This study examines the relationship between state and local government fiscal interactions and their impact on development in Nigeria, with particular reference to Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. Fiscal relations between the state and local governments play a crucial role in determining the capacity of local governments to provide essential services and execute developmental projects. However, concerns have been raised regarding the extent to which financial dependence, revenue allocation mechanisms, and state control over local government funds affect grassroots development.
The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and utilized both primary and secondary sources of data. Questionnaires and interviews were administered to selected government officials, community leaders, and residents of Oredo Local Government Area. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of state-local fiscal relations and their implications for local development.
Findings revealed that while statutory allocations from the federal government constitute a major source of local government revenue, state government involvement in the administration and disbursement of these funds significantly influences the implementation of developmental projects. The study further found that inadequate financial autonomy, delays in fund releases, and excessive state control over local government finances hinder effective service delivery and infrastructural development at the grassroots level. Conversely, improved fiscal autonomy and transparent intergovernmental financial relations were identified as critical factors for enhancing local development.
The study concludes that effective state-local fiscal relations are essential for sustainable development in local government areas. It recommends greater financial autonomy for local governments, transparent management of public funds, timely release of statutory allocations, and strengthened accountability mechanisms to ensure that financial resources are effectively utilized for developmental purposes. These measures would enhance grassroots governance and promote socio-economic development in Oredo Local Government Area and Nigeria at large.

The study was carried out to determine “assessing the influence of technology and culture on secondary school students interest in mathematics. Four research questions was raised to guide this study, How does technology influence students interest in Mathematics? How do cultural factors influence students’ interest in Mathematics? How does cultural factors influence students attitude in mathematics? Does technology influenced students’ attitude to mathematics? the main purpose of the study is is to assess the influence of Technology and culture on Secondary school students interest in Mathematics. Find out the extent use of manipulative improve students attitude towards mathematics learning. The population of this study consist two thousand seven hundred and sixty (2760) SSII students from the 14 public senior secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The sample for this study consisted of 338 students selected from a total of Fourteen (14) public Secondary schools located in the Egor Local Government Area. The following were recommended; Incorporate Educational Games: Schools should integrate more educational mathematics games to make learning fun and engaging. Utilize Interactive Platforms: Tools like Code.org and interactive simulations should be widely adapted to aid in concept visualization and collaborative learning. Leverage Educational Software: Implement educational software and online whiteboards to create dynamic and stimulating learning environments. Emphasize Cultural Support: Encourage 8 family and community involvement in students’ mathematical education to reinforce positive attitudes and perseverance. Personalized Learning Tools: Schools should provide personalized learning paths and diagnostic assessments to cater to individual student needs and strengths.

The growing resistance of pathogenic bacteria to commonly used antibiotics has stimulated renewed global interest in medicinal plants as alternative sources of antimicrobial agents. One such plant, Ocimum gratissimum (commonly known as scent leaf), has long been utilized in traditional medicine due to its therapeutic properties. This study investigated the antibacterial activity of scent leaf extracts against selected bacterial pathogens. Fresh leaves of Ocimum gratissimum were procured, air-dried, and ground into powder. The powdered material was extracted using ethanol and distilled water to obtain ethanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. The antibacterial effects of these extracts were evaluated against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, obtained from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, using the agar well diffusion technique in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Phytochemical analysis of both extracts confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins in varying concentrations, with the ethanolic extract exhibiting a higher abundance of these bioactive compounds. Antibacterial testing revealed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect for both extracts, with reduced activity observed at lower concentrations. However, the ethanolic extract demonstrated superior antibacterial efficacy, producing inhibition zones of up to 15 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 12 mm against Pseudomonas species at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. In contrast, the aqueous extract showed moderate activity, with inhibition zones ranging between 10 mm and 12 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the ethanolic extract was determined to be 50 mg/mL for S. aureus, E. coli, and Pseudomonas, while Klebsiella species required 100 mg/mL for inhibition. For the aqueous extract, MIC values were only observed at 100 mg/mL for E. coli and Pseudomonas. Furthermore, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the ethanolic extract was 50 mg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas, and 100 mg/mL for E. coli, whereas Klebsiella species exhibited only bacteriostatic response. The aqueous extract showed bactericidal activity only against Pseudomonas at 100 mg/mL. Overall, the results indicate that Ocimum gratissimum possesses notable antibacterial properties, particularly when extracted with ethanol. These findings validate its traditional medicinal use and suggest its potential application in the development of plant-based antimicrobial agents.

This study evaluated the physicochemical and microbiological quality of borehole water from five student-dominated areas in Ekosodin Village, Benin City, to assess compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS)
guidelines. Standard analytical methods were employed to determine key physicochemical parameters, major ions, heavy metals, and microbial indicators Most physicochemical parameters, including turbidity (0.98 - 4.38 NTU), TDS (10.32 - 92.27 mg/L), Conductivity (16.13 - 144.10 µS/cm), hardness (0.15 - 2.90 mg/L), sulphates (3.0 - 4.61 mg/L), nitrates (2.87- 8.94 mg/L), and nitrites(0.01- 0.02 mg/L), were within permissible limits of 5NTU, 500mg/L, 1000µS/cm, 500mg/L, 250mg/L, <50mg/L and 3mg/l respectively. However, pH values at Edo Street (5.77) were below the recommended range of 6.5-8.5, and water temperatures exceeded the 25 °C guideline in most locations. Concentrations of cadmium (up to 0.03 mg/L) and lead (up to 0.03 mg/L) exceeded permissible limits (0.003 mg/L and 0.01 mg/L, respectively), suggesting potential toxicological risks. Microbiological assessment indicated elevated heterotrophic bacterial counts (3.00– 76 CFU/mL) and fecal contamination, making the water unsuitable for direct consumption. The findings from this study underscore the need for regular water quality monitoring, appropriate treatment measures, and improved borehole management to safeguard student health in Ekosodin Village.

This research was designed to investigate the access to eductional resources and its impact on learning in rural Nigeria schools. Literature Review showed that the availability and utilization of learning materials, infrastructure, qualified teachers, and digital tools influences students’ academic performance and motivation. The essence of resources availability is of necessity and utmost importance it will help in strengthening teaching effectiveness for achieving both Instructional and Educational objectives. Six research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted survey research method. The population for the study comprised of all the teachers and students both in SSS1 to SSS 111 of six public schools which consist of 1050 in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State. The main research Instrument used was the structured questionnaire to which 180 students and 20 teachers randomly selected responded to collect relevant data. The validation of the research Instrument was obtained through scrutiny of the project supervisor and two other lecturers from the department of Curriculum and Instructional Technology, Faculty of Education. A test-retest was used in establishing the reliability of the questionnaire. The administered the instrument to 10 respondents who were not part of the main study. Re- administered after 7 days on the same respondents. The two scores were anaylsed using Pearson products moment correlation coefficient (r), and a reliability ratio of 0.80 was obtained. The analysis and interpretation of data involved the use of mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions. The findings of the study revealed that Educational Resources have significant impact on the academic achievement of students. The availability of educational materials is of great influence to students in rural schools as it helps to facilitate learning process and help support Instruction. The Findings also indicate that inadequate access to textbooks, laboratories, ICT facilities, and well-trained educators significantly hampers learning outcomes. The study highlights the need for targeted government policies, community involvement, and sustainable investments to ensure equitable access to quality education.

Ophthalmic infections are a major cause of ocular morbidity, and effective therapy depends on the potency of antibiotic eyedrops. The study evaluated the in vitro antibacterial activity of four ophthalmic antibiotics namely: Ciprofloxacin (Ciprotab), Moxifloxacin, Gentamicin, and Chloramphenicol, tested across varying expiration intervals and at a single dilution level. Activity was assessed against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from infected eyes using disk diffusion and agar-well diffusion methods. The findings showed that Moxifloxacin demonstrated the broadest spectrum at both diluted and undiluted concentrations, effective against all bacterial isolates. Ciprofloxacin (Ciprotab) showed activity against E. coli and K. pneumoniae with the highest inhibition zone (25 mm), but was inactive against P. aeruginosa. Gentamicin showed activity against E. coli and K. pneumoniae (greater than 10 mm) but was inactive against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Chloramphenicol showed efficacy at both diluted and undiluted concentrations less than six months after expiration (greater 10 mm). However, diluted chloramphenicol samples less than one year before expiration showed no activity against all isolates (0). In conclusion, the study recommended that sensitivity test should be carried out on all bacterial isolates from pathogenic eye(s) before prescribing, to prevent antibiotic resistance. Also, patients should adhere strictly to antibiotic expiration dates and use eyedrops without dilution.

This study examines the sedimentological and biostratigraphical characteristics of Well X-1 in the Greater Ughelli Depobelt of the Niger Delta Basin, Southern Nigeria, in order to determine the age, depositional environment, and hydrocarbon potential of the penetrated strata. Seventy two ditch cutting samples collected between 4500 ft and 11460 ft were analyzed using reflected light microscopy to document lithology, grain size, sorting, and other sedimentological attributes. Four main lithofacies were identified. These are sandstone, shale, sandy shale, and shaly sand. Forty nine lithozones were delineated and used to interpret the vertical depositional succession. The sandstone and sandy shale units form a continuous reservoir interval between 5340 ft and 7260 ft, while the thick shale units below 7860 ft represent the probable source rock. A shale dominated interval above 4740 ft was interpreted as the seal or cap rock. Biostratigraphical interpretation using foraminiferal biofacies, F zone data, P zone data, and the Niger Delta chronostratigraphic chart revealed five maximum flooding surfaces at 6265 ft, 6688 ft, 7247 ft, 7771 ft, and 10280 ft, together with eight sequence boundaries occurring between 5899 ft and 10602 ft. These surfaces correspond to ages ranging from the Aquitanian to the Chattian. Foraminiferal abundance patterns show a dominance of calcareous benthonic species, which indicates deposition in a shelf environment. The alignment of the Bolivina 27 shale marker at 28.1 Ma with the basal shale supports its interpretation as the source rock interval. The combination of sedimentological and biostratigraphical evidence confirms the presence of the essential elements of a petroleum system, with favourable timing for hydrocarbon generation, migration, and entrapment

This study aims to carry out a semantic analysis of songs in Ilaje cultural ceremonies by identifying the songs sung in Ilaje cultural ceremonies., analyzing the meaning of these songs, and lastly, exploring the cultural significance of these songs within Ilaje ceremonies. For this research, primary data collection was used, this involved conducting oral interviews with 3 native speakers of Ilaje who are fluent with the language to have a concise view about the songs in Ilaje cultural ceremonies and its worldview. A total of 10 songs were gotten from these informants with both The data was collected from the Ilaje region in Ondo State, Nigeria. An audio recorder was used as a tool for recording the data for clarity and authenticity of the research. The theoretical framework employed is the Ethnography of Communication (SPEAKING model) by Hymes (1964). The findings revealed that Ilaje songs include cultural songs celebrating Ilaje identity, naming ceremony songs celebrating childbirth, and wedding songs offering advice for marital life. The cultural songs emphasizes unity, cultural pride, and the importance of preserving Ilaje customs and language. Naming ceremony songs celebrate birth, wish prosperity, and reject misfortune such as childlessness, while wedding ceremony songs offers advice on marital virtues like submission, patience, and tolerance to ensure a successful marriage. These songs serve to preserve Ilaje culture, promote unity, and guide individuals through life’s milestones. They emphasize the importance of heritage, social cohesion, and moral lessons for a harmonious community and family life. The study showed that songs in Ilaje cultural ceremonies help preserve their identity and culture. These songs promote unity, celebrate important life events, and teach values like patience, respect, and family harmony. The researcher recommends further studies in this particular area and any aspect not touched in this study be treated by linguist, scholars or any other researchers who have interest in the semantic analysis of songs in Ilaje cultural ceremonies or any other dialect of Yoruba language

This study explores the harmful effects of lead acetate exposure on the kidneys, liver, and blood in Wistar rats, aiming to shed light on potential risks to human health from this common environmental toxin. Over a four-week period, adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups: a control group receiving distilled water and three treatment groups administered varying doses of lead acetate (low, medium, and high) via oral gavage. Weekly assessments included hematological analyses such as complete blood counts, measurements of inflammatory markers like TNF-α in liver and kidney tissues, and oxidative stress evaluations through assays for key enzymes and antioxidants. Results revealed dose- dependent disruptions, with treated groups showing significant reductions in hemoglobin, platelet, and white blood cell counts, alongside elevated neutrophil and lymphocyte levels indicative of immune stress. In the liver and kidneys, heightened TNF-α concentrations pointed to progressive inflammation, while oxidative stress markers demonstrated increased lipid peroxidation and depleted antioxidant defenses, particularly in higher-dose groups by week four. These findings underscore lead acetate's capacity to induce organ damage through oxidative and inflammatory pathways, highlighting the need for stricter controls on lead exposure in industrial and everyday settings to prevent similar toxicities in humans.

Fungal infections are major hazards to crop health and yield in agricultural settings. This study investigates into how well salicylic acid and methyljasmonate work to lessen the negative effects of fungal pathogen exposure on oil palm seedlings. The effects of these phytohormones on the production of important plant biomolecules and antioxidants, such as carotenoids, lycopene, ascorbic acid, total sugar, proline, and vitamins A and E, was accessed by thorough investigation. The results show that when oil palm seedlings are exposed to fungal infections, their levels of significant plant compounds and antioxidants significantly decrease. Nevertheless, the utilization of salicylic acid and methyljasmonate exhibits an impressive ability to mitigate these deleterious consequences. In particular, both phytohormones efficiently promote the synthesis of vital biomolecules, preserve or increase antioxidant and vitamin levels, and reduce lipid peroxidation brought by fungal pathogen challenge. These findings highlight the phytohormones' potential as long-term and efficient tools in farming methods meant to lessen the negative effects of fungal infections on crop quality and productivity. Innovative crop protection and management techniques for oil palm farming can be developed with important insights from an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective actions of salicylic acid and methyljasmonate.