Search NAPiD.

This research examines the impact of entrepreneurial networking on the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Gombe State. The study aims to assess the extent to which networking activities, such as participation in industry events, membership in business associations, and informal connections, contribute to SME growth in terms of revenue, employment, and innovation. The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, utilizing surveys, interviews, and case studies to collect data from SME owners and managers. The findings will provide insights into the role of networking in fostering SME growth in Gombe State and identify key factors that influence the effectiveness of networking initiatives. The study will also offer recommendations for policymakers and business organizations on strategies to enhance entrepreneurial networking opportunities and support the growth of SMEs in the region.

ABSTRACT<br> The United Nations (UN) has<br> played a pivotal role in promoting glo-<br> bal peace andsecurity through its pea-<br> cekeeping operations, particularly in<br> Africa. This continent haswitnessed<br> numerous conflicts and crises. This<br> study examines the effectiveness and<br> challenges of UN peacekeeping missions<br> in Africa, focusing on their contributions<br> to conflictresolution, post-conflict rec-<br> onstruction, and promoting stability. It<br> evaluates the UN'soperational fram-<br> ework, mandates, and strategies, highli-<br> ghting successes in countries likeLib-<br> eria and Sierra Leone while addressing<br> limitations observed in nations like Sudan<br> and theDemocratic Republic of the<br> Congo. The study identifies critical<br> challenges, includinginadequate<br> funding, logistical constraints, limited<br> cooperation from host governments, and<br> the complexities of asymmetric<br> warfare. Furthermore, this study expl-<br> ores how regionaldynamics and intern-<br> ational politics impact the effectiveness<br> of these missions. This studyconcludes<br> by offering recommendations for enha-<br> ncing the efficiency of UN peacek-<br> eepingoperations in Africa, emphasising<br> the need for stronger partnerships, impr-<br> oved operationalstrategies, and greater<br> investment in conflict prevention mech-<br> anisms. This study providesvaluable<br> insights for policymakers, scholars, and<br> international organisations working to fos-<br> tersustainable peace on the continent

The study examines the Determinants of Non-Performing Loans in Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria. Other specific objectives of the study are to examine the impact of lending rate on non-performing loans in the deposit money banks in Nigeria, ascertain the extent to which inflation rate has contributed to Non-performing loans in deposit money banks in Nigeria, examine the impact of capital adequacy ratio on Non-performing loans in deposit money banks in Nigeria and examine the relationship between total loans and Non-performing loans in deposit money banks in Nigeria. The study employed the ordinary least squares multiple regression analysis for the period of 32 years. The data was sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin of 2022. The findings of the study are that capital adequacy ratio has a positive and not statistically significant impact on non-performing loans (NPL) in the long run. Inflation rate has a positive and not statistically significant impact on NPL in the long-run, lending rate has a negative and not statistically significant impact on NPL in the long-run. This means that lending rate does not have significant impact on NPL and total loan has a positive and statistically significant impact on NPL. A major recommendation of the study is that inflation rate should be given more attention so as to reduce the incidence of non-performing loans in the deposit money banks in Nigeria.

ABSTRACT<br> Adequate supply of fresh and clean drinking water is a basic need for all human beings. Water <br> consumers are frequently unaware of the potential health risks associated with exposure to water <br> borne contaminants which have often led to diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid <br> fever. Sachet water have been reported to contain pathogenic bacteria. This Research was carried <br> out to determine the microbial load of eight (8) randomly selected brands of sachet water sold in <br> Lokoja,Kogi State, Nigeria. Eight samples were collected and analyzed using standard <br> microbiological tests. Presumptive (total coliform and faecal coliform counts) tests, confirmatory <br> tests (total coliform and faecal coliform counts) tests, completed tests and biochemical tests were <br> performed to determine the identities of the isolates. Results obtained showed that water sample <br> E had the highest Total coliform bacteria of 170 (MPN/100ml) while water sample A had the <br> least total coliform bacteria of 6 (MPN/100ml). Most of the sachet water brands fell below WHO <br> drinking water standards and are therefore, of doubtful quality

This study investigates the nutrient composition of grasshopper (Zonocerus variegatus) frass and its feasibility as an alternative fertilizer. Grasshoppers were collected from an open field and reared in an insectary at the University of Port Harcourt, where they were primarily fed elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum).<br> Frass was collected over two months, systematically analysed, and compared to commercial fertilizers. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) results revealed that grasshopper frass contains key plant nutrients, including nitrogen (3.01 mg/kg), phosphorus (1.16 mg/kg), potassium (2.108 mg/kg), copper (13.40 mg/kg), carbonate (10.80 mg/kg), and organic matter (1.24%). Additionally, the frass maintained a neutral pH (7.7),making it suitable for various soil types. These findings highlight the potential of grasshopper frass as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers, contributing to soil enrichment and sustainable agriculture.<br> However, the relatively low organic matter content suggests that combining frass with other organic amendments may optimize soil fertility. The study concludes that grasshopper frass has significant potential as a biofertilizer, but further research is needed to evaluate its long-term effects on soil health, microbial activity, and plant growth across different crop types. Future studies should also explore mass production, optimal application rates, and regulatory frameworks to support its widespread adoption in agricultural practices.

Afrohybanthus enneaspermus, a tropical plant, has ben used traditionally for its medicinal properties. However, comprehensive studies on its phyto-therapeutic potential are scarce. To investigate Afrohybanthus enneaspermus’s phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial propertie. Solvent extraction, Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), DPPH, FRAP, FRAP assays and agar well diffusion/both microdilution methods were employed. Phytochemical analysis revealed flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids. GC-MS identified quercetin, kaempferol, and gallic acid. Methanolic extract showed significant antioxidant (IC 50= 12.5 μg/mL) and antimicrobial activity (MIC = 0.5-1.5 mg/mL) against E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans. Afrohybanthus enneaspermus demonstrates phyto-therapeutic potential, supporting traditional uses. Further research should focus on bioactive compound isolation toxicity evaluation, and pharmaceutical formulation This study contributes to the development of Afrohybanthus enneaspermus based phytopharmaceuticals.

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer detected among women <br><br><br> globally with an estimated new cases of 529,409 per year. It is a serious public health problem <br><br><br> affecting women, which can be prevented if detected early with regular cervical cancer <br><br><br> screening. This study aims to determine the knowledge, perceived self-efficacy and practice of <br><br><br> cervical cancer screening among women attending selected health centers in Ibadan North <br><br><br> Local Government. <br><br><br> Methods: Health belief model was adopted to guide the descriptive cross-sectional study. One <br><br><br> hundred and ninety seven (197) standardized questionnaires including attrition rate were <br><br><br> distributed to women in the selected health centers of which sample size was calculated using <br><br><br> Taro Yamane formula. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 25 software, <br><br><br> hypotheses was tested using Pearson’s correlation test while descriptive data were presented in <br><br><br> frequency and percentages. <br><br><br> Results: The result revealed a mean age of 28.36±5.08; with more than half of the women aged <br><br><br> 21-30 (61.9%), Christians (56.8%), Yoruba tribe (74.6%). Analysis revealed More than half <br><br><br> (55.3%) of the women have poor knowledge of cervical cancer screening, Less than half <br><br><br> (53.8%) of the women have negative perceived self-efficacy towards cervical cancer screening. <br><br><br> More than half (84.3%) have never been screened for cervical cancer. More than half indicated <br><br><br> that the factors associated with practice of cervical cancer screening include cost, pain, fear of <br><br><br> positive outcomes, fear of the procedure, lack of approval, religion. Test of hypothesis revealed <br><br><br> that, there was no association between education, practice and level of knowledge of cervical <br><br><br> cancer screening at p value (0.805). A significant correlation was found between income and <br><br><br> knowledge level, (p = 0.032). <br><br><br> Conclusion: The study concluded that there is poor knowledge and negative perceived self-<br><br><br> efficacy towards screening, influenced by various factors listed above and therefore addressing <br><br><br> these barriers comprehensively is crucial for improving screening uptake.

This study investigated the stabilization of lateritic soil using lime and stone dust under British Standard Heavy (BSH) compactive effort to improve its performance in pavement construction. <br><br> Soil samples were collected from Iree-Obagun in Osun State and treated with varying proportions of lime and stone dust. To evaluate the effects of stabilization, geotechnical and microstructural tests including Atterberg limits, compaction, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were carried out.<br><br> The natural soil was reddish-brown with a moisture content of 18.23%, a specific gravity of 3.16, and a plasticity index of 17%. Classification results identified it as A-2-7(0) under AASHTO and SM under USCS, confirming its poor natural suitability for pavement works. Compaction results revealed that maximum dry density increased from 1.64 Mg/m³ to 2.34 Mg/m³ at 2% lime and 15% stone dust, while optimum moisture content decreased from 17.7% to 13.43%. The soaked CBR value increased from 34.45% for the untreated soil to 79.84% at the optimum mix, while the unsoaked CBR rose from 38.71% to 82.38%. Similarly, the UCS improved from 260.31 kN/m² to 410.97 kN/m². However, results indicated that strength declined when lime and stone dust were added beyond the optimum content.<br><br> XRF results showed that lime contained high calcium oxide, while stone dust was rich in silica and alumina. SEM images showed that the soil changed from porous to denser, with cement-like products (C–S–H and C–A–H). The study concludes that lime and stone dust are effective stabilizers for lateritic soils, with optimum performance achieved at 2% lime and 15% stone dust.