BACKGROUND: Even though maternal mortality, which is a pregnancy-related death is preventable, it has continued to increase in many nations of the world, especially in the African countries of the sub-Saharan regions caused by factors which include a low level of socioeconomic development. AIM: This paper focuses on cogent issues affecting maternal mortality by unpacking its precipitating factors and examining the maternal health care system in Nigeria. METHODS: Contemporary works of literature were reviewed, and the functionalist perspective served as a theoretical guide to examine the interrelated functions of several sectors of the society to the outcome of maternal mortality. RESULTS: It was noted that apart from the medical related causes (direct and indirect) of maternal mortality, certain socio-cultural and socioeconomic factors influence the outcome of pregnancy. Also, a poor health care system, which is a consequent of weak social structure, is a contributing factor. CONCLUSION: As a result, maternal mortality has debilitating effects on the socioeconomic development of any nation. It is therefore pertinent for the government to improve maternal health and eradicate poverty to ensure sustainable development.

The impact of the interaction of governance and information and communication technologies (ICT) adoption on food security in West Africa is investigated in this study. The study engaged the system generalised method of moments (GMM) approach on a panel data of 15 West African countries. The data used for the study are obtained from the world development indicators (WDI) and world governance indicators (WGI), for the period 2005 to 2018. The findings show that good governance (government effectiveness and efficient anti-corruption control) can boost food security by between 12% and 20%. Furthermore, the findings show that a 1% rise in ICT adoption may boost food security by 12% to 15%. In explaining the level of food security, the relationship between governance and ICT adoption is positive and significant. This implies that ICT and governance (government effectiveness) interaction may have about 15% positive influence on food security, while ICT and control of corruption interaction may positively influence the level of food security by 8%. The study concludes by recommending that to enhance food security in West Africa, effectiveness in governance and ICT adoption are crucial.

BACKGROUND: Preventable deaths resulting from the scourge of breast cancer has become alarming and worrisome in many societies in developing countries, including Nigeria. Of much concern is the fact that breast cancer has continued to claim the precious lives of young, middle-aged, old, educated and non-educated women irrespective of their religion, socio-economic background and socio-demographic characteristics. AIM: This study attempts to ascertain the knowledge and attitudes of women to breast cancer in Ogun State, Nigeria. METHODS: The study adopts both primary and secondary data sources to examine the level of knowledge and attitude of women towards breast cancer with the view of suggesting probable solutions and recommendations for policy. RESULTS: The result indicates that the awareness about breast cancer is overwhelming but only few women know about mammography; women in older age are 0.193 times less likely to attend breast cancer screening (p=0.000). Older women with secondary education that are either self-employed outside the home or full-time housewives are unfavourably disposed to breast cancer screening. CONCLUSION: The authors recommend that concerned stakeholders in the health sector and policy decision makers should intensify action on cancer programmes and campaigns that could target older women especially housewives and women in middle level education.

Whenever the term "Gender" is mentioned, many readily attribute it to the womenfolk who, in many societies, are challenged and often put in a disadvantaged position concerning the men. As a result, many women empowerment programs are being championed to cushion the effects of this subjugation on women. This paper attempts to look into gender and understand what has been in existence concerning gender roles, especially for females, and how it contributes to development. It is also important to note that development is not something that happens in space or the product of eventualities but a concrete phenomenon that requires all to achieve. There is a specific role to play by both men and women to attain African development. Therefore, gender issues with all that relates to it can impinge on societal development. The secondary data collection was used by empirically engaging literature and British council report in tracing how Gender inequality began to be perceived. The study applied the theory of recognition by Axel Honneth and the functionalist approach in explaining the issues of gender and how it can engender development if adequately handled. It was discovered that if both genders are correctly appreciated with each playing their role, not discriminating or demeaning any position, the resultant effect will not only result in development; instead, sustainable development will be attained.

BACKGROUND: Most African societies have no tradition of idealized celibacy or voluntary childlessness. Although the norms on parenthood are changing, adults are customarily expected to marry and bear children. AIM: This study examined the perceived value of children among infertile couples in Kwara South, Nigeria. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven infertile couples recruited through snowball sampling technique. Data were organized using ATLAS.ti 8 and analyzed by thematic analysis. RESULTS: The study revealed that perceptions of the value of children are embedded in sociocultural norms and are strongly linked to religion, patriarchy, and the need for family/marriage sustainability. Childbearing was perceived as the fulfillment of divine injunction; as such, children were regarded as divine. While women believed children are sources of fulfillment and balanced life, most men saw them as life itself. Boys are collectively thought to ensure lineage security and confer honor and prestige on men. A child is believed to give women a permanent seat in marriage. CONCLUSIONS: These insights on the values of children within the Nigerian cultural context can be inculcated in programs and services targeted at alleviating the effect of infertility on childless couples. Innovative cultural programs that will increase the worth of the girl child are also encouraged.

This article examines the linkage between university education, academic performance, and industry relevance among graduates of a Nigerian Private University in Ogun State, Southwest, Nigeria. Multiple research methods, including existing records from secondary sources and In-depth interviews, were used for the primary data collection. Existing record on students' academic performance obtained from the University's Center for Systems and Information (CSIS) for all academic programs in the two colleges sampled: College of Development Studies (CDS) and College of Science and Technology (CST) in the University was complemented by In-depth interviews of academic advisers and heads of department across the programs in addition to the data from the University's Alumni office on present places of employment of the graduates within the stipulated period (2006-2018). The study found that the female graduates' excellent academic performance across various programs did not reflect in industry relevance in terms of visibility in the economy's critical formal sectors compared to their male counterparts. The study recommends the need for female graduates' urgent pragmatic steps to maximize the benefits of career opportunities by translating the same into paid employment.

Introduction The coronavirus pandemic outbreak is wreaking much havoc across the globe, with many nations shutting down their economy and social life with the hope of flattening the curve while health practitioners are also gearing efforts in providing a cure for it. Part of the coronavirus challenges is the various spiritual undertones attributed to it in many quarters. Hence, this study seeks to understand the various spiritual undertones attributed to the coronavirus incidence in southwest Nigeria. Methodology This paper examined the coronavirus pandemic and spirituality sociologically in southwest Nigeria, using secondary and primary data. Secondary data includes a review of literature, social media comments, official records, and newspaper reports. Primary data entails using google form (questionnaire) circulated via social media with 221 responses retrieved and analyzed using the frequency distribution tables and bar charts. Also, a one-sample t-test was used for further statistical analysis. Results Findings show that rather than attributing coronavirus incidence to spirituality alone, most of the respondents also see it as a public health concern, and precautionary measures should adhere. They see the government ban on social gathering, which affected the religious houses as the right thing to do and not solely targeted as religious houses. However, most believe that religious houses provide 'essential' emotional and spiritual support to the people. Respondents also believe they can get their healing from their place of worship even if infected with the coronavirus. Conclusion Based on the findings it was recommended that religious organizations should source valid data so that policy-makers can make informed decisions. Also, there is a need to have an accurate record of the number of infected persons and death rates to know the right time to ease lockdown and lift the social gathering measures. There should also be a place for easy and free testing for people. This will help the government ascertain the number of infected persons, reduce the associated fear with the pandemic, and lessen the people's economic, social, and religious effects.

The development of megamalls in Nigeria and other developing nations has witnessed tremendous impact, giving people choices of places for goods reasonably and relatively affordable. Women have been at the forefront of shopping activities due to their presence more at the shopping malls. This study aims to ascertain gender differences in lifestyles and perceptions of mall patrons in Ibadan, Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design with 216 respondents accidentally selected from 5 shopping malls in the Ibadan metropolis. Descriptive statistics of frequency distribution table was used for analysis, while independent sample t-test was used for further statistical analysis. Findings reveal that even though men visit the malls, it is more for recreational activities, while women, on the other hand, view shopping malls as a to purchase goods, meet new people, and enjoy the beautiful ambience it offers. This reveals an average level perception of megamalls by its users. Furthermore, a significant difference was found between male and female shopping malls patronage. The mall is also seen as more of a recreational centre for social interaction and leisure activities than a commercial ABOUT THE AUTHOR