International Journal of Intellectual Discourse

Entrepreneurship Social Networks on Small and Medium Enterprises success in Delta state, Nigeria

2025-07-02T17:45:52+00:00

The aim of the study is to ascertain how using social networks in entrepreneurship relates with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) success in Delta State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional research approach was adopted in this study. Four hundred and fifty (450) selected entrepreneurs made up the sample. The basic random sampling technique was used. With the help of "Survey Monkey," a total of 300 sets were used for analysis. The instrument was subjected to face and content validity checks before its reliability was evaluated using the Cronbach alpha test. Since the focus of the study involves measuring effects, the statistical tools employed in the data analysis included OLS multiple regression, correlation, the Jacque Bera normalcy test, and descriptive statistics. Stata version 13.0 was the statistical software utilized in the study to analyse the data. The findings indicate that the dimensions of entrepreneurship using social networks such as opportunity recognition, resource acquisition, market entry and growth affect significantly with SMEs success. It was concluded that entrepreneurship is inherently a social endeavour, with success often hinging on the quality and extent of an entrepreneur's social networks; this led to the recommendation that government and nongovernmental organizations should fund digital literacy and entrepreneurship programs focused on social media to affect the success of SMEs across the state and the nation at large.

Business management practice and organizational profitability: Evidence from selected deposit money banks in central area, Abuja

2025-07-02T18:19:49+00:00

The profitability of deposit money institutions in the Central Area of Abuja is increasingly threatened by severe competition, regulatory challenges, and changing consumer needs, requiring good business management strategies to maintain financial success. Although strategic planning is crucial for organisational success, its precise influence on profitability in this context is yet little examined. This study investigates the correlation between strategic planning, a fundamental aspect of corporate management practices, and the profitability of specific deposit money institutions in the Central Area of Abuja. Utilising a quantitative research methodology and a cross-sectional survey design, data were gathered from 93 management personnel across five banks through a prepared questionnaire. Regression study indicated that strategic planning exerts a robust, positive, and significant influence on organisational profitability, explaining 69.6% of the variability in profitability. The results
highlight the significance of strategic planning in augmenting revenue and aligning organisational objectives with market realities. The study indicates that the integration of comprehensive planning at each level of the corporate value chain is vital for attaining continuous profitability. Recommendations emphasise the prioritisation of strategic planning activities to enhance financial performance and tackle operational difficulties within the banking sector.

Mediating Role of Personal Attitudes in the Relationships between Inclusive Leadership on Employee Performance

2025-07-18T21:54:54+00:00

The aim of this study is to explore the mediating role of personal attitudes in the relationships between inclusive leadership on employee performance. This study adopted questionnaire survey method and data was collected from 274 staff of private school in Bauchi state. Data was analyzed using SPSS and PLS SEM. 4 software. Data were analysed through SPSS while path analysis will be performed through PLS SEM. The tools were used to assess and evaluate the statistical significance of relevant path coefficients of the understudy variables. The study findings show that there were positive significant relationships between inclusive leadership and employee performance, Furthermore, personal attitude mediates inclusive leadership on employee performance, the result suggests that there was significant positive relationship between inclusive leadership and employee performance. The study recommended that the management of the staff of senior secondary schools within the Bauchi metropolis should improving their leadership style, also Foster diversity through recognition and rewards, the staff of senior secondary schools within the Bauchi metropolis should be encourage and leadership among their staff. This leadership style inspires and motivates employees by setting high expectations, providing support and guidance, and encouraging innovation and creativity, the workplace should prioritize the improvement of personal attitude.

Public Bureaucracies in the age of Digitization: The challenges of Sustainable Service Delivery in Nigeria

2025-07-18T22:03:13+00:00

The rapid pace of digitization has transformed the way Public Bureaucracies operate, presenting both opportunities and challenges for Sustainable Service Delivery. In Nigeria, the adoption of Digital Technologies in Public Bureaucracies has been slow and uneven, hindering the effective delivery of Public Services. This study examines the challenges of sustainable service delivery in Nigerian Public Bureaucracies in the age of digitization using the Adamawa state internal revenue service as unit of analysis. The study adopts a mixed methods approach by integrating a cross-sectional survey and phenomenological in a convergent parallel design where ten department heads, five digital staff, and 61,496 clients from Adamawa State Internal Revenue Service records make up the target population. A sample size of 196 participants is determined for the survey using Mugenda and Mugenda's (2016) formula, and five informants are chosen for key informant interviews, allowing for a thorough comprehension of the research topic through contextual and numerical insights. The findings highlight the need for a holistic approach to digitization, including investments in digital infrastructure, capacity building, and institutional reforms. The study contributes to
the literature on Public Administration and digitization, providing insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars seeking to promote sustainable service delivery in Nigeria and beyond.

Effect of Academic Qualification on Job Satisfaction of School Teachers in Kaduna Metropolis

2025-07-18T22:09:46+00:00

This study examined the relationship between academic qualification and job satisfaction among teachers in Kaduna metropolis. Quantitative approach was adopted for the study. Cross-sectional Design was used for the study. The population of the study is 1822. Yamane formula was used to derive the sample size of 328. Structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the key variables such as demographic characteristics while Inferential Analysis (regression) was used to examine the relationship between academic qualifications and job satisfaction. The findings revealed that
academic qualification contributed to career progression and also positively influence job satisfaction. Furthermore, good salary, clean and conducive work environment enhance job satisfaction. Thus, we recommend that teachers must endeavor to improve their academic qualification through full time/ part time enrollment for higher academic degree because the distribution of income always align with educational attainment, leading to enhance job satisfaction among individuals who expected better financial rewards for their qualifications.

The Impact of Gender Diversity on Entrepreneurial Finance in Yobe State

2025-07-18T22:15:39+00:00

This study investigates the impact of gender and diversity on access to entrepreneurial finance in Yobe State, Nigeria, highlighting persistent disparities that hinder inclusive economic growth. A total of 384 questionnaires were administered, yielding 271 completed responses, resulting in a response rate of 70.6%. Data from 200 entrepreneurs, including equal representation of 100 women and 100 men from various backgrounds, reveal significant gender-based disparities in access to formal financial services. A stratified sampling method ensured diverse representation, and quantitative analysis techniques, including regression analysis, were employed. The reliability test indicated a Cronbach Alpha value of 0.750, confirming the instrument's reliability. The findings show that women entrepreneurs face unique challenges, including cultural barriers, lack of collateral, and limited financial literacy, alongside other intersectional factors such as education level and rural-urban divides. Promoting gender diversity in entrepreneurship could enhance economic resilience and innovation; however, financial barriers remain largely unaddressed. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at improving financial inclusion and supporting diverse entrepreneurship, advocating for targeted financial literacy programs and increased access to collateral-free loans for women. This research contributes to the understanding of entrepreneurial finance in Yobe State and offers insights for policymakers and development organizations striving for inclusive economic growth in northeastern Nigeria.

Deposit Money Bank Credit to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs): A focus on wholesale and retail trade.

2025-07-18T22:20:48+00:00

The study investigated the effect of deposit money bank credit to SMEs in Nigeria: focus on wholesale and retail trade, the study used secondary data covering the period 2010 to 2023 and the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) 2023 Statistical Bulletin was the source of the data used in the study. The study applied the dynamic OLS technique for the model, and econometric techniques was used for the data analyses are descriptive statistics, person correlation coefficient, unit root test, post regression test and Q-statistics. The study found that deposit money banks’ credit to SMEs exhibit a positive and significant impact on wholesale and retail trade. Result from lending interest rate (LINTR) and inflation rate (INFR) have a negative and significant impact on wholesale and retail trade (WRT) whereas, broad money supply (BMS) exhibit positive significant impact on wholesale and retail trade (WRT), the study concluded that, deposit money bank credit to SMEs has positive significant impact on wholesale and retail trade in Nigeria during the period of study. Therefore, it is recommended that government policy makers should revamp the financial system and the government should prioritize credit creation to wholesale and retail trade in order to improve performance of the SMEs.

A Time-Series investigations of consumer price index dynamics and economic growth in Nigeria

2025-07-18T22:24:56+00:00

The study examined the impact of a time-series of consumer price index dynamics on economic growth in Nigeria, and the Secondary data covering 30 years, from 1993 to 2023, were employed in the research. For the analysis, the ARDL Bounds test for cointegration model technique was used. The consumer pricing index (CPI) result showed that, both in the short and long term, there is a significant negative relationship between the CPI and Nigeria's GDP. Also, only in the long term does the money supply (MS) have a positive impact on economic growth in Nigeria; the interest rate (INTR) has a negative impact on GDP. According to the study's findings, Nigeria's GDP is negatively influenced by the consumer price index (CPI). Given the short- and long-term negative effects of the consumer price index on economic growth, it is recommended that the Nigerian government should address supply-side constraints by boosting agricultural output, infrastructure investment, and manufacturing sector development. This will stabilize prices and reduce production costs, which will minimize supply-side and demand-side inflation.

Complexities of Nigeria’s Electrification Policies: Opportunities for Private Sector Participation and Sustainable Energy Access

2025-07-18T22:28:55+00:00

Nigeria faces significant challenges in achieving universal electricity access, with only about 55-60% of the population connected to the grid and rural electrification rates as low as 30%. Despite numerous policy initiatives, including the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA, 2005) and the National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (NREEEP, 2015), implementation remains weak due to regulatory fragmentation, financing gaps, and inadequate private sector engagement. This study examines the complexities of Nigeria’s electrification policies, identifying key barriers such as inconsistent tariff structures, foreign exchange risks, and limited investment in decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions. The research highlights the untapped potential of private sector participation in bridging Nigeria’s energy access gap, particularly through mini-grids, solar home systems, and hybrid power projects. While initiatives like the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) and mini-grid regulations offer promising frameworks, their effectiveness is hindered by bureaucratic inefficiencies and lack of long-term financing. Case studies from successful models in Kenya and India suggest that Nigeria could enhance electrification by adopting blended finance mechanisms, improving risk guarantees for investors, and strengthening community engagement. Key findings indicate that sustainable energy access in Nigeria requires a coordinated policy approach, incentivized private investment, and scalable off-grid solutions. Recommendations include establishing a centralized electrification agency, introducing tax incentives for renewable energy projects, and expanding pay-as-you-go (PAYG) solar systems. By addressing these challenges, Nigeria can unlock private sector opportunities, accelerate energy access, and support socio-economic development.

The Impact of Digital Diplomacy on International Relations: A Case Study of Global Leaders’ Social Media Use

2025-07-18T22:42:51+00:00

This study explores the transformative impact of digital diplomacy on contemporary international relations through a focused case study of global leaders’ social media usage. As digital platforms such as X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram become increasingly integral to political communication, world leaders are now engaging in direct, unmediated dialogue with international publics, thereby bypassing traditional diplomatic institutions and reshaping geopolitical discourse. This paper investigates how digital diplomacy influences soft power projection, crisis communication, public diplomacy, and strategic signaling in global affairs. Utilizing a qualitative content analysis methodology, the research examines the digital behaviors of selected political leaders namely, Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Ukraine), Joe Biden (United States), Narendra Modi (India), and Emmanuel Macron (France) between 2022 and 2024. The study is grounded in theoretical frameworks of soft power (Nye, 2004), constructivism (Adler, 1997), and public diplomacy theory, providing a comprehensive lens through which to understand the strategic narratives embedded in social media discourse. Findings reveal that global leaders utilize digital platforms for persona construction, narrative framing, alliance reinforcement, and diplomatic signaling. Moreover, three case based reviews, the Israel-Gaza war, Ukraine-Russia conflict, and U.S.-China tariff war demonstrate how digital diplomacy operates under real-time geopolitical stress. The paper concludes that digital diplomacy has become a central component of international relations, altering traditional conceptions of power, diplomacy, and influence. The research underscores the need for updated diplomatic protocols and ethical guidelines as states
navigate this evolving communication environment. This study contributes to the growing body of interdisciplinary scholarship on digital governance, foreign policy, and international communication.

A Conceptual Model on the Moderating Role of Organisational Agility on the Relationship between Job Crafting and Employee Performance

2025-07-18T22:48:01+00:00

Job crafting (JC), which is the personal and efficiency-oriented changes that employees make to redefine, redesign and shape their jobs, is a vital sustainer of employee performance (EP), especially amid challenges. It is equally a good option for optimizing performance in this information age. However, it remains a novel area with few studies especially from the African contexts. Nevertheless, employees tend to job craft only to the extent to which relevant ‘opportunity’ exists – and that is psychometrically, ‘organisational agility’ (OA). This paper/study employed critical review and content analysis of the existing literature. Among the findings are that there is paucity of studies on JC and OA as they relate to EP. Also, no empirical study is found to have distinctly examined the moderating role of OA on the JC-EP relationship, especially among the lecturers of public universities in Northwest
region of Nigeria. The proposed framework is based on Job Crafting Theory and consists of three JC behaviours/dimensions (task crafting, relational crafting and cognitive crafting) as the independent variables, and EP as the dependent variable. Due to the inconsistencies in the findings of previous studies, OA serves as the Moderator. It is recommended that the proposed framework/model should be tested empirically.

Nexus between Sense of Community and Career Development among Employees of selected Private Universities in South-West Nigeria

2025-07-18T22:59:16+00:00

The study examined the nexus between sense of community and employee career development using private universities in the South-West, Nigeria as the unit of analysis. The study identified belongingness, conflict resolution, and supportive environment as the three dimensions of sense of community vis-à-vis their relationship career development, thus, providing a framework to explain the relationship between sense of community and employee career development. Questionnaire was employed as the research instrument which was administered to the sample size of 337 respondents. The results emanating from the use of correlation coefficient and linear regression shows that there exists a strong and positive relationship between the three dimensions of sense of community which also exerted strong and positive influence on employee career development. The findings also reveal that conflict resolution contribute more to career development. It was concluded that sense of community is significant and plays a fostering role in the employee career success and satisfaction and recommended that management should institute conflict resolution mechanism that will herald harmonious relationship free from bias, prejudice, and subjectivity.

Assessment of Electronic Banking Services Influence on Corporate financial performance of Selected Deposit Commercial Banks in Nigeria

2025-08-05T18:55:24+00:00

The emergence of electronic banking services has brought about significant changes in the global financial industry, including Nigeria. Services like internet banking, mobile banking, and automated teller machines have become essential components of modern banking, offering enhanced accessibility, speed, and security for both customers and banks. This study examined the impact of e-banking services on the corporate financial performance of selected deposit money banks in Nigeria. Data from 14 listed deposit money banks were analyzed, focusing on 5 banks with available data. These data were sourced from the annual financial reports of these banks from the period 2020-2024. Through panel regression analysis, the study found that Automated teller machines and mobile banking positively impact corporate financial performance, while point of sale systems have a negative effect. Recommendations include increasing Automated teller machines installations for enhanced corporate financial performance by banks, optimizing mobile banking by improving network connectivity, and minimizing investments in Point of sale systems due to their limited contribution to corporate financial performance.

Impact of microfinance on poverty in Imo state, Nigeria

2025-08-05T18:59:56+00:00

Persistent poverty in Nigeria, particularly in rural regions such as Imo State, continues to challenge inclusive development despite the increasing presence of microfinance institutions (MFIs). This study evaluates the effectiveness of MFIs as a strategy for poverty alleviation, addressing the ongoing debate about their true impact on improving household welfare. The research investigates whether access to microfinance services significantly influences income levels and savings behavior among rural beneficiaries. A stratified sampling technique was used to segment Imo State into 16 sampling units, from which 12 microfinance banks were purposively selected across Owerri, Okigwe, and Orlu zones. A total of 384 structured questionnaires were distributed, out of which 80 were valid and analyzed. Descriptive statistics revealed that 78% of respondents were male, 65% were married, and 36% lacked formal education. The income distribution showed that 29% earned between ₦10,000 ₦15,000 monthly, while 24% earned above ₦20,000. A multinomial logit model was employed to assess the relationship between access to financial services and income level. Results indicate that higher-income individuals have significantly greater access to microfinance products and savings opportunities, supporting classical economic theory that links income with saving behavior. However, the study also finds that the poorest households remain largely excluded, limiting the overall poverty reduction potential of microfinance. The study concludes that while microfinance can enhance financial inclusion, its impact is constrained by income inequality and operational limitations. It recommends that targeted financial strategies such as group lending, rural branch expansion, and capacity
development be adopted by policymakers and financial institutions to ensure more equitable access to microfinance services and effective poverty alleviation.

The influence of Green Marketing Orientation and Innovation capability on Sustainable Performance among SMEs in Kaduna metropolis

2025-08-05T19:32:57+00:00

This study investigates the influence of Green Marketing Orientation and Innovation Capability on Sustainable Performance among SMEs in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria. Drawing on Stakeholder Theory and the Resource-Based View, the research explores both direct and mediated relationships across three dimensions of Internal green marketing orientations (IGMO), Strategic green marketing orientation (SGMO), and Tactical green marketing orientation (TGMO). A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 382 valid responses using structured questionnaires administered to SME owner-managers. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed for data analysis. The findings reveal that Strategic Green Marketing Orientations significantly enhances sustainable performance, both directly and through innovation capability. Tactical Green Marketing Orientations also influences performance indirectly via innovation, while Internal Green Marketing Orientations shows no significant direct or mediated effect. Innovation capability emerged as a key driver of sustainability outcomes, supporting the Research Base View's emphasis on internal resources. These results highlight that while Small Medium Enterprises SMEs engage in various green initiatives, only those embedded in strategic frameworks and linked to innovation lead to meaningful sustainability gains. The study concludes that Small Medium Enterprises SMEs must move beyond isolated green efforts and invest in innovation-oriented strategies to achieve long-term environmental, economic, and social performance. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed, offering insights for policymakers, Small Medium Enterprises SME managers, and sustainability advocates in emerging markets.

Impact of Inflation on Industrial Development in Nigeria

2025-08-06T09:28:29+00:00

The study examined the impact of inflation on industrial development in Nigeria between 1990-2021 Annual time series data on Index of Industrial Production, Inflation rate, interest rate, investment rate, exchange rate, money supply, personal consumption expenditure, real Gross Domestic Product and Oil Price were used. Inflation rate, interest rate, investment rate, exchange rate, money supply, personal consumption expenditure, real Gross Domestic Product and Oil Price were the independent variables, while Index of Industrial Production (a stand-in for industrial development) was the dependent variable. Via the use of the Autoregressive Distributive Lag econometric technique, the study's results indicate that real Gross Domestic Product, interest rates, and inflation rates all significantly influenced the economy's industrial development. While inflation and interest rate had significant negative impact on industrial development, real Gross Domestic Product had significant positive impact. Other supporting explanatory variables such as investment rate, exchange rate, money supply, personal consumption expenditure and oil price were not statistically significant in influencing industrial development within the study period. Therefore, the study suggests that the government and monetary authorities support the expansion of the industrial sector by providing producers with reasonably priced loans. In the long run, this can reduce inflationary pressures in the economy by boosting domestic manufacturing capacities and increasing both the domestic and international supply of commodities.

Dynamic Marketing Strategies and Consumer Retention during the 2016 and 2020 Recessions in Nigeria

2025-08-06T10:22:25+00:00

This study investigates how firms in Nigeria strategically deploy dynamic marketing strategies to retain consumers during periods of economic recession, specifically the 2016 and 2020 downturns. The problem addressed is the limited empirical understanding of how consumer-facing firms in emerging markets adapt their marketing approaches in response to recession-induced shifts in consumer behaviour. Guided by the Dynamic Capabilities Theory and the Resource-Based View, the study examines the mediating role of consumer behaviour and the moderating influence of organisational capabilities on the relationship between dynamic marketing strategies and consumer retention. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 258 marketing professionals across the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), telecommunications, and retail sectors. Structural
Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed for analysis. Results show that dynamic marketing strategies significantly improve consumer retention, with stronger effects observed when mediated by adaptive consumer behaviour and supported by robust organisational capabilities. Sectoral insights reveal that FMCG and telecom firms benefit most from agile, digitally enabled marketing tactics. The study recommends that firms invest in marketing agility, consumer analytics, and cross-functional integration to remain resilient during economic downturns. It concludes that sustained consumer loyalty in recessionary
environments depends on the alignment of strategic responsiveness with both consumer expectations and internal capabilities.

Effect of conflict management on organizational performance: Moderating role of organizational commitment

2025-08-08T14:21:01+00:00

With a focus on the moderating role of organizational commitment, this study examines the effects of conflict management and team coordination on organizational performance within the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Bauchi office, Nigeria. Data is collected from 184 FIRS employees in Bauchi state using a cross-sectional survey design. In order to get quantitative data, questionnaires are distributed. Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) V. 26 is used to analyze quantitative data. To determine the significance of the variables, methods including frequencies, means, standard deviations, correlations, and regression analysis are used. To gain a more thorough knowledge of the correlations between the variables, partial least squares structural equation modeling, or PLS-SEM, is utilized. Findings reveal that conflict management greatly effects organizational success. Moreover, organizational commitment moderates the association between conflict management and organizational performance. These findings' theoretical ramifications highlight how crucial it is for corporations to include conflict management systems. Furthermore, the practical ramifications imply that using conflict management to improve organizational performance requires organizational commitment. In order to promote organizational performance within FIRS Bauchi state, this study emphasizes the critical significance that organizational commitment and effective conflict management play. Some suggestions include stressing the developmental nature of conflict management procedures and incorporating conflict management systems at higher organizational commitment levels.

Nexus between Financial intermediation and Economic Growth: Evidence from Nigeria

2025-08-08T14:52:52+00:00

With an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, this study examined how financial intermediation affects Nigeria's economic growth from 1981 to 2022. The Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin and World Bank Indicators provided annual time-series data. We examined how private sector credit (CPS), money supply (MSY), and lending interest rate (LIR) affect real GDP growth. Descriptive statistics reveal the data is significantly different. The average RGDPG, CPS, MS, and LIR are 0.958810, 9406.887, 15007.37, and 17.31613 percent. RGDPGR, CPS, MS, and LIR have standard deviation coefficients of 5.457501, 6828.512, 12710.87, and.673507, respectively. The limits cointegration test (F-statistic = 69.047, p < 0.05) indicates long-term relationship between variables. Long-run ARDL estimates show that CPS positively affects RGDPGR (coefficient = 1.332, p = 0.0485). However, MSY (-8.056, p = 0.6966) and LIR (-2.847, p = 0.6586) exhibit unfavorable but not significant effects. Short-term dynamics demonstrate that MSY has both positive and negative effects, with lagged MSY (-0.168, p = 0.0032) affecting growth. The study found that private credit boosts the economy while high interest rates and money supply impede it. The study's conclusion is that more credit from the private sector helps the economy grow, while high interest rates and too much money in circulation slow it down. Some policy suggestions made are to encourage private enterprises to acquire financing, make sound monetary policy
reforms, and diversify the economy to make it more resilient to big economic shocks.

Rethinking Media Ethics Adherence and Enforcement in Nigeria’s Media Landscape: A Call for Cultural and Structural Reform

2025-08-08T20:11:24+00:00

This position paper critically examines the Nigerian media landscape and the ethical challenges confronting it and calls for a rethinking of the media ethics structure and adherence culture in Nigeria. The methodology is based on a thematic review of historical developments, recent ethical breaches, regulatory documents, Nigerian media codes and relevant literature. Anchored on the Social Responsibility Theory, the paper highlights how the erosion of professional solidarity, the rise of public mudslinging among journalists, the long-term impact of the broadcast media deregulation and partisan media ownership affect ethical standards. Five key ethical challenges are identified: professional rivalry, market driven pressures, ownership influence and political capture, weak enforcement of ethical codes, and news content commercialisation. These challenges have eroded public trust in the traditional media, breached journalistic autonomy, and cultivated a divided media system. This paper argues that the existing ethical codes fail to encompass crucial concerns such as professional boundaries among practitioners interactions, connections with sponsors, media ownership ethics and enforcement mechanisms for ethical breaches. The paper advocates
structural and cultural reform to restore accountability and integrity of the Nigerian media. Key recommendations include revising existing ethical codes to include the identified gaps; creating an independent and empowered press council; providing ethical guidelines and mandating openness regarding the ownership of media organisations; integrating systematic ethics monitoring at all levels in media organisations; and enhancing education on ethics. In conclusion, this paper urges stakeholders to take actions to reinforce adherence to ethics so that Nigerian journalism can serve its democratic responsibilities efficiently.

Reframing population control: A scoping review of natural family planning as an ethical and ecological alternative in biodiversity hotspots

2025-08-09T08:17:06+00:00

This scoping review investigates the viability of Natural Family Planning (NFP) as an ethical and environmentally sustainable substitute for artificial contraception, especially in biodiversity hotspots. With the acceleration of global population growth, there is heightened concern regarding the pressure on natural resources and the decline of biodiversity. Although artificial contraceptive methods effectively manage population growth, they present considerable ethical and environmental dilemmas, such as reproductive coercion and ecological pollution. In contrast, NFP honors reproductive autonomy, aligns with cultural values, and circumvents the pharmaceutical pollution linked to artificial contraceptives. This review synthesizes existing literature on the effectiveness, feasibility, and cultural acceptance of NFP in areas where biodiversity is most threatened, emphasizing both its potential and the obstacles to its broader implementation. Key findings indicate that while NFP can be as effective as artificial methods when utilized perfectly, typical usage is impeded by insufficient education and cultural obstacles. The review concludes with suggestions for future research, including longitudinal studies to evaluate NFP's long-term effectiveness and feasibility, as well as policy recommendations to incorporate NFP into national family planning strategies. This approach, rooted in community-driven education and cultural sensitivity, offers promise for providing a sustainable and ethical solution to global population and environmental issues.

Effect of technology adoption on market innovation in Nigerian fintech industry

2025-08-09T10:32:59+00:00

Rapid technological evolution and competitive pressures in Nigeria’s fintech sector have raised concerns about how effectively firms leverage technology to drive innovation, prompting investigation into key technological factors influencing market innovation. This study examines the effect of technology adoption on market innovation in the Nigerian fintech industry. Specifically, it evaluates the extent to which relative advantage, technology utilisation, and technology competence drive market innovation. A total of 202 questionnaires were administered to CBN-licensed fintech firms. Pearson correlation analysis showed statistically significant positive correlations between relative advantage, technology utilisation, and technology competence with market innovation, suggesting interdependencies among variables. The regression model yielded an R-value of 0.157 and R squared of 0.123, indicating that 12.3% of the variation in market innovation is explained by the predictors. An adjusted R-squared of 0.110 reflects a slight reduction in explanatory power. The model demonstrated statistical significance, confirming the collective influence of relative advantage, technology utilisation, and technology competence on market innovation. Coefficient analysis showed relative advantage and technology utilisation had significant positive effects on market innovation, while technology competence showed marginal significance. These findings highlight the critical role of relative advantage and technology utilisation in driving innovation within Nigeria’s fintech sector. Firms adopting advanced technology are more likely to enhance operations, optimize services, and expand customer reach. Despite the model's modest explanatory power, the study underscores the need to strengthen technology competence and regulatory adaptability. Future research should consider additional factors affecting market innovation.

Effect of training and development on employee performance in Gaya local government, Kano state

2025-08-09T11:08:15+00:00

The employees in Gaya Local Government are performing diligently, while others are not performing well due to lack of training and other developmental facilities that will motivate them. This research was designed to assess the ‘Effect of Training and Development on Employees’ Performance in Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State. Training and development serves as the independent variable while employee’s performance serves as the dependent variable of the study. Sample sizes was obtained from Gaya LGA using Krejcie and Morgan's 1970 table of sample size determination as the focused respondents of the study out of a population of 793 out of which a sample size of 260 obtained. Simple Random Sampling technique was used, and a structured questionnaire items were adapted from previous works. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was employed in running
the data and testing the hypotheses. Multiple Regression was used to analyze the Effects of Training and Development on Employees Performance as the variables under investigation. The multiple regression analysis measured the effects of each of the dimensions/constructs against the dependent variable and identified the degree of the effect between the independent variable and the dependent variable. The result of the study indicates that training needs assessment and training programmes has significant and positive effect on employee performance in Gaya, Local Government Council. However, selection criteria, motivational effect and training evaluation has insignificant effect in Gaya Local Government. Therefore, based on these findings, it was recommended that the management of the Gaya local government should raise motivational effect and pay much attention to selection criteria and training evaluation so as to boost their productivity.

The effect of Government monetary policy on credit accessibility and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Obio-Akpor, Rivers State

2025-08-14T19:40:50+00:00

This study investigates the impact of government monetary policy on the growth of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, with particular emphasis on credit accessibility, financial stability, and enterprise development. The research focused on SMEs operating in Mgbuesilaru, Rumuoji, Elelenwo, Rumuekwe, Rumuobochi, and Nkpa. Primary data were obtained from 120 SME operators across various sectors, drawn from 280 distributed questionnaires. The findings indicate that SMEs face considerable difficulties in accessing credit, largely due to stringent loan conditions and high collateral requirements. Moreover, while government monetary policies have a moderate influence on the financial stability of SMEs, their overall effectiveness in stimulating business growth remains limited. The study recommends the introduction of more flexible lending terms, including reduced interest rates and extended repayment periods, to alleviate financial constraints and enhance the sustainability of SMEs.