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This paper explores the socio-cultural and gender-based dynamics associated with place values, and their implications for women's access to water through case studies of upland and riverine communities in southern Nigeria. We used a range of fieldwork methods including public meetings, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, keen observations, key informants and other secondary sources. Our findings show that drinking water sources are a part of the many forms of visible material structures that embody and generate automatic reproduction of gender-based beliefs, attitudes, feelings and practices. The outcome of such practices affects men and women differently in relation to access, workload and capacity for hygiene and other socio-economic practices. In discussing access to essential public goods, social and economic capacities take priority focus over the impact of 'place values' either as standalone or intersectional elements. Research should be expanded to incorporate these elements and their intersectional perspectives in shaping access to water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nigerian legal system is diverse in that it recognizes several established legal systems that regulate how Nigerians conduct themselves. These legal frameworks include the civil law that was passed down from the British during and after colonization, pre-colonial customary laws and cultural practices, and religious laws (Christian and Islamic laws). Different kinds of norms and laws have subjected Nigerian women to violations of their rights depending on the woman's cultural or religious affiliation. Such cultural and/or religious practices are usually in opposition to civil law and the Nigerian constitution, which is a custodian of these rights. Moreover, despite the supremacy of the constitution and expected compliance with international human rights treaties that Nigeria has ratified, the fact is that today there are impediments to the effective protection of women's rights in Nigeria. For instance, although the Nigerian constitution outlaw's discrimination on the grounds of gender, customary and religious laws continue to restrict the effective implementation of women's rights, making it extremely difficult to harmonize domestic legislation with international human rights conventions, and also remove discriminatory measures. This article, thus, examines the issues of gender inequality as the basis for agitation for women's empowerment and women's rights while also proposing a re-alignment of domestic legislation in compliance with international human rights conventions and treaties, in order to combat cultural and religious norms that flout human rights considerations for Nigerian women. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to highlight the challenges that may arise when these legal systems clash, and how that affects the protection of women's rights, particularly in view of international human rights treaties which Nigeria has signed and ratified. The article will therefore propose that women's rights should be protected by seeking to eradicate cultural and religious practices that are discriminatory. This can be achieved by adopting laws which can be interpreted by domestic courts in line with constitutional requirements protecting the rights of women. It is noteworthy that the Nigerian judiciary has declared certain customs and traditions contrary to natural justice, equity and good conscience. Some of the case laws and judicial pronouncements will also be examined in this paper to enable implementation for the protection of women's rights. The methodology adopted is desk-top legal research where judgments of courts and legislative enactments will form the basis of the findings of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates whether neonate gender determines the mode of maternal delivery. The Pearson correlation technique and the t-statistic were applied to ascertain whether neonate gender is a determinant of the mode of maternal delivery. The neonate rate of delivery based on gender and mode of delivery was also investigated. The study relied on secondary data from a general hospital in Nigeria. The study consists of 6,491 live births from 2010 to 2017. The analysis showed that 74.9% accounted for normal births while 25.1% for surgical births. The gender analysis showed that 47.5% of males and 52.5% of females were normal births while 47.8% of males and 52.2% of females were delivered via surgical mode. The study showed that 47.6% of males and 52.4% of females were delivered for the period under review. The correlation value 𝑟̅ = 0.5 suggests that neonates irrespective of gender can be delivered via a normal or surgical procedure. The analysis based on the t-statistic failed to reject the null hypothesis implying that neonate gender does not determine the mode of maternal delivery but maternal lifestyle during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impact of women's intra-household bargaining power on household cooking fuel choice. It further analyzes the determinants of household energy spending after the decision to use a given fuel has been made. The results reinforce the important role women play in the household cooking fuel choice and energy transition from traditional to modern fuel. In addition, income and education are found to be crucial factors that influence both household cooking fuel choice and energy expenditure. These findings imply that energy transition policies need to consider gender dimension and women's intra-household bargaining power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender hierarchy and inequality are attributes of Western colonialism enforced in several colonised societies. Similarly, feminism (Western), as the antithesis of European sexism, has permeated colonised societies and has been assimilated without proper reflection. This is concretely evident among the Yorùbá people of south-western Nigeria. Before European colonisation, Yorùbá culture was gender-neutral and gender-silent; women were seen as complementary and not subordinate to men. Hence, according to Oyěwùmí's work on The Invention of Women, caution and reflections must be raised on the continual adoption of mainstream Western feminist philosophy in Yorùbá culture. In essence, the colonial imposition of the Western gender binary in Yorùbá society and women's anti-colonial and feminist activities are discussed. Furthermore, the paper challenges some feminist approaches and ideologies in Nigeria, while advocating for a communal, transformative, and Pan-African feminism in Yorùbá and African societies. The decolonisation of Africa and the Yorùbá education system are recommended, alongside a proper history of Indigenous Yoruba people and knowledges. Contemporary feminist campaigns (including digital feminisms) and movements must also develop a 'shared text of blackness'. The duo should align and improve the worth of women based on the indispensability and esteemed status offered to women in 'pre-colonial' Yorùbá society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of gender inequality and exploitation of the sexes has been a recurrent and ongoing issue in the literary space. The woman and the girl child are often seen as the peripheral and the exploited =Others'. This paper is a deconstruction of the notion of patriarchal dominance and exploitation of the girl child and women in genral in the Northern Nigerian Muslim society. The man has often been seen in feminist discourse as the impediment for the female's economic, educational and political growth. Through a close reading of Mohammed's Habiba, the paper deconstructs the above issue by revealing that it is the man that is actually impeded. He is only a priest in the shrine of the women as gods in his life. The women are portrayed as the exploiters of the girl child. The significance of this paper lies in the fact that the general notion in feminist literary discourse is often the exploitation of the females by the men for their economic, political and educational advancement when in reality the opposite is the case as seen in this text. Through the utilization of deconstruction and content analysis research methodology, the paper comes out with the findings that the problem of the girl child is caused by women. The girl child is made a sacrifice by the gods- the older women and the man is merely a priest who executes orders given to him by the gods. The paper further finds out that any resistance by the priest in carrying out the order of the gods spells doom for him. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Akoko is a Yoruba subgroup in south-western Nigeria, where people from different origins are found in clusters of autonomous communities. A common identity of Akoko is heterogeneity of its cultures. This heterogeneity is more profound in its social practices, such that there is fundamental departure from general Yoruba tradition. Drawing evidence from Akoko's social relations, this paper discusses peculiarity of social grading system in pre-colonial Isua Akoko (an Akoko community). Like many communities in this sub-group, the history of origin of Isua is shrouded in migrations and connections from different directions such as Edo and Yoruba. This diversity makes the history interesting to gender, particularly the cultural fluidity in its social grading system. The grading was crucial to Isua's identity. This paper argues that social grouping cannot be homogenised between the two sexes: while males were grouped through age, females were categorised with the parameters of marriage and procreation. However, these trajectories of female grouping created a vacuum of uncelebrated women: the infertile and childless that did not have progeny. Inculcating these women in social grouping makes this research germane. With focus on Isua, the paper advances existing scholarship by discussing intersections that knit gender and micro history. The paper is approached from historical perspective with the methodology of narration and critical analysis of data. Theory of African womanism is used to interpret gender narratives in the sources and analyse data. This study concludes that social grading in Isua reflects gendering unique to its history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of women in the knowledge-based enterprise of traditional healing underscores the role of women in sustainable development. The World Health Organization (WHO) finds that about three quarters of the world's population depend upon traditional remedies for their health. However, ecosystems suffer and environmentally important animals become extinct due to the wide use of traditional medicine. This paper investigates the linkages between intellectual property rights (IPRs), gender inclusiveness and environmental sustainability. Adopting a feminist legal methodology, the paper analyzes the challenges of securing IPRs for female traditional healers and how these impact on environmental sustainability. The paper finds that ownership of property rights (including IPRs) is central to exercising judgment over the sustainable use of the environment and that such ownership is lacking among female traditional healers. The paper proposes the active synergy of patent offices and traditional healers, following an example from China, as one of the remedies to devise new forms of IPRs that may better suit the needs of women who seek to protect their innovations in the field of traditional medicine. This paper links the ownership of IPRs to environmental sustainability and gender inclusiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health burden due to mental health has historically been underestimated with focus on communicable diseases and deaths and little consideration of disability and comorbidity effects of poor mental health. Recent data show increasing trends of mental health disorders as a share of global health burdens and vulnerability of adolescents. This paper aims to explore social determinants of mental health as experienced by adolescent girls, drawing attention to gendered risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews with twenty-two adolescent girls in urban informal settlements in Kenya and Nigeria reveal unique environmental, socio-cultural, economic and educational factors that threatened their mental wellbeing. The pandemic exacerbated these determinants. An equitable recovery will require a consideration of not only disproportional mental health outcomes, but also social determinants that contribute to these outcomes. As more than half of the urban population in sub-Saharan Africa reside in informal settlements, this study has implications for youth-focused mental health interventions in these and similar settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In her groundbreaking text, Male Daughters, Female Husbands, Ifi Amadiume offers an ethnographic account which depicts, among others, gender in the making in Nnobi society in Nigeria. This paper, drawing from Amadiume's work, looks at three related specific moments of understanding gender and sex categories in a South African context. Through empirical research based on a qualitative study; a literary text; as well as visual arts, the paper tracks the notion of nongayindoda, a Nguni term for (gender) fluidity to offer new insights that go beyond Western gender binaries. Nongayindoda has been used to refer to masculine women or men-like women. In some contexts, it has been assumed to relate only to women who have chosen not to have relations with men. Some have considered the term derogatory and thus shied away from using it. In this paper, the term is turned upside and interrogated to reveal broader meanings. In the end, I argue that nongayindoda offers an opportunity to move beyond gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerted efforts to transform gender cultures within Nigerian universities have introduced formal strategies aimed at reinforcing gender equity principles and practice. This is evidenced through the creation of gender centres and the adoption of gender equity policies in some Nigerian universities. However, existing literature reveals that despite these formal measures, gender imbalance in academic leadership is still prevalent. This paper seeks to investigate why gender equity policies in Nigerian universities have failed to gain traction, especially for advancing women to academic leadership positions. Using documentary data gathered from purposively selected universities in Nigeria, this paper unveils the various ways in which the content and enactment of institutional gender policies are gendered and potentially reinforce systems of inequality. Informed by a Feminist Institutionalism and Feminist Policy Analysis framework, I analyse gender policy documents and identify areas of silence, women's exclusion, and how male dominance is perpetuated in the policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper asserts that since the Nigerian media is patriarchal, they inexorably present images that give the impression that men have a superior knowledge of God than women. This idea is incidentally reechoing in contemporary Nigerian Christian practices, especially in the age of the new media. The paper examines gender, religion, and media from historical perspectives; analyses the theoretical framework at the root of the construction of the female gender and their representation in religion; and lastly, presents selected examples from day-to-day empirical evidence from Christian organizations in the Nigerian media space with the aim of deconstructing the public image of Christian women in the Nigerian public square. It thus aims to reconstruct the public image of women in religion via the media, showing the importance of equal gender representation. The narrative concerning reconstruction is deeply contextual, analytical, rigorous, and interdisciplinary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the considerable soybean varietal improvement and dissemination efforts in Nigeria and other parts of Sub‐Saharan Africa, empirical evidence on farm‐level yield and revenue impacts of improved soybean varieties (ISVs) from a gender perspective are limited. In this paper, we analyze the impact of the adoption of ISVs on soybean yield and net revenue, and the associated gender differential effects in northern Nigeria. We use the endogenous and exogenous switching treatment effects regression frameworks to estimate the impacts. We find that the adoption of ISVs significantly increased soybean yield and net revenue of the soybean‐producing households by 26% and 32%, respectively. In addition, we find that the gender gap in yield between male and female‐headed soybean‐producing households was small, with a yield gap of about 1%. However, we find a substantial gender gap in soybean net revenue, as the net revenue of female‐headed households was lower by about 20%, as compared to male‐headed households. Overall, our findings show that policymakers and their development partners can leverage varietal improvement to boost the yields of both male‐ and female‐headed households. However, closing the gender gap in crop income necessitates reducing the disparity in market linkages so that the female farmers can equally have better market access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child marriage is a problem that has continued to attract global attention. The media have been identified as critical to the fight against the scourge as it discusses the capacity to raise awareness of the issue as well as trigger action in solving the problem. The report of the alleged abduction of a minor, Ese Oruru by one Yunusa Dahiru for marriage jolted the nation and sparked public outcry for her release. This study explored newspaper framing of the incident. Drawing from qualitative frame analysis, it examined how Punch and Daily Trust newspapers framed the alleged abduction saga. The study found that there was contrastive framing of the incident with Punch newspaper portraying the issue as abduction while Daily Trust newspaper depicted it as elopement. The influence of socio-cultural leanings of these papers on the contrastive framing is discussed. The implication of the divergent framing of the saga on the fight against child marriage is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many researchers have worked on management of waste for sustainable livestock farming. However, focusing on gender in relation to the potentials of the enormous waste has not received adequate attention. Thus, this study focused on gender assessment of poultry waste utilisation in order to explore its potentials for promoting gender equity in rural livelihood options. The paper describes the socio-economic characteristics of male and female poultry farmers, identifies the waste and their uses, examines farmers’ awareness of the uses, utilisation of poultry waste and explores its potentials across countries. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select smallscale poultry farmers from two Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Osun State based on the preponderance of poultry farms in the area. Snowball sampling technique was used to locate 120 poultry farmers and 20 key informants. Secondary data, interview schedule and guide were used for data collection. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed among others that more male were involved in poultry production with small holding flock size. Both male and female farmers had high awareness on the uses of poultry waste, yet utilisation was low. The results of Chisquare analysis showed that sex (χ2 = 49.27; df = 1), level of education (χ2 = 5.853; df = 2) and primary occupation (χ2 = 121.181; df = 5) were related to poultry waste utilisation while years of experience (r=0.654), flock size (r=0.372), farmers’ age (r=- 0.365) and income from poultry production (r=-0.237) were significantly related to poultry waste utilisation. Significant difference (F = 8.893; df = 1; p<0.05) exists between male and female levels of poultry waste utilisation. It was concluded that utilisation of poultry waste by male and female farmers was low despite its enormous potentials. Therefore, training intervention with gender consideration is imperative to enhance poultry waste utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender still informs couple's choice in family planning decisions and has led to marital instabilities, child abuse, and increased maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria. Hence, this paper investigated gender implications in family planning decisions among couples in Nsukka urban, Enugu State, Nigeria. Six hundred married respondents were recruited through simple random sampling to respond to a survey questionnaire. Data were computed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while descriptive statistics and chi-square were used to interpret the data. The findings show that women’s use of family planning is significantly related to men’s control of family planning decisions (p = 000). The consequences include increased maternal and child mortality, bearing children more than they can cater for economically and emotionally, unsatisfactory sexual life and family instability. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the government should develop and implement policies that will ensure the participation of both males and females in family planning programmes by inculcating it in the school curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the Ijieleghe and Igbabonelimin acrobatic dances for female and male ensembles. The data was obtained through ethnographic research techniques which include research in the library, interviews, focus group discussions, the use of interlocutors and participant observation. We found that both genres stem from the same source and are similar in dance patterns, repertory and musical instruments. While Ijieleghe performers wear light costumes, those of Igbabonelimin are heavy and sometimes accompanied by male and female masquerades. In Igbabonelimin, however, women are not admitted into any of its departments; while in Ijieleghe, male participants are confined to drumming and singing. Only the female participants perform the dance. This paper asks: Why is it that women cannot be admitted into the membership of the sonic space of men in the Igbabonelimin? What will happen if these ensembles admit members of the opposite sexes into gender restricted areas? These questions are what this paper intends to answer. However, while we are aware that there are gender-based restrictions that are not conducive to integration in this day and age, it is our view that in the light of present-day realities in Nigeria, gender restrictions should be challenged to lengthen and enhance the longevity of these ensembles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic recession often exacerbates the effects of poverty on agrarian communities in Nigeria. This paper examined the effects of economic recession on female farmers and coping strategies they employed. It explored the effects of the crisis on their income, farm size, livelihood and welfare aspects such as feeding, schooling of their children and health care. The study was conducted in Ondo State, Nigeria. Primary data were used. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to administer 100 copies of the questionnaires on females in rural agrarian households in the study area. The obtained data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Likert scale analysis. The findings showed that the economic recession resulted in poor health care, inadequate feeding, poor income and school dropouts. Major factors that helped the women to cope were land ownership security/access to land, introduction of new crops, marital status and educational status. These factors are crucial as their Chi-square values and Likelihood Ratios were significant at one percent probability level (P < 0.01). The research concludes that educated females as well as married women and women possessing secured land tenure coped better in times of economic crisis. The paper thus recommends increased investments by governments in the agricultural sector to help curtail the inflation in food prices and increasing women access to land and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the prediction of occupational stress through personality traits, gender and occupational stress among teachers of learners with special needs (TLSN) from the southwest, Nigeria. The transactional stress theory provided a framework for the study. Data were collected through a paper–pencil self‐completed questionnaire. Data collected were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics at 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and p < 0.05. The response rate was 94.4%. A total of 287 male and 185 female TLSN participated in this study. Findings revealed a significant association between extraversion, agreeableness; openness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and occupational stress of TLSN. Participants with extraversion and openness both has highest likelihood of exhibiting occupational stress. Male TLSN had a greater likelihood of exhibiting occupational stress. The study concluded that male TLSN with extraversion and openness personality traits has high proportion of occupational stress. Based on the findings, appropriate recommendations were made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the perceptions and attitudes of undergraduate students in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) towards alternative sexual relationships (ASRs). In most parts of Africa, ASRs are largely frowned against, as most countries on the continent have illegalised the practice. While literature abounds generally on the acceptance or otherwise of ASRs, studies x-raying this subject matter from the perspective of an enthusiastic and explorative youth population among undergraduate students in Nigeria are scanty. The paper adopts descriptive research design and mixed (quantitative and qualitative) method. Structured questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data were analysed using inferential and descriptive statistical tools of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings show that majority of undergraduate students in OAU (70.4%) hold negative perception of ASRs; and 55.2% of the students hold negative attitude towards ASRs. On gender basis, while more male students (56%) show negative attitude towards ASRs, a lower percentage (54.37%) of female students shows negative attitude towards the practice. The paper also finds that background characteristics (age, gender, religion and level of study) of students do not influence their perceptions and attitudes towards ASRs. The paper concludes that OAU students condemn and do not condone ASRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on the theories of "Womanism" and "African feminism," this paper explores the concept of embodiment within an African context. More specifically, we focus on exploring the lived experiences of Nigerian women in male‐dominated organizations (sector) to provide an in‐depth understanding of the dynamics of how the Nigerian society marginalizes qualities and aspects of embodiment and disembodiment of women. Based on 39 interviews, our findings reveal that cultural and social practices significantly influence the concept of gendered embodiment in the Nigerian context. We further highlight the spatialized dynamic of the religious, ethical, and classed identity formations, and the multiplicities of violence experienced on African women's bodies every day. Using a feminist standpoint as a lens, we highlight the practice and relevance of social constructivism in understanding the concept of spatialized embodiment in a Nigerian context. We emphasize the complexity and diversity in African feminisms as we highlight the multiplicities of difference in understanding African experiences. Additionally, we emphasize that men are part of the social construct, and hence cannot be left out of the story, given that their influence and perceptions provide further insight into the concept of gendered embodiment and existing marginalization of and discrimination against women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significant contribution of women in agricultural development cannot be overemphasised. Women farmers are commonly side-lined and their efforts under-valued in conventional agricultural and economic evaluations despite the substantial impact they have made in the sector. Globally, women's contributions to the agricultural sector have been appraised as the world's major producers and organisers of food crops where half of the world's foods have been grown by them. In Africa, Nigeria included, women dominate and play major roles in producing subsistence crops and livestock. Their contribution to agriculture is estimated to be 65% in Nigeria. However, their contributions are undermined largely because women are often economically marginalised. Though women are food producers for most of the households in rural areas, their marginalisation has been historical. Factors hindering women from accessing agricultural financing include patriarchy, an unfavourable land tenure system that deprives women of access to collateral security in accessing bank loans and the vagueness of women's limited self-agency. Anchored in patriarchal and liberal feminism theories, this study examines how Nigerian women are marginalised in selected spheres of agrarian livelihoods in the south-eastern parts of Nigeria. South-East Nigerian women farmers participate fully in all key stages of farming activities such as production, processing and marketing of food crops. The Igbo men cultivate mainly cash crops. Similarly, in the Northern parts of Nigeria, women are only allowed to participate in certain stages of cash crop growing but they are fully allowed to engage in subsistence farming as they are relegated to home front activities. Patriarchy limits women's access and control over land resources in all forms. Patriarchal and liberal feminism denoted that the actions and ideas of male farmers dominant over those of women has prevented female farmers the autonomy and freedom to become rational beings. This paper recommends mainstreaming of gender in the design, implementation and monitoring of agricultural policies and programmes for inclusive financing for food security and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the determinant of youth participation in agricultural training programs using the case of Fadama program. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a total of 977 respondents comprising of 455 participants and 522 non-participants. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study showed that high asset index reduces youths' likelihood of participation. Also, participation in the program was negatively but significantly influenced by gender and household size but positively by age, years of education, perception of agribusiness, agribusiness ownership and youth's intentions to start farming. The result of the descriptive showed that majority of the respondents (56%) indicated lack of access to finance as their major barrier to participating in agribusiness and in agribusiness training. Other barriers include lack of mentorship and information. The study therefore recommends the need for strategies to facilitate youth access to credit, mentorship and timely information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights are fundamental human rights. Previous studies on gender and sexuality in displacement settings have often focused on sexual and gender-based violence and the reproductive health problems of women while underplaying their needs for sexual expression, pleasure and procreation. This paper examines the influence of conflict and displacement on gender relations, sexuality and natality of internally displaced women in Nigeria. It draws on data from a larger study in which focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to explore 52 women's gendered experiences with Boko Haram insurgency and displacement. A critical thematic analysis of data revealed that the women's relationships with their men were complex and ambiguous, characterised by both tensions and solidarity. The women saw their men as partners in their struggle against multi-level oppression, including the structural barriers that undermine their mutual sexual expressions and pleasure, as well as their desire to procreate and repopulate their decimated ancestral communities. We recommend collaborative efforts to promote and protect the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of displaced women which includes building physical structures and living conditions that promote healthy, safe and pleasurable sexual expressions, and socio-political structures that create access to the long term social security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a critical examination of the ideological underpinnings of cartoons in Nigeria's socio-political milieu. The study seeks to unveil cartoonists' strategic moves to (mis)represent Nigerian women. The data comprise 10 political cartoons which were selected using a purposive-sampling method in line with the thematic concern of the study. They were analysed using Kress and Van Leeuwen's social semiotic approach to the analysis of multimodal texts along with insights from critical discourse analysis (CDA). Findings reveal that semiotic resources, such as pronominal choices, speech acts, labelling, visual metaphorisation, information value, salience/emphasis, and framing, play significant roles in cartoonists' commentaries on gender-related issues in Nigeria's socio-political domain. Viewed against the United Nations' global goal of gender equality by 2030, the study concludes that Nigerian newspaper political cartoonists' representation of women ideologically both (re)produces or resists (un)equal gender relations among Nigerian citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of climate change risks, risk management mechanisms and the physical environment under which farm households operate play significant roles in poverty and hidden hunger dynamics in developing countries. Extreme weather events are most often triggers of changes in risk management, which also affect the capacity of households to absorb the resultant shocks. This paper based on primary data collected as part of a PhD dissertation in the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, presents an analysis of farm households' levels of vulnerability to extreme weather events in South-eastern Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used in the selection of 120 male- and 120 female-headed farm households that constituted the sample for the study. Both structured interview schedule and focus group discussion guide were used to gather data from the respondents, which were analyzed using UNDP vulnerability index. Using household adaptive capacity approach, data were collected on human, economic and institutional capacity of farmers in coping with extreme weather events. Female-headed households were more vulnerable than their male-headed counterparts to the effect of extreme weather events with respect to some of the indicators such as farming income, years of formal education, farm size, land ownership status, number of extension contacts, access to weather information, access to remittance, membership of cooperative and assistance from National Emergency Management Agency in the area. Overall, using household adaptive capacity approach, the results of the gender-based vulnerability analysis showed male-headed farming households with a vulnerability index of 0.38 while the female-headed farming households, on the other hand, had vulnerability index of 0.68. Although female-headed farm households were more vulnerable than their male counterparts, the farmers were all generally highly vulnerable to the incidence of natural disasters because of low adaptive capacity. The study recommends that government and development partners with the responsibility of protecting the environment should be gender sensitive and redirect more effort in mitigating the negative agricultural effects caused by extreme weather events, especially among female-headed farm households who are more vulnerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To bring development closer to the reality of "ordinary" people, popular personalities, working on behalf of themselves, family, or organizations (profit and non-profit) in Africa have consistently given visibility to social problems to influence public opinion for positive transformation. The involvement of celebrities in development-centered issues has evoked debates from scholars in the global north who thought that their act is an extension of neoliberalism that sought to transform complex social realities into a spectacle of performance and entertainment for public amusement. While scholars in Europe and North America have engaged the intersections of celebrity advocacy and development discourse, little attention has been given to this phenomenon by their counterparts in Africa. Drawing from primary sources (including films, video, audio, newspaper articles, autobiography) as well as secondary data in the fields of sociology, women's and gender studies, media, and popular culture, this paper examines the interrelatedness of celebrity advocacy and social reforms in Nigeria. It shows that while celebrity advocacy promotes awareness and consciousness about women's rights, it often does not lead to protection (enforcement and change) in the socio-economic and political status of women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender has not received much attention in training logistics despite its importance for achieving equal access to information on proven innovations and the uptake by farmers. The paper assessed male and female pig farmers' preference for training logistics, analysed the proximate composition and cost of cassava plant meal and the common feedstuffs. It determined the levels of awareness in alternative feeds by gender, and discussed farmers' training constraints. Purposive sampling technique was used to select two States and six Local Government Areas based on the preponderance of pig farmers. Structured interview schedule was administered on 300 pig farmers and 18 key informants identified through snow ball sampling technique. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Results include nutritional and cost advantages of cassava plant meal, over 80 % of both gender in their active ages, both gender had high level of awareness in alternative feeds and similarities in preferences for training methods, mode and facilitator. They differ in preferences for training venue, duration, day and time. Results of ANOVA revealed that male and female farmers' preferences for training logistics differ significantly (p <0.05). In conclusion, farmers' preference for training logistics was largely determined by cultural diversity in gender relations which if not considered could widen gender gap in access to information on agricultural innovations and hinder improved pig production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers' use of a variety of devices, for example desktops, laptops, tablets, and/or smartphones to conduct intelligent site searches, is advancing mobile commerce. Consumers' choice of devices to use depends largely on their perceptions of value. Given the importance of human, cultural and personal values, this study purposefully selected Nigerian tablet consumers to better understand the factors that impact on the adoption of mobile and tablet commerce in a developing economy. A paper survey was administered to the academic community in Nigeria with (n = 312) responses. To measure the hypothesized latent constructs through the indicators that represent each of the underlying constructs, the authors embarked on three steps: a confirmatory factor analysis, partial least squares-structural equation modelling and probing the tablet commerce structural relationship by running a bootstrapping. This study filled a vacuum in the existing studies in developing countries by taking into cognizance the prominent status of mobile devices, especially tablets. Further, this study integrates the theory of trust, privacy, reputation, ease of use, and loyalty with gender moderation. The study also gives future direction to tablet commerce practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Maternal mortality has been an issue of global importance, with continued efforts by the international development community towards its reduction. The provision of high quality maternal healthcare has been identified as a key strategy in preventing maternal mortality. Gendered intrahousehold power structures, gendered dynamics of resource allocation and women's limited ability in decision-making can have a huge impact on maternal health-seeking behaviour and overall health status. Using a gender lens, this study explores the root causes of women's limited access to and utilisation of maternal healthcare services in rural areas of Edo State, Nigeria. Methods This qualitative study involved the analysis of data collected from gender- and age-desegregated focus group discussions (FDGs) in 20 communities in Etsako East and Esan South East local government areas of Edo State, Nigeria. Focus group participants comprised women between the ages of 15–45 y who have been pregnant within the last 5 y and their male spouses and partners of varying ages. A total of 20 FGDs were conducted. Coded transcripts were reviewed and analysed using the gender framework as an analytical guide. Results Most responses indicated that women did not entirely have the power to make decisions regarding when to seek care during pregnancy. Women's experiences of access to quality care showed intersecting areas of gender and social economic status (SES) and how they impact on access to health. Many of the responses suggested high levels of economic marginalisation among women with women being financially dependent on their spouses and partners for pregnancy healthcare-related costs. Furthermore, a man's financial status determined the type of care his spouse or partner sought. Women identified a high workload as an issue during pregnancy and a barrier to accessing maternal healthcare services. The role of men within households was generally perceived as that of financial providers, therefore a husband's support was commonly constructed to solely mean financial support. Conclusion This paper brings attention to the role of gender and SES in producing and sustaining limitations to women's access to quality care. Interventions geared towards supporting women's financial independence is an important step towards improving their access to skilled healthcare, more so are interventions that improve women's decision-making capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White yam (Dioscorea rotundata) is an important tuber crop of West Africa and the Caribbean, and one of the key limiting factors in its production is the availability of good quality planting material. The Adaptive Yam Minisett Technique (AYMT) was designed to help overcome this constraint. The paper presents an analysis of agronomic and economic data collected across four years (2013 to 2016) of AYMT plots planted in two areas within the middle-belt of Nigeria. Of the 136 plots that were established, 11% were lost to flooding and damage from Fulani cattle. Mean yield was 13.16 t/ha, 17,747 tubers/ha and the mean tuber weight was 0.73 kg. Plot yield declined with an increase in planting time, while plots owned by female farmers were on average planted later than those owned by their male counterparts; this helps explain the effect of gender noted in a previous study. Differences in yield were also noted between the two areas, which could also partly be explained by differences in planting time. The plots were profitable, with a mean cost over the four years of Naira 915,196/ha, revenue of Naira 3,197,786/ha and gross margin of Naira 2,282,591/ha (equivalent to US$4,039, US$14,319 and US$10,280 respectively). The main factor influencing costs and revenue was year, with no effect of gender. There is a need for more research on planting time in AYMT and how it interacts with factors, such as yam variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the concept of female husbands in Igbo land, southeastern Nigeria. It highlights the issues that necessitated and sustained the phenomenon, and the perpetual conflict and dichotomy within the connotations and ideas of patriarchy in Igbo land. While distinguishing it from lesbianism as practiced elsewhere, the paper argues that unlike other societies, women to women marriages in Igbo land were not contracted in response to the sexual emotions or attractions of the couples, but simply an instrument for the preservation and extension of patriarchy and its traditions. The paper also argues that the concept of Female husband in Igbo land served more of the interest of patriarchy than contend against it. It concludes that the two gender nomenclatures; patriarchy and matriarchy should be re-conceptualized to reflect the eclecticism that has been present in gender relations overtime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender discrimination is still very high in Africa, including in the church. Often the arguments for gender disparity do not have objective grounds. However, those who advocate gender parity are often as subjective and sentimental as those who oppose it. There is a need for more objective arguments, based on empirical observations of the roles and performances of women in various endeavors, in advocating gender parity. In recent years, many Christian denominations have established Christian universities in Nigeria with the stated aim of providing Christian higher education. How have these universities affected the status of women in Nigeria? What trends in gender relationships may be observed from the work of these universities? This paper researches the impact of two of the Christian universities in southwestern Nigeria on the faith of their male and female students, and finds that the self-worth of women has been positively impacted along with the apparently positive influence of the universities on the faith of their male and female students. The paper recommends more deliberate efforts on the part of Christian universities in southwestern Nigeria to both pursue Christian higher education and to enhance gender parity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the research output of female staff and the factors that affect their research productivity in the Nigerian university system. The study was carried out with a view to promoting strategies that will enhance productivity and increase the research output of female staff in Nigerian universities. The study adopted a survey research design. The purposive sampling method was used in administering questionnaires to 381 female academic staff from twelve randomly selected universities in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. The study revealed that female research output was generally low: 59.5 per cent of female academics published one paper annually; 23.6 per cent published up to two papers; 1.1 per cent published three papers; and 15.8 per cent did not publish on an annual basis. Although most female academic staff published annually, most wished to increase their publication rate. The study's results found that marital status, religion, academic position and number of hours of lectures per week had an impact on their ability to carry out research and publish the results. The study concluded that female academics made contributions that are more significant to teaching than research and that the Nigerian university system needs to develop strategies to enhance female research output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analysed the trend and pattern of gender enrolment in Nigerian Universities between 1989 and 1997. It critically examined the gender disparity in university enrolment generally, as well as among some selected disciplines and the country's geo-political zones. The analysis revealed that gap existed between female and male in the university enrolment with lower female enrolment in all aspects of the Universities. Specifically there was a wide gap in the sciences and science-based disciplines and also between the Northern and Southern zones with higher female enrolment in the south than the north. The paper made useful suggestions to narrow the gender gap in the university enrolment in the nearest future, which included sustained enlightenment programmes, fine-tuning labour laws and accommodating female under the ``educationally disadvantaged'' admission policy being enjoyed by some citizens of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of African feminism, particularly Nigerian women, and feminist history, is large and expansive, covering significant topics and innovative methods and sources; yet many areas remain unexplored. In this paper, I investigate the landmarks in scholarship on women and feminist history in Nigeria and make a case for new directions. Women and feminist histories in Nigeria have focused on deconstructing the category of "women" arguing that this category and its corresponding social and cultural characteristics are western inventions. More so, that gender and gender relations were fluid concepts that did not lead to exclusion based on anatomical sex. In addition, other scholars have examined social practices like marriage, bride-price, and child labour while others have attempted critical biographies of elite Lagos women and analyzed the gendered nature of colonialism. I argue that a new research agenda must go beyond these topics in search of themes, methods, and sources to explore untapped sources and rare methodologies to chart a new course in the scholarship on Nigerian women and feminism. Underexplored topics include but are not limited to fame and protest in the pre-colonial era, sexualities scholarship that goes beyond binaries, gender and the environment and technologies of power such as guns in precolonial Nigeria. In terms of sources, new frontiers need to mine orality and oral literature to recover the voices of non– educated women who are not part of Christian cosmopolitan networks, Muslim women whose exploits in women and feminist history have been silenced by excessive attention to Christian women. Literary sources like novels and poetry, and visual evidence from photography have not received critical attention in women and feminist histories of Nigeria. I argue that these new sources and topics will lead to an inclusive history that is mindful of power in the writing of history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising occurrence of chronic and cardiovascular diseases has brought awareness to the role that lifestyle factors play in an individual’s disease risk. This study investigated the effect of income from farming on the lifestyle factors of farmers utilizing cross-sectional data gathered from 150 farmers across Kwara State, Nigeria. Three stage random sampling was utilized and the data were analyzed using Descriptive statistics, Simple Lifestyle Indicator Questionnaire and Tobit regression model. The study uncovered that 63.33% of the farmers in the investigated region practiced unhealthy lifestyles while the Tobit regression model result revealed five out of nine independent variables (namely gender, age, educational level, farm size and farm income (the variable of concern)) included in the model were discovered to be significant factors affecting lifestyle factors in the investigated region. The research therefore concluded that farm income has effect on the lifestyle factors of farmers in the study area. Howbeit, the study recommends that farmers should be sensitized on health education so as to understand the pros and cons to various lifestyle factors practiced in order for them to be more cautious regarding their health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women play a crucial role in the Nigerian Agricultural sector ranging from production to processing and marketing. About 80% of small scale cassava clusters in the western part of Nigeria are owned and operated by women. The study sought to analyse the restrictions and factors that contribute to the participation of rural women in cassava processing in Isiukwuato area of Abia State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was employed in the selection of eighty (80) respondents from whom data were elicited. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the probit regression model. The result showed that the respondents were young (44.19), with majority married (78.75%), had a mean household size of (5.16) persons, attained various levels of education but were small scale farmers with a mean farm size of (1.98) hectares. The probit regression estimate showed that the coefficients of age, education level, farm income, cooperative membership, household size and extension contact influenced the participation of the respondents in cassava processing at varied levels of significance. The model posted a pseudo R² of (0.6303). Like every other business, the respondents faced restrictions like poor storage facilities, low quality of cassava roots, discolouration and uncontrolled fermentation, inadequate supply of cassava roots all year round among others. Based on the findings, the study suggested the introduction of contract farming in the area, which will ensure a reliable supply of cassava roots for large scale processing and incorporating gender perspective into all agricultural interventions by the government to ensure equal impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual job satisfaction enhancement alongside gender differences determination could lead to improvements and innovations which is often linked to organisational commitment, turnover intentions and absenteeism in the workplace. This study examined the gender differences and job satisfaction of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria employees, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 226 (160 male and 66 female) employees in the study organisation. Primary data were obtained on respondents' personal characteristics and job satisfaction through the use of a structured questionnaire. Job satisfaction was constructed around Herzberg's motivation theory and measured through employee perceptions of extrinsic and intrinsic job characteristics. Percentages, means and Paired-Samples T-Test were used for data analysis. Results showed that the mean age of the employees, their household size, work experience and annual income were 40 years, 4 persons, 9 years and 1,272,635 respectively while 87.2% of them were married. The findings revealed that age (t = -3.53), household size (t = -2.83), income (t = -6.65), extrinsic (hygiene factor) motivation (t = 3.05) and job satisfaction (t = 1.81) significantly vary (p < 0.05) between female and male employees in the organisation. The study concluded that with respect to the gender status of the employees, the organisation should consider employees' personal characteristics, motivation factors and job satisfaction attributes by the way they are derived to realize predictable positive organisational results as gender has to do with one's enthusiasm and fulfilment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a report on water resources and water supply of four villages in Katsina state, Nigeria. The four villages (Kurechidutsi, Dogoruwa, Unguwar Mangoro and Kwari) were visited. Data were collected on the magnitude of water supply problems, the existence and bio-engineering assessment of water quality in the area was conducted. The quality of raw and treated water from sources of water were measured at the site and in the laboratory using standard methods and procedures. The study revealed that the predominant species of the fungi was Aspergillus sp having 33.3% occurrence and 12.5% each of Penicillium sp, Rhizopus sp, Mucor sp, Neurospora sp, Fusarium sp and Botrytis sp. The fungi were tentatively identified based on their cultural and morphological characteristics. Eighteen different bacterial species belonging to six different genera were isolated from the water samples. The most frequently encountered bacteria were the Enterobacter sp. with 33.2% occurrence followed by Klebsiella sp.(17.5%), Pseudomonas sp. (17.1%), and Escherichia sp. with 16.5% occurrence each. Shigella sp. has 10.1% occurrence while the Proteus sp. has the least with 5.6% occurrence. It was concluded in the study that there is a water supply problem due to poor water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally 2.5 million children under-five die from vaccine preventable diseases, and in Nigeria only 23 % of children ages 12-23 months are fully immunized. The international community is promoting gender equality as a means to improve the health and well-being of women and their children. This paper looks at whether measures of gender equality, autonomy and individual attitudes towards gender norms, are associated with a child being fully immunized in Nigeria. Data from currently married women with a child 12-23 months from the 2008 Nigeria demographic and health survey were used to study the influence of autonomy and gender attitudes on whether or not a child is fully immunized. Multivariate logistic regression was used and several key socioeconomic variables were controlled for including wealth and education, which are considered key inputs into gender equality. Findings indicated that household decision-making and attitudes towards wife beating were significantly associated with a child being fully immunized after controlling for socioeconomic variables. Ethnicity, wealth and education were also significant factors. Programmatic and policy implications indicate the potential for the promotion of gender equality as a means to improve child health. Gender equality can be seen as a means to enable women to access life-saving services for their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper carried out a review of the interaction of gender with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) using Nigeria as a case study. Interaction of gender with ICT cannot be over-emphasized especially since research showed a need for balance and understanding of the roles and the immense contributions of ICT for instructional purpose. The study also explored the conceptual meaning of gender as it relates to the study, the importance of information and communication technology especially for effective instruction and the distinction between men and women's use of ICT. It was recommended that gender should not be used to discriminate against females in science and technology and in ICT in particular; females should be given opportunities like their male counterparts to attend and participate in ICT conferences, trainings, workshops, etc. at their convenience because of their peculiar situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basketry is worthy of archaeologists’ attention for its own sake and because variations in techniques and typology complement those evident in pottery, stone tools and other domains of material culture. In this paper I first focus on the basketry of the Mandara Mountains of Nigeria and Cameroon where both men and women make and use baskets but employ different techniques of manufacture. This class of material culture correlates with gender and ethnicity very differently than in other artefact classes. A survey of other studies of African basketry suggests that in any region at any one time gender and basketry technique are highly correlated, although there is variability both across space and through time. There is also variation in the extent to which African basketry is charged with symbolism. The examination of these techniques, raw materials, tools, workspace, uses and related objects reveals the complexity of ‘the world according to basketry’. It is a world to which recent approaches to material culture and technology can profitably be applied and into which archaeologists have more access than they perhaps suppose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper addresses the problem of gender inequality, poverty and unemployment at national level. These are important for improving household income and welfare. Although gender inequality can be addressed using various frame-works, gender budgeting have been recognized in recent times by researchers and policy makers as an alternative tool kit. This study examines gender budgeting as a tool for solving gender inequality in Nigeria. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires/interview schedules issued to 420 respondents in a federal work place Asaba, Delta State. Using frequencies and percentages as tools of data analysis, it was found that females are in virtually every federal workplace, accounting for an average proportion of 17.86% while men accounted for 82.14%. The change required here is not to share expenditures 50% each for men and women. The change needed is that the share of the benefits of the allocated resources should reach men and women, boys and girls equally. This can only be achieved if procedures are put in place to put gender concerns into national budgets. It was recommended that through sensitive gender budgeting, female income in the federal workplace can be improved and thus, contribute to poverty reduction and employment creation in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beyond the statistics of sex-based differences in infection rates, there are profound differences in the underlying causes and consequences of HIV infections in male and female which need to be examined. The study therefore examines; the gender differences in the STI knowledge and gender-related potential risks of HIV heterosexual transmission. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected. A multistage random sampling procedure was employed in administration of 1358 questionnaires. For qualitative data, four focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted to collect information from stakeholders within the study population, while In-depth interview was employed to collect information from 188 people living with HIV/AIDS through support groups in the State. The data collected were subjected to basic demographic analytical techniques. Combination of univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were employed. Information from focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were transcribed and organized under broad headings that depict different aspects of the discussions. Majority of the respondents interviewed did not inform their partners about their infection in the study area. It was also discovered that stigmatization did not allow some women to disclose their status to their sexual partners. Some of the HIV-positive patients interviewed agreed that they did not attend the health facilities to treat the STI’s before they were finally confirmed positive. The study hypothesis revealed that communication between partners about STI’s was associated with an increase in risk reduction behaviour. The paper concluded that there is need for more information and education on communication about STI’s between the sexual partners; to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases within the nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores Nigerian undergraduate students' perspectives of gender influence on sexual risk-taking. Participants were recruited from several peer networks with snowballing because female students initially refused to participate in a long interview about their risk-prone sexual conducts with a male investigator. Analytically, essentialist notions of gender, such as hegemonic masculinity or passive femininity, were interrogated against the backdrop that they determine women's vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies in heterosexual relationships. There were tensions and contradictions between respondents' narrative self-presentations as knowledgeable, purposeful, and active social agents capable of elective sexual choice, and as agents whose sexualities are concurrently constrained and enabled by a cohort of interdependent societal structures, including gender, whose unitary influence on sexual risk-taking they consider weak. All respondents concede that their purposive and active pursuit of premarital heterosexual relationships, especially their maintenance with unprotected sex, is a stronger determinant of their vulnerabilities to STIs and unwanted pregnancies than the gender structure alone. Unequivocally, findings challenge essentialist notions of feminine sexual passivity and exclusive masculine sexual privilege, within premarital heterosexual relationships. Consequently, the author calls for the re-examination of gender structure on patterned behavior based on specified social interactions, such as premarital heterosexuality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assumption prevalent in the psyche of people is that most criminal acts are perpetrated by men and that women involvement is minimal if not non-existent. Contemporary realities seem to indicate that the commissions of crime transcend gender since the motivations are social, economic, psychological, opportunity etc. These circumstances are widespread and affect all groups, perhaps some disproportionately. Indeed with the overwhelming focus on women in recent time, studies have demonstrated that women have been exposed to crime the most. As much as this knowledge of contemporary crime and women involvement is known, what prevailed in the past remained unknown and this has affected the understanding and appreciation of the reality as it exists today in a historical context. Were women involved in crime in the colonial period? What type of crime were they involved in? This paper attempts to answer these questions within the Benue Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On Friday morning, 29 January 2001, Bariya Ibrahima Mugazu was given 100 lashes. Zamfara state of Nigeria tried and punished this young woman for having had sex unlawfully in the previous year. Until this case between Zamfara state of Nigeria and unmarried Bariya Mugazu, controversies surrounding the full adoption of Islamic law (Shari'ah) in northern Nigeria seemed to have remained only a local issue. Section 10 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria bars any of its federating units from adopting a 'state religion'. These states are, however, at liberty to adopt any suitable legal regime. So in 1999, when 12 states in the north of the federation opted for theocracy by adopting Shari'ah as state law, the predominantly Muslim public of the region claimed to be acting within the confines of the municipal law in embracing religiously based regimes. As such, the relationship between this religious and legal order and Nigeria's human-rights-friendly constitution remains controversial. Fornication or adultery may well not constitute an offence deserving criminal prosecution in the non-Muslim secular world. As shall be made apparent in this study, however, individuals' sex lives are highly regulated within the world of Islam. Since Islamic regimes strongly condemn fornication and adultery, this paper is concerned with reviewing Zamfara v. Bariya in order to establish whether the case succeeded in reflecting an Islamic concept of justice. If so, to what extent was the administration of justice by Shari'ah court(s) of law in Zamfara consistent with the ideals and teaching of Islam? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nigerian video film class which is now regarded as "Nollywood" continues to grow with the passage of time because it provides its local audience with a visual delight of narratives which captures their prodigal desires and pains. An enterprise which began strictly for the purpose of entertainment has mushroomed into something close to a casino. Although, the enterprise continues to defy definition because its production localized, it has become so popular amongst the people considering the fact that Nigeria is now more of a "watching" society to a "reading" one. The subject of this essay is not to specifically define this filmic enterprise, but rather intends to examine an aspect of the film which borders on the asymmetric gender relations in the screening of the films. My argument is premised on the socio-cultural role of women in the Nigerian society and how their identity is distorted and contracted in films in order to justify their exclusion from crucial national issues. The films celebrate popular gender stereotypes identifiable in first- and second-generation Nigerian literature. Thus the paper maintains that this biased filmic gender practice is only an invocation of pre-existing stasis which is facilitated by the patriarchal control of the entire filmic enterprise in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]