is always a major limitation in a study of this nature, since the individual may not have enough money to carryout all the necessary research.
2. Lack Of Data: There are areas where data is available but which the researcher cannot lay hands on because the relevant information is sometimes termed confidential and unavailable to outsiders.
3. Lack Of Co-Operation:- By some of the respondents whom he administered certain copies of his questionnaire and vocal interview.
4. Delay in giving back its him some of the copies of the questionnaires for some of the respondents.

1.9       Operational Definition Of Terms

Taxation: This is a Compulsory levy imposed by the government to defray the cost of government and communal services.

Gross Domestic Product: This is the market value of all officially recognized final goods and services produced or the primary indicators used to gauge the health of a countries economy.

Development: This is the sustained concerted actions of policymakers to promote taxation and economic health of a specified area.Growth: This is the increase in the amount of tax paid by the tax payers over time or it is the conventionally measure in percentage rate of increase in real GDP calculated in real terms.

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN CREATING OF AWARENESS DURING 2015 GENERAL ELECTION IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN CREATING OF AWARENESS DURING 2015 GENERAL ELECTION IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1       INTRODUCTION

The emergence of the Internet as the new mass medium of the 21st century now changes the mass media substantially. Information can be distributed at high speed, low cost, and broad scope and as a result, there is egalitarian access to the production and the consumption of news (Prat and Strömberg, 2011).

The recent election of Muhammadu Buhari as president of Nigeria has been hailed internationally as a historic transfer of power for Africa’s most populous nation with social media playing greater role or influenced the fairness of the election. Social media with all their flaws had the power of immediacy. They’re also very participatory. In an election where you have citizens who are participating, they were also providing the news and information surrounding the elections. It was an empowerment of people through their votes, and also through their ability to disseminate information. That is not to say that traditional media didn’t play a role. But the social media role was central. The world is becoming increasingly connected via the power of the Internet; Facebook launched internet.org an initiative to gain even the most remote parts of society access to the World Wide Web. Political movements have begun to see social media as a major organizing and recruiting tool and the reverse can be said for society. Social media (done right) gives you all this because it’s inherently a two-way communication system. Rather than getting brand messages, you get recommendations from friends in the form of re-shares and recommended posts, which de-commercializes the brand message.

Social media is that space, the many tools helping to amplify the voices of average Nigerians, taking ordinary voice sand making them extraordinary by bringing them to homes, offices, and places most of them would have probably never reached under different circumstances. It started out as a playground for mostly young jobless people. Today, it has become the battle ground of what would arguably be the most competitive election in Nigeria‘s history.

The advent of internet and technology has exposed majority of the global population to different interactive platforms on which different kind of information is exchanged which might significantly have effect on human behavior, decision and judgment (CES,2012). Social media are new information network and information technology using a form of communication utilizing interactive and user-produced content, and interpersonal relationships are created and maintained.

According to Eugene, 2015. The popularity of getting political news from social media platforms is greatly increasing. A 2014 study showed that 62% of web users turn to Facebook to find political news. This social phenomenon allows for political information, true or not, spreading quickly and easily among peer networks. Furthermore, social media sites are now encouraging political involvement by uniting like-minded people, reminding users to vote in elections, and analyzing users’ political affiliation data to find cultural similarities and differences. As social media gains more popularity and scope, its impact on voters‘ political and cultural perceptions cannot be underestimated as social media practically influences the way users interact, communicate and make decisions on social, cultural, and political issues in today‘s world.

The social media has become a powerful medium which may affect voting behavior because of its potential to provide direct and cheap access to the production and consumption of current information at any part of the world without editorial filtering (Sunstein, 2001). Not only do social media provide information about political affiliations, candidates and their party manifestoes, it also provides a platform through which voters across cultural divides can relate and interact with themselves on issues about these candidates. Social media can help taint the reputation of political figures fairly quickly with information that may or may not be true. Information spreads like wildfire and before a politician can even get an opportunity to address the information, either to confirm, deny, or explain, the public has already formed an opinion about the politician based on that information. However, when conducted on purpose, the spread of information on social media for political means can help campaigns immensely. Open forums online have also been the root of negative and positive effects in the political sphere. Some politicians have made the mistake of using open forums to try and reach a broader audience and thus more potential voters. What they forgot to account for was that the forums would be open to everyone, including those in opposition. Having no control the comments being posted, negative included, has been damaging for some with unfortunate oversight. Additionally, a constraint of social media as a tool for public political discourse is that if oppressive governments recognize the ability social media has to cause change.

Today‘s social media has made the world a-global village‖, with the quick transfer of information overriding the challenges of time and distance (Friedman, 2007). Social media has gradually become one of the important means of influencing the society and this influence is based exclusively on its social aspects of interaction and participation.

Nearly every political party in the country used social media to campaign and advance its plans, message and manifestos to supporters including advertising, mobilization and organizing in all the states of the federation, and even fundraising. Facebook, YouTube and especially Twitter were used to let voters know how each party or particular candidate felt about important national issues ranging from security to power. Hence social media became powerful enough to influence voter decisions and choices as many voters who had fixed their minds and conscience on voting a particular party or candidate began to change their minds based on certain information or idea they got online about the party or candidate. Information gotten by a particular voter was also not static, as the same voter would use several internet tools and buttons to broadcast same message to other voters like him through medium such as blogs, Facebook, Nairaland, chat rooms etc. in order to influence them.

1.2       STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The use of emotional appeals in political campaigns to increase support for a candidate or decrease support for a challenger is a widely recognized practice and a common element of any campaign strategy (Brader, T. 2006). Campaigns often seek to instill positive emotions such as zeal and hopefulness about their candidate to improve turnout and political activism while seeking to raise fear and anxiety about the opposition. Zeal tends to reinforce preference for the candidate and party, while fear and anxiety interrupt voter behavioral patterns and leads individual voters to look for new sources of information on divergent political issues (Marcus et al, 2000).

Sources of information available to a voter vary widely including the traditional media, TV, radio and newspapers. However, with the advent of online social media forum, most voters can access information, debate on the information and also give feedback on his own views, opinions and expectations from the party and candidate. Although the social media has helped in increasing the awareness about 2015 general election. Rumors, falsehood, propaganda and derogatory information about individual candidates or parties are commonplace online and spread faster than anticipated, often with disastrous outcomes. This is largely attributed to the lack of editorial filtering, and the anonymity of most online users. The internet encourages anonymity of its users, which means that those who write and comment often use nicknames or aliases.

This has a huge influence on voter behavior, as most voters who read stories online have a tendency to believe such stories without crosschecking facts and take decisions based on this propaganda. This is a widely known fact among political parties and they use it to their advantage in bringing down their opponents.  Previous research has found that it is possible to influence a person’ attitudes toward a political candidate using carefully crafted information about such candidate online, which in turn may influence the voter‘s behavior towards the candidate. Social media can also be used by various parties to propagate false news and propaganda about the opposition in order to disfavor such party or candidate in the eyes of the electorates while exonerating theirs. This has a huge influence on voter behavior as many voters make decisions based on such news they read online.

Furthermore, social media has made voters privy to any kind of information about 2015 general election as there are no longer any isolated places or hiding holes. The private and public lives of society‘s most influential figures including politicians have been made public online. This is because in today‘s world, once a politician declares for a post, his entire life including his educational background, his family, his job and any past mistakes or excesses are made public on social media platforms for people to comment, discuss and publicly judge. Many politicians have been found in compromising positions with their words or phrase taken out of context and magnified to huge proportions by opposition parties in order to discredit them. Many a times, people go to the extent of recording private conversations or actions of these candidates and make the recorded audio or video public on various social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter quickly, with a view to elicit response and vicious backlash from voters and other online users. The belief is that it will go a long way in influencing voter‘s behavior and turning such voter against the candidate since the voter can now judgmentally make decisions about the candidate based on what he said, did or other information about him or her. Even though, such information are refuted sometimes by the concerned party or individual, it remains valid in the minds of many voters who may have made up their mind already or simply are not aware of the true situation.

1.3       SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will help beam the searchlight on the impact of social media on creating awareness to voters during elections as a whole based on the information available by Facebook and Twitter. It will also enlighten relevant stakeholders such as political parties, candidates, and even the civil society on how social media can bring about awareness and campaign opportunities if properly utilized. This research study will help stakeholders understand that maintaining a good and healthy profile online with a cordial relationship between the party and voters can positively influence voter‘s behavior. Lastly, this research work will add to the body of knowledge on the already existing scholarly materials on the impact of social media in creating awareness to the society.

1.4       PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

This study will examine the role of social media in creating awareness with special reference to the actual effect of Facebook and Twitter on voter‘s and the factors determining the behavior and attitudes that an ordinary voter adopts based on available information gotten on the social media.

1.5       AIM AND OBJECTIVES.

The aim of the study is to find out the role played by social media in the 2015 general election awareness creation Facebook and Twitter. Hence the specific objectives are as fallow:

1. To find out the role played by social media in creating awareness in 2015 general election.
2. To determine the level of influence social media has on the success of 2015 general election.
3. To find out factors that influence/drive awareness creation of the social media during 2015 general election.
4.  To identify the lesson from the role social media play in 2015 general election

1.6       RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What are the roles played by social media in creating awareness in the 2015 general election?
2. To what extend did the social media contribute to the success of the present administration in the 2015 general elections?
3. To what extend did politicians employ the social networking sites of Facebook and Tweeter in campaign for the 2015 general elections?
4. In what ways do social media need improvement to play major roles in elections in Nigeria?

1.7       BRIEF METHODOLOGY

The study used survey research design. Surveys allow for the study of people‘s opinion on a given issue of public interest. According to Onwukwe (2011), ―survey research is concerned with the collection of data for the purpose of describing and interpreting a certain condition, practice, beliefs, attitudes, etc. The purpose is usually to describe systematically the facts, qualities or characteristics of a given population, events, or areas of interest concerning the problem under investigation.

1.8        DEFINITION OF TERMS

Awareness: Is the ability to perceive, to feel, or to be conscious of events, objects, thoughts, emotions, or sensory patterns.

Election: The formal process of selecting a person for public office or of accepting or rejecting a political proposition by voting.

Facebook: Is an online social networking service that enables users to chart share and send pictures, and other multimedia items.

General Election: Is an election in which all or most members of a given political body are chosen. (Wikipedia 2015)

Internet: An interconnected group of computer networks allowing for electronic communication.

Social Media: Are computer mediated tools that allow people to create, share or exchange information, ideas and pictures/videos in virtual communities and online networks.

Social Network: Is structure made up of a set of social actors (such as individuals or organizations) and a set of the dyadic ties between these actors.

Twitter: Is an online social networking service that enables users to send and read short 140-character messages called “tweets”.

Case study: Yin (2003) defines a case study as an empirical inquiry that uses multiple sources of evidence to investigate a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context, in which the boundaries between the phenomenon.

CSO: Civil Organization and Society

INEC: Independent National Electoral Commission

NGO: Non-Governmental Organization.

THE INFLUENCE OF ROCK CITY FM ON POLITICAL MOBILIZATION PROGRAMMES ON THE RESIDENTS OF ABEOKUTA-NORTH LGA.

THE INFLUENCE OF ROCK CITY FM ON POLITICAL MOBILIZATION PROGRAMMES ON THE RESIDENTS OF ABEOKUTA-NORTH LGA.

CHAPTER ONE

1.1       BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The mass media as a communication tool hand and are still exerting great influence on a wide range of political and social issues globally. On the one hand, media can be used as political instruments for building a nation and promoting the legitimacy of a regime by shaping the nation’s political culture and influencing its public opinion. On the other hand, media can function as watchdog of government performance. Realizing that mass media can play very important roles in influencing politics, scholars in both political science and communication studies have conducted considerable research to explore the interaction between media and politics. Black’s Politics and News (1982), Horowitz’s Power, Politics and People (1963), Seymour-Ure’s The Political Impact of Mass Media(1974), Well’s Mass Media and Society (1972), Collins and Murroni’s New Media New Politics (1996), Wheeler’s Politics and the Mass Media (1997), Sproule’s Propaganda and Democracy (1997) and Moy, Patricia, and Scheufele Media Effects on Political and Social Trust (2000) are examples in this regard.

Apart from the studies in these areas, theories have been created to explain the power the media has in the society, some of these theories, Lasswell’s propaganda theory (1938), McComb and Shaw’s agenda-setting theory (1972) and Tuchman’s framing analysis theory (1978) are the most relevant ones in the study of media effects on politics. They all directly study the interaction between media and politics, and each study assumes that media can play a powerful role in influencing politics both within one nation and between nations.

The media is made up of both print and digital, encompassing both broadcast media and social media, the media play a huge role as versatile means of communication in every society. Radio’s usefulness for example is primarily journalistic education, cultural enlightenment, people mobilization, societal propaganda and entertainment. Radio also promotes development economically, increases political participation and the general awareness on national issues to inspire unity in the society.

The unique ability Radio has is that unlike the print which has an appeal primarily to the literate class of the society Radio meets the needs of the illiterate (not so educated) class of the society and also the literate class. Radio with its appeal played important roles in sending across political messages. This role has made it contribute immensely to the education of the mass populis politically, by enlightenment, awareness, consciousness and in some cases a room for political discussions. The role of Radio in politics has always been maximized by politicians during campaigns towards elections especially during democratic rule in Nigeria, allowing the general public the opportunity to listen to, manifestos of politicians, criticisms by aspirants or political activist when the aspirant is running for re-elections and other programs Radio house may run in a bid to educate the public to make rational choices responsible to sustain the growth of the country.

Media cannot be eradicated in any political system especially in a democratic society. They make up the fourth estate of the realm while the other three were constitutionally founded the media is not, it is independent, free of governmental influence and primarily responsible to the Public. The media creates awareness amongst the public by letting them know the problems and issues the state is faced with and their possible solutions or consequences if any. Media dictates the agenda of the day by putting ideas and thought before the people for them to think and talk about.

In Nigeria, the media has been instrumental in politically transforming the minds of the public. According to Akpan (1987, p.22), media information has a tremendous energy for change. Change in political context refers to the opportunity for improvement in the political sphere of the people and taking away ignorance. In politics, the electorate need media information to ensure full participation in elections knowing what is required of them. Furthermore, Ezeokoli (1988) in her article ‟Mass Media and Social Political Transformation”, noted that the politics of any nation depends heavily on the mass media as platforms of articulating and marketing of ideas and issues on national problems to the people.

This study will therefore examine the contributions of Radio in mobilizing and stimulating political participation of the people of Abeokuta-North LGA towards electing a new democratic government in this 2015 general election.

1.2       STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

In democracies globally, the media primarily function as the watch dog of the people. They mobilize and inform the people creating awareness on political culture of the time. The mass media has a role in educating the public on the system of politics especially where the orientation of the citizen of a nation is poor towards politics, which affects their perceptions of political legitimacy of a government.

The low level of political participation has affected the process of national growth and political development in Nigeria. Ofoeze (1998) explained that Nigeria stunted growth politically has its location in the crisis of political participation. This is so because of the level of electoral ignorance as to the power which the citizens have in deciding who they put in power, due to the antics done by the military, killing electoral participation through their interventionist coup de tat. The incumbent’s proclivities of rigging electoral votes have also made political participation low. 

In recent times, the media in Nigeria has evolved from its role as a channel for communication to a tool of continual enlightenment of the public improving public lifestyle and reducing ignorance. The role of radio, as an instrument of political mobilization cannot be over emphasised. Radio continued participation in political affairs has raised interest of politicians, as politicians are ready to use radio to pursue their own personal interest. Radio due to its universality of context can reach the people on a wide scale affecting democratic growth of the nation.

The media can be considered windows, through which the political landscape of a country can be viewed, both from within the country and by external observers. In other words, the media can be used as explanatory factors for politics. Unlike many of the liberal-democratic societies, where great attention has been given to the roles of mass media in affecting the nations’ political life, the media’s roles have been marginalized, if not ignored completely, in the study of Nigerian politics and society at large. Although there are a number of available studies on the media’s role in Nigerian politics, few of them provide systematic and updated analysis of how dynamic the media has been in reforming and increasing the political participation rate of the Nigerian people.

The media is constantly developing, becoming widely used for marketing purposes in politics. Thus further research is needed to provide a better understanding of how radio information is both promotional in encouraging political participation, for the electorate and the political parties who want the electorates to vote their candidates in.  It is for this purpose this study is set out to answer the question; what is the impact of Rock City FM radio station on political mobilization of the people of Abeokuta-North LGA in Ogun State?

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The objective of the study is to see how well media outfits, using Rock City FM, help in creating awareness on political issues in Abeokuta-North LGA.

1. To find out if Rock City FM played an important role in creating awareness during the elections.
2. To find out if Rock City FM information on the elections was taken as a credible source of information.
3. To determine the extent to which the political programs aired on Rock City FM encourage political participation amongst its listeners.

This research seeks to determine how well the media (radio) has carried out its function as an instrument of political mobilization and information disseminating.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following research question will aim to guide this study:

1. To what extent did Rock City FM create awareness on the electoral process?
2. To what extent were campaign and electoral information on Rock City FM perceived as credible by the electorate during the elections?
3. How well did Rock City FM mobilize and inform its listeners during the elections?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study will see to what extent the media (Radio) has an effect in mobilizing and increasing political participation amongst the people in Abeokuta-North LGA. It also will let us know if the media (Radio) has an effect on the mindset and perception of the people of Abeokuta-North LGA towards political issues in light of information gathered and their role as an electorate in determining their leaders.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study will look at Rock City FM Radio Abeokuta, Ogun State and the people in Abeokuta-North LGA as the primary reference of the study. Also it will focus are areas that concern radio station fulfilling its role as a social informant and also as the watch dog of the people in the electoral process. It will also look at how political discussion on programs being aired improves the political orientation of the people.

 It will also seek to know the role of radio in reducing distrust in the electoral process, how it provides effective political education on the electoral process to encourage the residents of Abeokuta-North LGA in going out to vote on Election Day. Finally will seek to uncover how radio through its programs has encouraged and motivated political participation in the electoral process

1.7 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Politics: in this study refers to the process necessary to make binding policy decision for the community and to increase patronage in government activities.

2.Media: refers to radio as a channel through which government, institutions, and political interest groups communicate with the citizens of a nation.

3. Political Mobilization: refersto the process of becoming attentive and active towards the political demand of the nation ensuring they take part in political activities, as electorate in exercising their rights to vote making awareness for the need participate actively and fully in the electoral process.

4. Political Participation:This refers is participation of people in selecting their leaders by participating in the election process of selection.

5. Radio Programs: This are the on air programs on politic during the electoral period of 2015.

6. Electoral Process: Refers to the seasonal exercise of the selecting and voting in leaders into government office and positions necessary to the sustenance of democracy and political awareness.

ASSESSING THE CHANNELS TELEVISION DURING THE 2019 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN GOMBE STATE

ASSESSING THE CHANNELS TELEVISION DURING THE 2019 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN GOMBE STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background Of The Study

That the mass media plays a vital role in the development process of a country is not again saying. The mass media generally regarded as a channel of communication that are capable of reaching heterogeneous audience simultaneously with uniform message. They regularly cover all sorts of issues such as health, music, fine art, crime, sport, entertainment, political events among others (Meyer, 2002, Soela 2004). The mass media transmits ideas and new information to target audience in the society. Tosanisunmi (2004) has observed that the mass media educate, inform and entertain beyond these functions as they also persuade and catalyze for social mobilization. In other words, the mass media can be regarded as powerful service of information because they have the capability to penetrate every segment of society. They have the ability to disseminate messages about issue, ideas and product.

In Nigeria, the mass media especially the television station have not only encouraged mass participation of the public  in  the  political/electoral  process, they have opposed and exposed anti- democratic  tendencies  at  different  times and equally play the role of watchdog with a view to promoting and safeguarding Nigeria’s fledgling democracy. No doubt, the Nigerian media were in the forefront of the struggle for enthronement and entrenchment of democracy, especially the transition from military rule to democratic rule which culminated in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic on 29th May, 1999; they had also since its commencement been actively involved in setting agenda for public discourse, providing perspectives and direction on political debates and framing the agenda for political decisions and mobilisation for mass participation in political activities, as well as contributing in no small measure to the sustainability and consolidation of the Nigeria’s democracy (Odubote, 2014).

The first time the media will be utilised as platform for propagating and expressing political opinions and manifestoes by candidates and political party during election in Nigeria was during the   1923   general   elections   with   the Nigerian Pioneer, the African Messenger, the Nigerian Spectator, the Lagos Daily News and the likes in place, although the ways,   manners   and   application   of   the media may vary. Since then it has been an avenue where the electorates keenly awaits the news and development on the electoral process in  the  country.

The  role  of  the television stations especially the Channels Television during the 2019 presidential election in Gombe state according to Bamidele (2020) have a three tier operational period namely pre-election period, election period and post-election period. However, the impact of the channels television and the mass media as whole since the commencement of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic particularly during the elections  (1999,  2003,  2007,  2011  and 2015 general elections) cannot be downplayed.

The 2019 presidential election was unique from the previous elections and the successes recorded in this election cannot be divorced from   the critical and visible roles played by the stakeholders including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), security officials, political parties / candidates, legislative, executive and judiciary, local / international observers, international donor agencies, the electorates and the mass media.

The role played by Channels Television in particular towards ensuring that the 2019 president elections were conducted in a realistic, violent-free and credible manner cannot be over- emphasised. During the election, the station served as watchdog institution, campaign platform, debate and discussion forum, public/voters educator, election observers, among others before, during and after the elections. However, in spite of the praises accorded to this institution   (media),  it appears that the level of media’s reportage of electoral process is still undermined by numerous challenges which require critical investigation. Thus, the major thrust of this paper is to assess the performance of channels television during the 2019 presidential election in Gombe state.

1.2       Statement Of The Problem

The role of media in every society is often to educate, inform and enlighten. It is assumed that, where those roles are adequately carried out, elections are bound to be free and fair. In an effort to nip this electoral malpractice in the bud, different media, particularly television, have been deployed as channel to forestall the continuity of this political malfeasance. The worry of this study therefore, is how far the television station especially the Channels Television has fared in ensuring free, fair and credible election in the 2019 presidential election in Gombe State.

1.3       Objectives Of The Study

The broad objective of this study is to assess the performance of Channels Television during the 2019 presidential election in Gombe State evaluate the television

The specific objectives include:

1. To examine the role of the channel television during the 2019 presidential election in Gombe state.  
2. To examine the effectiveness of channels television in carrying out enlightenment campaign against electoral misconduct
3. Ascertain the challenges faced by Channels Television in its campaign against Electoral Malpractices and reportage.

1.4       Research Questions

1. What are the role of the channel television during the 2019 presidential election in Gombe state?
2. How effective is channels television in carrying out enlightenment campaign against electoral misconduct
3. What are the challenges faced by Channels Television in its campaign against Electoral Malpractices and reportage.

1.5       Significance Of The Study

This study seeks to contribute to the body of existing knowledge, as it explores how television programs and messages can affect and increase the listener’s political participation. Information received through the media especially the Television stations creates awareness about political activities during elections; this information can be used to douse false rumours being carried about the credibility of the elections or make such information received verified and credible.

The role of the radio is more apparent in a developing nation, this role cannot be over looked as it stands as a tool to mobilize and sensitize its listeners on the activities of the electoral body, the candidates and parties represented and the role and useful information the electorate need in carry out their electoral duty and right during elections.

1.6       Scope And Limitations Of The Study

The scope of this research work will only cover the assessment of channels television during the 2019 presidential election in Gombe state.

The research work may be faced with time & fund constraints being an academic based research. The time allocated for this study is not enough as in combining the work on this study with daily academics routine. Also, the study will be limited to some areas due to the problems of funds, shortage of texts, journals and information relevant to the study.

1.8       Operational Definition Of Terms

Television broadcasting: This can be defined as the dissemination of information, idea, opinion, before, among others through the use of television medium.

Electioneering Campaign: This refers to the act or process of soliciting for support or votes for a given political party or candidate during election.

Election: Elections are one of the fundamental principles of democracy. So essential are elections to democracy that a society cannot be regarded as democratic if it does not conduct at least periodic elections. In fact, it is periodic elections that separate a democracy from a dictatorship. Also, one the major variables that separate old democracies from emerging democracies are periodic free, fair and credible elections.

ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DEVELOPMENT CONTROL MEASURES IN RIVERS STATE

ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DEVELOPMENT CONTROL MEASURES IN RIVERS STATE

 

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

The number of people living in urban centres continues to grow at approximately twice the rate of that in the rural areas and it is expected that the global city population will increase from 2.76 billion in 1995 to 5.34 billion in the year 2025.This will lead to exerting greater pressure on the natural environment than ever before as such increasing the rate of urban sprawl (Ngetich, Opata, Mulongo, 2014). Increasingly, deterioration of the environment is becoming worrisome and as such attention is being focused on the management of the urban environment. However, only few people recognise that the management of the urban environment can only be effective with a sound development control of the structural development in urban centres (Nuhu, Yohana, 2013).

Most of the problems of the urban centres in Nigeria could probably have been prevented if there is effective development control (Sanusi, 2006). For instance, in Hong Kong, evaluating development control activity has brought about improved economy and the physical environment. It has identified major areas of non compliance and addressed them. This could not have been achieved if development control activity was not evaluated over time especially between different landuses (Cherry, 2006). This therefore makes evaluating development control in urban centres important so as to ensure that compliance with physical development regulations are adhered to. Furthermore, the environmental defenders office of South Australia (2011), claimed that the practice of assessing compliance level of development control gave the city a livable, convenient, improved economy which gave rise to aesthetic urban centres that meet the definition of town planning. This was done by curbing the challenges of implementing the provision of the planning authority’s plan for an ideal environment and checkmating the developer who wishes to undertake unguided activity that may have contravening impact on the environment. Before and after the emergence of the 1946 Town and country planning ordinance in Nigeria, development control was operational in regions. However, the neglect and non implementation of full planning proposals and development control has made areas that would have been designated as ideal neighbourhood in districts, towns and cities grow haphazardly (Obabori, Obiuwevbi,Olomu, 2007). This trend has been observed in Minna, Niger state of Nigeria. Development Control stands at the heart of urban development. It is a technical tool for ensuring that all users of urban land exercise some discipline in land development conformingto planning rules and regulations.

Analysts such as Sanusi (2006) believe that if development control is sound, it is possible to avoid part of the problems facing urban centres such as, slum, squatter settlements, polluted environment, unregulated and mixed landuses and other environmental nuisance. Physical planning therefore, entails putting in place a system of controls either to allow for those changes which are in accordance with plans and policies, or to prevent those developments that are not in the plans and policies from taking place (Falade, 2003). Keeble (1969) avers that development control involves regulation of the detailed aspects of development, of which precise guidance cannot be given by the development plan, so as to ensure convenience and safety. In the real sense, the purpose is to allow for orderly environment that will meet the requirements for ideal living. Agbola, (1985) observed that development control is a collection of interrelated para-legal and administrative techniques and instrument designed to safeguard, regulate, conserve and disburse land or part thereof in the interest of the overall community.

In Nigeria, development control took proper effect after the introduction of the Urban and Regional Planning Decree of 1992. This gave rise to the establishment of development control agencies at Federal, State and Local government levels. Also, with the establishment of development control agencies at various levels, there has been some degree of orderliness in some cities where development control is more effective (Ogundele, Odewumi &Aigbe, 2010).

Omole and Akinbamijo, (2012) asserts that development control is primarily used to achieve the objectives of implementing planning strategies, environmental safety and better health. However, effectively assessing its activities has continued to suffer major setbacks due to the challenges attributed to plan implementation. As such, a different approach of assessing development control becomes necessary. Tremendous efforts have been made in the pursuance of a more organized and orderly arrangement of land uses within Nigerian cities from the colonial era to date. In spite of such efforts, Nigerian cities still portray environmental problems arising from a gross disregard of development control. In recent times, adoption of Remote Sensing (RS) offers cost-effective solutions to city planners and meets data needs for both macro and micro level analysis of land use planning in urban environment management. Geographic Information System (GIS) is used for integration of various data sets to obtain a homogenous composite land development unit which help in identifying the problem areas and suggest conservation measures (Nuhu &Yohana, 2013).

Furthermore, Sanusi (2006) opined that Port Harcourt, the capital of River state is facing increasing growth and expansion like other Nigerian cities. This physical transformation in River state  necessitated the establishment of River State Urban Development Board (RUDB) in 1998 with a view to control physical development in the area and other major towns within the state. Since then, development control has been enforced  in the state by the Board. Although some degrees of success have been recorded, the absence of a well coordinated approach to evaluate development control activity in the metropolis has resulted in non compliance by many and also led to the contravening of physical development within the metropolis unchecked. In order to make proper evaluation of the compliance level of development control activities and make adequate recommendations, effective technique is required. Hence, the need to access the effectiveness of development control measures in rivers state.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

As rural settlements grow and become urban centres, and urban centres become large municipal areas, there is always increased competition in the demand for land. It is therefore pertinent that adequate planning and control mechanism be put in place to ensure harmonious development and functional efficiency. To achieve this fundamental activity, layouts of various land uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, open spaces and recreation, circulation and institutional uses among others are undertaken to standardise and control physical development and ensure harmonious growth (Aribigbola 2008). According to Oyesiku (1997) the forms and patterns of distribution of structures in general to promote the good health, accessibility, convenience and harmonious land use is a function of the rights and methods of dealing with land development. Effective urban land control and management particularly in areas with rapid urban sprawl is imperative to prevent urban land use problems such as slum formation, rising costs of land, accessibility to urban land for housing, incompatible use, flooding, overcrowding and congestion among others. In most cases development takes precedence over planning. This notwithstanding, the process of accretion has been so rapid in most cases that, efforts at spatial re-organization and development control are often left behind. The cumulative effect of this accretion in urban centres is seen in the haphazard distribution of land uses and structures without regard to any planning standards, the attendant problems of congestion, the inaccessibility to some areas, pollution and other forms of environmental degradation becomes inevitable (Abubakari, Romanus, 2011).

Most cities in Nigeria are currently experiencing continuous physical growth and the resultant effect is an increase in the demand of land for various purposes like; commercial, residential, industrial, public and semi public purposes. The course of becoming a developed country has created numerous problems of urban growth management in Nigeria such as imbalance in land use allocation, overcrowding, pollution and loss of natural resources (Okosun, 2010). This scenario therefore has called for the need for physical planning and effective development control mechanisms in order to ensure balance in land use distribution and also to ensure maximum degree of compliance to the provision of the master plan of the cities. Abubakari and Romanus (2011), identify development control as a tool that facilitates appropriate development, recognising its significance in building and protecting a healthy economy and a sustainable environment. It also examines the potential impact of the proposed development, protects the public interest from inappropriate development and also involves compliance of all procedures, building code and planning standards to ensure that physical development conform to the approved plans. River state, like any other Nigerian state is experiencing unprecedented growth in the cityscape in the last two decades (Sanusi, 2006). This growth has resulted to various urban challenges thus, the need for physical development control mechanism in the state. The state urban development board has carried out enforcement exercises within Port Harcourt metropolis and has recorded some success but problems like; conversion, overdevelopment, encroachment etc can still be observed in the area. There is therefore the need to assess the effectiveness of development control activities periodically in the area. Thus this study seek to access the effectiveness of development control in River state.

1.3       Aim and Objectives

The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of development control measures in rivers state. To achieve this aim, the specific objectives are to;

1. Assess the level of compliance to development control
2. Examine the factors influencing non compliance and enforcement of development control in Port Harcourt metropolis
3. Examine the implications of non compliance to development control using geospatial technique in the area.

1.4       Research questions

1. What is the compliance level to development control in River state?
2. What factors influence noncompliance to development Control activities in Port Harcourt Metropolis?
3. What are the implications of non compliance to development control activities?

 

1.5       Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is limited to the assessment of the effectiveness of development control in River State. The study is further limited to the Port Harcourt  the river state capital.

1.6       Justification of the Study

Urban centres have always been of great concern to policy makers and technocrats. This is because of the role they play in the economic, social and political development of the country. The problems confronting urban centers include housing, transportation, inadequacy of facilities, utilities and services, insecurity and above all physical environmental degradation. Development control measures which is aimed at regulating physical development and settlement with the intention of creating conducive and orderly development of physical structures becomes mandatory to be fully implemented in any fast growing urban centres (Ogundele, et al. 2010).

However the system of development control and its effective implementation is much influenced by various forces, which are at work. Firstly, there is the planning authority’s plan for an ideal environment. Secondly, there is the developer who wishes to undertake an unguided activity which might have impact on the environment. Tremendous effort have been made in pursuance of a more organized and orderly arrangement of uses within Nigerian cities from colonial era to date. In spite of such tremendous effort in pursuance of a more organized and orderly arrangement of uses within the city, the existing condition of our cities still portray an alarming reality of environmental problems and a gross disregard of development control. In our contemporary era, Remote Sensing (RS) offers cost-effective solutions to city planners‟ data needs for both macro and micro level analysis of the land use planning and development control leading to urban environment management. While Geographic Information System (GIS) is used for integration of various data sets to obtain a homogenous composite land development unit which help in identifying the problem areas and suggest recommendations measures to be taking (Nuhu and Yohana, 2013). In Port Harcourt, the complexity of urban development is so dramatic that it demands immediate attention in the area of physical planning of the city. The dynamic nature of urban environment necessitates unprecedented growth thus, the high demand of land for various purposes like Commercial, Residential, Public and Semi Public. These developments are monitored by the River State Urban Development Board to ensure orderliness and compliance to the Master plan, land use zoning plan and other planning schemes. However, it was observed that with the enforcement of development control by the board, compliance level to planning regulations have not been assessed in Port Harcourt which if not given due attention may leave a lot of districts to continue to grow unguided and the challenges to ensure compliance may not be overcome.

1.7       Significance of the Study

The role of development control in management of urban areas cannot be underestimated.

The crucial role of development control makes studies about it relevant to national
development. This study aims at assessing the effectiveness of development control in the
Rivers State.

The study is particularly important as contributes to existing works on

development control in Nigeria. This will contribute to knowledge by discovering new
challenges stakeholders faces in controlling and housing development in urban centers in
growing cities and also serves as a reference material for future research.

The findings of this study will help contribute to good management practice in the public

institutions charged with the responsibility of controlling housing developments in the
country. This is because the study attempts to explore the problems associated with
housing development control and recommends actions to be taken for its effectiveness.

Furthermore, the findings will create awareness of stakeholders on the current state of

housing developments and their effect on the urban environment and people. This will aid
ensure adequate measures are put in place to prevent further developments of the
situations where buildings in urban areas uncontrolled. The implementation of findings of
this research will also lead to improvement in urban housing development and
management as well as related issues in Nigeria as a whole.

The study will extend literature and broaden the frontiers of knowledge in development

control and serve as input into related works in future. The findings could contribute to
tabling issues for consideration in the study district as well as national policies on
ensuring effective developments in the urban areas and beyond.

1.8       Historical Background of the Study Area

Rivers State, also known as Rivers, is a state in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria (Old Eastern Region). Formed in 1967, when it was split from the former Eastern Region, Rivers State borders includes; Anambra and Imo on the north, Abia and Akwa Ibom on the east, and Bayelsa and Delta on the west. The state capital, Port Harcourt, is a metropolis that is considered to be the commercial center of the Nigerian oil industry.

With a population of 5,198,716 as of the 2006 census, Rivers State is the 6th most populous state in Nigeria. Rivers State is a diverse state that is home to many ethnic groups, the majority being Igbo or Igboid, but also including the Ogoni and Ijaw. The state is particularly noted for its linguistic diversity, with 28 indigenous languages being said to be spoken in Rivers State, the most dominant of which are the Igbo speaking groups, the Ogoni and Ijaw languages. Rivers State is the 26th largest state by area, and its geography is dominated by the numerous rivers that flow through it, including the Bonny River.

The economy of Rivers State is dominated by the state’s booming petroleum industry. Although the rise of the oil industry has led to increased revenue for the state government, mismanagement and corruption have prevented the state from rapid development and meaningfully tackling poverty. During the 2000s, Rivers State saw a rise in the number of cult killings committed within the state. In 2019, Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike declared Rivers State to be a Christian state because it is made up of 90% Christians and 10% orthodox with few strangers practicing Islam unconventionally.

Geography

Rivers State is a predominantly low-lying pluvial state in southern Nigeria, located in the eastern part of the Niger Delta on the oceanward extension of the Benue Trough. The inland part of the state consists of tropical rainforest, and towards the coast, the typical Niger Delta environment features many mangrove swamps. Rivers State has a total area of 11,077 km² (4,277 sq mi), making it the 26th largest state in Nigeria. Surrounding states are Imo, Abia and Anambra to the north, Akwa Ibom to the east and Bayelsa, Delta to the west. On the south, it is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Its topography ranges from flat plains, with a network of rivers to tributaries.

Climate

Ogoni Climate activists and others in Port Harcourt protesting environmental degradation in 2015.

Rainfall is generally seasonal, variable, as well as heavy, and occurs between the months of March and October through November. The wet season peaks in July, lasting more than 290 days. The only dry months are January and February having little to no effect.

Total annual rainfall decreases from about 4,700 mm (185 in) on the coast, to about 1,700 mm (67 in) in the extreme north. It is 4,698 mm (185 in) at Bonny along the coast and 1,862 mm (73 in) at Degema. For Port Harcourt, temperatures throughout the year are relatively constant with little variation throughout the course of the seasons. Average temperatures are typically between 25 and 28 °C (77 and 82 °F). Some parts of the state still receive up to 150 mm (6 in) of rainfall during the dry period. Relative humidity rarely dips below 60% and fluctuates between 90% and 100% for most of the year.