2024

The aim of the study was to examine the End Special Anti-Robbery Squad (#EndSARS) protest from a semiotic perspective. The objectives were to investigate the meaning potential of #EndSARS text as a semiotic system; analyze signification strategies in the use of signs as presented by protesters on the internet; and explore the role and impact of signs in mobilizing participants and shaping the movement’s outcomes. The data for the study were media posts, memes, protest photographs, and artwork (cartoons). A total of 100 #EndSARS-related datasets were collected, and they were screened based on certain criteria such as, the need for the data to be exclusively #EndSARS, and the inclusion of the presence of either verbal or visual elements containing relevant keywords related to #EndSARS, which resulted in the eventual selection of thirty. The study adopted the sign typology by Charles Sanders Pierce to categorize the #EndSARS protest sign and used Saussure’s dyadic model of sign to analyze the data. The study found that the #EndSARS text functioned as a complex semiotic system, comprising various constituent units such as hashtags, images, slogans, and gestures, as well as the interactions among these units contributed to the #EndSARS text's overall meaning by highlighting the cyclical nature of societal challenges in Nigeria. Signification strategy of color (red, yellow, black, and green), gestures (raised fist, raised flag, and sitting of protesters), attire (hijab, hair tie, and face mask) was employed by agitators as sign of resistance, urgency, justice for the Nigerian youths, and socio-political change. Hashtags like #ENDSARS, #ENDSWAT, #ENDPOLICEBRUTALITY and #ALUTA CONTINUA were used in mobilizing participants by creating a sense of solidarity and collective identity among protesters.

Textile wastewater poses a significant environmental threat due to its recalcitrant nature and toxic pollutants. This study explores the potential of snail shell and floor tiles as sustainable adsorbents for the oxidative degradation of textile wastewater. The adsorbents were characterized using FTIR,SEM,BET and XRF analyses. The effects of contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration on the degradation efficiency were investigated. The Snail Shell And Floor tiles were purchased separately, processed and characterized to evaluate its suitability as an adsorbent. Batch adsorption studies were carried out by varying parameters such as adsorbent dosage, contact time, temperature ,pH and initial dye concentration.The adsorption mechanism was predicted by some kinetic models such as pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, intra particle diffusion model and Elovich model.The results of batch adsorption study showed that for unactivated and activated snail shell and floor tiles increasing the adsorbent dosage and contact time resulted in increased percentage dye removal while increasing the pH and initial dye concentration resulted in decrease in percentage dye removal. The optimum conditions for maximum percentage dye removal for unmodified and modified bio adsorbent are 2.5g adsorbent dosage, 75minutes contact time, and 25mg/l initial dye concentration. The best percentage dye removal were 268.59 % and 251.61% using unactivated and activated bio adsorbent. The sorption kinetics for the adsorption processes were found to be best represented by the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation, as its R2 values were greater than 0.98. and the qe experimental and qe calculated are virtually equal. The Elovich model also showed a significant fitting to the kinetics of the adsorption process as its R2 values were also high. This suggests that chemisorption with heterogeneous sorption mechanism is likely responsible for congo red dye uptake

Fine aggregates used in concreting works posses different properties, thus affecting concrete quality and durability.. However, it was observed from previous literatures that these properties variation could adversely affect the performance of freshly mixed and hardened concrete, in terms of workability and strength. The aim of this study was to access the properties of fine aggregates sold at different locations in the Benin city by investigating their performance on concrete in both the fresh and hardened state. Concreting materials were procured from four different locations in Edo state namely; Okwae, Okun, Idugbo and Ovia areas of Edo state. Samples are to be labelled according to their locations. Experimental investigations were carried out to approved standards to produce fresh and hardened concrete. Slump and compressive tests was performed on all samples from the four different vendors at the end of 7, 14 and 28days respectively. Concrete prepared with constituents from the Okwae area, yielded favorable slump of 60.82mm and compressive strength of 13.72N/mm2 , thus proving its application in lightweight concreting works. However, concreting constituents from the Ovia area yielded slump value of 71mm and compressive strength of 11.92N/mm2 , proving its viability for use in plain concreting where strength is not the prevailing requirement. Concreting constituents from Idugbo and Okun yielded unfavorable values. The variations in the properties of concrete for all four vendors has no adverse effects on mix design calculations, only if the concrete would be used in light weight application. To ensure safety and economy in reinforced concrete construction, adequate quality control measures should be applied

In recent years, the retail industry has undergone a remarkable transformation due to the introduction of new technologies designed to increase efficiency, enhance the customer experience, and provide greater economic benefits. Retailers are increasing using digital technology, from consumer electronics to advanced analytics, to simplify operations and meet the needs of today’s customers. But despite success in many areas, a major problem remains: inefficiencies in the supply process, especially at the checkout process. Customers often experience delays at billing counters, leading to dissatisfaction and frustration, while retailers face operational challenges such as human errors in billing and resource constraints.

In rural areas, access to sustainable and dependable power is essential for advancing healthcare, education, and socioeconomic development. This project work presents the design and implementation of a solar mini grid aimed at providing electrification for a rural community. The project focuses on providing a load dispensary using solar mini grid as a clean and renewable source via a pure sine wave inverter to address the energy poverty occurring in remote areas. The design methodology contains a thorough assessment of the energy needs of the target community, considering factors such as population density, existing infrastructure, and the specific load requirement for the dispensary. The selected photovoltaic panels, charge controllers, designed inverters, and battery storage systems are optimized for efficiency, durability, and cost effectiveness. Finally, the conclusion was drawn from the final results and observations in the course of the project. The project's conclusions offer significant new information to the field of renewable energy planning, with practical applications for engineers and other professionals who strive to provide rural communities with sustainable and equitable access to energy.

The growing need for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials across various sectors has generated an increased interest in the extraction of bamboo fibres. The primary objective of this study is to tackle the obstacles linked with bamboo fibre extraction and analyze the effectiveness of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution in improving the quality of the extracted fibres. The endeavour was initiated to analyze the historical progression of bamboo fibre extraction techniques, the significance of chemical treatments in fibre processing, and the specific impacts of NaOH treatment on fibre characteristics. The study encompassed an extensive review of pieces of literature to comprehend the context and importance of bamboo fibre extraction, encompassing both conventional techniques and contemporary advancements. The experimental arrangement for distilled water and NaOH treatment was formulated, encompassing variables such as concentration fluctuations at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% NaOH. The weight of water used was also calculated to be 1000g, 950g, 900g, 850g, and 800g to form solutions respectively. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was applied to investigate the chemical structure of fibres before and after treatment, providing important details on the success of the extraction method. Data collection techniques involved sample preparation, maintenance of controlled environmental conditions, and statistical evaluation of experimental findings. The outcomes showed that NaOH treatment efficiently dissolved lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose constituents from the bamboo fibres, resulting in purer and cleaner fibre outputs. FTIR analysis corroborated the partial elimination of non-cellulosic components, with heightened NaOH concentration correlating with increased removal of lignin and hemicellulose. The discoveries from this investigation enhance comprehension of the chemical composition of bamboo fibres and underscore the potential of NaOH treatment in refining extraction processes. Additionally, the implications of the outcomes for industrial utilization, alongside suggestions for future research, are comprehensively deliberated.

In recent times, the entire world has been in consistent search of cleaner and safer ways of
generating and producing energy. Due to continuous industrialization in different parts of
the world, there has been a huge deterioration in the natural state of the environment. This
is reflective in different areas and the most prominent has to be Climate change. This paper
therefore focuses on the exploitation of the abundant solar energy to gotten from the sun to
drive a lawn mower. The designed solar powered lawn mower comprises of electric motor,
a charge controller, battery (12V, 40ah), Solar Panel (100W), rotational blade and a control
switch. The entire operation frame work is achieved using the electric motor which is able
to provide the necessary torque needed for the rotation of the blade which is mounted to
the shaft of the motor. The solar powered lawn mower is operated by a switch on the board
which closes the circuit and allows current flow to the motor and ultimately, causing the
actuation of the blade. The battery took about 5hours to charge and 50 minutes of
operation time before completely discharging. However, under a very sunny condition
battery charges and operates simultaneously, taking a longer time to discharge. Finally, the
performance evaluation of the battery was carried out with the machine and it was found
to have a theoretical efficiency of 85%

This study explores the complex dynamics of polygyny by examining the attitudes, agency, and behavioral patterns of the co-wives in Lola Shonayin’s The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives. Set against the backdrop of a contemporary yet deeply patriarchal Nigerian society, the novel provides a nuanced lens into the domestic warfare, strategic alliances, and individual survival mechanisms deployed within a polygynous household. Utilizing a African feminist theoretical framework, this paper analyzes how the four wives—Iya Segi, Iya Tope, Iya Femi, and Bolanle—navigate their socio-cultural limitations. The textual analysis reveals that rather than remaining passive victims of patriarchal containment, the wives exhibit diverse attitudes ranging from fierce rivalry and manipulation to subtle subversion and solidarity. While the older wives manipulate traditional structures and leverage secrets to maintain security and power, the entry of the educated, monogamously-raised fourth wife, Bolanle, disrupts the established hierarchy and inadvertently exposes the foundational deception keeping the household intact. Ultimately, the study argues that Shoneyin uses the wives' conflicting attitudes to critique institutionalized polygyny, exposing it not as a harmonious traditional ideal, but as a site of intense emotional labor, psychological maneuvering, and hidden female autonomy.

This study aimed to determine the levels of heavy metals in pumpkin, bitter, and water leaves to evaluate their potential health risks and nutritional quality. Samples of the three types of leaves were collected from different locations in Evidence ISIOHOR OVIA NORTH EAST LGA, Benin City, Edo state and subjected to heavy metal analysis using established analytical methods. The concentrations of heavy metals, including iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn), were determined and compared to international standards and guidelines. Results revealed varying levels of heavy metals in the leaves, with differences observed among the three types. Pumpkin leaves exhibited elevated levels of iron, manganese, and zinc, while bitter leaves showed higher concentrations of copper. Water leaves displayed relatively lower levels of heavy metals compared to the other two types. However, all three leaf types had concentrations of heavy metals below regulatory limits, except for lead in water leaves, which exceeded the permissible level. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring heavy metal levels in leafy greens, as they can serve as indicators of environmental contamination and potential health risks. While the concentrations of heavy metals in the studied leaves were generally within safe limits, the presence of elevated lead levels in water leaves suggests the need for further investigation and mitigation measures to ensure food safety. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the heavy metal content of pumpkin, bitter, and water leaves, contributing to efforts aimed at promoting food safety and nutritional quality. Continued monitoring and research in this area are essential to safeguarding public health and enhancing the sustainability of food production systems.

Host Communities in oil and gas producing communities in Nigeria have enjoyed very little recognition and legal relevance in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry. This situation has its root partly in inadequate laws on the one hand and the internal wrangling and conflicts that have been ranging among the various identifiable stakeholder groups within the superstructure of the host communities. Against the background of the observed disparity in the socio-economic rights of host communities who should be properly and justly recognized and compensated in oil and gas producing agreements which peripherally recognize them, this study sought to gauge the efficacy of the provisions for such communities in oil producing agreements and thus to provide a legal resolution of the conflict of interest within the host communities. Particularly, the study sought to determine the role and obligations of all stakeholders in oil and gas producing communities, with a bias to host communities, for a peaceful oil and gas operating environment. The study utilized the doctrinal and library-based research methodology and found among other things that the various efforts and attempts by groups advocating community ownership of natural resources are particularly aimed at addressing the socio-economic imbalance, injustice, marginalization, oppression and exploitation of host communities in the oil and gas producing areas in the Niger Delta region. Also that the current legal regime has failed to lay a legislative background to protect the socio-economic interests of local and indigenous stakeholders. In addition, that the absence or near lack of categorical legal pronouncement concerning the respective interests subsumed in oil and gas producing agreements in respect of host communities has left a vacuum and lacuna in the host communities stakeholders question, thus making the use of the term "host communities" susceptible to ruinous arrogation, abuse, oppression, marginalization, power struggle, conflict of interest and political betrayal and subjugation. On the basis of the findings made, the study recommends among other things that going forward, Impact Benefit Agreements (IBAs) should cover issues relating to employment, environmental protection, land use and reclamation, local business development and infrastructural development. Such an arrangement would not only bring about peaceful resources development between the oil companies and the indigenous stakeholders, it will also boost government’s image internationally, because it reflects a strategic balance among interests of the three key stakeholders. Moreover, negotiation should involve all stakeholders and should be based on mutual respect, compromises, authentic goodwill and be fair or equitable. Finally, that an Oil and Gas Host Communities Management Commission should be set up for the specific management and development of the oil and gas host communities in Nigeria. The Commission will, among other issues, ensure that appropriate sharing formula is put in place to determine the percentage or amount that should accrue to the various stakeholders based on the production quantum of oil and gas produced or extracted from their land. x