CONTRIBUTIONS

This study examines the contributions of Christianity to the development of the Urhobo people, with particular attention to its influence on social, educational, cultural, economic, and moral transformation. Christianity was introduced into Urhobo land through missionary activities during the colonial era and has since become a major force in shaping the society. The study explores how Christian missions established schools, healthcare facilities, and churches that promoted literacy, improved healthcare services, and fostered community development. It also analyzes the role of Christianity in promoting moral values, leadership, peacebuilding, and social cohesion while encouraging the abandonment of certain traditional practices considered harmful. Furthermore, the research evaluates the interaction between Christianity and indigenous Urhobo culture, highlighting both the positive impacts and the cultural challenges arising from the decline of some traditional beliefs and customs. Using historical and descriptive research methods based on secondary sources, the study concludes that Christianity has made significant contributions to the overall development of the Urhobo people through educational advancement, human capital development, social welfare, and ethical transformation. However, it also emphasizes the importance of preserving valuable aspects of Urhobo cultural heritage alongside Christian values to ensure balanced and sustainable development.

The study extensively examined the contributions of the Igbo ethnic group to the growth and development of Lagos State between 1970 and 2015, revealing that the post-Civil War migration became a decisive force in shaping Nigeria's foremost commercial capital. The research established that the Igbo presence is deeply economic and structural in nature, profoundly influencing regional commerce and urban expansion. As Igbo entrepreneurs channeled their resilience and capital into Lagos, their dynamism resulted in the establishment of continental commercial hubs, including Alaba International, Ladipo Auto Spare Parts Market, and the Trade Fair Complex, which generate substantial internally generated revenue and employment. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of how the Igbaboi apprenticeship system served as a unique indigenous model for human capital development and upward mobility, sustaining the economic proliferation of the community. However, it demonstrated that despite these indispensable contributions, the Igbo community's role is continually undermined by the indigenesettler dichotomy and exclusionary urban policies. The study recommended, among others, that Lagos State should formally recognize and co-manage migrant-built markets and establish stronger frameworks for civic inclusion to reconcile economic indispensability with political equity for all residents.

This study explored women’s contribution to socio-economic development of Ovia North - East Local Government Area of Edo State. It explores how women has made impactful contributions to the development of Ovia North-East. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study as five (5) research questions were raised to guide the investigation and the population of the study consisted of women residing in Ovia North-East Local Government Area while a total of one hundred (100) respondents were randomly selected as the sample size. A structured questionnaire titled Contribution of Women to The Socio-Economic Development Questionnaire (CWSEDQ) was used to collect data from respondents. The research instrument was validated by experts in the Department of Adult and Continuing Education. Data collected were statistically analyzed using frequency counts, simple percentage, mean scores and standard deviations. The results were presented in tables showing respondent’s responses and the decisions made based on the established decision rule. The findings revealed that women contribute significantly to socio-economic development, particularly in agriculture, small-scale enterprises, community development, family welfare, and local trade. The study further showed that women’s economic activities have a strong positive impact on household income and poverty reduction, as ix their involvement in business, cooperatives, and entrepreneurial ventures improves financial stability and living standards. Furthermore, women’s education was shown to be a major determinant of their socio-economic contribution, as educated women demonstrated higher participation, better decision-making, and stronger engagement in leadership and community development. Based on these findings, the study recommends improving women’s access to education, addressing cultural barriers through awareness campaigns among others. These measures are essential for enhancing women’s contributions to sustainable socio- economic development in Ovia North-East.