GOVERNMENT

The catfish industry in Nigeria faces significant challenges including high production cost, low productivity, and limited profitability. Despite its potential, the industry has not fully explored the use of concrete pond for catfish production which could improve efficiency and reduce costs. This study investigated the socio-economic characteristics, profitability, and technical and allocative efficiency of concrete pond catfish production in the Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, and identified key constraints faced by farmers. Data were collected from 113 concrete pond catfish farmers and analyzed using descriptive statistics, net profit analysis, and the Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) model. Socio-economic analysis revealed the enterprise is dominated by economically active males (62.83%) with a mean age of 44 years. A significant majority of farmers (69.91%) possess tertiary education, and 74.34% engage in full-time catfish farming. The cost and return analysis confirmed that concrete pond catfish production is highly profitable, yielding an average net profit of ₦599,386.39 and a strong Return on Investment (ROI) of 2.49 per production cycle, demonstrating high financial viability. The technical and allocative efficiency analysis showed that 95.28% of farmers operated at >90% efficiency, with a mean technical efficiency of 94.46%. However, the overall Returns to Scale (RTS) was -7.4534, indicating that the enterprise operates in an economically irrational region (Stage III) of production due to significant resource overuse. Technical efficiency was positively and significantly influenced by stock density and quantity of fingerlings, but negatively by fuel usage. Allocative efficiency was positively affected by the cost of fuel, feed, and fingerlings, but negatively by labor costs and depreciated fixed costs. Inefficiency models showed that increased age and pond size decreased allocative inefficiency, while increased experience, household size, and income increased technical and/or allocative inefficiency. The major constraint identified was the high cost of feed (Mean = 3.98), followed by disease outbreaks and theft. The study concludes that while concrete pond catfish production is highly profitable, there is an urgent need to address resource overuse to move production into the rational efficiency stage. Recommendations include promoting optimal stocking density, investing in high-quality fingerlings, and providing targeted training to enhance feed and labor management, ultimately ensuring the long-term sustainability and profitability of the sector.

This study examines the role of local government in promoting economic development at the grassroots level, using Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, as a case study. The primary objective was to assess the developmental contributions of Egor LGA, identify challenges affecting its financial performance, and evaluate strategies for improving its internally generated revenue (IGR) to foster sustainable growth. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 138 respondents and supplemented with interviews. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and mean scores, while thematic analysis was applied to qualitative a responses. Findings revealed that Egor Local Government has made meaningful contributions to grassroots economic development through the provision of infrastructure, income generation, and employment creation. However, the study identified inadequate funding, corruption, political interference, and weak revenue mobilization as major obstacles hindering effective performance. It also established that IGR plays a critical role in promoting fiscal sustainability and reducing dependence on statutory
allocations. Furthermore, innovative sources of revenue, such as outdoor signage and advertisement levies, were found to offer promising opportunities for expanding the financial base of the local government. The study concludes that Egor Local Government has the potential to drive inclusive and sustainable economic development if structural and administrative challenges are effectively addressed. It recommends enhanced financial autonomy, improved transparency and accountability, staff capacity building, community participation, and public-private partnerships as key strategies for strengthening local governance and achieving long-term development goals.

This study examined The Role of Local Government in Rural Economic Development in Nigeria: A Case Study of Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The survey research design was adopted because data were collected from a sample population with specific characteristics. Four research questions were formulated and answered using simple percentage analysis. The population of the study consisted of residents of Esan West Local Government Area, and from this population, a total of 350 respondents were selected as the sample using a random sampling technique. The instrument used to collect data for the study was a twenty-item self- structured questionnaire. The study was anchored on the Human Capital Theory and the Modernization Theory. The Human Capital Theory posits that investment in people through education, training, and skill development—enhances productivity, innovation, and economic growth. This theory underscores the importance of developing the human resource base within rural communities as a key driver of economic advancement. The Modernization Theory, on the other hand, emphasizes that rural economic development can be achieved through structural transformation, improved infrastructure, and the adoption of modern administrative practices. Together, these theories provide a framework for understanding how local governments can
stimulate sustainable rural development through both human and institutional capacity building. Based on the findings, the study concluded that local governments play a crucial role in promoting rural economic development through the provision of basic social amenities, rural infrastructure, agricultural support services, and small-scale enterprise promotion. The study revealed that effective local governance enhances community participation, employment creation, and income generation among rural dwellers. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, political interference, poor administrative capacity, and corruption were found to hinder the effectiveness of local governments in fostering sustainable rural development. Respondents emphasized that while the local government system has great potential for grassroots transformation, its performance remains limited by structural and institutional inefficiencies. The study recommends that governments at all levels should increase budgetary allocations to local governments, ensure accountability in the management of public funds, and strengthen capacity-building initiatives for local government officials. In addition, participatory governance, regular project monitoring, and collaboration with community-based organizations should be

Taxation is the nucleus and the path to modern development. Thus, the study was to assess the impact of poor taxation on the development of Local Government Areas. This is because local government as the third tier of government and the closest to the people especially in the rural areas needed revenue to provide basic social amenities to the people. But it is unfortunate to note that the local government management have not lived up to expectation especially to provide basic social amenities to the rural people. Thus, the objective of the research was to analyze the extent to which poor taxation had affected the development of those areas. The researcher used primary and secondary methods of data collection to generate the needed data. The data obtained through questionnaire was presented in tables and expressed in simple percentages. The following were some of the findings which included poor development of the areas, lack of basic social amenities to the rural people and lack of effective tax collection mechanisms. The study also revealed that poor taxation by local government in Nigeria has affected the spread of development to all the nooks and crannies of the country. Thus local government councils and their management should strategically plan on proper measures to generate revenue as to meet with their functions as provided by the constitution of the country

This study assessed the Roles Biology Practical Play on the academic performance of students offering Biology. The study was carried out in Ikpoba-Okha local government area of Edo state. Three research questions guided the study. The design of the study was survey research design. A sample of two hundred and ten (210) students drawn from three (3) public secondary schools located in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State was used for the study. The instrument used was a questionnaire developed by the researcher. The questionnaire was validated by the researcher’s supervisor and two other lecturers. The data generated was interpreted using simple percentage statistical analysis. The study concludes amongst others that, all the sampled school respondents were in one accord in supporting the fact that, they do not have microscopes in the laboratory in their school. The study also concludes that there, is no electricity, Laboratory materials and up – to – date Laboratory apparatus. The study further concludes that; public secondary schools in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area lacks adequate laboratory facility

This study explores the pivotal role of adult education in fostering economic development within rural communities, with a specific focus on the IkpobaOkha Local Government Area in Edo State, Nigeria. Utilizing a descriptive survey research design, the research delves into various aspects of adult education programs, including community perceptions, social and economic impacts, employed strategies, and overall benefits. The study reveals diverse perceptions within rural communities regarding adult education, highlighting the need for targeted awareness campaigns to dispel misconceptions and increase participation. Furthermore, the research underscores the positive influence of adult education programs on social development, emphasizing behavioral changes, community engagement, and enhanced lifestyles among adult learners.Additionally, the study identifies a strong correlation between adult education and economic development, citing the acquisition of vocational skills, increased productivity, income generation, and entrepreneurship opportunities as key outcomes. To optimize the effectiveness of adult education initiatives, the study recommends adequate funding, resource allocation, community engagement, and policy enhancements. It advocates for a comprehensive approach that integrates adult education into broader development strategies, emphasizing the importance of tailored programs, stakeholder collaboration, and continuous evaluation and improvement.The study underscores the transformative potential of adult education in rural communities and calls for sustained investment, policy support, and community involvement to harness this potential for holistic community development and economic growth.

The study was to identify the problems of privatization of THE EFFECT OF PRIVATIZATION OF GOVERNMENT OWN INSTITUTION ON DEVELOPING ECONOMY with reference TO BEDC, EDO STATE However, to necessitate a measure against this problem, this study becomes very important. In this study, FOUR research questions were raised. They include, What impact does the privatization have on government owned institutions in Nigeria, Why did government embark on privatization of their own institutions in Nigeria, To what extent does privatization proffer solution to the problems associated with government owned institutions in Nigeria, What are the problems militating against government owned in stitutions in Nigeria? questionnaire were used as the primary method of data collection. Three hypotheses acted as a guide in this work and were accepted or rejected. The majority views and minority views were also recorded. In this regard, more than a single person shared the same opinion in various issues. Also, some findings were made in this research. They include, political interferences which form the major problem of privatization of NigerA institutions. Some recommendations where made in the work they include: The Need for more investors with technical expertise to come into the industry. This will ensure that better service is rendered to consumers at affordable rates, government should make sure that, before granting the license, they should screen and select competent people, not those of questionable character, who will manage the private enterprises. Also these Enterprises should also avoid engaging in corrupt practices,The retrenched staff of PHCN with technical expertise needs to be re-engaged back into the service. T

The study was designed to examine the role of Local Government in Rural Infrastructural Development: A Study of Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The objectives of the study include the following: to examine the roles of Egor Local Government Area in road infrastructural development, to investigate the impact of skilled workers in road infrastructural development in Egor Local Government Area, to ascertain if the issue of funding affects road infrastructural development in Egor Local Government Area, and to proffer necessary recommendations to the issues of infrastructural development in Egor Local Government Area. The study adopted survey research design. The Population of this study is drawn from all the communities that make-up the Egor local government. These communities includes the following among many; Agidigbi Camp, Egor, Oghedaivbiobaa, Oghokhugbo, Ugbighoko, Urunmwon, and Uwelu. The total number of population of these communities as reviewed by the 2006 census figure is 339,899 (National Population Census, 2023). In getting the sample size for the study the Taro Yamane sampling size technique was adopted. Furthermore, the simple random sampling techniques was used in selecting the respondent in the local government especially those that have direct bearing with the impact of road construction to community development within the context of Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. The instrument used for the collection of data was the questionnaire which was administered to the study sampled respondents. The study discovered amongst others that Egor Local Government Council do contribute to some extent to road infrastructural development of its rural areas. Furthermore, policy recommendations were adopted which include amongst others that there is need for the council to procure tractors and other machineries that will help in the maintenance of road in Egor Local Government Area.