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Social workers, especially in the Global North/developed countries such as the United States of America, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have been actively involved in implementing social programs to improve the psychosocial, health, and wellbeing of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this is not the case in the Global South/developing countries like Nigeria, Ghana, etc. This concept paper aims to describe the current state of Nigerian social workers' role in developing and implementing social programs for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify action plans for further strengthening their involvement. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify Nigerian social workers' role in developing and implementing social programs for older adults during COVID-19. Our review reflected that social workers are rarely involved in developing and implementing social programs; when involved, their involvement is on a consultation basis, which limits their active involvement in multidisciplinary team of COVID-19 prevention and vaccination ad hoc committees in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the panic-buying of COVID-19 vaccines by wealthy countries for their citizens, otherwise known as 'vaccine nationalism', and the quest to develop local capacity for the production of vaccines in Nigeria. The paper argues that in the light of the global race, and attempts by countries to urgently secure the COVID-19 vaccines for their citizens, it behoves on the government of Nigeria to invest in the health security of its citizens and put aside the over-dependency on charity and goodwill of Western countries at every turn. The paper concludes that vaccine nationalism can spur the development of home-grown capabilities not just for vaccine against COVID-19 but vaccines and other novel therapeutic or prophylactic products for the prevention and treatment of endemic and emerging disease. This will in turn create jobs, improve healthcare delivery, curb medical tourism and stem the tide of migration of health professionals. The methodology is descriptive in approach, relying on personal observation and data gleaned from journals, magazines and Newspapers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is currently facing a global pandemic, code-named the Covid-19, which is seriously wrecking a devastating blow on world health care system. Since the first index case was reported in Lagos, Nigeria, in February, 2020, the Federal and State Governments have put measures in place to curtail the spread of the deadly virus in the country. Some of the measures include the constitution of the Presidential Task Force (PTF), provision of isolation and treatment centres for confirmed cases, and the pronouncement of lockdown order by the President and some State Governors. Amidst these measures, cartoonists (artists, or authors in literary context) have taken to the media to creatively present humorous and satirical depictions of the pandemic and social realities in the fight against it. This study, thus, analyses the humorous and satirical depiction of the pandemic, the state of the Nigerian health sector, and the country's major actors in the fight against the scourge, using selected cartoons from the Nigerian context. These cartoons can be classified as graphic literary texts that can be subjected to different interpretations. The cartoons/texts are selected from the Facebook pages of popular Nigerian cartoonists/authors. A total number of ten (10) cartoons/texts were randomly selected between March and April 2020. The number of cartoons was limited to ten (10) in order to accommodate the rigour of qualitative analysis, which, in turn, informed one of the limitations of the study. This study adopts two (2) models/theories in interpreting the cartoons, which are Suls's (1983) Incongruity Resolution (IR) model, a linguistic tool of lexicalisation, re-lexicalisation, and shared sociocultural knowledge used to explicate humour and satire in the cartoons, and Structuralism, which requires human behaviour (as represented in texts or cartoons) to be understood in the context of a broad social system (otherwise called structures) in which they exist. This study observed that the cartoons are not just independent texts or images, but that they are products of the Nigerian social condition, and that understanding them requires a level of familiarity with their contexts of production.It also revealed that, as a means of visual communication, the cartoons exposed the realities in the country and refused to be relegated to simply satirical images of issues and events in the country's history. The analysis showed that cartoons are an important part of the discourse on the pandemic. Equally, the paper revealed that, the cartoonists have deployed both verbal and non-verbal incongruity to present comical images that show beliefs of Nigerians about the pandemic and the level of the country's preparedness in flattening the curve of the contraction of the virus. Although the paper is concerned with Covid-19 in the Nigerian context, it is limited to the linguistic and literary analysis of the pandemic in selected cartoons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deadly Coronavirus pandemic is ravaging the world, with dire consequences in virtually all sectors, and across all categories of people. However, vulnerable groups such as the homeless are likely to suffer more devastating effects. Owing to the impracticability of recommended preventive measures among the homeless, they are susceptible to get infected, and possibly die of the virus. The objective of this paper is to examine the vulnerability of the homeless to coronavirus infection and how the circumstances surrounding homelessness could exacerbate the plight of this category of people. The paper relies on secondary data and adopts critical analysis in examining the plight of the homeless regarding the pandemic. It concludes that thousands of the homeless could get infected with Covid-19, and possibly die as a result of the pandemic owing to their vulnerability, occasioned by the condition of homelessness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the role of librarians in e- learning programs, as a consequence of post-covid adaptations in Nigerian universities. Through a review of the relevant literature and of current practice in existing e-learning programs in Nigerian universities, a discussion is developed around the significant roles librarians can play. The embedded librarianship model was identified as the best practice to adopt in order to secure a place for librarians and libraries in Nigeria in the face of the current change in teaching approaches in the post Covid-19 environment. Furthermore, the paper describes the perceived challenges librarians and libraries may be confronted with in executing the embedded librarianship model with regard to online teaching and learning. The paper advocates that the identified challenges be addressed for the library to play a role in the evolving post-covid adaptations in Nigerian universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies showed that physical distancing and proper hygiene measures mitigate the fast spread of COVID-19. But how far the informal urban settlements residents can adhere to these and other measures are yet to receive in-depth studies in Nigeria. Therefore, this study investigated the level of residents' compliance and proffer possible solutions that will mitigate the pandemic spread. Five cities across Nigeria were engaged as the case study via a phenomenology type of qualitative research. The study combined MAXQDA 2020 with thematic analysis to describe the data. Findings show that majority of the informal urban settlements in Nigeria can enhance the spread of COVID-19. As part of this paper's implications, findings will strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders regarding effective control measures and propose measures possibly to be adopted by other developing countries with similar attributes in the informal urban settlements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines self-accounting views of health sector corruption in the midst of COVID-19 outbreak in Enugu and Anambra States, Nigeria. Using a qualitative research approach, a sample of 36 respondents was drawn from Anambra and Enugu States. The purposive sampling technique was used to reach the respondents. In-depth interviews were the instrument for data collection. Findings confirmed that corruption in the health sector has created institutional mistrust and a formidable foe in the fight against COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria. The paper recommends the need for packages and incentives for healthcare professionals to be made adequate and equivalent to the global west, which will also help avert the brain drain in the sector. In addition, the paper recommends that the Nigerian people should stop being apathetic in their engagement with public office holders. A citizenry that does not engage its leadership will not receive the best of leadership, since constantly engaging public office holders and constructively questioning policies and actions can improve the nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global COVID-19 legislation contains the spread of the disease. However, the Nigerian government's response to the spread of the virus suffers some technical flaws. Consequently, this paper asks how Nigeria's response to the pandemic compares with those of the United States of America (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). Qualitatively, it seeks to substantiate the proposition that Nigeria's response relies too heavily on executive directives and extra-judicial controls, leading to human rights abuses. Even worse is the absence of specific provisions in the Nigerian legislation detailing the application of remote hearing to facilitate redress arising from these infractions comparable to what is obtainable in the US and UK. The paper highlights the several loopholes demonstrated by Nigeria's legal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact, and the lessons the Nigerian government can adapt based on the US and UK experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the efforts of government in fighting the spread of Covid-19 in Nigeria. The paper examines the government's rapid response measures to contain the virus within the initial months of its manifestation in Nigeria, as well as the various steps taken by the government to combat the spread of the disease, and consequently redress its impact on the economy. The paper argues that the greatest challenge that Nigeria has faced in managing the Covid-19 crisis is the weak capacity of its health sector, which is partly a reflection of the wider problem of poor institutional and governance capacity of the state. A durable revamp and fixing of the health sector, the paper argues, will require a comprehensive and proactive governance approach that will simultaneously address the overlapping challenges of economic, political, and social sector securities for the Nigerian populace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of the coronavirus pandemic marked a watershed in Nigeria's socio-economic and political milieu, as it created panic in states. Security governance is one of the ingredients of peace and stability in society, but problems sometimes emanate from law enforcement lapses. This paper examined Nigeria's security governance dilemmas during the lockdown enforcement aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 and highlighted the key lessons from the government's approach to security governance during the period. Data are gathered through in-depth interviews, media reports and secondary sources. The qualitative paper combined non-killing theory and social contract theory. There were looting of shops, robbery, and killing by security forces, in Lagos, Warri, Aba, Umuahia and other cities during the lockdown owing to the problem of footprint/access. The findings revealed that, despite surveillance efforts, security governance was undermined by the activities of idle youths, non-state armed groups, and unprofessionalism of security forces. While there was a remarkable decrease in crimes compared with the pre-COVID-19 period, the lockdown did not deter troublemakers from engaging in violent acts, such as armed robbery, police violence, and kidnapping. Adequate palliatives should be provided first at high-risk areas during future lockdowns to prevent security threats. [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]

The paper documents environmental health conditions and healthcare access challenges faced by internally displaced people (IDPs) from Borno State living in informal settlements in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2020, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study with 32 IDPs suggests a high vulnerability to COVID-19. Their accommodation often lacked basic sanitation including water and toilet facilities; overcrowding and high population density restricted ability to adhere to social distancing; and IDPs experienced serious consequences from lockdown, as the majority depended on daily wages, and did not receive food packages or other support from the State. Finally, there were obstacles to accessing healthcare. We highlight the importance of an integrated approach, consolidating the efforts of communities, non-governmental organisations, environmental and public health, and international organisations to address the health and well-being issues of IDPs in urban informal settlements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines whether the impact of COVID-19 at the household level is an obstacle to achieving the sustainable development goals of no poverty (SDG1), zero hunger (SDG2), good health and wellbeing (SDG3) and decent work and economic growth (SDG8). We limit our investigation to farm households given their precarious situation. We analyse data from the World Bank National Longitudinal Phone Survey (COVID-19 NLPS) and the 2018/2019 General Household Survey (GHS). An exact McNemar's test determined that there was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of households that skipped a meal (p =.002), ran out of food (p =.036) or went a whole day without food (p <.001) pre- and during- COVID-19. Approximately 81% perceived COVID-19 as a substantial threat to their income. This was buttressed by the finding that 75% reported a decrease in their total income since the outbreak of COVID-19. Overall, the findings in this paper suggest that COVID-19 posed a substantial threat to the attainment of SDGs 1, 2, 3 and 8. In the long term, government would need to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 through targeted social protection programs and policies to ensure that the country is on track to achieve the SDGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is a natural occurrence often associated with decline in body functioning and common health conditions. With the emergency of new diseases, vulnerable groups like older adults are prone and more possibly to be infected. In the era of COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, health management of older adults becomes demanding with increasing ill-health, morbidity and mortality. This paper aims to investigate caregivers' lived experiences in health care management of older adults amid and post COVID-19 pandemic for quality of life and wellbeing in Nigeria. With the phenomenological approach in qualitative research, we sourced our data using focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDI) from 21 caregivers purposively selected from three health institutions based on their ownership in Nsukka. Data were analyzed thematically. Results revealed that though care-giving is perceived to be filial, it is no longer effectively provided owing to financial and health status of the care recipient. Other findings indicated that factors predicting responds to preventive measures in older adults' health care include disregard of information, inadequate geriatric knowledge and noncompliance of health information. Suggestions to ease challenges in health care demand of older adults were brought to fore. Recommendations were on aligning geriatric professionals in health institutions and health care financing for all older adults in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 Pandemic has compelled governments across nations of the world to devise and implement emergency measures for curtailing the spread of the lethal virus. A fundamental debate is the relevance of legislature's involvement in the emergency decision-making and the extent to which this representative assembly is able to assert its oversight role by making the government accountable to the public in emergency governance. Nigeria, like many other nations across the globe, has called upon government emergency powers to deal with the pandemic. This paper examines the imperative of legislative oversight of emergency governance and interrogates the extent to which the legislature has been able to monitor, control and make government accountable to the public in the COVID-19 emergency response in Nigeria. The study which is qualitative, relied heavily on secondary data and adopted a systematic literature review for data collection and analysis. Findings revealed the limited legislative oversight of government's emergency declarations for dealing with the pandemic which further perpetuated executive dominance in the governance process of Nigeria. The invocation of the Quarantine Act of 1929 by the President instead of its state of emergency powers, the latter which constitutionally requires legislature's oversight, and the subsequent issuing of COVID-19 regulations, portrays executive aggrandisement. The relegation of the legislative oversight in the use of emergency powers for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic enhances executive dominance and undermines the democratic principles of checks and balances with its concomitant implications for accountability, inclusivity and democratic legitimacy required in emergency governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, Nigeria has experienced increased outbreaks of Monkeypox, Ebola, Lassa fever, and the latest Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. As a result of the epidemics, highly infectious materials such as con- taminated needles, syringes, soiled bandages, and contagious disposable personal protective equipment are on the rise. This has resulted in vast volumes of medical waste generation in Nigeria. This study employs relevant scientific works of litera- ture in scholarly sites of Web of Science and Scopus, governments, and multilateral organizations regulatory guidelines for COVID-19. This is to conduct a critical ana- lysis of COVID-19ʹs impact on medical waste management and disposal measures in Nigeria during the pandemic. Results show that, with over 143.01% increase in less than a year, Nigeria’s daily average COVID-related medical waste increased from 131.24 tons/day in August 2020 to 318.92 tons/day in January 2021, leading to environmental pollution and a high risk of infection among health workers. The paper further highlights the total daily estimates of PPE (facemasks) used during the COVID-19 pandemic as 171,908,091. Medical Waste Management (MWM) chal- lenges persist in most developing and least developed nations as the global popu- lation and healthcare services rise. As it stands, Nigeria’s population is expected to exceed that of the United States by 2050, and with frequent outbreaks of an epidemic, there is a need for an effective MWM plan. Rapid revalidation and appraisal of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) for health care facilities in most developing countries is required. The inclusion of epidemic and pandemic readiness, natural disasters preparedness, and climate change is critical in the global objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quest by states to contain the spread of the Covid-19 has led to the adoption of extraordinary measures to deal with the extraordinary situation. Some of those measures have the tendency to impact on the citizens' right to healthcare as protected by the domestic laws of such states and by the relevant international instruments. The paper examines the impact of the responses by the governments in Nigeria and China to the Covid-19 pandemic to ascertain the extent to which the right to healthcare of citizens are respected, and concludes that the governments in the respective countries failed to fulfil their obligations to their citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel COVID-19 pandemic and its containment measures such as lockdown and physical distancing are remarkedly affecting older adults' economic activities and well-being in ways deserving of urgent attention. To strengthen caregiving and promote targeted care for older adults during and after the pandemic, this paper investigates the impact of the coronavirus on the economic activities and well-being of older adults in Enugu and Anambra states, Nigeria. Hermeneutic phenomenology was adopted and 16 older adults aged between 60 and 81 years, with a majority of them still working as farmers and traders were phone-interviewed. Findings highlighted four key lessons for gerontological social workers including 1) the fear that impact of the containment measures could kill the older adults faster than the virus; 2) the measures generate a feeling of neglect and marginalization of healthcare needs among older adults; 3) altered positive health-seeking behavior among the older adults; 4) and concern about the absence of functional policy and plan to address the welfare of older adults. Therefore, the central focus of the gerontological social workers and Nigerian polity should not be on how to reduce the spread of the disease alone, but on an application of caution in instituting and implementing the measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While studies have explored how health sector corruption, weak healthcare system, large-scale immune compromised population, misinformation and prevalence of highly congested slums contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria, they have glossed over the impact of political distrust on the spread of the virus. This study explores the impact of political distrust on the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. The study utilised qualitative dominant mixed methods approach comprising telephone interviews and a survey of 120 educated Nigerians purposively selected from four COVID-19 most affected states including Lagos, Oyo, Kano and Rivers as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The study also relied on secondary data on the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria sourced from Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control from 27 February to 31st August 2020. The study found that political corruption motivates large-scale political distrust. This undermines public compliance to government protocols, limits the outcomes of government responses to COVID-19 and facilitates the spread of the virus in Nigeria. The paper concludes that improving government accountability in the public sector management is relevant for building public trust, promoting citizens' compliance to COVID-19 safety measure and mitigating the spread of the pandemic in Nigeria and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid waste management (SWM) is a public health service whose importance is often understated. When the solid waste management challenge is exacerbated by a public health emergency such as the Covid-19 pandemic, its real significance as an essential service becomes more apparent. The outbreak and spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) has led to dramatic transformations of every sector of the Nigerian society including SWM systems, where formal and informal actors co-exist often in an uneasy relationship. Unfortunately, strategies for inclusive management of solid wastes during and after the Covid-19 pandemic are lacking in Nigeria, fuelling the further exclusion of informal sector in the waste governance and policy process in Nigeria. This paper reviews the state of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria, identifies policy gaps in solid waste governance and highlights the linkages between Covid-19 and SWM with a view to catalysing inclusive solid waste governance and sustainability policy in Nigeria. It is argued that acknowledging the informal economy is the critical first step towards framing a sustainable SWM policy in which primary stakeholders are involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disasters annually ravage numerous African countries. Flooding is the most severe and prevalent adverse event and has serious implications for sustainable development. As the world is currently facing the COVID-19 pandemic, disasters such as flooding are still occurring but limited attention is being paid. This research analyzes the cause of flooding in Nigeria and Ghana, two countries regularly affected by floods. Previous analysis of the causes of flooding has mainly been done on a national scale. This work adopts a transnational approach by studying the flooding phenomena in both countries. It highlights an opportunity for international partnership in disaster-risk reduction (DRR) as both Nigeria and Ghana are signatories to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction that advocates an understanding of disaster risk and aims to foster international cooperation. Appreciating the root causes of flooding is the first step in building awareness of the common problem that could be the foundation of seeking and adopting solutions. A systematic review of peer-reviewed papers was conducted. This study finds that the underlying drivers of flooding are similar in the two nations and advocates research and data-sharing as ways of partnering to tackle the common problem. This finding has the potential to promote and facilitate capacity building for DRR and flood-risk management (FRM). Potential solutions could also be scaled to other countries of comparable profiles facing related flooding challenges. This approach is likely to yield better and quicker results while presenting opportunities for partnership in achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that has already suffered COVID-19-related setbacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The technical efficiency of the African catfish production in Nigeria was assessed. A total of 609 farms were sampled, and 1,118 operations were recorded covering both the pre-COVID and COVID periods. A translog stochastic frontier modeling approach was used to simultaneously assess the technical efficiencies and the determinants of technical inefficiency of the catfish farmers. The mean technical efficiency for the catfish production in Nigeria is 85.4% indicating a scope of increasing production by 14.6% given the current technological state, which could contribute an additional 42,273 metric tons of fish to Nigeria's aquaculture. Comparative analysis showed that catfish producers during the COVID-19 period and producers from the Southern region were more technically efficient. The effect of management-dependent determinants is presented. Beyond management approaches, technical efficiency is seen to be improved significantly through the use of quality inputs. Based on these, measures for successful catfish production in Nigeria are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the knowledge of COVID-19 pathogenesis and prevention, attitude, and adherence to safe clinical practices among radiographers during the pandemic and made some informed policy recommendations. The study was an online cross-sectional survey. The questionnaire captured data on respondents' demographics, knowledge of COVID-19, attitudes, practices, and standard precaution adherence during the pandemic. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation and one-way ANOVA tests. Of the 255 respondents, 17.3% were actively involved in the management of COVID-19 cases. Participants had high scores regarding their knowledge of COVID-19 pathology (82.46 ± 8.67%), prevention (93.43 ± 7.11%) and attitude (74.11 ± 11.61%), but low compliance to safety precautions (56.08 ± 18.56%). Knowledge about COVID-19 prevention strategies differed significantly across educational qualifications, F(3, 251) = 4.62, p =.004. Similarly, levels of compliance with safety precautions differed across educational qualification (F[3, 251] = 4.53, p =.004) and years-in-practice (F[4, 250] = 4.17, p =.003). Participants' adherence to standard COVID-19 precautions was low. The level of professional qualification influenced participants' knowledge and safe practices during the pandemic. Upgrading the aseptic techniques and amenities in practice settings and broadening the infectious diseases modules in the entry-level and continuous professional education may improve radiographers' response to COVID-19 and future pandemics. Radiographers whose qualifications were lower than a bachelor's degree had significantly less knowledge of COVID-19 prevention. Generally, radiographers had a positive attitude towards safe practices during the pandemic, but inadequate education, standard operational guidelines and resources affected their level of adherence. Apart from the shortage of personal protective equipment, poor infrastructural design and inadequate hygienic facilities such as handwashing stations, running water and non-contact hand sanitizer dispensers hampered adherence to COVID-19 precautions in low-resource settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to examine the role of safety management practices and safety performance among nurses working in public hospitals amid the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic in Nigeria. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed for data collection and a total of 229 nursing staff from the public health facilities in Abuja, Nigeria participated in the study. The results demonstrated that the level of safety performance was moderately high. These findings support the influence of management commitment on safety, safety training, and employees' involvement on safety compliance. It was also found that management commitment to safety, safety training, and safety promotion policies posed significant effects on safety participation. This study provides empirical support for the assertion that safety management practices are of paramount importance in improving safety performance among nurses in public hospitals, especially during the Covid-19 Pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the work conditions of domestic workers in Nigeria. We use four indicators – earnings, access to social protection, working conditions and labour protections to provide a nuanced assessment on the impact of the pandemic on domestic workers. Domestic work is an important aspect of productive labour and an indispensable factor that contributes to the well-being of households and the economy. Indeed, the enormous contribution of this sector to societies has been further exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while domestic workers are lauded as essential workers, their work remains extremely vulnerable to exploitation and human rights violations, and the pandemic has aggravated this situation. In the results, we find that while many domestic workers did not lose their jobs, their earning power dropped because of low wages in the sector. Furthermore, only 6% of survey respondents reported having access to the government's social protection measures. The findings of this study emphasises the need for the development of a regulatory model which considers the realities of the domestic work sector. Data used in this article draws from questionnaires administered on 220 domestic workers across four geo-political zones of Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes two longitudinal datasets (October – December 2020; April 2021) of 1,000 and 900 women in Kenya and Nigeria, respectively, alongside in-depth qualitative interviews with women at risk of changes to time use, to study two pandemic issues: women's substitution of paid for unpaid work and how these shifts compromise their mental health. Women devote more time to domestic care (30–38 percent), less time to employment (29–46 percent), and become unemployed (12–17 percent). A rise in domestic work is correlated with depressive (Nigeria) and anxiety symptoms (Kenya and Nigeria). Women with greater agency (Kenya) and fewer children (Nigeria) are less likely to report a domestic burden or loss in paid activities. Social protection programs may fill the void of assistance traditionally provided by informal networks in the short term, while campaigns shifting norms around household work may preserve women's economic participation in the long term. HIGHLIGHTS Women in Kenya and Nigeria reported increases in domestic labor amid the pandemic. Women's agency is negatively associated with the domestic burden and a reduction in paid activities in Kenya. Women in households with two or more children face greater domestic burdens and losses in paid activities in Nigeria. Increases in domestic work render women more likely to be anxious (Kenya and Nigeria) and depressed (Nigeria). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating socio-economic consequences for millions of people, households and communities worldwide. Towards containing the spread of the pandemic, lockdown measures were imposed by various governments with Palliative Care Deliveries (PCD) offered to their citizenry. Thus, this study examined COVID-19-related socio-economic impacts and PCD during the lockdown in Nigeria. Convenience accidental sampling was used to administer a questionnaire on residents through an online/electronic survey, of which 1232 internet users participated. Data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Our study revealed the most devastating socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, and ranked the most essential needs during the lockdown. We concluded that palliative care relief services could not achieve their intended goals due to the observed logistics challenges; hence, the study recommended among others, the adoption of best logistics principles for PCD during the lockdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 pandemic has undermined the functionality of formal and informal economies globally, with developing countries suffering the social, political and economic effects of the pandemic. Economic downturns in the global south, including Nigeria, have given rise to declining state control in the face of human insecurity. This study, hinging on the neoliberal political economy thesis, examines the economic crisis and declining state control the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown engendered in managing the security situation in Nigeria. The study, utilizing the dominant qualitative methods, comprising interviews, focus group discussions, and documented evidence, highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown disproportionately affected the people, mainly poor people, households and communities in different parts of the country. The failure of the government to engage in an effective social protection policy generated discontent and led to criminal activities undermining security in Nigeria. The study concludes that the insecurity and economic crisis the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown engendered have weakened the state's authority in Nigeria. The study suggests that engaging effective social protection policy presents an opportunity for mitigating security challenges to bring about socioeconomic stability in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview (ACASI) has become increasingly popular for collecting data on sensitive topics among populations with lower levels of literacy. However, the development of an ACASI tool is an involved process that can be further complicated when working in humanitarian contexts during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study describes the development of an ACASI tool to be used in a family-focused intervention evaluation. Participants included adolescent girls aged 10-14, adolescent boys aged 15-19, and caregivers in Borno State, Nigeria. Data to inform the tool's development were collected using cognitive interviews, ACASI demonstrations, and post-demonstration assessments with adolescent girls, adolescent boys, and caregivers, as well as a focus group discussion with enumerators. Data found high levels of acceptance for the tool and helped identify appropriate visual representations for various answer options to maximize usability. The survey was found to be too long to administer solely through ACASI; the final tool employs a combination of ACASI and computer-assisted personal interview formats. Findings highlight the importance of repeatedly piloting and testing these types of tools to ensure content and language resonate with intended users. However, the steps employed demonstrate that researchers can maintain a commitment to developing high-quality, community-grounded research tools despite challenges germane to humanitarian settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to global health and livelihoods. While countries take measures to protect their citizens and reduce hardships on vulnerable populations who seem to suffer most, COVID-19 puts a spotlight on Nigeria's severe problem of child neglect. We investigate Nigerian newspapers' adoption of a peace journalism approach to emphasize the underlying causes of child neglect in their reporting of the oppressive deportation of child beggars called Almajirai during COVID-19. A qualitative content analysis of articles obtained from six Nigerian newspaper websites indicates a positive response to peace-oriented journalism, which suggests a comprehensive peace journalism intervention is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates if physical libraries are popular for research by students in the internet age post COVID-19. The study used a descriptive survey research design. The population consisted of 3457 Adeleke University undergraduates. Descriptive statistic was used to analyze data. The findings suggested that physical libraries are increasingly less popular among students for research purposes, owing mostly to the development of the internet era. Other reasons cited include physical library congestion and excessive surveillance, a preference to read with friends outside of the physical library, and a lack of motivation to visit the physical library. It was also discovered that students have a culture of completing their own research rather than paying professionals to do it for them. The study concluded that physical libraries are less popular for research among students, majorly due to the popularity of the internet. As a result, the study recommends that library management make physical libraries the strongest internet hub on campus, where all students would want to come for research. More efforts should be made to expand physical libraries and provide a variety of quiet reading options for those who detest crowds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of the internet and social media platforms have spurred an online infodemic, which has surged towards alarming proportions across the globe. The online infodemic trend has been particularly felt in Nigeria in the area of health information and communication throughout the recurring public health emergencies of the current decade. The outbreak of the ongoing COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in March 2020 reaffirms the biggest threat of infodemic across online platforms against containment efforts and responses in Nigeria. This study reflects on infodemic trends related to COVID-19 in light of previous zoonotic viral diseases in Nigeria (e.g. Ebola, Lassa, and Monkeypox). Relevant published research and gray literature on zoonotic diseases and communication responses are reviewed. Drawing lessons and insights from previous zoonotic viral diseases in Nigeria, we show the extent to which online infodemic hampers public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The theory of social contagion, which describes the fear and panic that emerge during disease outbreaks, is deployed to deepen understanding of how online infodemic pose threats during health emergencies. We argue that Nigeria and other countries affected by disease outbreaks would thrive better by proactive inclusion and management of online communication channels in addition to coordinated clinical (prophylactic or therapeutic) models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different behavioral shifts have been observed among the country's population against the COVID-19 pandemic since its emergence in February 2020 in Nigeria. At first, people were scared of the pandemic and this was reinforced by their response to the National Center for Disease Control measures. As days go by and with the increasing number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria. To reduce the high burden of the pandemic, efforts were made by scientists to produce the COVID-19 vaccine, and Nigeria received about 4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine in 2021. Thus, it becomes important to investigate the attitude of Nigerians toward COVID-19 and vaccination against COVID-19. To conduct this study, data were sourced using six focus group discussions involving 30 males and females, respectively. Findings revealed that Nigerians have lackadaisical attitude toward COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccine owing to insincerity on the part of the government, poverty, belief system, low-level of awareness among others. To change the negative attitude of Nigerians toward COVID-19 and the vaccine, social worker interventions are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the willingness of students to remotely tune into podcast programmes aired by libraries and the associated challenges. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The sample included 245 Adeleke University undergraduates. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings indicated that most patrons rarely use podcasts, with Spotify being the most popular among students. Students indicated that the campus news and information programme, library seminars, and user education would be their top choices for frequent listening. Students may be discouraged from utilizing library podcast programmes due to issues with internet access, a lack of finances to obtain data, and a time constraint. The study concluded that podcasts had potential for distant learners and that students would be ready to tune into podcast programmes aired by libraries, and therefore recommended that libraries in Nigeria begin to employ podcasts in airing library programmes and marketing library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The defects and susceptibility of the Nigerian federalism are more pronounced at this period of the Covid-19 pandemic. Existing studies are yet to articulate how the states, in the formulation and enforcement of the lockdown and physical distancing policies, infringed on the federal exclusive matters by closing land borders, airports and imposing partial banking services. There is selective provision/distribution of healthcare facilities and stimulus packages and palliatives across the states by the federal government. The objective of this study is to examine how the conflicting nature of intergovernmental relations is implicated in the level of implementation of containment policies/strategies towards the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Based on content analysis and the functional-process theory, the article argued that the cantankerous/imploding disconnects between the federal and state governments–obscuring the making and implementation of harmonised and coordinated pandemic containment policies–constitute key impediment to the fight against Covid-19 in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to examine the relationship between virtual learning and library usage among students in Adeleke University. A total enumeration technique was adopted for sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Of the 903 participants surveyed, 75.3% always attended the virtual lecture. 30.7% use the library two or three times a week, while 25.4% use the library once a week. Virtual learning has a positive, statistically significant relationship with library usage (r = 0.224, P < 0.05), library services usage (r = 0.201, P < 0.05) and level of satisfaction (r = 0.255, P < 0.05). The study concluded that virtual learning is essential for Adeleke University students' use of the library and its services, since technology serve as a tool that bridges geographical boundaries, thereby providing easy accessibility to resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has generally induced mass panic and threat across the world, including Nigeria, due to the perceived uncertainties, fears and insecurities in the communities. Based on this backdrop, this study examined COVID-19 pandemic and insecurity in Nigeria. Convenience accidental sampling was used to administer 1671 copies of a questionnaire on residents through an online/electronic survey. Data collected were analysed descriptively and inferentially. Findings revealed that the spike in crime during the COVID-19 lockdown period is relatively higher than usual with disruption of public peace, theft and rape accounting for the most prominent crime. Meanwhile, most respondents experienced crime incidence between 6 pm and 12 midnight. Ironically, idleness, poor spatial arrangement/planning, poor governance and poverty were the major catalysts for the crime spike during the lockdown, while fear-of-fear (phobophobia) and declined socio-economic capacity were predominant effects of crime experienced. The Fisher's exact test results revealed a significant relationship between the surge in crime and COVID-19-restrictive measures. The study concludes that the insecurities during lockdown periods have caused both temporary and permanent physical and psychological havoc; hence, it recommends quick advancement of the built environment with smart security measures and social supports for the citizenry during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of University Teaching and Research Hospitals (UTRHs) for siting additional National Center for Disease Control Molecular Laboratories (NCDCMLs) for effective coverage of Local Government Areas (LGAs) during the COVID-19 pandemic was accomplished using the Maximal Covering Location Problem (MCLP) method. The maximum number of NCDCMLs required together with the maximum drive time to these identified optimal NCDCMLs were estimated. The NCDCMLs are skewed in favor of the southwestern Nigeria and there is a significant positive correlation between the number of NCDCMLs and the reported COVID-19 infections (r= 0.860, p< 0.001). There are 22.22%, 35.79%, 63.82%, 76.10% and 82.04% of LGAs within 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10hr drive time, respectively, from at least one NCDCML. Addition of five new UTRHs will ensure that 79% of all the LGAs in Nigeria are within 4 hr drive time to at least one NCDCML. Four of the seven proposed new NCNCMLs are optimal while the remaining three are not. Perhaps, this study is the first attempt at evaluating the use of UTRHs as an alternative to none UTRHs NCDCML. The use of the MCLP method allows for the identification of not only the required numbers of NCDCMLs but also the drive time to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How do public health crises affect peace? Guided by the understanding that peace has situational and relational dimensions, this study explored the impact of public health crises on peace using the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria as a case study. Data collected between March and July 2020 through in-depth interviews with 37 Nigerians, Nigerian media sources, and the website of Nigeria Interreligious Council (NIREC) indicate that the COVID-19 outbreak and state response to it had mixed effects on peace in Nigeria. The article argues that this has major implications for interreligious peace in Nigeria and other religiously diverse societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While extant studies have probed the causes, actors and effects of cybercrimes in Nigeria, knowledge is scarce on the adaptable nature of cybercrimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using Fraud triangle theory and exploratory research design, I analyzed data emanating from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Police, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Partial and total lockdown imposed by Federal and State governments in Nigeria to curtail the spread of COVID-19 delayed government palliative intervention, weakened social support systems and increased the vulnerability of Nigerians to COVID-419ners. The fraud scheming deployed included relief package fraud, food and data fraud, and COVID-19 cash support and loan fraud. These fraud schemes were designed to align with federal government's policy on COVID-19 palliative or intervention to defraud the unsuspecting public. Arising from the findings, the study recommends timely palliative support and unambiguous public enlightenment on beneficiaries to reduce victimization of vulnerable Nigerians. Anti-cybercrime agencies need to be proactive in preventing fraud occurrence, neutralizing fraudulent schemes and arresting cyber-offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid escalation of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) elicited varying degrees of responses from governments. The escalation and community spread of the COVID-19 pandemic despite initial responses resulted in a lockdown strategy in some countries. Nigeria embraced a lockdown policy, albeit with some socioeconomic stimulus measures to cushion the resultant economic hardship. The inadequacy of the stimulus measures led to lockdown violations and human rights abuses. This study establishes the nexus between Nigeria's lockdown policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic, human rights violations, and the role of Nigerian civil society in mainstreaming civil rights protection during this public health emergency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the use of digital technology becomes more widespread across the globe, older people remain among the group with the lowest access and usage. The digital divide may lead to double exclusion as the COVID-19 pandemic has led to limited physical social contact as experts' recommendation of continuous social distancing and lack of access and usage of internet communication will leave older people socially isolated. The aim of this study is to explore how older people in rural Nigeria may be digitally excluded and its impact during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative data was obtained from 11 older people using interviews. The collected data was then transcribed and analyzed thematically. Findings show that older people in rural Nigeria were digitally excluded. However, the older people argued that the digital exclusion is not the reason for their social isolation and loneliness. The study concluded by suggesting how caregivers and social workers can assist rural older people through activity schedule and radio programs designed for older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the utilization of community-based treatment services by people who use drugs (PWUD) in Nigeria during the lockdown following the COVID-19 outbreak. Data were collected from six drop-in centers (DICs) for PWUD operated by NGOs in four geo-political regions in Nigeria, using a short questionnaire administered to the project managers by e-mail. It sought information on service utilization, sex distribution of service users, types of drugs used, types of services provided, and modes of service delivery for the period of October 2019 to May 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. Service utilization declined from 375 users in October 2019 to 198 in April, before reaching 321 in May. Female users were more affected by the disruption than men. Cannabis was the drug most commonly used by service users. There were significant gaps in service provision, including limited face-to-face counseling and discontinuation of other services. The lockdown limited the range and quality of services provided, and constrained uptake by PWUD. Addressing gender-related barriers, improving funding, and adopting risk reduction measures are recommended for improving service delivery and uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, HIV and COVID-19 are among the global health threats, and being newly diagnosed with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic may be distressing. Therefore, this study explored the early biopsychosocial reactions to a new HIV-positive diagnosis among people newly diagnosed with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-five PLWH participated in focus group discussions (FGDs). The FGDs were conducted in the same modalities with three groups for an average of two hours until data saturation occurred. Data were thematically analyzed after which there were three rigorous phases of analysis validation. Five themes were created—"Concerns about HIV care being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic," "HIV-positive status was blamed on the COVID-19 pandemic," "Expecting an HIV-positive diagnosis reduced negative reactions (e.g., psychological distress)," "Fear of stigmatization," and "Suicidal ideation and body ache." The implications of findings for theory and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lack of social welfare programs for vulnerable households during the coronavirus outbreak in Nigeria caused severe pain and economic hardship to households as millions suffered hunger in Nigeria and Africa at large. Method: To explore the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, a qualitative study was conducted with 70 participants from Lagos, Nigeria. We conducted 52 individual and 2 group interviews with 18 key stakeholders involved with enforcing lockdown orders. Responses were analyzed in themes using content and discourse analysis. Result: The participants stated that the greatest challenge faced by many amidst the pandemic is hunger and starvation and described government palliatives as grossly insufficient. This is linked to the high population of Nigerians living below poverty line, who depends on daily earning for survival. Discussion: Therefore, these viewpoints must be taken into account by the policymakers and social welfare providers when designing social welfare policies and interventions for poor/vulnerable Nigerians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the many intersections between policing and public health, illuminating profound effects of the interactions and collaborative efforts between both sectors in Nigeria, which culminated into an industrial action by health workers in protest of police harassment and extortion. This study, which represents one of the first attempts at empirically examining inter-sectoral collaboration between police and healthcare personnel in the promotion of public health, explored health workers' experiences with the police officers coordinating local shutdowns and enforcing stay-at-home mandates. Sixty-two health workers, comprising medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, clinical and patient services assistants, were interviewed in a qualitative study and a thematic analysis of the narratives was carried out. Findings indicated that participants were subjected to different forms of aggression and extortive behaviour from police officers at checkpoints, which negatively impacted on their official functioning as responders to the pandemic. Occasionally, these aggressive and extortive behaviours were specifically targeted at health workers based on officers' impressions and prior unpleasant experiences with health institution and its personnel. These findings have important policy and practical implications, if the physical health and emotional wellbeing of frontline health workers are to be recognised and met, in supporting them in their role of combating COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown policy it engendered restricted the entrepreneurial freedom and skills promoted by the neoliberal market structure. It also undermined the strings of social networks and collective organisation which protect the individual informal workers, particularly women in the peri-urban areas. Using the qualitative dominant methods, this research probed into the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on informal women workers in peri-urban communities in Nigeria. The study argued that the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying lockdown devastated the informal economic activities of women in peri-urban areas due largely to lack of social protection programmes to support vulnerable populations. It also undermined Nigeria-Cameroon trade relation which is a major source of livelihood for most people, reduced the personal income of informal workers in the peri-urban areas and government revenue in Taraba State. The study concluded that providing financial capital, material palliatives and affordable social protection facilities to informal women workers in peri-urban communities is relevant for sustainable economic development in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internal displacement of citizens places them as one of the most vulnerable populations in any given society. This is more worrisome in a pandemic situation. Thus, using qualitative research methods directed by the social capital theory and service quality theory, this study will analyze the perceived satisfaction of IDPs and non-IDPs citizens in Nigeria on the provided governmental support in the time of Covid-19 pandemic. In-depth qualitative interview data will be collected from IDPs and non-IDPs in Abuja Nigeria and analyzed using codes acquired from the transcribed data within the theoretical framework. Results will indicate if IDPs perceived that they were less cared for as compared to non-IDPs. This will help stimulate the activity of governmental organizations on unforeseen circumstances and pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corona virus has emerged as a dreaded disease globally, and it is no longer a news that the virus is a killer disease. It has paralyzed individual and nations' economic activities due to the governments' orders made to curtail its spread. Based on this, the researchers explored parental responses to social and safety needs of their school children during the pandemic in Ogun State, Nigeria. Four research questions were raised, and a questionnaire titled "COVID-19 Pandemic and Parental Response to School Children Survey" (online) was used to elicit data from 5,340 respondents. The data collected were analyzed using frequency count, simple percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Analysis of Variance. The findings revealed that the parental response to their children social needs was high, while their response to safety needs was low. Also, it was discovered that there was a significant influence between parental socioeconomic background and the needs of school-age children. It was therefore recommended that, parents must have intimate relationship with their children by meeting their needs, protecting them, and never allow communication gap between them and their children. The government also should assist parents in meeting the needs of the school-age children, especially in the time of crises or emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]