FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

This study aims to assess the socio-economic effect of older adult neglect in Iguobhioba. The objectives of the study includes to identify the various forms of neglect experienced by older adults in Iguobhioba Community, assess the socio-economic conditions (income, housing, healthcare access, nutrition, etc.) of neglected older adults in the community, examine the impact of neglect on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of older adults, explore the role of family members, caregivers, and the wider community in either contributing to or alleviating the neglect of the elderly, analyze the availability and effectiveness of social support systems, including government and non-governmental interventions, for older adults in Iguobhioba and to recommend social work strategies and policy measures that can reduce neglect. Situational theory was adopted in the study. A qualitative approach was applied in the thesis and content analysis was undertaken. five objectives were raised for the study. The population of the study comprised of older adults aged 60 years and above residing in Iguobhioba Community. The data generated from the survey were analyzed by means of tables and percentages. The result of the analysis was tested at 0.05 (5%) level of significance. The findings of the study show that older adults in Iguobhioba Community experience multiple and interconnected forms of neglect, with physical, emotional, and economic neglect emerging as the most prevalent. The study recommend among others that The government should take active and concrete measures towards implementing a viable social welfare programme for the elderly both at the federal, state and local government levels. This would ensure uniformity in implementation

This study examined the ef ects of household poverty on the psychosocial well-beingof childrenin Egor Local Government Area (LGA), Edo State. The research was necessitatedbythegrowing concern that despite educational reforms like EdoBEST, the "internalized" reality of economic hardship continues to hinder the developmental trajectory of children inperi-urbanareas. Specifically, the study sought to determine the prevalence of multidimensional poverty, assess the extent of psychosocial well-being, analyze internalizing behaviors, and identify the coping mechanisms adopted by these children. Theoretically, the study was anchoredon Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and the Toxic Stress Framework. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, utilizing a sample size of 200 respondents comprisingparents and children aged 13–17 selected through simple random sampling across wards in Egor LGA. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts, simple percentages, and descriptive scholarly interpretation. Findings revealed a high prevalence of multi dimensional poverty, significantly exacerbated by recent macro economic shocks such as inflation and fuel subsidy removal. The results indicated profound "psychosocialerosion," characterized by a sense of inferiority, chronic anxiety, and somatization. Furthermore,the study identified a "Labor-Play Imbalance," where significant majority of children engaged in street hawking as a primary coping mechanism, leading to social competence deficits. The study concluded that poverty in Egor LGA has transcended material lack to become a "developmentalpathogen" that rewires children's emotional architecture. Consequently, it was recommended that the Edo State Government integrate trauma-informed psychosocial support services into the school system, implement "Cash Plus" social safety nets, and establish community-based safeplay zones to mitigate the long-term impact of economic trauma on the next generation

The study examined the impact of accountability mechanisms on procurement intheEdo State Civil Service. The objectives were to identify the existing accountabilitymechanics in the procurement of Edo State civil service. To find out howtheseaccountability mechanisms are implemented within the public procurement systeminEdo State civil service to also identify the challenges that hinder effective accountability in procurement practices in Edo State civil service. The study employeda descriptive research design, utilizing both primary and secondary data. The population of study of this research was made up of staf s of the Edo State secretariat, Benin city. The sample size of this study was 100 respondents. Questionnaires weredistributed among selected civil servants, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that; while accountability mechanisms exist, theiref ectiveness is often hindered by weak enforcement, political interference, and poor monitoring systems. The study recommends strengthening institutional frameworks, promoting e-procurement, and enhancing transparency to improve procurement
outcomes in the Edo State Civil Service

The study investigated the impact of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in public policy advocacy in Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of the study, four (4) research questions were raised and answered. To achieve the purpose of the study, four (4)research questions were raised and answered. . The sample size for the study was made up of 100 respondents. The data collected was analyzed using frequency count and simple percentage. The study revealed that NGOs have made significant contributions to public policy reforms, particularly in the health sector, where they have actively engagedin advocacy, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with government agencies to improve healthcare delivery and accountability. It was concluded that NGOs havedemonstrated remarkable ef ectiveness in advocacy and policy influence in Nigeria. The study recommended among others that the government should strengthen partnerships with NGOs by creating formal frameworks for consultation and participation in policy formulation, particularly in the health, education, and gender sectors.

The participation of women in politics is a crucial aspect of democratic governance, as it not only enhances representation but also brings diverse perspectives to the policy making process. While many women actively engage in politics, others exhibit apathy. Studying women's participation in politics and its impact on democratic values can help assess the health of democracy by examining the representation and participation of women in decision-making process which is a key indicator to democracy. The study investigates the impacts of women's participation in politics on democratic values and examine the relationship between women's participation and representation in politics. The adopted research design for this study is the survey research design. The study used a Close-ended questionnaire to collect data from female academic staffs across five Faculties serving as the research method. Conflict theory was used to backup this study. Data collection took place in the environs of the University of Benin, Edo State. Data was collected and analysed using frequency distribution tables representing its objectives. During the course of this study, the quantitative approach was used to get data information from 120 female academic staffs. The findings obtained from this study shows that majority of the female academic staffs agreed that women's participation in politics can lead to a more representative governance, strengthening democratic institutions.

Land Cover Change poses a significant challenge to agricultural land use, food security, and environmental sustainability. In Ikpoba-Okha LGA, Edo State, rapid urbanisation, population growth, and industrial expansion have resulted in large-scale conversion of agricultural land into residential, commercial, and industrial uses. This study assesses the rate, drivers of land cover changes, the land use changes across the study area over 30 years (1993–2023), its impacts on agricultural land use, and the mitigation strategies adopted by household heads. The study employed a mixed-method approach, integrating Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis, alongside questionnaires and focus group discussions. A purposive sampling technique was used to select household heads from ten communities across Ikpoba-Okha. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, including percentages, presented through tables, charts, and maps. Results revealed that between 1993 and 2023, agricultural land decreased by 27.58%, while built-up areas increased by 33.45%, indicating significant urban encroachment. The most notable increase in built-up land occurred between 2013 and 2023, rising by 25.62%, whereas bare surfaces declined by 10.39% in the same period, suggesting land conversion. Water bodies showed minor but consistent growth (+0.16% overall). The sharpest decline in agricultural land (-21.93%) was observed between 1993 and 2003. The findings indicate that Land cover change has significantly reduced agricultural land, exacerbating land-use conflicts, food insecurity, and environmental degradation in Ikpoba-Okha. The study recommends stronger zoning regulations, financial support for farmers, and improved infrastructure to balance urban growth with agricultural sustainability.

This study examines state–local fiscal inter-relations and their impact on development in Nigeria, with particular focus on Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. The research explores the structure of fiscal federalism in Nigeria, emphasizing the allocation of financial resources between state and local governments and how these arrangements influence grassroots development. It identifies key challenges such as overdependence on statutory allocations, inadequate internally generated revenue, lack of fiscal autonomy, and excessive state control over local government funds through mechanisms like joint allocation accounts.

Using both primary and secondary data, the study assesses how these fiscal dynamics affect the provision of basic services, infrastructure development, and overall socio-economic growth in Oredo Local Government Area. Findings reveal that limited financial independence and irregular fund disbursement significantly hinder effective service delivery and development initiatives at the local level. The study also highlights issues of mismanagement, weak accountability systems, and political interference as major constraints to optimal utilization of available resources.

The study concludes that strengthening fiscal autonomy, enhancing revenue generation capacity, and promoting transparency and accountability in financial management are crucial for improving development outcomes at the grassroots level. It recommends policy reforms aimed at restructuring state–local fiscal relations, ensuring direct allocation to local governments, and building institutional capacity for efficient resource management.

The study examined local government autonomy and service delivery in nigeria: a case study of egor local government area of edo state 2018-2024. Four research questions guided the study, and three hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The population consisted of residents and stakeholders within Egor LGA, while the sample size comprised 150 respondents drawn across different demographic groups, including local government staff, civil servants, community leaders, private sector workers, and other categories. A structured questionnaire was the instrument for data collection, divided into sections covering demographic information, perceptions of local government autonomy, effectiveness of service delivery, challenges, and strategies for improvement. The reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach Alpha, and data collected were analyzed using mean (X), standard deviation (SD), and Chi-square tests with the aid of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study found amongst others that: Egor LGA has some degree of financial autonomy, as it controls its internally generated revenue and receives timely allocations from higher tiers of government. Political autonomy was also acknowledged, particularly in the area of implementing development projects. However, administrative autonomy, especially in staffing and internal management, was considered weak due to external interference Furthermore, policy recommendations were adopted which include amongst others that, thefederal and state governments should implement constitutional provisions guaranteeing full financial independence of local governments, including direct allocation of funds and authority over internally generated revenue

It is an indubitable fact that most plans/activities lies of any sep-up may come to naught if here is lack of revenue or finance to effectuate to one roas task. It is also germane to stress that just as air food and water are importance for human existence so also does revenue from the sine-quoin for any human or government existence and survival If is therefore sufficient to observe that the issue of revenue allocation and always been highly contentious and invariable generated a lot of conflicting and divergent controversies in Nigeria. The issue has been the allocation between various tiers of government vertical allocation and between resource rich and resource-poor regions (horizontal allocation). More recently, another dimension has been introduced to the vertical issue, namely the allocation between the resources-rich regions, local government and community

This study examined the relationship between interparty rivalry and national development in Nigeria, focusing on the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The study aimed to assess how political rivalry, policy implementation, party system balance, and socioeconomic consequences influence national development. A quantitative survey research design was adopted, and data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires to selected respondents. The data obtained were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including multiple regression analysis, with the aid of SPSS Version 27. The results revealed that political rivalry had a significant negative effect on national development (β = 0.362, p = 0.000), indicating that excessive competition and political intolerance weaken governance and hinder progress. Policy implementation and party system balance both showed significant positive effects (β = 0.328, p = 0.001; β = 0.314, p = 0.002 respectively), suggesting that effective governance and stable political structures promote sustainable development. Socioeconomic consequences, such as unemployment and insecurity, had the strongest impact on national development (β = 0.386, p = 0.001). The regression model produced an R value of 0.734 and an R Square of 0.645, indicating that about 64.5% of the variation in national development is explained by the combined effects of the independent variables. The study concluded that interparty rivalry among major political parties in Nigeria poses a major obstacle to national development by fostering instability, policy inconsistency, and weak governance cooperation. It recommends the promotion of political tolerance, institutional reforms, policy continuity, and interparty dialogue to enhance democratic maturity and sustainable development in Nigeria.