This study examines the contributions of socio-cultural factors towards promoting informal cross-border flows between international borders dividing Nigeria and Niger republic. It did so by focusing on the micro zone of Illela (Nigeria) and Birni N’Konni (Niger republic).The study discovered that, despite colonial division, both communities still retain their socio-cultural values and still employ it in fostering their relations outside the official circle. The research concluded that if adequately utilised, informal cross-border flows between the two communities can be used to build a security network beyond the official realm.
Anthropogenic activities inducing the accumulation of trace elements in Madaka village (between latitudes 6°00' E and 7°00' E, and 10°00' N and 10°04' N longitudes) of Rafi Local Government Area (Kagara, Niger State, Nigeria) have claimed many lives in the past. This study evaluated the accumulation of heavy metals and minerals in Butryospermum paradoxum and Parkia biglobosa and their soil rhizosphere at the lead polluted site around Madaka village of Rafi Local Government Area (Kagara, Niger State, Nigeria). Lead, arsenic, pH, nitrogen (%), organic carbon (%), organic matter (%), P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, N and cation exchange capacity were determined. Results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the Pb content in the soil from control (3.13 ± 1.010 mg/kg) and polluted sites (12.71 ± 1.010 mg/kg), and in the seeds of Butryospermum paradoxum from control (3.80 ± 0.09 mg/kg) and polluted sites (13.10 ± 0.10 mg/kg). A significant (p < 0.05) difference was also observed between the Pb content in Parkia biglobosa seeds from the control site (2.50 ± 0.10 mg/kg) and from the polluted site (14.10 ± 1.10 mg/kg). Overall, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the nutrient contents among all samples analysed. A significantly high concentration of Pb and As in these plants around the lead polluted site poses a great health concern. This calls for the public’s attention, both governmental and non-governmental organisations, to intervene by creating awareness of the likelihood of their bioconcentration in humans and animals that consume these plants.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.