2024

This study evaluated the operational and health risk factors associated with municipal solid waste scavenging in two privately-operated municipal Solid waste dumpsites in Benin City, Edo State. Awell- structured questionnaire was administered to 100 randomly selected scavengers; the questionnaire covered demographics, personal details, and information on the types and frequencies of health hazards encountered by waste scavengers, providing insights into the challenges they face. The findings revealed significant health risks including injuries, respiratory problems, and gastrointestinal illnesses, highlighting the need for interventions to improve the safety and well-being of the scavenging operations. Furthermore, they also face several operational risks due largely to the lack of use of personal protection equipment, resulting in cuts, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal illnesses, with a notable proportion experiencing frequent headaches and a high prevalence of malaria. We recommend that the operators of the dumpsites should be regulated by the Edo State Waste Management Board, with strict guidelines and punitive measures put in place for lack of compliance. On the part of the dumpsite operators, they should provide all necessary personal protection equipment and enforce their use as a standard operating procedure. Furthermore, first aid equipment for staff, drinking water and bathrooms with soap and water for their sanitation should be provided.

This study was carried out to determine the concentrations of some heavy metals such as nickel, cadmium, mercury and oxidative stress status of tomatoes sold in local markets in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Fresh tomatoes samples were brought from Uselu and Ikpoba hill market in Benin City. The samples were oven-dried at 105°C for 24 hour and grinded to powder. The powdered samples were dissolved in deionized water, filter through whatman filter paper and the volume was made up to 25 ml using 10 ml of 98% nitric acid. The resulting solution was analysed for the presences of heavy metal using using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, Perkin Elmer model 2130). The results showed that the nickel concentration present fresh tomatoes samples obtained from the two markets ranged from 0.13 mg/kg to 0.16 mg/kg, while the cadmium concentration ranged from 0.11 mg/kg to 0.13 mg/kg. However when compared to W.H.O standard the heavy metal concentration were slightly above the recommended value of 0.10 mg/kg. Also oxidative stress analysis showed that the superoxide dismutase (SOD) value ranged from 3.02 U/g to 3.48 U/g, Catalase (CAT) value ranged from 0.08 U/g to 0.10 U/g , Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) value ranged from 4.96 U/g to 5.73 U/g, while Malondialdehyde (MDA) value ranged from 0.50 U/g to 0.64 U/g respectively. These findings were indicative of environmental pollution due to industrial and vehicular emissions and also the mode of handing and processing of the samples. Although the heavy metals detected in this study are not beneficial to man and plant, low concentration can prove detrimental to health.

Child abuse is a pervasive issue affecting children worldwide, with severe consequencesfor their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. This study investigates themanifestation of child abuse among primary school pupils in Benin City, Nigeria. Adescriptive survey design was employed, with a sample of 120 pupils from public and private schools. The findings corroborate existing literature on emotional and physical abuse, highlighting the need for urgent attention to prevent and address child abuse in educational settings. The study recommends awareness programme, teacher training and policy reforms to ensure a safe and supportive environment for children.

This study examines the solid waste management practices in Sapele, the challenges hindering effective waste management, the role of the local government, and residents' attitudes toward waste disposal. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, allowing for data collection from a
representative sample without manipulation. The study population comprised residents aged 18 to 65 years who are directly involved in waste generation, collection, disposal, and management. A total of 490 respondents participated in the study, and data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire. The analysis was conducted using mean and standard deviation. Findings indicate that while waste collection services are available, unsustainable practices such as illegal dumping and open burning persist. A significant gap exists in waste segregation, recycling, and composting due to inadequate public awareness, poor infrastructure, and weak enforcement of waste regulations. The local government plays a vital role in waste management; however, challenges such as insufficient waste bins, ineffective penalties, and limited funding hinder progress. Despite these challenges, residents exhibit a positive attitude toward waste management, recognizing its importance and expressing willingness to participate in community clean-up efforts and pay for waste
collection services. The study recommends a multi-faceted approach to improving waste management in Sapele, including increased investment in infrastructure, stricter enforcement of waste disposal regulations, expansion of recycling programs, and intensified public awareness campaigns. Strengthening collaboration between government agencies, private waste management firms, and local communities is essential to developing a more sustainable and efficient waste management system. These findings have significant implications for environmental and safety education, highlighting the need for integrating waste management strategies into school curricula, fostering
community-based environmental programs, and promoting sustainable waste management practices for long-term environmental sustainability.

The health of any federal state is a product of the relationship between or among the various component governments. Consequently, Inter Governmental Relations (IGR) has become a critical issue in federal studies. IGR is an important body of activities or interactions occurring between governmental units of all types and levels within the federal system in Nigeria. The assertiveness and boundary consciousness of the units are giving way to an operational concert of the integration of resources and the joint use of power to solve socio-political and economic problems mutually. For instance, the growing complexity of problems or more appropriately, the necessities of society created a sense of national purpose and growth of national programming characterized by the intellectual homogenization of the public sector. This development gradually transformed democratic administration into bureaucratic administration in which the centre looms large and therefore, changed the original federal form in which “the legal and political competence of each unit of government is limited in relation to the legal and political competence of other units of government.

The researcher investigated the perception of Benin residents on Influence of digital media in the promotion of Nigerian Musicians and the extent digital Media platforms has influenced the discovery and consumption of Nigerian music. How digital Media has helped in promoting Nigerian musicians in the state, and how it has accorded global recognition to Nigerian musicians. The study further shows the navigation in the distribution of Nigeria music from the days of Cassettes, tapes CDs to digital distribution using streaming platforms like Spotify, Audiomack, Apple Music etc. The researcher used the Media Dependence and Elaboration Likelihood Theory to describe the role media play in the society, how it influences and persuade human behaviour either by central or peripheral route. The study help create more understanding to which magnitude digital streaming platforms has expose music phile in the State to new musical content from Nigeria Musicians. This was done through survey which the researcher used the simple sample method to get views of residents in the state capital on the research topic. The Opinions and views of selected respondents which represents the residents of Benin city shows that majority of the city dwellers are aware and use these platforms to listen and discover new artists. However the finding shows that there are mixed perception among residents of state capital regarding the influence of digital media platforms on music consumption habits. Despite the recognition of digital platforms in music promotion, there are constrasting opinions among regarding impact, reflecting the complexity of attitudes towards technological advancements in the music industry. Recommendations include Enhancing digital literacy programs, foster community engagement, music promotion strategies, empowering local Artists and monitoring and evaluating impact

This study examined the effect of corruption on revenue generation among civil servants in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Based on the findings, it is evident that various forms of corruption, including bribery, fund misappropriation, and kickbacks, significantly undermine the revenue generation capacity of the government in Edo State. The specific objectives were to evaluate the impact of corruption perception onrevenue generating among civil servants in Benin City; investigate the effect of misappropriation on revenue generation among civil servant in Benin City; determine the impact of bribery on revenue generation among civil servants in Benin City; and analyze the influence of kickbacks on revenue generation among civil servants in Benin City; The study used primary data sourced from the respondents from the various ministries, departments and agencies in Benin City, the Edo State capital. The study adopted the descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, andmeanas well as the cross section regression technique. The findings of this study show that corruption perception has a negative significant impact on revenue generation capacity in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. It was discovered that fund misappropriation has an adverse significant impact on the revenue generation capacity in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. It was revealed that level of bribery has a significant negative effect on revenue generation capacity of government in Benin City, Edo State. It was found that kickbacks among civil servants have a significant negative impact on the revenue generation capacity of the Edo State. Thus, the study recommended that government should implement regular public disclosure of revenue collection and expenditure reports to build trust in the system. Strengthening accountability mechanisms—such as audits, clear documentation of processes, and transparent financial reporting—can make it more difficult for corrupt practices to go unnoticed and improve citizens' confidence in the revenue collection system. The state government should strengthen anti-corruption laws and ensure robust enforcement with clear penalties for offenses.

Background: Occupational health aims to promote and maintain the highest level of physical, mental, and social well-being among workers, including healthcare workers (HCWs), who face significant workplace risks. Despite being the backbone of any health system, HCWs are frequently exposed to hazards such as needle stick injuries, infections, back injuries, and stress, often prioritizing patient care over their own well-being. Protecting the health of HCWs not only safeguards their welfare but also enhances the quality of patient care and strengthens healthcare systems. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), pose a significant risk to HCWs due to the physical demands of their work, including heavy lifting and awkward postures. Preventing WRMSDs requires the application of ergonomic principles, such as proper workspace design, the use of assistive devices, and maintaining correct posture during tasks. Ergonomic interventions can reduce the risk of MSDs, improve safety, and enhance job performance, benefiting both healthcare workers and the patients they serve. Objectives: The study was carried out to investigate the types and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomic risk factors and coping strategies adopted by healthcare workers in University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 329 healthcare workers using a stratified random sampling technique for selection. Structured self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection and data was analyzed with IBM SPSS Version 27.0.1 software utilizing univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis.

Child abuse is a pervasive issue affecting children worldwide, with severe consequences for their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. This study investigates the manifestation of child abuse among primary school pupils in Benin City, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed, with a sample of 120 pupils from public and private schools. The findings corroborate existing literature on emotional and physical abuse, highlighting the need for urgent attention to prevent and address child abuse in educational settings. The study recommends awareness programme, teacher training and policy reforms to ensure a safe and supportive environment for children.

This study explores how poetry can be used to inspire societal change, using Adebayo Lamikanra’a Heart Sounds and Musa Idris Okpanachi’s Music of the Dead as sources of inspiration. The study examines how poets use language and poetic devices to subvert social conventions, elicit thoughts and motivate actions through an analysis of several poems. By exploring the themes of social injustice, political corruption and oppression
presented in these poems, we may reveal poetry’s innate ability to raise consciousness and spark social justice movement. The study encourages readers to appreciate poetry as not only an art form but also a potent tool for effecting positive societal change.