NIL(1971)

Hypertension is closely linked to oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and reduced nitric oxide (NO) availability. Traditional medicinal plants are widely used for its management, yet scientific evidence supporting their efficacy remains limited. This study therefore evaluated the in vitro antihypertensive potential of a polyherbal indigenous tea prepared from Justicia carnea (Hospital too far), Moringa oleifera (miracle tree), Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), Gongronema latifolium (Utazi), Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin), and Hibiscus sabdariffa (zobo). The formulation was assessed for nitric oxide scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), two key mechanisms involved in blood pressure regulation. Nitric oxide scavenging ability was determined using sodium nitroprusside as the NO donor, while percentage inhibition values were used to estimate the IC₅₀. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using the phosphomolybdenum assay. The polyherbal extract demonstrated strong NO scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 0.313 mg/mL, indicating consistent and concentration-dependent inhibition of NO radicals. The TAC results also showed a clear increase in antioxidant activity with rising extract concentration, confirming the presence of potent bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and anthocyanins that can neutralize reactive oxygen species. These findings suggest that the polyherbal tea possesses significant in vitro antihypertensive potential through its ability to preserve nitric oxide and reduce oxidative stress. The study provides scientific support for the traditional use of these plants in managing hypertension and highlights the formulation as a promising complementary remedy. Further in vivo studies and clinical investigations are recommended to establish its safety and therapeutic applicability.

Land administration systems, largely shaped by legal frameworks like the Land Use Act, playapivotal role in managing land as a vital natural resource, ensuring its sustainable utilizationanddevelopment. This research delves into the multifaceted landscape of land management, encompassing social, legal, cultural, economic, and technical dimensions within whichlandadministrators navigate. Focusing on the Land Use Act, this study meticulously evaluatesitsefficacy in addressing the underlying challenges it was designed to alleviate, withparticularscrutiny on Section 47. Emphasis is placed on scrutinizing the limitations arising fromtheAct'snon-justiciability concerning the adequacy of compensation. Employing a doctrinal researchmethodology, the research examines legal principles and statutes to elucidate theseissues. Findings reveal a disjunction between the objectives of the Land Use Act and its practicaloutcomes, attributing this disparity to inherent flaws within the Act itself and challengesinitsimplementation. Consequently, the study advocates for legislative amendments to aligntheActwith contemporary realities, thereby enhancing its feasibility and effectiveness in practice. Thisresearch underscores the imperative of legislative evolution to address the dynamic complexitiesof land administration, advocating for reforms that resonate with the present socio-economicandlegal landscape.

The study examines “The Influence of Graphic Presentation in Newspaper ProductiononReaders’ Patronage in Benin City.” The objectives of this study were to examine the influenceofnewspaper layout on readers' patronage. To determine the effect of photographs and illustrationson readers' decisions to buy newspapers. To assess the impact of colour and visual appeal onreaders' engagement with newspapers. To examine how principles of graphic designcanbeapplied to enhance visual appeal and influence readers' patronage. The study employed theUsesand Gratification Theory and Gestalt Theory of Perception, and the survey research designwithaquestionnaire was used as instrument to collect responses from a sample size of 400. The studydiscovered that newspaper layout plays a central role in readers’ patronage decisions, as readersare more likely to select and engage with newspapers that present information in a clear, organised and accessible manner, while poorly arranged layouts tend to discourage readership. It also found that photographs and illustrations have a consistent influence on purchase decisions, as readers show a clear preference for visually enriched newspapers. In addition, it wasdiscovered that colour and visual appeal significantly shape readers’ engagement by capturingattention and improving the reading experience, though consistency in visual design maynot carry the same immediate weight as initial visual impact. Lastly, it was found that fundamental graphic design principles such as alignment, spacing and balance improve readabilityandsatisfaction. The study then recommended that newspaper publishers should prioritize cleanandwell-structured page layouts by maintaining clear alignment, spacing, and visual hierarchytoimprove readability and make content easier for readers to navigate. Moreso, editors shouldensure the consistent use of high-quality photographs and illustrations in news stories, especiallyon front pages. In addition, newspapers should apply colour intentionally and sparingly, usingit to highlight important stories and sections while maintaining visual balance, so as to enhanceappeal without creating visual clutter. Lastly, it was recommended that media organisationsshould adopt and maintain strong graphic design standards across all editions, ensuringconsistency in typography, layout style.

The desecration of religious ethics is a pressing concern in contemporary society, wherethe manipulation and exploitation of faith for personal gain have become increasinglyrampant. This project examines how religious ethics are being desecrated, focusingonthecompromise of religious leaders, institutions, and adherents in perpetuating harmandinjustice. Through a critical analysis of case studies and scholarly literature, this researchreveals the complex dynamics of power, corruption, and moral decay that underliethedesecration of religious ethics. The project concludes by highlighting the needfor arenewed commitment to ethical practices, accountability, to restore the integrityofreligious traditions, and promote a more just and compassionate society

The integration of renewable energy systems, particularly photovoltaic (PV) technology, has become increasingly essential in addressing global energy demands and environmental concerns. However, the nonlinear and time-varying characteristics of solar irradiation and temperature significantly affect the efficiency of PV systems. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) techniques are employed to ensure that PV modules operate at their optimal power point under varying conditions. Traditional MPPT methods such as Perturb and Observe (P&O) and Incremental Conductance (IncCond) offer simplicity but often suffer from oscillations, slow convergence, and reduced performance under dynamic conditions.
This research investigates the application of reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms for MPPT control in PV systems, aiming to enhance tracking speed, stability, and adaptability. By formulating the MPPT problem as a sequential decision-making process, RL agents learn optimal control policies through continuous interaction with the PV environment without requiring explicit system modeling.
Various RL approaches—such as Q-learning, Deep Q-Networks (DQN), and Policy Gradient methods—are analyzed and compared with conventional techniques through simulation studies. The results demonstrate that RL-based MPPT controllers can effectively handle rapidly changing environmental conditions, minimize steady-state oscillations, and achieve superior energy harvesting efficiency. This study highlights the potential of reinforcement learning as a robust and intelligent solution for real-time PV power optimization

The process of enzymatic hydrolysis of cassava bagasse is a potentially effective method of producing biofuel, as cellulase and pectinase are essential for the conversion of biomass. The goal of this work was to compare the hydrolysis effectiveness of cellulase in isolation and in combination with pectinase over a range of time periods (6 and 24 hours). Separately, under controlled conditions, cassava bagasse was used to incubate both cellulase alone and the cellulasepectinase combo. The yield of fermentable sugars was determined by analyzing the resultant hydrolysates, which gave information about how well each combination of enzymes worked. In the first six hours, the yields of cellulase by itself were higher than those of the cellulasepectinase combination. This is explained by the greater starting activity of cellulase in hydrolyzing cellulose, the main ingredient in cassava bagasse. But compared to cellulase alone, the cellulasepectinase combination showed better hydrolysis efficiency over the longer 24-hour period, producing more fermentable sugars. Pectinase was added to help break down pectin barriers, which improved cellulase access to cellulose fibers and eventually raised hydrolysis efficiency. These findings emphasize the significance of reaction time and enzyme synergy in biomass conversion processes. The combination of pectinase and cellulase maximizes the yield of fermentable sugars from cassava bagasse over extended periods of time, despite the fact that cellulase alone may produce larger initial yields. By providing insightful information on how to best utilize enzymatic hydrolysis processes for producing biofuel, this work advances the creation of efficient and sustainable bioenergy technology.

This study examines the relationship between state and local government fiscal interactions and their impact on development in Nigeria, with particular reference to Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. Fiscal relations between the state and local governments play a crucial role in determining the capacity of local governments to provide essential services and execute developmental projects. However, concerns have been raised regarding the extent to which financial dependence, revenue allocation mechanisms, and state control over local government funds affect grassroots development.
The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and utilized both primary and secondary sources of data. Questionnaires and interviews were administered to selected government officials, community leaders, and residents of Oredo Local Government Area. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of state-local fiscal relations and their implications for local development.
Findings revealed that while statutory allocations from the federal government constitute a major source of local government revenue, state government involvement in the administration and disbursement of these funds significantly influences the implementation of developmental projects. The study further found that inadequate financial autonomy, delays in fund releases, and excessive state control over local government finances hinder effective service delivery and infrastructural development at the grassroots level. Conversely, improved fiscal autonomy and transparent intergovernmental financial relations were identified as critical factors for enhancing local development.
The study concludes that effective state-local fiscal relations are essential for sustainable development in local government areas. It recommends greater financial autonomy for local governments, transparent management of public funds, timely release of statutory allocations, and strengthened accountability mechanisms to ensure that financial resources are effectively utilized for developmental purposes. These measures would enhance grassroots governance and promote socio-economic development in Oredo Local Government Area and Nigeria at large.

This study aims to carry out a semantic analysis of songs in Ilaje cultural ceremonies by identifying the songs sung in Ilaje cultural ceremonies., analyzing the meaning of these songs, and lastly, exploring the cultural significance of these songs within Ilaje ceremonies. For this research, primary data collection was used, this involved conducting oral interviews with 3 native speakers of Ilaje who are fluent with the language to have a concise view about the songs in Ilaje cultural ceremonies and its worldview. A total of 10 songs were gotten from these informants with both The data was collected from the Ilaje region in Ondo State, Nigeria. An audio recorder was used as a tool for recording the data for clarity and authenticity of the research. The theoretical framework employed is the Ethnography of Communication (SPEAKING model) by Hymes (1964). The findings revealed that Ilaje songs include cultural songs celebrating Ilaje identity, naming ceremony songs celebrating childbirth, and wedding songs offering advice for marital life. The cultural songs emphasizes unity, cultural pride, and the importance of preserving Ilaje customs and language. Naming ceremony songs celebrate birth, wish prosperity, and reject misfortune such as childlessness, while wedding ceremony songs offers advice on marital virtues like submission, patience, and tolerance to ensure a successful marriage. These songs serve to preserve Ilaje culture, promote unity, and guide individuals through life’s milestones. They emphasize the importance of heritage, social cohesion, and moral lessons for a harmonious community and family life. The study showed that songs in Ilaje cultural ceremonies help preserve their identity and culture. These songs promote unity, celebrate important life events, and teach values like patience, respect, and family harmony. The researcher recommends further studies in this particular area and any aspect not touched in this study be treated by linguist, scholars or any other researchers who have interest in the semantic analysis of songs in Ilaje cultural ceremonies or any other dialect of Yoruba language

This study examined rural development as a means of combating rural–urban migration in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The increasing movement of people from rural communities to urban centers has become a major socio-economic challenge, resulting in population pressure in cities and underdevelopment in rural areas. The study aimed to investigate the causes of rural–urban migration, assess the level of rural development in the study area, and evaluate how the provision of basic amenities and economic opportunities can reduce migration tendencies among rural residents.
The study adopted a survey research design. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and relevant secondary sources from respondents selected through a simple random sampling technique. The findings revealed that inadequate infrastructure, limited employment opportunities, poor healthcare services, insufficient educational facilities, and low agricultural productivity are major factors driving rural inhabitants to migrate to urban centers. The study further found that effective rural development initiatives, including the provision of roads, electricity, potable water, healthcare facilities, quality education, and agricultural support programs, can significantly improve living standards and discourage excessive migration.
The study concluded that sustainable rural development remains a viable strategy for reducing rural–urban migration and promoting balanced national development. It recommended increased government investment in rural infrastructure, empowerment of rural farmers and entrepreneurs, improved access to social services, and active community participation in development planning and implementation. These measures would enhance rural livelihoods, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region.

This study examines the historical relationships between Egbaen and its immediate neighboring communities during the pre-colonial period. The research explores the political, economic, social, and cultural interactions that shaped intergroup relations and contributed to the development of the communities within the region. Particular attention is given to patterns of migration, settlement, trade, diplomacy, intermarriage, and conflict resolution mechanisms that characterized the relationship between Egbaen and its neighbors before the advent of colonial rule.
The study adopts a historical research methodology, relying on both primary and secondary sources. Oral traditions, interviews with community elders, archival records, and relevant scholarly literature were utilized to reconstruct the historical experiences of the people. Findings reveal that Egbaen maintained extensive contacts with neighboring communities through trade networks, cultural exchanges, and kinship ties, which fostered peaceful coexistence and mutual development. The study also identifies occasional disputes over land, resources, and political influence; however, indigenous institutions and traditional leadership structures played significant roles in managing conflicts and preserving regional stability.
Furthermore, the research demonstrates that interactions between Egbaen and its neighbors facilitated the exchange of ideas, customs, and technologies, contributing to social cohesion and economic growth within the area. The study concludes that the history of Egbaen and its immediate neighbors reflects a dynamic pattern of cooperation and competition that shaped the socio-political landscape of the region in the pre-colonial era. It recommends further documentation of oral traditions and local histories to preserve indigenous knowledge and enhance understanding of intergroup relations in Nigerian histor