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This study investigates the impact of board diversity on financial performance in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, focusing on national, ethnic, age, and gender diversity as key dimensions. The population comprises all twelve oil and gas companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group as of December 31, 2022, with a census approach capturing the entire population as the sample. Panel data methodology, specifically Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, is employed to account for potential time-series variation and firm-specific effects in the analysis, using Earnings Per Share (EPS) as a proxy for financial performance. The study finds that ethnic and age diversity have a statistically significant positive impact on EPS, suggesting that a diverse mix of ethnic backgrounds and age groups within boards enhances financial outcomes. In contrast, national and gender diversity how no significant effect on EPS, indicating that these diversity dimensions may hold less influence in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The study recommends that companies in this sector prioritize ethnic and age diversity in board composition to improve financial performance, while policymakers and corporate leaders are encouraged to foster initiatives that support diverse perspectives, optimizing board effectiveness and shareholder wealth.

The rising global population, expected to surpass 9 billion by 2050, has intensified the need for sustainable animal protein sources. Traditional livestock and aquaculture feeds, such as fishmeal and fish oil, pose ecological and economic challenges, necessitating alternative protein solutions. This study evaluated the potential of Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly Larvae, BSFL) as a sustainable feed alternative by examining the effects of groundnut and watermelon household waste on their growth performance. The experiment utilized three dietary treatments: groundnut, watermelon, and a 1:1 mixture of both. Growth parameters, including weight gain, food conversion ratio (FCR), and proximate compositions were assessed. Results show that larvae fed the mixed diet exhibited the highest weight gain (59.33g) and the most efficient FCR (3.37), compared to groundnut (21.67g, FCR = 9.23) and watermelon (10.67g, FCR = 18.74). Proximate analysis reveals that groundnut provides higher protein (6.88%) and fat (5.67%), while watermelon contributes moisture (33.98%) but lower macronutrient levels. It was found that the mixture of watermelon and groundnut was the best diet for feeding H.illucens larva. The lowest food conversion ratio (3.37) of mixture indicates food utilization efficiency. Proximate analysis disclosed higher value for Fat, Ash, Crude fiber, Protein and Carbohydrate (Ash 0.07, 0.32, 0.56 and 0.81) respectively. In summary, the mixture of watermelon and groundnut is appears to be a better food for raising H.illucens larva.

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia causes damage to important tissues and organs (heart, liver, blood vessels, kidneys and nerves). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ethanol extract of Chrysophyllum albidum stem bark and its fractions on some biochemical status in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Crude ethanol extract prepared from pulverised stem bark of the plant was fractionated using analytical grade solvents (n-hexane, ethylacetate, and methanol). Adult male rats (Wistar strain, n = 56) weighing between 150 and 200 g were randomly assigned to eight groups (7 rats/group): control, diabetic, metformin, extract, and hydroethanol, n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions. With the exception of control group, DM was induced in the rats via intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50 mg/kg body weight). This was followed by treatment (daily) with either metformin, ethanol extract or fractions of C. albidum stem bark for 14 days. At the expiration of the treatment period, plasma/tissue samples obtained from the rats were used for biochemical analyses. Blood glucose concentration and body weight were monitored on weekly basis. Indices of liver and kidney function; oxidative status in selected tissues (plasma, liver, kidney, pancreas), lipid peroxidation index and haematological parameters were measured. The results obtained showed that induction of DM with STZ significantly increased fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, organ weights (liver, kidney), malondialdehyde (MDA), indices of liver and kidney function, lipid profile, and some haematological parameters (white blood cell, lymphocyte, granulocyte, mid-cell), but it decreased the activities/levels of hepatic/renal/pancreatic antioxidant enzymes [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], body weight, pancreas weight, plasma total protein, albumin, and electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃⁻), high-density lipoprotein holesterol (HDL-C), platelet count, and red blood cell indices when compared to control (p < 0.05). However, treatment with C. albidum stem bark extract/fractions markedly reduced FBG level, organ weights (liver, kidney), and MDA, but it enhanced the activities of the antioxidant enzymes and pancreas weight (p < 0.05). Similarly, extract/fractions treatment improved lipid profile and haematological parameters, while restoring indices of liver and kidney function. The results were comparable to those of metformin (standard drug). Histopathological examination of pancreatic and liver tissues of diabetic untreated rats showed cell reduction of the islet of Langerhans and pancreatic acini, congestion of the central vein, as well as loss of normal hepatocytic architecture, indicating severe pancreatic and liver damage. However, treatment with C. albidum extract/fractions revealed improvement in liver/pancreas histology. Histopathological examination of pancreatic and liver tissues further supported the biochemical findings. The results obtained in this study have shown that ethanol extract of C. albidum stem bark and its fractions can markedly reduce typical derangements associated with STZ-induced diabetes mellitus (that is, hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidemia, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and oxidative stress.

The fundamental purpose of local government is to bring government closer to the people
at the grass root level in a federal heterogeneous state. It impact embraces the
continuous provision of basic public amenities and promoting economic and social
development amongst it citizenry and in its environ. Thus, this research examines the
impact of local government administration on economic and social development
strategies in Iyanomo community of Ikpoba-Okha local government Area of Edo State.
The study adopted survey research design; questionnaires were used as instrument of
data collection and simple percentage was used to analyze the data. The study found
amongst others that, local government weak financial base hinders them from meeting
their developmental goals which explains the lack of stable electricity, amenities,
dilapidated roads, weak institutions, ill equipped health care centers and lack of other
basic amenities across Nigeria particular Iyanomo Community. Furthermore, policy
recommendations were adopted; they include that, local government statutory allocation
should be upwardly reviewed from 52.68%, 26.72% and 20.6% to 52.1%, 25.9% and
22.0% at the federal, state and local governments respectively. Local government should
be allowed to function without the control of federal and state government. Federal
allocation meant for local government should be sent directly to local government and
not through state -local government joint account. Finally the local government
leadership should be constantly engage in the strategic developmental project devoid of
corrupt practices using federal allocation and internally generated revenue within its
local government.

This study examined the impact of the perception of compensation management practices on employee performance in the hospitality industry in Benin City, Nigeria. Specifically, it explored the relationships between salaries and wages, fringe benefits, staff allowances, incentives, and training opportunities and their influence on employee performance. A survey research design, specifically the cross-sectional variant, was adopted. The study population comprised all employees in the hospitality industry in Benin City, and a stratified random sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of 385 respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, with a retrieval rate of 98%, and analysed through descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS version 24. Findings revealed that fringe benefits, allowances for staff, and incentives had a positive significant correlation with employees' performance, which testifies the importance of both monetary and non-onetary
rewards in motivating employees. However, wages and salaries did not statistically significantly impact performance, i.e., base pay alone may not be the productivity driver for the hospitality sector. Opportunities for training had a strong but weak positive relationship with performance, i.e., better organised and industry-specific training programmes need to be implemented. Based on these findings, the study recommended that hospitality organizations adopt an overall compensation policy by offering attractive fringe benefits, staff allowances formalized, and properly designed incentive schemes to enhance employees' motivation and performance. Besides, training programmes need to be developed according to the functional needs of employees in order to realize their full potential

The study examined the contribution of small-scale poultry farming to poverty reduction in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. 120 small-scale poultry farmers were selected using a two-stage sampling technique. Primary data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistic, the Foster Greer–Thorbecke (FGT) poverty model and probit regression model. The socio-economic analysis revealed that more than half of the farmers (55.83%) were
male while about 44.17% were females. The mean age of the farmers was 48 years, while the majority were married and had secondary education. The average farming experience was 9 years. Majority (70%) of the farmers were married. The mean monthly income was ₦111,763.00. Results of the FGT poverty analysis showed a poverty depth index of 0.1305 and a poverty severity index of 0.0413. The result obtained from the probit regression showed that household size had a positive and significant influence on poverty status at a 1% level. Major constraints identified included high feed cost, inadequate capital, disease outbreaks,
poor electricity supply, and limited market access. The study concludes that small-scale poultry farming contributes significantly to poverty. It is recommended that government and stakeholders enhance farmers’ access to affordable feeds, credit facilities, veterinary services, and reliable market outlets to strengthen the sector’s poverty-reducing potential

Colour is an inextricable element of the world we are in, and its influence on how people perceive their surroundings is irrefutable. Colour is considered as an integral element of our environment, natural and constructed. The psychological effects of color mean that color’s impact on each and every individual are vast, however, people rarely have a clue of how these effects are even occurring. Psychologically certain feelings or reactions can be induced by colour, the same applies in architecture colour impacts how the users of the building feels. Even though most of people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the effects of color in their homes, the color and design in our home should reflect the people who live inside, the designers and homeowners should use colors wisely to create the intended atmosphere in each space. This study highlights the important role of colour in residential designs. It is an undertaken study comprising of a survey of interviewed people from different walks of life in Benin City to assess their perception and colour preference in the use of colors in residential buildings and concluded that people expressed color as an important factor in their homes. They also believe that color affects health, mood & emotions of the person.

This study examines the representation of class struggle, capitalism, power relations, and materialism in Trust by Hernan Diaz and The Candy House by Jennifer Egan through the lens of Marxist literary theory. The research explores how both novels portray the influence of wealth, technology, and social structures on human relationships and individual identity in contemporary society. Using qualitative textual analysis, the study applies key Marxist concepts such as class conflict, commodification, alienation, ideology, and economic determinism to interpret the narratives and characters in the selected texts.
The findings reveal that both novels expose the inequalities created by capitalist systems and demonstrate how economic power shapes social experiences and personal ambitions. Trust critiques the concentration of wealth and the manipulation of financial narratives among the elite, while The Candy House interrogates the commodification of memory, technology, and human interaction in a digitally driven capitalist culture. The study concludes that the two novels present capitalism as a system that perpetuates exploitation, social division, and loss of authentic human connection. The research contributes to contemporary literary criticism by highlighting the relevance of Marxist theory in understanding modern American fiction and its reflection of socio-economic realities.

The contamination of soils with heavy metals from anthropogenic activities like automobile repair poses a significant threat to ecosystem and human health. This study investigated the effectiveness of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) for the remediation of heavy metals in a contaminated mechanic workshop soil in Ekosodin, Benin City, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected and subjected to four treatments: untreated soil (control), soil amended with PSB only, soil amended with HAp only, and a combined treatment of soil with both HAp and PSB. Hydroxyapatite was synthesized from cow bones via thermal calcination, and indigenous PSB were isolated from the contaminated soil. The concentrations of Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), and Nickel (Ni) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, and microbial counts were monitored over the experimental period.The results demonstrated that the combined application of HAp and PSB was the most effective treatment, achieving the highest percentage removal efficiencies: 38.65% for Cr, 29.05% for Pb, and 33.12% for Ni. Individual applications of PSB or HAP showed significantly lower remediation effects. Furthermore, the combined treatment (Soil+PSB+HAp) supported a higher total heterotrophic bacterial count (2.75 ± 0.71 × 10⁶ CFU/g) compared to the PSB-only treatment (2.50 ± 0.00 × 10⁶ CFU/g), indicating improved soil microbial activity. The study concludes that the synergy between hydroxyapatite and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria enhances the immobilization of heavy metals and promotes a healthier soil microbiome, presenting a promising, eco-friendly strategy for remediating soils co-contaminated with heavy metals

This report embodies an attempt to provide a permanent solution to a preexisting problem. The in-availability of a well suited environment for the exploration and learning of the manual and traditional aspects of Graphics. Unable to be fully exposed to all corners and curves of the discipline the students would rely too much on computers therefore sabotaging their very own creativity. The major cause of this problem which will be further explored in this paper is the lack of necessary facilities imperative to the practice of manual graphic design which is still very relevant in this 21st century. This document reports in crystal clear articulation and lucid imagery the entire process of crafting a studio workshop for Graphics Design and communication section in the University Of Benin