Urban markets in Benin City function as vital economic spaces and cultural landmarks that reflect community identity, traditional practices and social interaction. Recent modernization efforts across Nigerian cities have focused heavily on physical redevelopment, often neglecting the cultural significance and spatial dynamics that shape these markets. This study examines the relationship between urban market revitalization and cultural sustainability in selected markets in Benin City—Oba Market, Uselu Market, Ekosodin Market, Orgie-Ode Market. Using a mixed methods approach, data were collected from 100 respondents through questionnaires, interviews, field observations and photographs. Findings indicate major infrastructural and organizational challenges, including inadequate drainage, sanitation, security and spatial planning, which affect market efficiency and user experience. Despite these issues, traders and users maintain strong cultural attachment to the markets, underscoring their historical and symbolic importance. The study concludes that revitalization strategies must integrate cultural preservation with infrastructural improvement to ensure sustainable and socially inclusive market renewal. Recommendations emphasize participatory planning, heritage-sensitive design and improved governance frameworks.

This study examines the awareness and perception of librarians toward the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in academic libraries, with a specific focus on John Harris Library at the University of Benin. The research aims to assess the extent and variety of AI technologies utilized, best practices for AI integration, and practical ways to enhance information delivery through AI adoption. Using a survey research design, data were collected from 80 respondents through structured questionnaires and analyzed using frequency counts and simple percentages. The findings reveal that while AI adoption in John Harris Library is still at a developing stage, there is a growing awareness among librarians regarding its potential to enhance library services. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, insufficient technological infrastructure, and limited staff training hinder effective implementation. The study also highlights the need for a structured approach to AI integration, emphasizing user-centered strategies, staff capacity development, and improved technological investments. Based on these findings, the study recommends increased financial support for AI initiatives, enhanced technological infrastructure, continuous staff training, and regular policy updates to align with evolving user needs. Addressing these challenges through strategic funding and systematic policy evaluation will ensure that academic libraries effectively integrate AI, improving resource accessibility and enhancing user satisfaction.

Background: The rapid proliferation of social media platforms has transformed how patients access health information, with significant implications for medication adherence among those managing chronic diseases. In Nigeria, where medication non-adherence rates range from 40% to 65% across chronic conditions, understanding how social media health information-seeking influences medication adherence and health decision-making is a critical public health priority.This study examined the patterns and determinants of social media health information-seeking and their relationship with medication adherence among patients with chronic diseases at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 patients attending the Medical Out-Patient (MOP) clinic at UBTH, selected using a systematic sampling technique. Respondents were patients currently managing chronic health conditions on at least one regular medication and with prior social media exposure. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic and health characteristics, patterns and frequency of social media health information-seeking, and medication adherence assessed using the validated Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0, with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression applied as appropriate. Results: The mean age of respondents was 45.63 ± 16.95 years and 53.1% were male. The majority had tertiary education (60.2%), were married (58.6%), and financed their healthcare out-of-pocket (82.6%). Cardiovascular system diseases were the most prevalent chronic condition (26.2%). All respondents (100%) used social media to seek health information, with Facebook (86.2%) and WhatsApp (58.3%) being the most commonly used platforms for health information-seeking. Nearly all, 408 (97.1%), had sought health information related to their current illness, most commonly for treatment options (87.6%), disease symptoms (56.0%), and medication side effects (46.0%). High use of social media for health information-seeking was found in 253 (60.2%) of respondents. Regarding medication adherence, 327 (77.9%) had low adherence, 63 (15.0%) had medium adherence, and only 30 (7.1%) had high adherence, with a mean MMAS-8 score of 4.36 ± 1.92. High social media health information-seeking was significantly associated with lower medication adherence (p=0.017). On multivariate logistic regression, independent predictors of high medication adherence included younger age (OR=0.942, p=0.005), being non-employed (OR=0.311, p=0.024), religion, and low use of social media for health information-seeking (OR=0.379, p=0.035). The most commonly reported challenges with social media health information-seeking were difficult medical terminology(44.6%), conflicting information (22.9%), and misinformation (19.4%). Conclusion: Social media health information-seeking is highly prevalent among patients with chronic diseases at UBTH. However, medication adherence levels were generally poor, and high social media health information-seeking was independently and significantly associated with lower medication adherence. While social media offers convenient access to health information and peer support, misinformation, conflicting content, and difficult medical terminology remain substantial concerns. Strengthened patient-provider communication, digital health literacy programmes, greater involvement of healthcare professionals in online health spaces, and regulatory frameworks governing health content on social media are urgently recommended to improve medication adherence among patients with chronic diseases in Nigeria. Keywords: Social media; health information-seeking; medication adherence; chronic diseases; MMAS-8; UBTH; Benin City; Nigeria

Digital assets and crypto-currencies have become transformative forces in modern finance. Bitcoin, introduced in 2009, marked the inception of decentralized digital currencies, paving the way for thousands of crypto-currencies and block-chain based projects. However, their growth has also raised questions about their legal classification, regulatory oversight, and implications for global economies. Legal systems worldwide grapple with defining digital assets and crypto-currencies due to their hybrid nature part currency, part commodity, and part security. As these assets proliferate, the lack of uniformity in their treatment creates regulatory gaps and risks, necessitating adaptive models that can respond to technological innovation while protecting market participants1. The legal and regulatory framework for crypto-currency and digital assets in Nigeria is undergoing significant transformation as the country seeks to leverage the potential of these technologies while addressing associated risks. Amidst a backdrop of rising interest and participation in crypto-currency evidenced by Nigeria's position as a leading nation in Africa for crypto-currency searche2, this evolving landscape has prompted the government and regulatory bodies to rethink existing legal structures and introduce new guidelines to foster innovation and protect consumers.

This study investigates the impact of streaming platforms, particularly Netflix, on the leisure activities and social habits of students at the University of Benin, Ekehuan Campus. With the rising popularity of on-demand digital entertainment, the research explores how students engage with Netflix, how it influences their time management, academic performance, stress levels, and interpersonal relationships. A quantitative method was employed using structured questionnaires distributed to 177 respondents. The findings revealed that while Netflix offers relaxation and entertainment benefits, excessive use can negatively affect academic productivity and physical well-being. Additionally, while a small percentage of students formed social connections through shared content, many reported limited real-life social engagement. The study concludes that Netflix significantly shapes student leisure patterns, offering both benefits and challenges. It recommends digital media literacy, time management education, and awareness campaigns to help students balance screen time with academic and social responsibilities.

Background: The rapid proliferation of social media platforms has transformed how patients access health information, with significant implications for medication adherence among those managing chronic diseases. In Nigeria, where medication non-adherence rates range from 40% to 65% across chronic conditions, understanding how social media health information-seeking influences medication adherence and health decision-making is a critical public health priority. This study examined the patterns and determinants of social media health information-seeking and their relationship with medication adherence among patients with chronic diseases at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 patients attending the Medical Out-Patient (MOP) clinic at UBTH, selected using a systematic sampling technique. Respondents were patients currently managing chronic health conditions on at least one regular medication and with prior social media exposure. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic and health characteristics, patterns and frequency of social media health information-seeking, and medication adherence assessed using the validated Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0, with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression applied as appropriate.Results: The mean age of respondents was 45.63 ± 16.95 years and 53.1% were male. The majority had tertiary education (60.2%), were married (58.6%), and financed their healthcare 16 out-of-pocket (82.6%). Cardiovascular system diseases were the most prevalent chronic condition (26.2%). All respondents (100%) used social media to seek health information, with Facebook (86.2%) and WhatsApp (58.3%) being the most commonly used platforms for health information-seeking. Nearly all, 408 (97.1%), had sought health information related to their current illness, most commonly for treatment options (87.6%), disease symptoms (56.0%), and medication side effects (46.0%). High use of social media for health information-seeking was found in 253 (60.2%) of respondents. Regarding medication adherence, 327 (77.9%) had low adherence, 63 (15.0%) had medium adherence, and only 30 (7.1%) had high adherence, with a mean MMAS-8 score of 4.36 ± 1.92. High social media health information-seeking was significantly associated with lower medication adherence (p=0.017). On multivariate logistic regression, independent predictors of high medication adherence included younger age (OR=0.942, p=0.005), being non-employed (OR=0.311, p=0.024), religion, and low use of social media for health information-seeking (OR=0.379, p=0.035). The most commonly reported challenges with social media health information-seeking were difficult medical terminology (44.6%), conflicting information (22.9%), and misinformation (19.4%). Conclusion: Social media health information-seeking is highly prevalent among patients with chronic diseases at UBTH. However, medication adherence levels were generally poor, and high social media health information-seeking was independently and significantly associated with lower medication adherence. While social media offers convenient access to health information and peer support, misinformation, conflicting content, and difficult medical terminology remain substantial concerns. Strengthened patient-provider communication, digital health literacy programmes, greater involvement of healthcare professionals in online health spaces, and regulatory frameworks governing health content on social media are urgently recommended to improve medication adherence among patients with chronic diseases in Nigeria. Keywords: Social media; health information-seeking; medication adherence; chronic diseases;MMAS-8; UBTH; Benin City;Nigeria.

ThisstudyexaminedpublicopinionofnewsnarrativesonfilmconsumptioninNigeria.Itfocusedonhownewsframinginfluencedaudienceperceptionandviewingchoices,particularlywithintheNollywoodfilmindustry.ThestudywasanchoredontheAgendaSetting,Reception,andFramingTheories,whichexplainedhowmedianarrativesshapedaudienceattitudesandopinions.Thesurveyresearchdesignwasadopted,anddataweregatheredusingquestionnairesthroughapurposivesamplingtechnique.Findings from the study revealed that news narrativescontributed significantly to the publicity and audience consumption of selected Nollywoodmovies. News stories and reviews about films created awareness, shaped both positive andnegative perceptions, and influenced public opinion. The data furthershowedthatwhilemediaframinghelpedpublicizeSelectNigerianfilmsespeciallythosewithculturalandhistoricalthemes.Exaggerated framing sometimes created doubt about a film’s credibility, although it stilldrew public attention.The study recommended that Nollywood filmmakers should pay closeattention to how their works were portrayed by the media. It also suggested that journalists andmedia outlets should strike a balance between criticism and support to promote credibility andhelp audiences form balanced opinions. Finally, it encouraged viewers to be conscious of hownews narratives influenced their opinions about films before or after watching.

Sexual slavery has emerged as a critical human rights issue within the broader context of insurgency in Nigeria, particularly in the northeastern region where Boko Haram and other armed groups have operated with relative impunity. The use of sexual slavery by insurgents is not incidental but systematic and strategic. Women and girls are abducted, held against their will, and subjected to repeated sexual violence, forced marriages, and domestic servitude. These actions amount to crimes under both Nigerian law and international humanitarian and human rights law. Despite this, the prosecution of perpetrators remains limited due to a range of legal, institutional, and socio-cultural hurdles. This study examines the intersection between sexual slavery and insurgency in Nigeria, with a focus on the barriers to effective prosecution. It identifies key legal and procedural gaps in Nigerian criminal law, including the lack of explicit provisions for prosecuting sexual slavery as a distinct crime and the inadequacy of victim protection mechanisms during legal proceedings. This study also explores the challenges posed by insecurity in conflict zones, lack of forensic infrastructure, poor case documentation, and limited capacity of law enforcement to gather evidence or secure witness testimony. These problems are compounded by political interference, corruption, and the prevailing stigma faced by survivors, which discourages reporting and cooperation with legal authorities. This study evaluates existing domestic and international legal frameworks, including the Nigerian Criminal Code, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015, and Nigeria’s obligations under international instruments such as the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. While these instruments provide a foundation for prosecution, implementation remains weak due to gaps in domestic incorporation and enforcement. The study argues for urgent legal reform, improved institutional coordination, and the development of survivor-centered justice mechanisms. It also recommends the establishment of specialized investigative and prosecutorial units trained in conflict-related sexual violence. Addressing these barriers is essential to breaking the cycle of impunity, ensuring justice for victims, and restoring public trust in the legal system. Without concrete prosecutorial outcomes, efforts to combat insurgency and promote long-term peace and security in Nigeria will remain incomplete.

BACKGROUND: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection with specific high-risk strains associated with cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among women in Nigeria. Despite the availability of vaccines like Gardasil and Cervarix, HPV vaccination has yet to be fully integrated into the National Immunization Schedule.Expanding access and coverage is crucial to reducing HPV-related disease burden. This research work gives insight into the importance of HPV vaccination, improving HPV vaccination uptake and its potential impact on public health. OBJECTIVES: This research work assessed the knowledge, uptake, barriers and measures that promote HPV vaccination among undergraduates in the University of Benin. METHODOLOGY:Adescriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 569 respondents from the School of Medicine, University of Benin using stratified sampling technique. Relevant data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. The collected data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 26, with level of significance set at p < 0.05.RESULTS: The mean age in this study was 21.29 ± 2.6, with more females 288(50.6%) than males 281(49.4%). Majority (76.8%) had heard of HPV, 69.8% had heard of the HPV vaccine,but only 5% had received it. Significant factors associated with knowledge of the HPV vaccine were gender and academic level, with females (p=0.001), and 200-level students (p<0.001) demonstrating greater awareness. Regarding uptake, age was a significant factor, with respondents aged 16-19 showing better uptake than those aged 20-26 (p=0.005). Key barriers to vaccine uptake were lack of awareness (31.3%), sexual inactivity (20.4%), and logistical issues like inaccessibility of the vaccine (27.4%) and cost (12.5%). Promoting vaccination could be achieved through increased access to vaccines via university health centers (90.7%), incentives (90.0%), and student-led campaigns (84.5%). CONCLUSION: While knowledge of HPV is relatively high, actual vaccine uptake remains very low among undergraduates due to misconception, cost and logistical challenges. Improving vaccination rates require education, logistical support and incentives. Enhanced health campaigns and university-based programs can greatly increase vaccine uptake. Keywords: Human Papillomavirus, HPV vaccine, knowledge, barriers, undergraduates, vaccine uptake

The artistic performances by Jelili Atiku have been locally and internationally commended for its strong messages and unique approach toward the treatment of social issues. In his works, Atiku uses symbolic gestures, costumes, and props (objects of art) as visual language in dealing with cultural heritage and contemporary issues with which individuals and communities are faced. The study is set out to fill observable gaps in the comprehensive analysis of the cultural symbolisms in Jelili Atiku's performances. His work has garnered attention for its provocative stance, visual impact and thematic depth. However, there is a need to delve deeper into the cultural references and symbolisms embedded in his art. Thus, decoding their real meanings. This study aimed to investigate the imbedded meanings of the cultural symbolism that Atiku features in his artistic displays/performances. The specific objectives include: to clearly identify who Jelili Atiku is, to assess the cultural symbolisms present in Jelili Atiku's artistic performances, to clearly state the meanings/references of these symbolisms in provoking social and political commentaries, to determine Jelili Atiku’s performance philosophy and techniques, to assess the impact of his performances on his audience perceptions/interpretation.The study employed a qualitative means of analyzing the performances/artworks of Atiku, using iconography, participant observation and contextual analytic methods within an art historical approach. A review of critical and scholarly literature on his works, together with multiple interviews with the artist himself were utilized. The findings of this study includes discovering the actual references and contextual meanings of cultural symbols used by Jelili Atiku in some of his performances and also pinpointing that Atiku’s performances incorporate symbols from various indigenous cultures , nations and language all over the world into his works. Especially the indigenous culture of his subject matters. The researcher recommends that Performance art be academically infused into the visual art curriculum in Nigeria’s Tertiary education offered by various art schools and fine Art teaching Universities/institutions.