Constant electricity supply enhances smooth running and performances of SMEs. However, electricity outages in Nigeria have been identified as one of the factors hindering SMEs’ performance. This study aimed at exploring the impact of electricity outages on the operations and contributions of SMEs to Nigeria economy. Hence, the study evaluated the impacts of electricity supply on the growth of SMEs in Nigeria. It analysed the hindrances that deficient electricity supply could have on the growth and development of SMEs. Survey method was employed to administer structured questionnaires to 110 SMEs operators in three local government areas of Mainland, Shomolu and Agege in Lagos state, Nigeria. Descriptive statistics was utilised to analyse the collected data. A chi square method was used to test the formulated hypothesis. Findings revealed that electricity outages have significant effects on SMEs in Nigeria. The study recommends among other things that, state and local governments should join hands with federal government in generating electricity to ensure stable electricity supply; cost-benefit back-up generating plant is also recommended to keep business operative.
The role of mass media, especially television, is pivotal during electioneering as it brings to the society information that relate to the election. By so doing, it successfully shapes the opinions and attitudes of society members towards political candidates and parties. In order to gain an insight into the various roles that the media play during electioneering, the study reviewed various published research studies on the role of the media in setting news agenda. Agenda-setting theory was used to clarify who set the agenda between the media and political parties. The findings from the content analysis of the reviewed literature provided a comprehensive and detailed discourse of media effect on society during electioneering. The study concluded that the more the emphasis on a news item, the more the electorates will regard the issue as significant and consequently act (effect) as directed by the news item. The study recommends non-partisan political news coverage by mass media that give equal chance to political parties.
Arguments have emanated on the roles of conventional media in the strengthening of democracy, good governance, and human development in a democratic society. This study discussed and evaluated the conventional media role as the "fourth estate of the realm" by functioning as defenders, watchdogs and providers of accurate information in a democratic society. Social Responsibility Theory, a version of free press theory, was used to underpin the study by providing examples of how the media's actions can affect a democratic society. The study adopted a meta-analysis approach by reviewing numerous published research studies to clarify the role of conventional media as the fourth estate. The content analysis of the reviewed literature revealed that conventional news media roles as check and balance, watch-dogs and adversary have been jeopardised. New media is now strengthened with the ability to displace conventional media as "the fourth estate".
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