NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS AND SOCIAL POLICY REVIEW (NJSPSPR)
The Nigerian Journal of Social Problems and Social Policy Review is a peer-reviewed quarterly publication dedicated to the dissemination of high-quality research that addresses pressing social issues within Nigerian society. The journal serves as a vital forum for social scientists, policy analysts, and development practitioners to explore the root causes, manifestations, and consequences of social problems ranging from poverty, inequality, and unemployment to issues in health, education, gender, and governance. It is particularly focused on bridging the gap between research and policy by encouraging evidence-based contributions that evaluate, critique, and recommend improvements to Nigeria’s social policy frameworks. By fostering informed dialogue and scholarly exchange, the journal aims to influence effective policy-making and promote social justice, equity, and sustainable development in Nigeria and the broader African context.
NIGERIA’S 2023 GENERAL ELECTION AND ASSOCIAITED NATIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES: EXPLORING THE ROLE OF COUNSELING FOR ENHANCED SAFETY AND SECURITY
This paper examined the conduct of elections in Nigeria and its associated national security challenges with special attention to the recently concluded 2023general elections. The study was guided by three objectives which included: to find out issues that gave rise to security concerns during Nigeria’s 2023 general election season; to ascertain nature and results of opinion polls on Nigeria’s 2023 elections; to find out roles that counseling could play to entrench national safety and security during elections. The Behavioral Leadership Theory proposed by Dr Rensis Likert in 1950 was adopted as the theoretical framework. Opinion polls constituted the primary source of data while secondary materials (in the form of election reportage by newspapers and election monitoring groups) were also accessed. Content analysis method was used to analyze secondary materials, whereas primary data were descriptively analyzed and presented. The study found that wrong electoral orientation of the populace, inter and intra party crisis, election rigging and vote buying among other issues constituted serious threats to national safety and security during election seasons in Nigeria. The adoption and implementation of the European Union 2023 Election Observer Mission Report, among other measures was strongly recommended.
counseling, general elections, safety, national security, Nigeria
COVID-19 STOCK MARKET EXPERIENCES AND LOCAL INVESTORS’ INVESTMENT DECISIONS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA: A PILOT STUDY
Economic activities were yet to pick up following the devastating effects of Covid-19 pandemic on stock market in Nigeria. Major cities were on complete lockdown for months leading to another phase of stock market crisis. This study explored Covid-19 stock market experiences and local investors’ investment decisions in Lagos, Nigeria. Organic theory of Emile Durkheim was adopted as framework, whereas exploratory design was employed. The study utilized purposive and snowball sampling techniques, using purely qualitative research instruments with a sample of fifty-three (53) interviewees, forty in-depth interviews (IDI), four case studies and nine key informants (KII) interviews; three respondents each were purposively selected from staff of Nigerian Exchange Ltd (NGX), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Stockbrokers in Lagos State based on their in-depth professional knowledge about stock market operations. Qualitative data was content analyzed. The result of the study showed that local investors’ Covid-19 stock market experiences greatly affected their present investment decisions, hence local investors’ investment apathy currently affecting the Nigerian stock market. The paper recommended that there is need for restoration of investors’ confidence in the Nigerian stock market.
Covid-19, Experiences, Investment decisions, Local investors, Stock market
Iheanyi Valentine Ekechukwu; Bonaventure Chigozie Uzoh; Ojima Samuel Adejoh; Chinedu Ernest Dinne; Joseph N. Nwogu
IMPACT OF RELIGIOUS BELIEF SYSTEM ON CHOICE OF FAMILY PLANNING AMONGST MARRIED COUPLES IN AWKA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
Family planning is one of the most important aspect of reproductive health that expected to provide couples with immense benefits in terms of regulation in their reproductive behaviors and to offer optimal quality of health among women and children. It is undeniable that one’s religious belief also plays an important in their everyday activity and decision making, therefore religious believe system plays an important role when it comes to choice of family planning amongst married couples. This study investigated the influence of religious belief system on choice of family planning amongst married couples in Awka South L.G.A. The study adopted social learning theory and social cognitive theory as the theoretical framework. Mixed research design was adopted for this study. The population of study is 189,654, target population is 75,350 and the sample size is 398 which was generated using Taro Yamane’s formula. Questionnaire and the in-depth interview were used in data collection. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables, percentages, mean ratings and graphic illustrations/charts. While the qualitative data was transcribed and content analyzed. The probability sampling techniques was used. The quantitative data collected for this study was processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 23). The findings show that religious teachings and religious leaders all play a vital role on utilization and choice of family planning method amongst married couples in Awka South L.G.A. the study recommended that there should an increase in sensitization on the importance of family planning especially in churches or religious gatherings and proper education and awareness amongst religious leaders as their influences on their members cannot be over emphasized.
Religious belief system, Religious leaders, Family planning, Influence, Awka South, married couples
EFFECCTS OF FAMILY UPBRINGING ON FEMALE ADOLESCENT SEXUAL BEHAVIOR: A STUDY OF AWKA SOUTH COUNCIL AREA, ANAMBRA STATE
Female Adolescent sexual behavior is of a public concern, and when treated with accordingly it avoids future problem, the study focuses on the influences of family upbringing on female sexual behavior, where the researcher investigated the family role in shaping the female adolescent sexual behavior in Awka south LGA. This study used Eco system theory, also adopted Mixed method design, with the population of189, 654. Using the Cochran formula to determine the sample size, the convenience sampling was adopted. The structured questionnaire and In-Depth Interview (IDI) guide were the instruments for data collection. The quantitative data were coded and processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Frequency tables and chart were used to analyze, describe and present the quantitative data, while the qualitative data were analyzed using manual content analysis. One research hypothesis was formulated and tested using chi-square inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed the study equally found that there was a perceived lack of open discussion around issues associated with sexuality in households and at the community level. There is need to reinforce the practice of sex education within households and communities.
female adolescent, sexual behaviour, family upbringing, cultural norms, sexual debut
Ezike Shalom Joseph, Nwankwo Ignatius Uche & Osayi Keneth Kelechi
SOCIO-ECONOMIC, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF RESTIVENESS AND RELOCATION OF OIL COMPANIES FROM WARRI AND ENVIRONS
The discovery of natural resource in Warri Metropolis and the presence of oil companies improved socio-economic activities in the region. This enhanced socio-economic standard of living of the people of Warri and Delta State in general. Never the less, these benefits are short lived with the relocation of oil companies. Relocation was subject to incessant activities of youth militias (hostility) and ethnic rivalry. The region now experiences retrogression in an erstwhile booming economy. This heightened the level of poverty, tension, psychological trauma and criminality in the region. Although several researches have evaluated the benefits and effects of oil companies in the region, none have documented the socio-economic, psychological and health implications of relocation of oil companies from Warri and its environs. Thus, this study highlighted the socio-economic, psychological and health implications of oil companies’ relocation from Warri and its environs. The functionalist, social action, strain and conflict theory was used in the explanation of core variables. Data collection was triangulated with the use of in-depth interview, key informant and questionnaire. Data was analyzed using chi square and cross tabulations. Finding revealed that, frequent inter/intra communal crises and hostility arising from multiple demands of youth militias popularly known as “deve boys” were major cause for the relocation of oil companies from Warri. This relocation has increased hardships, trauma and level of criminality such as robbery, rape, cybercrime popularly known as yahoo, “gang starism” and harlotry. The study concludes that the presence of oil companies if well managed was more of a blessing than a curse. It therefore recommends that measures be put in place for reinjection of multi-national companies into the region to revamp the socioeconomic activities and better the socio-economic and health conditions of the people in the region.
Socioeconomic, restiveness, psychological implications, health implications, relocation, Oil companies
Ikenyei N. Sandra (PhD); Urien James Ovu (PhD)
NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS AND SOCIAL POLICY REVIEW (NJSPSPR), VOL 4 NO 1 , 2024
SOCIO-CULTURAL BENEFITS AND CONSEQUENCES OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF EBONYI AND ENUGU STATES, NIGERIA
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a traditional procedure of removing the whole or part of the female genitalia for non-medical reasons, but for cultural and social reasons usually without the consent of the individual. It has been found by World Health Organization to be harmful to the health of women, and is internationally recognized as illegal. This paper discusses about the types and rationales of the practice of FGM and attempts to identify social benefits, cultural benefits, economic benefits of FGM and its consequences. The paper examines the tension between the Radical Feminist and Cultural Relativist approaches in regard to the practice of FGM. Radical Feminist is against the practice of FGM as a harmful cultural practice that violates human rights of women. Whereas Cultural Relativists are supporting for the continuity of the practice as there is no culture which can evaluate other cultural practices as moral, ethical and valid or not, and as it is performed for the sake of preparing the girls for marriage and adulthood. This paper is significant in that it gives an insight into the socio-cultural justification and hence perpetuation of FGM.
Female Genital Mutilations, Feminist, Gender-based violence, Patriarchy, Women’s rights, Human right
Ngozi Christiana Nnamani; Bentina Alawari Mathias
CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA JUDICIAL SYSTEM: CHALLENGES AND CONSEQUENCES
Corruption is a virus that has plagued the smooth running of institutions in Nigeria. The access to Justice and the right to fair hearing are the basics for the success of democracy in any nation, and the judiciary is the body charged with that responsibility. If the judiciary is hampered by corruption, it will definitely affect their mode of operation in delivering justice and fair hearing to the people. This study therefore looks at the challenges of corruption in the judicial system and the consequences. Literatures relevant to the study were reviewed as a secondary tool for gathering data. The strain theory was adopted to explain the involvement of the judiciary in corruption. The findings from the literature revealed that corruption is a major challenge in the judicial system as it leads to the people in doubt of the efficiency of the system. Therefore, there is the need to curb corruption in the judiciary. Based on the outcome, the study recommends that judicial workers found wanting in corruptible practices be made to face disciplinary action for their misdeeds and lack of ethics.
Challenges, Corruption, Consequences, Judicial system, Justice
Emike Selina Agbontean; Prof. Au N. Nnonyelu
REVIEW ON KNOWLEDGE OF ISSUES OF RHESUS INCOMPATIBILITY AMONG NIGERIANS
The paper reviewed issues related to knowledge of Rhesus incompatibility in Nigeria. It frowned that despite relatively high prevalence rate of Rhesus incompatibility among the public in Nigeria, yet knowledge about it remains very low. The Health Belief Model was adopted as the theoretical framework. However, low level of knowledge of Rhesus incompatibility among Nigerians is associated with factors like poverty, lack of access to maternal healthcare, ignorance and religious beliefs. The role of these factors compounds the high prevalence of Rhesus incompatibility in Nigeria in comparison with other countries. The paper thus recommends that Rhesus compatibility testing be made compulsory before marriage and during pregnancy. The public should be adequately sensitized about Rh incompatibility while access to healthcare should be made more affordable by encouraging health insurance in the country.
Rhesus Incompatibility, Rh Factor, Blood Group, Prevalence, Knowledge
CHANGING EMPLOYMENT CONTEXT AS A STRATEGY FOR ENDING AGITATION OF SELF-DETERMINATION IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
South East Nigeria has witnessed series of social unrest as a result of self-determination and this has resulted to loss of lives, properties and decline in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the state which has been ascribed to the rising of unemployment rate. This study seeks to examine changing employment context as a strategy for ending agitation of self-determination in South East Nigeria with a particular study of Anambra State. The study adopted survey research design. The population will be drawn from the people who live in the Anambra State. Purposive sampling technique will be used to select Anambra State among the six South East Nigeria States. Simple random sampling technique will also be used to select the sample size of the study. The instrument for data collection will be questionnaire structured on four (4) point Likert scale. The questionnaire items will be based on the research questions. Pilot study will be used to test the reliability of the study and the coefficient value obtained that is 0.60 and above will be taken to mean that the instrument is reliable for the study. The study will adopt the use of mean score to analyse data gotten from the copies of the questionnaire while simple regression analysis will be used to test the formulated hypotheses. The results will be highlighted, conclusion reached and recommendations made.
Agitation,Employment, Employment Context, Self-Determination, Southeast
Ekebosi Nzubechukwu Christian (Ph.D.); Chukwujekwu Charles Onwuka (PhD); Maduagwuna Emeka
SOCIAL PATHOLOGIES, YOUTH COUNTER CULTURE AND THE DIALECTICS OF PUBLIC POLICY IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
This article aimed at evaluating the social pathologies (that is all forms of deviant behaviour as social problems) through three research questions in contemporary Delta State and Youth counter culture against the backdrop of public policies by governments. The methodology was to use the observational research design to gather data through focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KII) with youths and adults respectively among the five ethnic groups in Delta State. The participants were grouped according to same/similar socio-demographic information. The number of FGDs was 28 groups with a general mean ( X ) age of 24.77 years while the adult interview were with 28 community leaders with X age of 58.93 years. The descriptive-statistical analysis of percentages and multi-scale dimensional analysis techniques were adopted to analyse the data collected. The results among others, show that, generally, youths are protesting ritualistically by innovating novel cultures against our normal way of life, through their attitudes and behaviours which is at variance with the subsisting social and traditional norms, mores in Delta State. The study also confirmed that, traditional values have substantially collapsed among these young people in Delta State. These are against the government’s public policy on school dress code, alcoholism, all forms of fraud, cultism, rape, armed robbery, kidnapping, prostitution, corruption, anti-abortion, etc., aimed at regulating and changing negative attitudes and aberrant behaviour by the youths. In line with the Durkheimian structure-function perspective about pathology – normal model of medicine, the Marxists perception and Normative Ethics of society, the study recommends among others, that government institutions and the family should implement vigorously and publicly the statutory consequences on youths show of social pathologies. It was concluded that, only these consequences will serve as deterrent to youth counter culture, strengthen institutions and normalize society.
Delta State, Social Pathologies, Youth Counter culture, Public Policy
Ewhrudjakpor, Christian (Ph.D.); Irogbo Prosper Uyoyou (Ph.D.); Erebagha, T. Ingiabuna ((Ph.D.)
NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS AND SOCIAL POLICY REVIEW (NJSPSPR), VOL 3 NO 2, 2023
Family institution as a factor in poverty alleviation for sustainable development in Nigeria
The family is the very institution to which we owe our humanity. Human beings are brought up in the family. Families exist everywhere on the planet and indifferent forms. Family experience is necessary to turn a new born into full human being with values and standards and the ability to live harmoniously with other people and contribute to poverty alleviation for sustainable development. Family is a social unit characterized by common residence, economic cooperation and reproduction. It includes adults of both sexes, at least two of whom maintain socially approved sexual relationship and one or more children born or adopted. Family is infact a universal institution. Familys performs and carry out fundamental societal functions and activities necessary for poverty alleviation and thus contribute to sustainable development. Family is regarded as the microcosm of the society, the extent to which the family succeed in controlling the behavoiurs of its members and carry out its functions depict the level of order lines and contribution to poverty alleviation and thus ssustainable development in a given society.
family, family institution, poverty, poverty alleviation, sustainable development, Nigeria
Alexander N. Aniche, Joseph Aigbeloheon, Juliana Chinyeaka Aniche
An assessment of Covid-19 pandemic palliative and social welfare package in Enugu State, Nigeria
The primary objective of this field research paper, anchored on Social Exchange Theory, is to assess people’s perceptions of the distribution of COVID-19 palliatives in Enugu metropolis, Nigeria. The study examined Nigeria’s social welfare system in relation to the palliatives distributed by the government to cushion the hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The researcher studied a total of one hundred respondents, with twenty respondents drawn from each of five different work groups in Enugu metropolis to constitute the sample size. The work groups included petty traders, artisan workers, civil servants, church workers, and motor park touts. The sampling approach adopted was the availability purposive sampling technique, without consideration for socio-demographic characteristics such as sex, age, or educational attainment of the respondents. During the three-week period of fieldwork, a 10-point structured questionnaire was used to capture the broad spectrum of the welfare needs of respondents during the COVID-19 pandemic and to elicit information on the palliatives they received during the distribution exercise. The instrument also served as an interview guide for non-literate respondents. The researcher and five field assistants distributed the questionnaires and collated responses from the study participants. Descriptive statistics were employed in the analysis of quantitative data, while content analysis was used for qualitative data. The findings revealed widespread dissatisfaction among respondents with the government over the distribution of palliatives. Respondents expressed their frustration using statements such as: “The government is wicked, heartless, selfish, and insensitive to the plight of Nigerians.” Over 90% of the respondents reported that they did not receive any palliatives from the government. Instead, they expressed appreciation to wealthy individuals, churches, and non-governmental organizations in their localities that provided them with palliative items. The study concluded that the welfare needs of the people during the COVID-19 era were largely unmet and recommended greater commitment, transparency, and fairness on the part of the government in the distribution of social welfare resources.
COVID19, Pandemic, Palliative, Social Welfare, Government
Towards integration of modern and traditional medicine in Nigeria: issues, problems and prospects
Modern medicine is a system of care that is based on scientific knowledge. On the other hand traditional medicine is the sum total of the knowledge, skills and practices based on the culture, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different social groups used in maintenance of health as well as the prevention and treatment of physical and mental illness. In Nigeria, there are two different medical care systems that exists in harmoniously with limited cooperation across board hence the need to integrate both together. This review paper examined the issues, problems and prospects of such integration in Nigeria. The negotiated order theory by American Sociologist Anslem Strauss (1993) was used in explaining how integration between the two medical care systems could be achieved in the Nigerian society. The paper examined some issues and problems facing the medical care system such as shortages of health care personnel, and lack of cooperation between modern and traditional medicine practitioners. Also traditional medical practitioners are mostly found in rural areas and lack the professional expertise. There are problems of uncertainty in their drug dosage. Traditional healers are also not very transparent in their dealings with patients, among other problems. This paper recommended that the process of integrating the two health care set-ups must be anchored on policy, education and training as well as monitoring, regulation, quality and assurance.
Modern medicine, Traditional medicine, integration, cooperation
Beckley-Jones Ifeany Ezeogu, Franklin Chibuike Nwankwo
Social impacts of Covid 19 pandemic on the informal sector in Nigeria
This paper centers on the impacts of the COVID19 pandemic on the informal sector workers in Africa with a focus on Nigeria. The goal of this study was to determine the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Nigeria's informal sector, as well as to prescribe solutions to the concerns. As such, the study adopted a desk top research approach in which a thematic analysis of existing literature on the informal sector in Nigeria served as the basis for the arguments presented. Key issues highlighted in the paper include socio-cultural factors influencing the growth of the informal sector in Nigeria, as well as the socio-cultural factors that worsened the COVID19/economic crisis in Nigeria. The impact of the COVID19 pandemic on the informal sector in Africa as a whole, and Nigeria in particular, was also discussed in the paper. Theoretically, there are two opposing perspectives on the in formal economy's role in a crisis: optimistic perspectives that see the informal economy surviving the crisis, and pessimistic perspectives that see the ongoing informal economy continuing to suffer losses, as well as informal workers as vulnerable groups during a crisis. Furthermore, the study provides conclusions and recommendations for resolving the issues. The guidelines include but are not limited to the following: Government should ensure availability and accessibility of quality health services, informal sector workers should collaborate with non-governmental organizations and social workers to press for policy change that will improve their welfare, and finally, government, non-governmental organization and social workers should provide financial support to the informal sector inform of low-interest loans and grants to provide capital.
impact, COVID-19, pandemic, Informal Sector, Africa, Nigeria
Ngozi Chinenye Okeke, Ifeanyi Ikenna Ofonere, Francis Ogbonna Egwu, Eberechukwu Odichinma Ogboke
Exploring Alternative Approaches to the Management of Psycho-Social Hazards in The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Depot, Owerri, Nigeria
Employees are the most critical and crucial resources of any organization and their work are often threatened by certain factors in the workplace. This study explored the alternative approaches to management of psycho-social hazards in the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) depot, Owerri, Nigeria. The paper extensively reviewed related and relevant literature. Job Characteristics Model (JCM) served as the theoretical framework. The paper highlighted the problems of psychosocial hazards within the manufacturing industries, particularly with reference to the NBC PLC, such as workload, unhealthy work place relationship, aggression, intimidation etc. It equally identified some of the standard measures applicable in addressing such hazards in the global practice. This paper concluded that such standard practices were notable to address the current levels of psychosocial hazards that are peculiar within the context of the, Owerri depot. The paper recommended among others that supervisors in the NBC should try to identifying when tasks assigned to employees become strenuous on their health. To manipulate this situation, managers should restrategize by changing the way the job is done or sharing the workload differently. It could also be done by introducing flexible job-sharing, ensuring that employees have the required knowledge and ability to perform their assigned roles, and equally follow up to supervise and direct them inflexible ways that could encourage and motivate them to do better. Again, managers should address issues of poor interpersonal relationship in the workplace by addressing issues of work-related bullying, aggression, harassment of any sort, discrimination and other unreasonable behaviours by co-workers, supervisors or managers. Organisational managers in the NBC should develop, implement and enforce a code of conduct so that everyone is aware of appropriate work behaviours and equally ensure that such standards are implemented to demonstrate that there are consequences for inappropriate behaviours.
Alternative Approaches, Management, Nigerian Bottling Company, Psycho-Social Hazards, Safety
Chika Maureen Egwim, Ignatius Uche Nwankwo
Social inequality and sustainable development in Africa
This study explored the implications of social inequality for sustainable development in Africa. With the uneven distribution of factors of production, power, and wealth, nations often form alliances for mutual advancement. However, associational ties between countries with unequal power and wealth have not significantly translated into equitable benefits. Vested interests often distort effective resource exploration, diversification, and the fair distribution of benefits. Partial alienation and multiple forms of exploitation result in suspicion, hostility, and distrust among nations. Although this situation constitutes a major challenge in Africa, few studies have examined the effects of social inequality on development. Consequently, this study investigated the implications of social inequality for sustainable development in Africa. The explanation of the core variables was anchored on Functionalist Theory and World-Systems Theory. Data were generated through questionnaires, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and key informant interviews among respondents in Sapele (95), Amukpe (90), Elume (85), Ozue (78), and Ugboren (77). Quantitative data were analyzed using cross-tabulations and Chi-square statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. A total of 93% of the respondents reported that the unequal distribution of power and skills places Africans in a disadvantaged position. As dependent nations, they tend to assume the role of “follow-follow” and “copy-copy” allies. Furthermore, 94% of the participants, with a Chi-square coefficient of (χ² = 29.09; p < 0.05), indicated that unequal socio-political and economic power exposes Africans to undue exploitation and the consumption of second-hand products. These conditions partly account for the disjointed development experienced across the continent. Africa has increasingly become a destination for discarded, fairly used, and sometimes harmful products. As consumer partners in such alliances, sustainable development becomes largely utopian. Therefore, restructuring and overhauling internal institutions, while forming alliances with countries that pursue genuine mutual interests, could foster sustainable and mutually beneficial development.
Development, Exploitation, Inequality & Policy Formulation
Perceived Usefulness of E-policing Technology in Property Crimes detection and Control among Police Personnel in Selected Southeast Police Commands, Nigeria
Technology application in the 21st century has been acknowledged as a panacea for sustainable socio-economic advancement in almost all facets of development, of which, policing is not an exception. Yet the applicability of technology by individuals and groups cannot be dissociated from their perceived usefulness of technology within the context of their daily endeavours. This study investigated the perceived usefulness of Electronic Policing (E-Policing) technology in property crimes detection and control among police personnel in selected police commands, Southeast Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive cross-sectional survey research design. The proportionate stratified random sampling technique was adopted in selecting 605 respondents who participated in the study through a questionnaire administration. Data collected from the survey coded into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software package version 26, which aided in processing all the relevant data. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics including frequency count and simple percentage. Data analysed were presented using frequency table and charts. The chi-square statistical test was further performed to examine the relationship between selected covariates and perceived usefulness of e-policing technology in property crimes detection and investigation among the police personnel. Findings of the study showed that there was seemingly neutrality in the perception of the police personnel in terms of the usefulness of e-policing in detecting and investigating property crimes within the Southeast zone of Nigeria. The study therefore recommended the need for Information Technology (IT)-based recruitment system in the NPF, as this would ensure that only individuals who have the ability to manipulate computers are recruited into the NPF.
:policing, Perceived Usefulness, Police, Technology, Property crime
Kingsley Uchenna Nwosu, Bentina A. Mathias
NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS AND SOCIAL POLICY REVIEW (NJSPSPR), VOL 3 NO 1, 2023
FACTORS MILITATING AGAINST LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs) IN NIGERIA
Development since the creation of man has been the desire of mankind and every nation. To achieve this, many strategies and policies have been set on motion to actualize it. The quest for this gave birth to Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)by the United Nations which was later replaced by Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To achieve this, many measures have been established including local governments. Despite local government reforms and many strategies to assist local governments in achieving SDGs in Nigeria, many challenges have been frustrating the effort. This necessitated the need to identify these challenges. The efficiency-services theory was used as the theoretical framework for the work and factors like poor financial base, limited autonomy, unsteady administrative structure, unqualified staff, corruption, etc. were identified as factors militating against local government in achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria. Possible recommendations like giving financial autonomy to local governments, employment of staff based on meritocracy, specifying the roles of local government, proper accountability and transparency, appointment of leaders based on merit, etc. were also given. The application of these recommendations will help reposition and empower local government towards achieving sustainable development goals in Nigeria before 2030 deadline.
development, grass root development, local government, sustainable development and sustainable development goals
Nkume, Ugochukwu Okorie; Oli, Nneka Perpetua (PhD)
PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF CURBING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN NIGERIA IN THE POST COVID-19 LOCKDOWN ERA
The COVID–19 pandemic has impacted a great deal on individuals and societies across the globe in several ways. Gender inequalities are typically worsened by crisis and the Corona virus context is no different, as women are hit harder by its effects. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with over 200 million people, has reported several cases of domestic violence affecting women, including killings and rapes within and in the post COVID-19 lockdown era. The attacks on women have sparked out widespread reactions online using social media platforms as well as street protests championed by women and civil society organizations. This scourge of rapes and other forms of domestic violence against women have further destabilized the lopsided gender balance in Nigeria with the female gender being the greatest victim. This review paper, anchored on ‘attitude and gender schemas theory’ by Huston Abbey (1991), thus examined the types, causes and or the relationship between COVID-19 lockdown era and domestic violence. It was noted that lockdown era which began on 23rd March 2020 brought victims (women and girls) and the perpetrators of domestic violence in close proximity over a prolonged period of time with severe consequences for the victims and society. The study also revealed that weak legal framework universally as well as lack of trained law enforcement officers promotes domestic violence against women in Nigeria. The study recommended counseling, use of family courts and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to mitigate this social problem of domestic violence in Nigeria.
Clement Etti Willie (PhD); Kingdom S Mboho (PhD); Ubong N Umanah (PhD)
LANGUAGE OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES IN PEACE BUILDING: LESSONS ACROSS NIIGERIA
In the African traditional societies no man exploited another man’s labour. Poverty was also not life threatening. The internalization of norms and values through socialization was what guided community members in their daily interactions. It is unfortunate that poverty is attributed to laziness when most of the forces creating poverty are essentially social in origin therefore can be reversed; Members of a society generally, share a common language which facilitates day to day activities. Peace relates to an individual’s, state of mind which is holistic in nature. The study used six-tier model structure to describe the social and economic inequalities in the Nigerian society. Social mobility was discussed; the reasons for upward social mobility and downward social mobility were discussed too. Functionalist theory and conflict theory were reviewed and conflict theory was adopted as the theoretical frame work of the study. The consequence of social and economic inequalities included: malnutrition, denial of education, social Isolation and the effects of poverty etc. The sources of conflict included: modernization, non-observation of rule of law, ethnicity, modern social control, religious differences, fair of domination and urbanization. Solution to conflict resolution included: equitable revenue allocation, national conference, gender equality, poverty alleviation programmes. The conclusion was that poor governance was responsible for Nigeria’s undesirable situation. Globalization has widened the disparity between the reach and the poor. The study recommended that poverty is less a failure of the poor than failure of policy maker to grasp their potential. We should therefore seek to forge a closer connection between the issue of poverty and sustainable development.
language, peace, conflict, peace building, inequalities
SOCIO-CULTURAL CONSEQUENCES OF BEING CHILDLESS; PERSPECTIVES ACROSS AFRICA AND EUROPE
Childlessness has major psychological and social implications for affected persons, although the implications vary across cultures. Whereas in some part of the developed European societies individuals voluntarily decides not to have a child or children with reasons including the opportunity to pursue careers and self-fulfillment; this has become normalized with little irritation or concern by the public. Contrary in developing societies especially in Africa childlessness connotes a multitude of adverse implications as the society predicates marriage essence on procreation; therefore, a childless couple tends to lose their place within society with dire informal social sanctions melted at them. While several studies have documented how involuntary childlessness is perceived in some societies and the multitude of adverse consequences suffered by affected individuals, some other studies have also examined the tendencies of voluntary childlessness, studies have not made a clear perception of childlessness across the two continents of Africa and Europe. The paper presented three theoretical perspectives explaining childlessness ;the Second demographic’ theory was adumbrated by Lesthaeghe and van de Kaa, Preference theory by Catherine Hakim and symbolic interaction theory traced to Max Weber. From the secondary data analysis, it was found that fact there is a higher rate of accepted childlessness in Europe than in Africa. The paper, therefore, concluded that Childlessness though a global phenomenon differs in rate and acceptability in different continents. Whereas changing cultural norms and relationship patterns are disposing women into voluntary childlessness in developed nations, it is completely different in most developing societies, therefore any discussion on childlessness must be society focused.
Childlessness, Social, Cultural, Consequences, childless couple
PUBLIC PERCEPTION ON STREET BEGGING IN AWKA METROPOLIS, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
This paper assesses public perception on street begging in Awka Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria. The population of this study involves adult residents of the area within aged 18 years and above at the period of this study. A sample of 204 respondents was selected through the purposive convenient/availability and accidental sampling techniques. The structured questionnaire and in-depth interview (IDI) were used to collect the data for the study. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software was used to code and process the quantitative data; while the IDI was analyzed using theme-based method of content analysis. Simple frequency count and percentage was used to analyze the quantitative data, while the study hypotheses were tested with chi-square inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed among other things that street begging was high in Awka metropolis and the members of the public considered it as very bad for the urban socio-economic development. Based on the findings obtained through the study, it was recommended that government should improve the educational infrastructures by introducing measures to ensure that all children of educational ages are included in the compulsory education system and that education is provided virtually free of charge, as it will help to a large extent to keep child beggars off the street.
Street begging, Public Perception, Metropolis, Socio-economic & development
Nzubechukwu Christian Ekebosi (PhD); Chinaza Beatrice Nwene; Emeka Maduagwuna
NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS AND SOCIAL POLICY REVIEW (NJSPSPR), VOL 1 NO 2, 2021
TOWARDS CURTAILING THE MENACE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE OF RAPE IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA: RE-INVENTING TRADITIONAL FAMILY SYSTEM OF THE IGBO GROUP AS THE PANACEA
The rise in incidences of sexual violence like rape in Nigeria has become a very worrisome phenomenon, particularly the sexual abuse and exploitation of minors, under-aged girls and women. The victims of rape encounter severe trauma (especially with culture of silence associated with rape) and other challenges, even as the socio-economic development of the Nigerian society at large is also adversely affected in various ways due to recurrence of rape cases. This paper examines how traditional family system of the Igbo group could be harnessed to advantage in curtailing the spate of rape in Southeast region of Nigeria. Anchored on social control theory of Hirschi (1968), which sees crime and deviance as products of social institutions losing control over individuals, the paper contended that the character of the family of rearing is a major factor that determines whether an individual could perpetrate rape or expose self to risk situations where he or she could be raped. In particular, the paper canvassed the position that the traditional family system of the Igbo group is uniquely structured to curtail rape via training and re-training it provides members. It was emphasized that even extended family members and the community at large partake in child training and socialization processes and all serve as watchdog against deviance. Accordingly, this paper recommended the re-birth of the traditional family system and family unions even in urban settings. It also recommended the upholding of family decisions by courts to enable the family system remain relevant in imbibing appropriate morals and curtailing rape, particularly in southeast in Nigeria.
sexual violence, rape, traditional family system, Igbo group, panacea
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF RAPE ON VICTIMS: EXPLORING AVAILABLE LEGAL FRAMEWORKS AND OTHER REMEDIES TO THE RESCUE IN NIGERIA
Rape is an unwholesome or forceful sexual intercourse meted against an individual irrespective of their gender without due consent of the victim. Although most Nigerians do not report the incidence of rape due to societal stigma attached to it, yet the psychological effects of rape on victims are quite substantial and long lasting. This review paper examined the major psychological effects of rape on victims like women, men, children and minors. Legal instruments for seeking redress for rape in Nigeria were equally reviewed and evaluated to encourage the public to take advantage of them in future.. Above all, the paper proffered far reaching remedies toward curtailing rape in the Nigerian society.
Psychological Effect, Rape, Nigeria, Legal Implications, Remedies
Nnaemeka Chukwudum ABAMARA; Oluchi Augusta AGANULI
PERCEIVED IMPLICATIONS OF RAPE ON CHRISTAIN BELIEF SYSTEMS AND ASSESSMENT OF ROLES OF CHRISTAIN BODIES IN RAPE MITIGATION EFFORTS IN ANAMBRA STATE, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
This research paper examined how Christians perceive the implications of rape on their belief system. It also looked at how Christians assessed the roles of Christian bodies (denominations and groups) towards rape mitigation efforts in Anambra state, southeast Nigeria. The study which was anchored on Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) theory of Community Change adopted descriptive mixed method design. The commercial/administrative capitals of the three senatorial zones of the state constituted the study locations. Participants were randomly drawn among adult Christians aged between 18-65 years old. A sample size of 250 adult respondents was considered adequate for applicable statistical techniques .Quantitative data was collected via questionnaire. Also, Focused Group Discussions (FGD) was conducted in the study locations to collect qualitative data. The quantitative data were processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The hypotheses for the study were tested using the chi-square inferential statistics while qualitative data generated from FGD were transcribed verbatim and analyzed manually based on the themes of the study. The findings showed that respondents did not differ significantly (x2 = 1.839 df = 3, p>.606) between their levels of education and their views of the implication of rape on Christian faith. The study also found that Christain bodies help victims of rape to obtain justice against culprits so as to protect them from further victimization. Furthermore, it was also observed that the tide of rape can be stemmed by Christian bodies when they embark on educating the public on the moral depravity of rape in the society .It was therefore strongly recommended that Christian bodies should embark on a massive enlightenment of their followers on the implications of rape as a heinous crime.
Crime, Christian bodies, education, rape, and tide
UNDERGRADUATES PERCEPTION ON CAUSAL FACTORS OF RAPE AND REASONS FOR CULTURE OF SILENCE ASSOCIATED WITH RAPE VICTIMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, NIGERIA
The prevalence and consequences of rape in Universities calls for urgent scholarly and global attention. The phenomenon of rape has been caused by several factors and aggravated by the culture of silence due to the sensitive nature of the act and stigma associated with it. While neglecting this fact, several studies have focused on the pattern and consequences of rape in the Nigeria. This study thus focused on the perceived causal factors of rape and culture of silence among undergraduates of the University of Ibadan. The differential association theory and Social bond/control theories were used as frameworks for explanation. Data were collected through quantitative and qualitative methods. The sample size of 499 respondents for the survey was determined using Leslie Kish’s formula, while 4 case studies, 5 in-depth interviews (IDI) and one of key informant interview (KII) with a criminologist was carried out for the qualitative. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented using descriptive statistics such as percentages, charts and cross-tabulations, while the qualitative data was content analyzed. Findings from the study showed that all the respondents have heard of rape before. About (62.7%) emphasized ‘indecent dressing’ as a major factor for being raped while a large majority (88.6%) identified ‘crave for sexual fantasies’ as the most critical factor responsible for rape to occur. About (89.2%) agreed that rape leads to stigmatization hence victims keep quiet about it. Many perpetrators of rape were said to have continued in the act because they were never apprehended and punished due to the fact that victims were silent about it to avoid the disgrace and stigma associated with being raped. The culture of silence aggravates the prevalence of rape, hence sectors such as the family, religion, government, legal, economic, mass media and educational need to speak up and encourage rape victims to voice out and seek redress so that offenders can be punished. This will go a long way to reduce the prevalence of rape in tertiary institutions.
Culture of silence, Perceived Causal factors, Tertiary Institutions, Rape victims
Patricia A TAIWO (PhD) & Blessing EMECHEBE