CHARACTERISTICS

This study examines the socio-demographic characteristics of an emerging urban centre. (A case study of Okada town). The objectives of the study were to examine the socio-demographic characteristics within the neighborhood in the study area, the relationship between the two zones of the town, the relationship between the socio-demographic variables in the two zones of the town such as age, sex, marital status, monthly income, and occupation etc of the individuals in the neighborhoods. Questions were administered to a total of 150 respondents and out of this 138 were returned valid and the data collected was fed into the SPSS. Using the frequency table, bar charts, chi-square, and analysis of variance (ANOVA), it was found that socio-demographic characteristics is not evenly distributed in the study area and the analysis shows that there is slight variations between the neighborhoods. It also was found out that there is no significant socio-economic groupings in the town. the study was able to determine if there is a functional differentiation amongst the residents of the town, the study was able to identify if Okada town has the required urban foundation requirements necessary for urban growth to take place.it was also able to discover the dominant occupation in the town and above all the study was able to show the dominant function of Okada town.. The study recommends that government should help put in place a very comprehensive and qualitative population census data of the town since the census information available reflects the 2006 population of the local government only and does not reflect the actual population of the town.

This study examined the impact of salesman behavioural characteristics on the performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the effect of assertive behaviour, manipulative behaviour, and passive behaviour on SME sales performance. A survey research design was adopted, and primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to SME operators and sales personnel in Egor, Ovia North East, and Oredo Local Government Areas of Edo State. A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed to respondents using a simple random sampling technique, out of which 89 were successfully retrieved and found valid for analysis. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistical techniques were employed to analyze the data and test the stated hypotheses. The findings revealed that assertive behaviour has a positive and significant influence on SME sales performance, while manipulative and passive behaviours negatively affect sales outcomes and customer trust. The study concludes that the behavioural disposition of salesmen is a critical determinant of SME performance. It recommends that SME owners prioritize behavioural-based recruitment, continuous sales training, and motivational strategies aimed at fostering assertive and ethical sales practices to enhance enterprise sustainability and contribute to economic development in Nigeria..

This study investigated the comparative drying performance and product quality of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) leaves processed using traditional open sun drying (OSD) and an improved parabolic-shaped solar dryer (PSSD). Freshly harvested fluted pumpkin leaves were divided into two batches and dried under both methods to a target moisture content of 10% (wet basis). Key performance indicators measured included drying time, drying rate, and final moisture content, while sensory attributes such as colour, odour, texture, and overall acceptability were assessed using a 9-point Hedonic Scale. Results revealed that the PSSD achieved significantly faster drying (4.55 h) and higher drying (21.78 g/hr) compared to OSD (6.05 h and 16.22 g/hr, respectively), with the statistically significant (p = 0.027). Sensory evaluation further indicated that leaves dried with the PSSD were preferred (overall acceptability = 7.9) to those dried under open sunlight (5.9), with superior colour retention and aroma preservation (p < 0.001). The enhanced efficiency and product quality observed in parabolic solar drying demonstrate its potential as a sustainable, energy-efficient alternative for preserving perishable leafy vegetables in Nigeria. Adoption of this technology can substantially reduce postharvest losses, improve marketability, and promote year-round availability of nutrient-rich vegetables like fluted pumpkin.