BENIN CITY

This research project examines the appraisal of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending for housing development in Benin City, Edo State, focusing on its potential as an alternative source of finance within the Nigerian real estate market. The main objectives of this study are to determine the level of awareness of P2P lending among real estate developers, assess its perceived benefits, identify the risks and challenges associated with its adoption, and evaluate the role of regulation in encouraging its use for housing development.To obtain relevant data, a total of thirty (30) questionnaires were distributed to registered housing developers in Benin City. The questionnaire was structured to gather responses on key aspects such as awareness, benefits, risks, and regulatory challenges of P2P lending platforms. The responses provided useful insights into developers’ perceptions of digital finance and the readiness of the housing sector to adopt alternative funding mechanisms. The analysis of the data revealed that 65% of respondents had heard of P2P lending but lacked a clear understanding of how it operates, while 70% identified weak regulation as a major barrier to its adoption. Furthermore, 60% of participants highlighted data insecurity and fear of fraud as major concerns, and 55% cited high-interest rates as a limiting factor. Despite these challenges, 75% of respondents acknowledged that P2P lending could serve as a viable and flexible alternative to traditional bank loans if proper regulation and awareness programs are implemented. The study concludes with recommendations that emphasize the creation of a clear regulatory framework, enhanced digital literacy, and stronger collaboration between fintech firms and housing developers to ensure the effective and secure adoption of P2P lending in Benin City’s housing sector.

Women trafficking has long been a serious challenge in Benin City, where many vulnerable women were historically exploited through illegal trafficking networks for years. The city is known as a hotspot for women being trafficked under false promises 1. It would appear that the pain and suffering caused by trafficking deeply affected not just the women involved but also their families and the wider community. However, a complex dynamic emerged that while victims suffered immense physical and psychological harm, their families back home often appeared to benefit from the financial outcomes of their exploitation. This is evident in the remittances sent back to Benin City, which have contributed to the construction of new and modern buildings and other visible improvements in family welfare, creating a paradoxical situation where exploitation abroad fuels economic gains at home, as evident in the works of Ohonba & Agbontaen-Eghafona These remittances, while providing financial support, often mask the human cost of trafficking, complicating community perceptions and reintegration efforts for survivors.

This study examined the value chain addition of Parkia biglobosa (African locust bean) in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, with emphasis on its processing, packaging, transportation, profitability, and contribution to livelihoods. A total of 120 respondents, comprising traders and processors, were randomly and purposively selected from eight major markets across two Local Government Areas (Oredo and Egor) namely Ekiosa, Oba, Agbado, New Benin, Uwelu, Uselu, Oliha, and Ogida. Primary data were obtained through structured questionnaires and interviews, while secondary data were sourced from relevant literature. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and simple cost and return methods. Findings revealed that 97.5% of respondents were female, with the majority (75%) having at least secondary education and over 13 years of experience in the trade. The most preferred product was the fermented locust bean (iru), processed using traditional methods. Gross margin analysis indicated that processed products were significantly more profitable than raw seeds, yielding a net return of ₦3,004.11 per kg compared to ₦786.79 per kg from raw seeds. This translates to a profit margin of 52.3% for processed products and 47.7% for raw seeds, underscoring the economic advantage of value addition. However, the study identified major challenges such as inadequate transportation (mean = 3.22), high market levies (3.51), poor access to ready markets (3.11), and limited awareness of value-added opportunities (3.41). Despite these constraints, Parkia biglobosa remains a vital source of livelihood and nutrition, particularly due to its rich vitamin A content, which supports eye health and general wellbeing. The study concludes that improving processing efficiency, adopting modern packaging techniques, and strengthening distribution channels will significantly enhance the profitability and competitiveness of Parkia biglobosa. It recommends entrepreneurial investment in branding, cooperative marketing, and value-added innovations such as powdered iru or ready-to-use condiments, which will boost income generation and promote the wider use of this indigenous, health-enhancing product

Uncontrolled weed reduce crop productivity by interfering with crop growth and yield. The reduction of weed growth by crop interference is a viable alternative to reduce the reliance on herbicide use in weed management. One of the strategies to reduce weed infestation is to grow crops as intercrops. A field trial was conducted during the rainy seasons of 2018 and 2019 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City (06 0 20’ 50’ N, 5 0 37’ 23 “E; 78 m asl) to assess weed suppression in maize-groundnut intercropping systems. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The experiment consisted of six treatments (weed-free intercrop, weed-free sole maize, weed-free sole groundnut, weedy intercrop, weedy sole maize and weedy sole groundnut. The attributes measured for weed were weed density per m2, weed dry weight per m2, weed smothering efficiency, and for the crops were days to flowering, plant height, ear and pod maturity, cob and pod yields, seed weight, yield and land equivalent ratio. Results showed that weed-free intercrop suppressed weeds relative to weed-free sole maize cropping system. Maize and groundnut plants grew taller in weed-free cropping system (175 cm and 61.5 cm). Number of cobs, 1000-seed weight and grain yield (maize), and pods and 100-seed weight (groundnut), were higher in weed-free intercrop or sole cropping systems. This implies that weeds are major constraints limiting maize and groundnut production in Rainforest environment. For weed suppression, weed density of broadleaves, narrowleaves and their total (561.4 cm, 246.8 cm and 808.2 cm) were all higher in weed-free cropping systems. However, weed dry weight of broadleaves, narrowleaves and their total (78.6 cm, 250 cm, and 329.2 cm) were higher in weedy cropping systems. Weed smothering efficiencies for broadleaves, narrowleaves and their total (72.9 % 626% and 68.0 %) were higher in weed-free intercrop. Broadleaves were better controlled in both weed-free and weedy intercrops. Land equivalent ratios were generally above one showing that it was more advantageous growing maize and groundnut together instead of the respective sole crops. Therefore, it may be recommended that farmers in the Rainforest agro-ecology should intercrop groundnut with maize and regularly control weeds.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a significant comorbidity among individuals living with HIV/AIDS, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study assessed the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites among HIV/AIDS patients attending ART clinics at a secondary health facility in Benin City. A total of 150 patients were recruited and stool samples were examined microscopically.Sociodemographic,clinical,andhygienerelated data were also collected using structured questionnaires, and associations were analyzed using chi-square tests.. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 28.7%. The most frequently detected species were Entamoeba coli, followed by Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Trichuris trichiura. Prevalence was higher among females than males in both hospitals, with a statistically significant association (p = 0.042). Rural residence was also significantly associated with infection (p = 0.001). Other factors, including age, marital status, education, occupation, and hygiene practices, showed variations but no significant statistical associations. Widows and patients with tertiary education recorded disproportionately higher prevalence, while inconsistent hand washing, irregular deworming, and animal contact were linked with increased infection risk,though not statistically significant.IPIs remain common among HIV/AIDSpatients in Benin City despite ART availability. Gender, rural residence, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities contribute to the persistence of infection. Routine stool screening, targeted deworming, gender- sensitiveinterventions, and improved sanitation in rural areas are recommended to reduce the burden of parasitic co-infections and improve HIV treatment outcomes.

This study examined Non-Financial Incentives and Employee Productivity in the Banking Sector: A Case Study of Selected Banks in Benin City. The research aimed to assess the impact of non-financial incentives such as recognition, career development, job security, training opportunities, and conducive work environments on employees’ productivity levels. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, involving 245 respondents drawn from staff of selected commercial banks in Benin City. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and regression analysis to determine the influence of non-financial incentives on employee productivity. The findings revealed that non-financial incentives significantly enhance employee productivity in the banking sector (β = +0.420, p = 0.001). Specifically, recognition and appreciation of employees’ efforts were found to positively influence motivation and performance (β = +0.310, p = 0.003). Opportunities for career advancement and professional development also had a strong positive effect on productivity (β = +0.275, p = 0.005), while a supportive and comfortable work environment improved job
satisfaction and organizational commitment (β = +0.290, p = 0.004). The combined effect of non-financial incentives explained 62% of the variation in employee productivity (R² = 0.62, p = 0.000). The study concludes that non-financial incentives play a vital role in enhancing employee motivation, commitment, and overall productivity within the banking sector.It recommends that management of commercial banks should place greater emphasis on non-monetary reward systems, foster continuous career development programs, and promote a healthy organizational climate. Furthermore, policies aimed at improving job satisfaction, recognition, and participatory decision-making should be strengthened to sustain high performance and employee retention in the banking industry.