PGD Project

This study is on elder abuse and social work intervention strategies in Ovbiogie Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The study uses a research survey design to gather first-hand information about elder abuse among adults aged 18 and above in Ovbiogie Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The sample size is 357 respondents, selected using the Krejcie and Morgan (1990) sample size table. The research instrument is a structured questionnaire divided into two sections, A and B, covering socio- demographic variables and objectives. The instrument undergoes content validity review by an expert to ensure it is structured and relevant to the study's purpose. The instrument is also subjected to internal consistency testing to ensure its reliability. The researcher assists two research assistants in administering and collecting the questionnaires, and the data is analyzed using SPSS version 27. The frequency distribution method and charts are used for easier interpretation and understanding for educated, partially educated, and non-educated residents or stakeholders in the community. The findings highlight the high prevalence of elderly abuse in the community with nearly half experiencing it due to cultural taboos, economic dependency, and limited access to healthcare and social services. Social workers can intervene and influence policy decisions.

The rising cases of public corruption within the West African Region involving a substantial proportion of the resources of the various States has become a transnational phenomenon that affects most West African societies and economies. It has threatened the political stability and security, weakened public institutions, undermined the rule of law and hindered sustainable development in most West African States. The affected States such as Nigeria, Cameroun, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Liberia, Mali and Ivory Coast concerned about the negative effects of corruption and impunity on the economic and social development of the African people, acknowledged the need to address the root causes of corruption in the African continent through preventive measures, the formulation of legislations, penal policies and other non-penal measures aimed at protecting the society against corruption. The African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption is the principal regional instrument in the continent and the West African region designed to combat public corruption through preventive measures that prohibit acts of corruption and corrupt practices. There is need for West African States to adopt measures that prohibit illicit enrichment, promote access to information and transparency in public offices and institutions, prosecution of corrupt public officials and other strategic measures such as confiscation and forfeiture of instruments and proceeds of corrupt practices, extradition in cases of trans-boarder corrupt practices within the territorial jurisdiction of two or more States. The principle of bank secrecy expounded by the International Standards on Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism & Proliferation (FATF Recommendations) 2012 and the spirit of international cooperation are part of the anti-corruption measures that will be examined in the course of this research. The research shall also examine the benefits and effectiveness of the various penal and non-penal measures employed by West African States in their various jurisdictions in combating corruption with a view to determine the extent to which these measures adopted have been effective in addressing corrupt practices. The research shall then proceed to determine how anti-corruption measures can improve the financial health and economic development in West Africa. The concluding part of this research shall suggest possible ways or make recommendations on how anti-corruption measures can be improved through sincere commitment and adequate enforcement.

The rapid growth of social media use among young people has raised concerns about its potential impact on mental health. This study examined the effects of social media usage on the mental health of undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the frequency and patterns of social media use, the relationship between social media engagement and mental health outcomes, students’ awareness of the psychological risks associated with excessive use, and strategies for promoting healthier digital engagement. The study was guided by Social Comparison Theory, which explains how individuals evaluate themselves through comparisons with others, particularly in digital environments. A survey research design was adopted. Data were collected from 490 undergraduate students drawn from different faculties of the University of Benin using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to analyze patterns of social media usage and mental health experiences, while inferential statistical techniques including Pearson Product–Moment Correlation, independent-samples t-test, and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that social media usage is highly prevalent among undergraduate students, with platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, and X being the most frequently used. Many students reported spending several hours daily on these platforms, often during evening and late-night hours. The results further indicated that frequent and prolonged social media use is significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms among students. The study also found that greater awareness of the psychological risks associated with excessive social media use is linked to better mental health outcomes. The study concludes that while social media provides important opportunities for communication and social interaction, excessive engagement may expose students to psychological challenges. It therefore recommends the promotion of digital mental health literacy programs, strengthened counseling services, and institutional strategies that encourage
balanced and responsible social media use among students

This project presents the findings of a perimeter and detailed survey conducted at the Chevron Main Office (TOPCON) Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State. The primary aim was to produce a comprehensive report on the property's boundaries and the features present within the area. This was to facilitate adequate planning and guide future development initiatives for the company's yard. The survey was essential for understanding the current level of structures and
developments, thereby identifying how remaining space could be managed or utilized for new construction projects.

The methodology involved several key stages, including office planning, field reconnaissance, and rigoroustesting of the survey equipment, a South NTS 362R Total Station, to ensure data accuracy. Fieldwork consisted of perimeter line cutting, traversing to establish control points, and a detailed survey to capture all natural and man-made features. Notable features mapped include administrative buildings, a helipad, warehouses, car parks, a basketball court, and the concrete wall fence defining the property boundary. Data processing involved computing coordinates, checking linear and angular accuracy, and calculating the total area. The results yielded a detailed digital plan of the site, produced using AutoCAD 2007 software at
a scale of 1:2,500. The survey achieved a high linear accuracy of 1:37,000 and determined the total area of the property to be 9.006 hectares. Analysis revealed that a significant portion of the land remains developed, indicating ample space for future projects. The final plan and report serve as a reliable base map and a functional database for the various land use types, fulfilling the project's objectives and providing a vital tool for the company's infrastructural planning and decision- making.

The aim of this study was to examine the age long practice of denying Esan women the right to inherit from their parents. This practice which is rooted in custom and tradition of the Esan people have resulted in social, economic and political disequilibrium among family members. Parents are abandoned by their rich children in protest of a tradition that denies them the right of inheritance. The objectives of the study were to analyze the geographical location and the world view of the Esan people, examine the phenomenon of inheritance in Esan land as it relates to women, investigate women's rights to inheritance, investigate the root causes of the denial of women’s rights to inheritance in Esan land, bring to the fore the impact of disinheritance on Esan women, identify the similitude of Zelophehad’s daughters in Numbers 27:1-11 with the Esan situation and investigate if Moses’ judgement was a one-off practice or it became the norm in Israel. The study deployed a multidimensional methodological approach. The first is African biblical hermeneutics approach which has to do with the decolonization of biblical studies by putting into consideration African social, cultural, political and economic environment in interpreting biblical text. Another is the exegetical approach of biblical inquiry. This approach, adopts the grammatico- historical analysis of words and clauses in biblical text and applies its findings to a particular context. Additionally, this thesis utilized various secondary materials such as Hebrew dictionaries, lexicons, journal collections, and library resources. Oral interviews were also conducted to get views of the
Esan people on the subject of inheritance. The findings of the research include inter-alia: that the denial of inheritance to women in Esanland is against the 1999 Nigerian constitution as amended in section 42 which protects every Nigerian against discrimination. Denial of inheritance to women in Esan is rooted in economic and spiritual matrix. The ancient Israelite society, though patriarchal in nature in an exceptional case gave inheritance of land to Zelophehad daughters; that the analysis of Numbers 27:1-11 is relevant to the Esan context as a model to address women right of inheritance; that there is a similarity between the ancient Israelite custom of inheritance and the Esan people in relation to women; that in the course of this research it was discovered that the beneficiaries of this current system prefer the status quo. While other who are disadvantaged by the system want a change. The research concludes that Esan land faces the problem of implosion if inheritance laws are not amended. Moses’ approach would go a long way in correcting a practice that has become a ticking time bomb in Esanland.

This study examines the solid waste management practices in Sapele, the challenges hindering effective waste management, the role of the local government, and residents' attitudes toward waste disposal. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, allowing for data collection from a
representative sample without manipulation. The study population comprised residents aged 18 to 65 years who are directly involved in waste generation, collection, disposal, and management. A total of 490 respondents participated in the study, and data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire. The analysis was conducted using mean and standard deviation. Findings indicate that while waste collection services are available, unsustainable practices such as illegal dumping and open burning persist. A significant gap exists in waste segregation, recycling, and composting due to inadequate public awareness, poor infrastructure, and weak enforcement of waste regulations. The local government plays a vital role in waste management; however, challenges such as insufficient waste bins, ineffective penalties, and limited funding hinder progress. Despite these challenges, residents exhibit a positive attitude toward waste management, recognizing its importance and expressing willingness to participate in community clean-up efforts and pay for waste
collection services. The study recommends a multi-faceted approach to improving waste management in Sapele, including increased investment in infrastructure, stricter enforcement of waste disposal regulations, expansion of recycling programs, and intensified public awareness campaigns. Strengthening collaboration between government agencies, private waste management firms, and local communities is essential to developing a more sustainable and efficient waste management system. These findings have significant implications for environmental and safety education, highlighting the need for integrating waste management strategies into school curricula, fostering
community-based environmental programs, and promoting sustainable waste management practices for long-term environmental sustainability.

The primary purpose of this study was to assess the information needs of cocoa farmers in Edo and Ondo states. Specifically, the study was conducted to investigate the information needs assessment of cocoa farmers; ascertain the farmers’ preference for cocoa information sources; examine cocoa farmers information needs and farmers search behavior and examine cocoa farmers’ constraints to information accessibility in the study area. Multistage random sampling
procedure was used to select 432 respondents while a structured interview schedule was used to
solicit information from the respondents. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Binary logit regression, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and 2x2 matrix used to establish the priorities mean score). The result revealed that the mean age of cocoa farmers was 52 years while majorities (70.4%) of the farmers were male. Majorities (35.4%) of the farmers had formal education, higher membership of a group (93.5%) and were married (80.3%). Majority (74.3%)
of the cocoa farmers’ cultivated farm lands of less than 10 hectares with a mean farming
experience of 22 years. This study revealed that the most prominent sources of information was
input dealers/suppliers (  =2.86±0.40), while Television (  =2.76±0.56), extension posters
(  =2.80±0.50) and face to face advice by other farmers (  =2.87±0.45) were the most preferred
among the institutional bodies, mass media electronics, print media and traditional sources of
information respectively. The mean score for weed control (  =3.14) and pest and disease
control (  =3.14) which were ranked 2nd in cocoa production information needs were ranked 1st
and 4th in level of information search with the mean values of (  =2.24) and (  =2.03)
respectively. Hence, the farmers need training in their information search behaviour. From the Matrix presentation, it was observed that cocoa production information with the discrepancies scores of farm layout with a weighted mean score of 5.48, farm cultivation system with a weighted mean score of 4.82 and seed selection and planting materials which had a weighted mean score of 4.67 were the critical areas where cocoa farmers need training or education in cocoa production information needs. Binary Logistic Regression indicated that the Nagelkerke R square value of 0.15 and 0.29 for Edo and Ondo States respectively indicated that the determinants would collectively explain about 15.0% and 29.5% variation in cocoa production information needs of farmers, respectively in the study area. Also the binary logistic regression test indicated that extension agents (t= 1.61; p≤0.01); input dealers/suppliers (t= 2.89; p≤0.01); internet (t= - 1.65 p≤0.01), cable network (t= 2.56; p≤ 0.01); family members (t= 0.92;
p≤0.05) and face to face contact with other farmers (t =0.67; p≤0.01) were the most significant preferred sources of information on farmers production information needs. The finding of Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation indicated that positive and significant correlation exists between production information needs (r=0.271; p≤0.01) and postharvest information needs (r=0.303; p≤0.01) and farmers’ search behaviour for information.

BACKGROUND – Malaria is still a huge problem at the moment. Given the growing resistance to orthodox drug, herbal extracts have plummeted in Nigeria. Vulnerable groups like under 5’s are most affected. Interestingly, end organ damage has also been on the increase. Hence, these concerns prompted this study.
AIM- The study aimed to determine the therapeutic and histo-morphological effects of
administration of “Agbo iba” multi-herbal extract.
METHODOLOGY – 42 Juvenile Wistar rats of different sexes, weighing an average of 97.5g, aged between 6-7weeks were assigned into 6 groups of 7 rats each(n=7). Phytochemical analysis was done on the extract as well as estimation of the LD50 prior to the study Group l was the negative control given only feeds and water, Group 2 (untreated group), 3, 4, 5 and 6 were the treated groups which were induced with Plasmodium berghei by injecting 0.2mls of diluted parasitized red blood cells intraperitoneally to the animals in these groups prior to treatment. Group 3(standard drug group), was treated thereafter with 0.6mls (6.72mg) of the constituted ACT twice daily for 3 days, while Group 4, 5 and 6( low, moderate and high dose groups), were given low dose (0.2ml), moderate dose (0.4ml) and high dose (0.6ml) of the extract respectively for one week. The rats were sacrificed at the end of the experiment and blood serum was obtained for microbiological and biochemical assay. The kidneys and liver were excised, weighed and fixed in 10% formol saline and prepared for light microscopy using the staining method for H & E. Data was presented as figures and tables, and subjected to statistical analysis.
RESULT-The standard drug group had a 90% clearance of parasiteamia compared to the herbal drugs with a clearance ranging from 60 to 85%. The results showed a decrease in ALT which was statistically significant (p< 0.05) in the untreated group compared to the control and treated group .The result also showed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) of ALT in the group with higher doses of the extract compared to the control. Similarly, serum AST was significantly decreased in the standard drug and low dose groups and bilirubin was significantly decreased across the six groups, when compared to the control( p<0.05). Furthermore serum urea was significantly increased in the high dose group. When compared to the control (p<0.05).The untreated group had a significantly increased liver weight compared to the control. Histologically group l (control) had normal findings, group 2(untreated group) showed histopathological changes in the liver which revealed marked sinusoidal congestion, peri-portal infiltrates and hemozoin pigments in malaria infection which reduced to different degrees in group 3,4,5 and 6 on treatment with the standard drug and increasing concentrations of the herbal drug extract respectively, though not dose dependent.
CONCLUSION- The ‘Agbo iba’marketed in Benin City has some anti-plasmodial activity that was somewhat comparable to the orthodox drug though not dose dependent and not as effective as the orthodox drug. There was however no significant damage to the vital organs with use of the herbal drug

orkplaces have a key role in developing eye disorders, due to the danger of accidents. Bottles holding carbonated beverages are potentially dangerous to the eye. Since beverage bottles may burst with regular handling and without provocation, production rules must be put in place to assist in eliminating defective bottles. The study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of ocular morbidities associated with the brewing company workers. This study employed a prospective cross-sectional study design and was carried out in the Coca-Cola bottling company, Benin City. A total of 90 participants consisting of 65 males (72.2%) and 25 females (27.8%) were enrolled in this study. Majority of the participants were between the ages of 24 and 29 years (28.89%) with a mean ± standard deviation of 31.3 ± 7.58 years. Also, 82.2% of the participants had their education at the tertiary level. Data was collected using questionnaires and eye examination. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, pie charts, mean and standard deviation, and chi-square were used to analyze and summarize the data. Findings from the study revealed that pterygium was the most prevalent ocular morbidity among workers in the brewing industry. Allergic conjunctivitis (11.1%), pinguecula (10.0%), presbyopia (5.6%), cornea opacity (2.2%), foreign body (2.2%), cataract (1.1%) and refractive errors (1.11%), were also prevalent. 62.2% of the participants were aware of activities that pose a risk of injury and packaging was found to be a major risk to eye injury among the participants (20.0%). 61.1% of them owned a personal protective eyewear and xi 47.8% of them who owned a personal protective eyewear owned safety goggles. In conclusion, there was no significant relationship between patients’ ocular assessment and their areas of production (p >0.05). Therefore, it is recommended that workers in the production units receive comprehensive training on the advantages of wearing ocular protective eyewear during their work and the potential consequences of failing to do so.

This study evaluated the use of social media for critical democratic citizenship among residents of Edo State, Nigeria. The study addressed the following research Objectives: Ascertain social media users’ engagement with government policies in Edo state, determine the level of social media users’ criticism of the democratic process, examine citizens Critical reflection on the political and economic systems in place on social media, evaluate how citizens have used the social media to call for social justice, ascertain the relationship between government performance and critical democratic citizenship. Survey method was adopted, with a cross sectional design, using purposive sampling technique. A sample of 400 respondents was drawn from the estimated 960,000 Social media users in Edo State (Datareportal's Digital 2023 Report). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that social media is widely used for political awareness, active engagement in discussions but activism remains limited. Respondents reported using social media daily to stay informed about political issues (Mean = 3.68, SD = 1.40), but active participation in discussions was less common (Mean = 3.02, SD = 1.23). WhatsApp emerged as the most preferred platform for political discussions (Mean = 3.46, SD = 1.28), while Instagram was the least preferred (Mean = 2.14, SD = 1.28). Users trust social media for government-related information (Mean = 3.97, SD = 1.44) but exercise caution in verifying content before sharing (Mean = 4.14, SD = 0.87).Demographic factors influenced social media engagement, with men and older individuals showing higher participation rates, while women and highly educated individuals exhibited lower levels of engagement. For instance, 68.8% of respondents were female, and 49.9% held postgraduate degrees, yet engagement among these groups was lower compared to their counterparts. A moderate positive correlation was found between social media engagement and critical democratic citizenship (r = 0.461, p < 0.01), indicating that active users are more likely to participate in democratic processes. However, despite recognizing the impact of government performance on civic engagement (Mean = 4.67, SD = 0.68), this awareness does not always translate into active participation. The study concluded that social media is a vital tool for political awareness in Edo State, but active engagement, criticism, and critical reflection remain limited. To address these gaps, the study recommends the implementation of educational programmes to promote responsible and critical engagement with political content and developing targeted initiatives to increase the participation of women and highly educated individuals in online political discourse.