NIL

This study examined the effect of stock market performance on insurance sector development in Nigeria over the period 1990 to 2024. The study was motivated by the need to understand how key indicators of stock market performance influence the growth
and stability of the insurance industry, which plays a vital role in financial intermediation and economic development. The specific objectives were to investigate the relationship between market capitalization, all share index, total value of transactions, and market turnover on insurance sector development measured by the insurance penetration rate. An ex-post facto research design was adopted, and the analysis was based on secondary data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin, the Nigerian Exchange Limited Factbook, and the National Insurance Commission annual reports. The study employed the Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) estimation technique after confirming the stationarity and cointegration properties of the data using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller and Johansen tests. The empirical results revealed that market capitalization, all share index, total value of transactions, and market turnover each exert a positive and statistically significant impact on insurance sector development in Nigeria. The R-squared value of 0.873 indicates that approximately 87 percent of the variation in insurance sector development can be explained by changes in stock market performance indicators. These findings suggest that improvements in stock market performance enhance the capacity of insurance firms to mobilize funds, expand operations, and contribute to economic growth. The study concludes that a well-functioning and vibrant stock market is essential for the sustainable development of the insurance sector in Nigeria. It therefore recommends strengthening capital market reforms, promoting insurance investment in equities, enhancing regulatory coordination, improving financial literacy, and encouraging technological innovation to deepen the linkage between the stock market and the insurance industry.

This study investigated the effect of wetland conditions on cassava production in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives were to examine the socio-economic characteristics of cassava farmers, compare the costs and returns between wetland and arable land farmers, assess technical efficiency, evaluate yield differences, and identify coping strategies used to manage environmental challenges. Primary data were collected from 96 cassava farmers selected through a multistage sampling procedure across four wetland and four arable land communities. A structured questionnaire was administered, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, stochastic frontier production function, and t-tests to compare profitability, yield, and efficiency across both farming environments. The results showed that cassava production was profitable in both environments but significantly more profitable in arable land areas. Arable land farmers earned higher average
profit (₦490,438.60) than wetland farmers (₦150,583.63), and also recorded higher mean yields (2,279 kg compared to 1,413.4 kg). Technical efficiency was similar for both groups, with mean scores of 0.629 (wetland) and 0.632 (arable land). The study further revealed that wetland farmers face challenges such as flooding, high weed pressure, and higher production costs, prompting coping strategies like off-farm income, livestock rearing, and cooperative membership.

This study represents a comparative mineralogical and geochemical evaluation of clay deposits from Igo and Okhoro, located within the Benin Formation of Southern Nigeria, with the aim of determining their industrial suitability and economic potential. Field observations revealed that the Igo clay occurs as reddish to brownish lateritic clay interbedded with sands, whereas the khoro clay is predominantly light grey with brown patches and is more quartz-rich. X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis of the Igo samples shows high concentrations of silica (SiO₂: with mean value 68.57%) and alumina (Al₂O₃: with mean value 22.59%), with relatively low levels of fluxing oxides. In contrast, the Okhoro samples contain lower silica (mean 59.25%), comparable alumina (mean 21.86%), but noticeably higher iron oxide (Fe₂O₃: up to 7.34%) Trace element concentrations in both locations were generally low, indicating minimal impurity influence on industrial applications. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) data reveal that the Igo clays are dominated by kaolinite (24.5–45%) and quartz (36–62%), with significant amounts of feldspar minerals (orthoclase and albite) and muscovite. Okhoro samples, however, are overwhelmingly quartz-dominated (88.6–98.04%) with only minor kaolinite (0.98–9.42%) and no detectable feldspars, signifying a highly mature, intensely weathered sediment. These mineralogical differences indicate that Igo represents a submature kaolinite-quartz-feldspathic clay, while Okhoro represents a supermature quartzose deposit. Comparisons with industrial specifications show that both clay types meet some requirements for refractory bricks, hough beneficiation is needed to adjust fluxing oxide levels. Igo clays, due to their higher kaolinite content and natural feldspar fluxes, exhibit stronger potential for ceramic applications, including tiles, earthenware, and fillers for paint or rubber after processing. Okhoro clays, because of their extreme quartz dominance , are more suitable as construction fillers, low-grade refractory blends, or materials for brick manufacturing. Overall, the Igo clay deposit displays broader and more economically valuable industrial potential than the Okhoro deposit, which is limited by its mineralogical maturity.

The increasing environmental impact of petroleum-based plastics has intensified the global search for renewable, biodegradable alternatives. Agricultural wastes, particularly cassava and potato peels, offer promising sources of starch for sustainable bioplastic production. This study focused on the comparative development and evaluation of bioplastic films produced from cassava peel starch (CPS) and potato peel starch (PPS), using identical formulation and processing conditions. The aim was to assess how starch source influences the physicochemical, mechanical, structural, and biodegradation characteristics of the resulting films.Starch was extracted from the peels through sedimentation and drying processes, and the yield was determined gravimetrically. Bioplastic films were prepared using a standard casting method. The films were characterized for tensile strength, elongation at break, thickness, water absorption, solubility, and biodegradability. Structural and morphological properties were examined through visual observation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that cassava peel produced a higher starch yield (18.6%) compared to potato peel (14.9%), confirming its superior extraction efficiency. CPS films exhibited greater tensile strength (4.85 MPa) and Young’s modulus (62 MPa), indicating stronger and more rigid films, while PPS films displayed higher elongation at break (32%), signifying greater flexibility. SEM analysis showed smoother and more homogeneous surfaces in CPS films, whereas PPS films exhibited minor surface irregularities. Both films demonstrated good biodegradability under soil burial, with PPS degrading slightly faster due to its higher hydrophilicity. Overall, the findings establish cassava and potato peel starches as viable raw materials for biodegradable film production, promoting waste valorization and environmental sustainability. The higher yield and superior mechanical integrity of cassava peel starch films suggest greater industrial potential, particularly for ecofriendly packaging applications.

Efficient healthcare delivery relies heavily on accurate, accessible, and secure patient information. In Nigeria, the current method of managing patient records remains largely manual, fragmented, and uncoordinated across different healthcare facilities. This has led to frequent duplication of medical tests, prolonged waiting times, and poor continuity of care. The need for a centralized and interoperable digital solution is therefore essential in improving patient outcomes and overall healthcare efficiency. This roject focuses on the design and prototype implementation of a web-based Electronic Health Record (EHR) system named HealthHive. The system aims to consolidate patient medical data from multiple hospitals into a single, secure, and user-friendly platform accessible to patients, healthcare providers, and administrators. HealthHive emphasize interoperability, scalability, and data security while ensuring that patient privacy is upheld through role-based access control and encrypted communication. The project adopts the Object-Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD) approach, with modeling tools such as Use Case Diagrams and Class Diagrams utilized to represent the system’s architecture and interactions. The proposed system demonstrates how centralized digital records can minimize redundancies, promote data sharing between healthcare institutions, and enhance decision-making through accurate medical histories. Ultimately, this prototype lays the foundation for a national EHR framework capable of transforming healthcare management in Nigeria by improving accessibility, efficiency, and trust within the healthcare ecosystem.

Parasitic diseases are problems wherever poultry are raised whether in large commercial operations or in small backyard flocks, and economic losses caused by parasites on poultry can be significant. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in poultry, focusing on chickens and turkeys slaughtered in Benin City, Southern Nigeria. A total of 150 fecal samples were analyzed, comprising samples from 35 broilers, 30 native fowls, 35 layers, and 50 turkeys. The fecal samples was processed using standard Parasitological techniques, and then viewed microscopically. Prevalence rates varied significantly among the different bird species, with the highest total prevalence observed in Native fowls (143.3%), followed by Broilers (60.0%), Layers C(54.3%), and Turkeys (40.0%). Notably, Ascaridia galli was the most prevalent parasite overall (60.4%), with the highest prevalence in native fowls (63.3%). The study also found significant geographical variations in parasite prevalence. In broilers, Ascaridia galli prevalence was significantly different across the LGAs (p=0.045), with the highest rate in Ikpoba-Okha (33.3%). Similarly, in native fowls, Strongyloides avium showed a significant difference (p=0.003), with a high prevalence of 60.0% in Ikpoba-Okha. In turkeys, the prevalence of Ascaridia galli varied significantly across the LGAs (p=0.043). The findings highlight that poultry in the study area are widely infected with gastrointestinal parasites, emphasizing the need for targeted management strategies and regular treatment to mitigate infection risks

This paper has identified customer feedback mechanisms as strategic tools for service improvement in Nigerian businesses, focusing on the retail and online shopping sector. This study was justified by the recent necessity of improving the ability of Nigerian companies to implement service delivery strategies and encouraging customer involvement to sustain competitive advantage through their operations. The quantitative research design was applied, where respondents were customers of the chosen retail and online shopping websites who responded to a structured questionnaire. Using the Yamane formula (1967), the total sample size required for this study was found to be 80, out of which 76 valid responses were returned. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The results showed that customer feedback mechanisms are widely utilized by customers and perceived to be accessible and easy to use in customer engagement. Strong positive relationships were established between customer feedback and service quality and between customer satisfaction and service improvement. Regression analysis further showed that customer feedback significantly predicts service improvement, with 66% of the variation in service outcomes explained. This study concludes that customer feedback mechanisms are strategic tools for service delivery, customer satisfaction, and organizational competitiveness. It recommends that retailers and online businesses in Nigeria should invest in robust feedback systems, ensure timely response rates to customer inputs, and use feedback insights to guide operational and strategic decisions.

The study investigated the economy of feed conversion of weaner rabbits fed diets in which soybean meal (SBM) was partially replaced with Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) leaf meal (GGLM). Rising feed costs, especially for conventional protein sources like soybean meal, have prompted the exploration of locally available and low-cost alternatives to enhance the profitability of rabbit roduction. Twenty weaner rabbits aged 4–6 weeks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments containing 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% GGLM as replacement levels for SBM in a completely randomized design, with five rabbits per treatment. The diets were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric, and the feeding trial lasted ten weeks. Parameters measured included feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), cost of feed consumed, cost per kilogram weight gain, total production cost, and net profit. Results indicated that inclusion of GGLM up to 20% did not significantly affect growth performance or FCR compared to the control diet. However, feed cost per kilogram decreased progressively with higher inclusion levels of GGLM, with the lowest feed cost and highest net profit recorded at 30% inclusion. Economic analysis showed that substituting GGLM for SBM substantially reduced feed costs without adverse effects on productivity at moderate inclusion levels. The study concludes that partial
replacement of soybean meal with Guinea grass leaf meal (up to 30%) in weaner rabbit diets is economically advantageous and supports efficient feed utilization. It is therefore recommended for smallholder and commercial rabbit producers as a cost- effective strategy for improving profitability and sustainability in rabbit production systems.

NIL

This study looked at how Coca-Cola Nigeria Plc's marketing strategy in Benin City was affected 0by product differentiation and market segmentation. The goal of the study was to ascertain how these tactics affect the company's competitive advantage, consumer preference, and marketing performance. Data was gathered from 400 respondents utilizing structured questions and a descriptive survey approach. Using SPSS version 29.0, the data were examined using multiple regression analysis, descriptive statistics, and Pearson correlation. The results showed that Coca-Cola's marketing strategy benefits considerably from product differentiation, suggesting that distinctive taste, packaging, and branding have a big impact on consumer behavior. However, market segmentation had a favorable but statistically negligible effect, indicating that without considerable distinction, segmentation by itself is not a reliable indicator of marketing success. The regression results also showed that the independent variables accounted for 28.1% of the variances in Coca-Cola's marketing strategy. The analysis comes to the conclusion that Coca-Cola's product diversification strategy, bolstered by modest segmentation initiatives, is the main factor driving the company's market success in Benin City. It suggests that Coca-Cola improve marketing efficacy and maintain brand competitiveness by fortifying its segmentation strategies and incorporating them with distinctiveness.