Patterns and Determinants of Recreational Behaviour in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

By surveying a 5% probability sample of residential clusters, yielding 369 residents in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, this study has ascertained actual recreational behaviour of the residents; determinants of recreational behaviour; perceived adequacy/inadequacy of government provision of recreational facilities; and residents’ suggestions for improvement of recreational facilities. It was found, amongst others, that weekly participation in passive (outdoor) recreation averaged 3.7 hours and 2.5 hours for females and males, respectively; the corresponding figures for passive (indoor) recreation were 35.2 hours and 43.9 hours. For active (outdoor) recreation males and females averaged 8.9 hours and 5.3 hours, respectively. The corresponding figures for active (indoor) recreation were 5.3 hours and 6.2 hours. Of 5 personality variables, income was the most potent in explaining recreational behaviour. About one half and 43.3% of residents considered government-provided indoor and outdoor recreational facilities inadequate, respectively, demonstrating the need for government to play more active roles in (i) providing recreational facilities; and (ii) encouraging recreational participation, considering its well-known benefits.Leisure Time, Recreation, Participation, Recreational Demand, Multiple Classification Analysis

The Challenges of Post-Modern Political Theory and Theorizing

Post-modern theory and theorizing are as critical and fundamental as they are pungent in understanding, describing and analyzing political events, actions, activities and trends in societies. Essentially, the application of political theories as dependable frameworks or tools of analysis for studying and analyzing politics in contemporary times is fraught with a number of challenges. The major objective of this paper is to examine the challenges faced by Post-modern political theory and theorizing. This paper adopts the historical descriptive method of analysis. Much of the study is based on archival and library research which include texts, journals, models and works of other scholars related to the study. In an attempt to answer the question, what are the challenges plaguing Post-modern political theory and theorizing, the paper identified interpretation, consistency and language, critical appraisal and value-judgment, background influences and objectivity, among others as some of the challenges. The paper recommended, among others, that there should be consistency and uniformity in interpretation of theories, Political theorists should come to an agreement or consensus on the role and purpose of the state instead of having different views, there should be objectivity in political theory and theorizing. The paper concluded by strongly suggesting that the earlier the challenges are addressed the better the future of political theory and theorizing. Keywords: Post-Modern, Political Theory, Theorizing, Challenges

A Comparative Study of the Legislative Institutions in Nigeria and the United States of America

This study was a comparative study of the legislative institutions in Nigeria and the United States of America. It analyzed the theoretical and practical functioning of the legislatures in both countries because Nigeria is a developing country and the United States of America is a developed country. The study used the descriptive analysis method and relied on a secondary source of data collection. It revealed that both countries are heterogeneous societies and practice a presidential system of government. However, their similarity is more in structure than function. The Nigerian presidential system is based on influential individuals and less established institutions, whereas the United States of America has powerful institutions. There is a separation of powers and commensurate checks and balances in the United States of America, unlike in Nigeria. The United States of America's electorate and Congress elect the presiding officers by themselves without external influence, which is not so in Nigeria. The primary factor that works against Nigeria’s legislative institutions is the nature of its democratic processes, with corrupted party primaries and electoral processes and a powerful president or governor who dictates who the presiding officers of the legislatures should be. According to the study, Nigeria should build robust, durable, democratic institutions that guarantee checks and balances. In addition, the level of poverty should be addressed in Nigeria through a fair distribution of national income that will give the electorate a stronger voice. The developed countries should also assist developing countries like Nigeria to grow their democratic institutions and economies with no strings attached. This assisted growth should be as homegrown modifications to suit their peculiarities, unlike the present wholesome adoptions. America should also learn from Nigeria by amending its constitution to allow the Senate to elect its presiding officers from its members to avoid a Trump-like attempt to truncate a presidential election in the future

Ethics in the Public Service in Africa: A Focus on the Nigerian Public Service

A thorough observation of the Public Service in the African society, particularly in the past decades reveals a Public Service bedevilled with several unethical conduct and behaviour covering social, economic, religious and political dimensions. These unethical standards manifest in poor attitude to work, organisational irresponsibility, corruption, inefficiency, low level of productivity. The collapse of ethical and professional standards in the Public Service has led to crisis in governance, especially in the area of implementation of government policies and programs. The focus of this paper is on the examination of ethics in the Public Service in Africa with particular interest on Nigerian Public Service. Ethical standards have been ranked as one of the cardinal instruments of success of any organization. One of the major objectives of this study is to examine the character of administrative ethics in Nigeria and ultimately come up with useful suggestions on how to raise ethical standards which govern the performance of both the exercise of technical skills and operation of organizational procedures in the Public Service. Finally, this paper highlights recommendations geared at promoting ethical behaviour in Nigeria and Africa generally. Keywords: Ethics, Government, Public Service, Civil Service, Public organization, Society, Nigeria, Africa

SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AND CUSTOMER PATRONAGE OF INSURANCE FIRMS IN PORT HARCOURT: MODERATING EFFECT OF BRAND AWARENESS

Consumer usage of the internet has increased incredibly by way of making use of content-sharing sites, social networking, blogs, etc. for the purpose of adapting, sharing, and discussing internet content.  This study was designed to ascertain the impact of social media platforms on customer patronage of insurance firms in Port Harcourt with brand awareness serving as a moderating variable.  Data were collected from four hundred and thirty-three (433) customers from eighteen (18) insurance companies in Port Harcourt where 421 of the questionnaires were found valid and useful for analysis using Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient with the aid of SPSS version 23.0 to test four (4) formulated hypotheses. Findings show that dimensions of social media platforms: media credibility,  interactive media, and media accessibility have a positive and significant relationship with customer patronage of insurance firms in Port Harcourt, while brand awareness moderates the relation between social media platforms and customer patronage significantly. The study concludes that users' loyalty will be increased by increasing the usage of multi-media to share their experiences. The study, therefore, recommends that marketers and managers should use social media marketing activities on Facebook properly,  by having a full understanding of how social media functions businesses should establish and maintain regular and direct contact with present and potential customers in order to build effective brand relationships

Economic Globalization and Third World Countries: Assessing the Impact and Prospects in Nigeria

Contemporary international relation is characterized by intensive integration of national economies into the global economy dominated by advanced capitalist countries such as members of the G8. This gives rise to unbridled competition for national and international resources, and raises the question of whether economic globalization fosters interdependence or exploitation and dependency. Thus, this paper examines economic globalization and probes the structures that propel and sustain the globalization process. The paper also analyses the impact and prospects of economic globalization for the third world with special focus on Nigeria. Sources of data for this study include textbooks, journals, library research, internet and works of other scholars related to this study. The paper employs dependency framework of analysis and argues from the radical perspective that views globalization as capitalist and imperialist expansion thus, economic globalization is the substructure, premise and motive force of the all-encompassing process called globalization. Basically the contemporary economic globalization is manifest in economic reform programmes contained in the liberalization policies and free market economy. The work concludes that given the exploitative impact, and the dependent and disadvantaged positions of Nigeria and other third world countries in the contemporary economic globalization process, Nigeria and other third world countries’ socio-economic and political future seem bleak. However, the paper recommends that, economically, the liberalization policies (embodied in SAP) should be rolled back and the economy diversified rapidly with emphasis on manufacturing industry and agricultural sector. Internationally, Nigeria and the rest of the third world countries should integrate to gain greater say in the dominant economic structures/institutions such as Bretton Wood institutions, World Trade Organization etc. which propel and sustain economic globalization. Keywords: Globalization, Third World, Economic, Capitalism, Imperialism, International Relations, impact, Nigeria

Design and Manufacture of Plank Shoot – Back Containment Structure

When the causes and effects of the plank shoot – back phenomenon were established, the need for a safety device was also established. A plank shoot – back containment structure has therefore been designed, manufactured and tested. The results of the test have shown that the structure can trap about one hundred percent (100%) of plank pieces that shoot out from the saw blade before they can harm operators or by standers. Table saw operators have accepted the structure as a good safety device they can use with their saw mills. Keywords: Plank, Shoot –Back, Containment, Structure

Limits of External Dependence for Development in Africa

Most African Countries and their leaders have been facing the problem of development of their various states. This situation has led many third world countries, particularly African countries to source for foreign assistance – financially and otherwise to solve their development problems since efforts made internally have not helped matters. Before the independence of most African countries, external aid was insignificant. Thus, one of the objectives of this paper is to examine the contributions and limits of external aid in Africa’s development efforts. The paper also assessed the impact of external dependence in Africa’s development. The paper adopts the historical description method of analysis. The sources of data include text, journal, internet, library research and works of other scholars related to the study. The study used the dependency theory as the framework for analysis. Findings show that African countries had depended on external sources, particularly from the developed countries for their developmental needs from the early period of their independence and the conditions given by the developed countries had brought about some limitations for Africa’s development. The paper, therefore, recommends that African countries must device an alternative sustainable development strategy that are less anchored on foreign sources for implementation, embark on serious regional economic integration and diversify their economies. Keywords: Limit, External, Foreign aid, Dependence, sources, Development, Nigeria, Africa

Bioaccumulation Of Heavy Metals In The Catfish Chrysicthys Nigrodigitatus From Taylor Creek, Southern Nigeria

The discharge of liquid effluents either untreated or with only primary treatment into Etelebou Creek, a tributary of Taylor Creek has led to the extensive contamination of Taylor Creek by heavy metals. The catfish species, C. nigrodigitatus and other environmental segments were collected from five sites along Taylor Creek, southern Nigeria, and some metals determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentration levels of the metals in C. nigrodigitatus were higher than values reported in the literature for fresh fish and may lead to a higher risk and harmful effects. The bivariate regression models relating metals in C. nigrodigitatus and metals in the surface waters were significant (R2 ≥ 0.7134). The Log (bio-concentration factors or BCF) of Cr and Zn in C. nigrodigitatus were the highest, whereas Ni was the lowest. The ecological distribution of the log (BCF) values was, for all the heavy metals, moderately stable over the Creek. All log-transformed biomagnification factors (BMF) in the Creek were positive, which indicates that the metal concentration was higher in C. nigrodigitatus than in suspended particulate matter (SPM). The absolute log (BMF) values of heavy metals can therefore be ranked in order of decreasing magnitude: Fe (4.06) > Zn (2.87) > Mn (2.59) > Cr (1.95) > Pb (1.90) > Ni (1.82) > Cd (1.55). This sequence indicates that toxic metals such as Cd, Cr and Pb are undergoing significant bio-reduction from SPM to C. nigrodigitatus. The degree ofcorrelation between the metals was different in C. nigrodigitatus, which suggests that the sources of the metals, polluting Taylor Creek were diverse

A NON-EMPIRICAL REVIEW OF TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS, MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN BONNY LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA (1996-2018)

This study is a non-empirical review of “Traditional Institutions, Multinational Corporations and Community Development in Bonny Local Government Area (1996-2018)”. It was emphasised that several studies have affirmed the resiliency, legitimacy and relevance of traditional institutions in the socio-cultural, economic and political lives of Africans, particularly in the rural areas. Hence, the primary aim of this study was to find out if the traditional institutions in Bonny have been able to adapt and adjust to its changed environment. The study critically looked at the historical and descriptive research of other scholars relevant to the study. Thus, the study was non-empirical in nature. Findings from the study revealed that traditional institutions in Bonny Local Government Area have ensured sustained community development through changes in the environment as the vacuum created by the absence of government projects led to their collaboration with multinational corporations in the State for the benefit of their people. The study therefore recommends that Government and companies should appreciate and empower the traditional institutions for the good work that they are doing in Bonny Local Government Area in particular and that the government should amend the constitution to have a specific legal role for traditional institutions in community development.</jats:p