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- ItemA Study of the Use of Honey and Ethno-biological Components in Nigerian Trado-medical Practices(2014) Ajao AM, Oladimeji YU, Babatunde SK, Obembe ATrado-medical practice variously referred to as ethno-medicine, folk medicine, native healing, and alternative medicine, is an ancient and culture-bound method of healing used against various diseases threatening human existence and survival. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of honey and other ethno-biological components in the treatment of different ailments in Kwara State, North central Nigeria. Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to collect information from 280 respondents (120 herb sellers and 160 trado-medical practitioners). The result revealed methods of remedies’ preparation such as infusion, decoction, maceration, extraction, squeezing, soaking, shredding, grinding/pounding, and drying while the mode of use include: drinking, chewing, licking, eating, and topical application. It was also observed that 20 plants and 6 animal products distributed across 18 and 5 families respectively were being used in combination with honey for the treatment of arthritis, toothache, cold, chronic cough, stomach ulcer, diabetes, wounds, hypertension, low sperm count, ear defect, rheumatism, malaria and infertility among others. The knowledge of trado-medical practices elicited could serve as a basis for further drug discovery, pharmacological research and bio-prospecting.
- ItemA Study of the Use of Honey and Ethno-biological Components in Nigerian Trado-medical Practices(British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, 2014) Ajao, Adeyemi Mufutau; Oladimeji, Y.U.; Babatunde, S. K.; Obembe, A.Trado-medical practice variously referred to as ethno-medicine, folk medicine, native healing, and alternative medicine, is an ancient and culture-bound method of healing used against various diseases threatening human existence and survival. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of honey and other ethno-biological components in the treatment of different ailments in Kwara State, North central Nigeria. Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to collect information from 280 respondents (120 herb sellers and 160 trado-medical practitioners). The result revealed methods of remedies’ preparation such as infusion, decoction, maceration, extraction, squeezing, soaking, shredding, grinding/pounding, and drying while the mode of use include: drinking, chewing, licking, eating, and topical application. It was also observed that 20 plants and 6 animal products distributed across 18 and 5 families respectively were being used in combination with honey for the treatment of arthritis, toothache, cold, chronic cough, stomach ulcer, diabetes, wounds, hypertension, low sperm count, ear defect, rheumatism, malaria and infertility among others. The knowledge of trado-medical practices elicited could serve as a basis for further drug discovery, pharmacological research and bio-prospecting.
- ItemABUNDANCE AND DIVERSITY OF NON-MOSQUITO INSECTS OF IMPORTANCE FOUND DURING MOSQUITO SURVEILLANCE IN SELECTED RURAL HOUSES IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA(2021) Abiodun ObembeABSTRACT: Insects control interventions in rural communities usually focus on malaria mosquitoes, neglecting other inimical entomological species. This study gives an account of abundance and diversity of non-mosquito insects of importance found during Pyrethrum Spray Collection (PSC) of endophilic mosquitoes in two rural communities in Kwara State, Nigeria. Non-mosquito insects found during mosquito surveillance in the two communities between August and October 2014 were collected and identified. Webbing clothes moths Tineola spp and Phorid flies Megaselia spp represented at least 20% of the non-mosquito insect species collected in each community. Phorid flies (28.8%), clothes moths (28.2%), silverfish Lepisma spp (38.7%) and carpenter ants Camponotus spp (4.3%) were found in both communities. Association of phorid flies with human myiasis and potential economic damage the cloth moth and silverfish could bring to scarcely available resources such as clothing and starch-based materials call for the sensitization of rural community residents on the economic importance of these insects. Indoor residual spraying of insecticides which is usually conducted against mosquitoes may as well control these other insects. However, improved housing and living conditions remain the permanent solution.
- ItemAcaricidal Efficacy of Cassia sieberiana DC (Caesalpinaceae) Stem Bark Aqueous Extract on Hyalomma KOCH, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) Reproductive Stages(Arid Zone Journal of Basic and Applied Research, 2025-02) Abdullahi A. Biu; Maimunatu A. Abdulkadir; Saidu I.Ngulde; ThankGod E. Onyiche; Umar A. Maina; Raliat Aliyu; Aliyu M. DanzariaOne of the most significant challenges facing tick control through chemical acaricides is resistance and environmental pollution, encouraging the need for natural plant products that are less toxic and environment friendly. This study was conducted to determine the acaricidal efficacy of Cassia sieberiana stem bark aqueous extract on Hyalomma species using immersion testing for egg-hatch inhibition and adult mortality. Both tests used ascending extract concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%, at durations of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 hours. Egg-hatch inhibition peaked at 5% concentration at 8hrs, 10% and 15% at 7 and 8hrs and 20% at 5, 6, 7 and 8hrs while adult mortality was highest at 20% concentration. There was a positive correlation between graded extract concentration, immersion period, egg-hatch inhibition and adult mortality. The LC50 values for adult mortality and egg hatch inhibition were 13.1 mg/mL and 13.7 mg/mL and coefficient of determination were y = 3.7x +1.5 and y = 3.062 + 8.12 respectively. Both LC50 values were almost similar indicating a strong association between extract concentration and acaricidal activity in vitro.
- ItemAnalysis of Risks in Honeybee Production Farms in Nigeria: A Boost to Food Security(Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences, 2019) Oladimeji, Y. U1.; Hassan, A. A.; Egwuma, H.; Sani, A. A.; Galadima, S. A.; Ajao, Adeyemi Mufutau.This paper focuses on achieving sustainable food security through analysis of risk in honeybee production farms and determines the risk behaviour of bee farmers in kebbi and kwara states of Nigeria. Primary data were obtained using structured questionnaires and interview. A multi-stage random sampling procedure was employed for selecting 148 respondents comprising 102 traditional bee farmers and 46 modern bee farmers. Descriptive statistics: mean, percentage, standard deviation, the coefficient of variation and, safety model was used to determine the risk attitude coefficient of bee farmers. The conditional distribution of the honey harvest probabilities per ha for a food secure and insecure was plotted against the poverty index using normal kernel cumulative density. Result revealed that risks in apiculture are related to socio-economic and production characteristics. The bulk of traditional bee farmers (57.8%) is categorized as risk neutral while the majority of modern bee farmers (67.4%) belong to risk preferring (with an index of 1.52). The results revealed that the set of significant explanatory variables and their sign vary across the traditional and modern groups. The coefficient for marital status, bee farming experience and family labour were statistically significant for traditional bee farmers. While education, investment, family labour and hired labour were statistically significant for modern bee farmers. Bee farmers are encouraged to form cooperative society and if already existing should liaise with relevant agencies such as the ministry of agriculture and agricultural insurance companies for training, workshops and seminars on the capacity to handle risk-taking into cognizance their socioeconomic and institutional traits.
- ItemASSESSMENT OF CONTRIBUTION OF APICULTURAL PRACTICES TO HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA(International Journal of cience and Nature, 2013) Ajao, Adeyemi Mufutau; Oladimeji, Y.U.Agriculture and biotechnology including beekeeping offers an unexploited succor capable of salvaging the people from abject hunger and poverty. Honey bee and its products are frequently used in diverse ways and contribute to agricultural development through crop pollination and income to farmers. The study examined contribution of apiculture practices to household income and poverty alleviation in Patigi and Irepodun areas of kwara State, Nigeria. A random sampling technique was used to select 120 bee farmers for the study. Primary data were obtained with the aid of structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Descriptive statistics, gross margin and OLS model were employed in data analysis. The results revealed that bee farmers were at productive age with mean age of 45 years. The literacy rate was very low while the bulk of the bee farmers had subsidiary occupations to supplement their income. Average net return per litre of honey produced ranges from ₦1200 to ₦1500 while average income per season per colony ranges from ₦7500 to ₦10000.The postulate explanatory variables explained 72.5% in the variation of volume of bee produced. However, all the explanatory variables included in the factors affecting bee farmer income explained 81.4% in the variations in income earned by bee farmer. Given the opportunity and amazing potentials for widening export base for apiculture in Kwara State, it was recommended that the government at all levels should provide social services and ensure that bee farmers are educated to ensure proper understanding of indices of bee production with attendance boost in honey.
- ItemBedbug (Cimex lectularius) infestation and its control practices in two selected settlements in ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria(2017) Oduola AO, Omotayo AI, Adelaja OJ, Obembe ABedbugs are cosmopolitan insects of public health importance. Their characteristic biting and blood feeding activities result in both physical symptoms and psychological distress in affected hosts. This study investigated the incidence of bedbug and control practices among students and indigenes living in two different settlements in Ilorin, Nigeria. Bedbug were surveyed and collected from household materials from fifty apartments randomly selected from each of the new and old student hostels and family houses in Tanke and Oja-Oba area of Ilorin. Bedbugs collected were persevered in 70 % alcohol and identified using taxonomic keys. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on respondent’s demography, perception about bedbug infestation and control practices in sampled houses in the study areas. Sampled data were analysis using percentages. Results from the survey revealed that the number of respondents with knowledge of bedbug was not significant (p>0.05) compared with those without. Family houses in indigenous Oja-Oba study location were the only site with bed-bug infestation. Higher numbers of bedbugs were collected on mattresses. Out of the 200 respondents, 20 (10 %) employed the use of chemical method in bedbug control and precisely, 12 (60 %) of these use a locally made formulation named otapiapia. The intensity of infestation in Oja-Oba and insignificant knowledge of bedbug among the respondents suggest the need to raise the level of public awareness and also canvass for an improved living conditions in the affected areas.
- ItemBee propolis as protectant of stored grains against insect pests’ damage in Kwara State, Nigeria(Technoscience Journal for Community Development in Africa, 2020) Ajao, Adeyemi Mufutau; Ojo, James Adebayo; Bamidele, Julius Akolawole; Oladimeji,Yussuf UthmanThe importance and widespread use of stored grains is potentially negated by insect pests and lack of efficient and environment friendly control methods. In this study we explored the use of propolis extracts as protectant of grains against damage caused by Sitophilus zeamais and Callosobruchus maculatus. Bee propolis collected from beehives was diluted with ethanol to obtain 0%, 10%, 30%, 50% and 100% concentrations. 5ml each of the concentrations of propolis extract was applied to 100 g each of maize and cowpea grains infested with 10 pairs of tenera maize weevil and cowpea weevil respectively in 250 cm3 kilner jar and left for 35 days. Each treatment was replicated four times and arranged in the laboratory using completely randomised design. Data were collected on percentage grain damage, weight loss and insect mortality. Bee propolis extract significantly reduced (P < 0.05) grain weight loss and damage, and enhanced insect mortality. The effectiveness of propolis extract was concentration-dependent. The phytochemical analysis of Apis mellifera propolis showed the presence of compound like phenol, flavonoid and tannin. Propolis extract application could be incorporated into integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
- ItemBendiocarb resistance and, kdr associated deltamethrin and DDT resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.l. populations from North Eastern Adamawa State, Nigeria(2021) Wahedi JA, Ande AT, Oduola AO and Obembe AAbstract: Timely and consistent insecticide resistance monitoring efforts are required for early planning of management strategies. Here, we present the first report on bendiocarb, deltamethrin and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) insecticide resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.l. populations from Adamawa, North Eastern Nigeria. Mosquitoes reared from larval collections were exposed to DDT (4%), bendiocarb (0.1%) and deltamethrin (0.05%) insecticides using standard WHO test kits and protocols. Species-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assays were used to determine the sibling species composition of the exposed mosquitoes while allele-specific PCR was used for kdr genotyping in the mosquitoes that survived after insecticide exposure. Mosquito populations from all the four study sites in Vimtim, Imburu, Muchala and Bachure were resistant (≤ 87% mortality) to DDT and deltamethrin insecticides. Mosquito populations exposed to bendiocarb showed suspected resistance in Vimtim and Imburu study sites and confirmed resistance in Muchala and Bachure sites respectively. Mosquitoes alive after deltamethrin, DDT and bendiocarb exposures were identified predominantly as An. coluzzii species (78.5 - 92%) compared to An. gambiae s.s (5.3 - 11%) and An. arabiensis (0 - 10.1%). All the 22 kdr positive mosquitoes collected were identified as An. coluzzii. Percentage occurrence of kdr alleles in the mosquito populations alive after deltamethrin and DDT exposures were 30% and 25% respectively. An. coluzzii (≥ 63%) was the predominant species identified in each study site compared to An. gambiae sensu stricto (s.s) (≤ 20%) and An. arabiensis (≤ 17.4%) species. The results of kdr associated pyrethroid resistance is a potential threat to the effectiveness of the currently deployed deltamethrin-impregnated bed-net campaigns in Adamawa state. Evidence of bendiocarb carbamate resistance also implies potential ineffectiveness of future bendiocarb Indoor Residual Spraying. The involvement of metabolic resistance mechanisms in the mosquitoes from these study sites should be investigated for proper insecticide resistance management.
- ItemBioaccumulation of Auto-Mechanic Wastes in the Tissues of Pellonula Afzeliusi (Johnels, 1954) Collected From Agba Stream Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria(2021) Adeyemi-Ale, O. A., Oladipo, S. O. and Abdulkareem, S. I.
- ItemCommunity knowledge and practices as regards malaria in Ilorin City: implications for the elimination plan of the National Malaria Elimination Program(2014) Abiodun Obembe, Adedayo Oduola, Kehinde Popoola, Adeyemi AjaoObjective: To examine malaria-related knowledge and practices among residents in Ilorin City to guide forthcoming malaria elimination action of the recently restructured Nigerian National Malaria Elimination Program. Methods: Community-wide cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2012 using pretested structured questionnaire and interview schedule to collect information on perception, prevention and treatment of malaria among the residents. Results: Majority of the respondents attributed malaria to mosquito bites and prevented the disease through multiple means including the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (60%), insecticide sprays (54%) and mosquito coils (48%) alternatively. All the respondents spraying insecticides in the bedrooms shortly before bed time stayed outdoors during night hours. Fifty three percent of the respondents treated the last malaria episode at the hospital/clinic, and the remaining (47%) employed self-medication. Only 6.1% of those who engaged in self-medication used artemisinin combination therapy drugs. Conclusions: Combined use of long-lasting insecticidal nets and insecticide sprays call for investigation of behavioural and physiological insecticide resistance in the mosquitoes present in this area. Night time outdoor staying behaviour mandated by spraying of insecticides and possible switch of the vectors to bite outdoor at early night hour also necessitate incorporation of outdoor mosquito control into the malaria elimination plan for this locality. Likewise, observation of selfmedication in spite of high literacy levels implies that campaigns against such practice may not yield the desired result unless quality healthcare service is made affordable and accessible to all.
- ItemComparative studies of the feeding capacity and preference of Aphyosemion gularis (Boulenger 1901) on some aquatic macroinvertebrates(2011) Okorie Anyaele, Abiodun ObembeBackground & objectives: An efficient larvivorous fish must show a predilection for mosquito larvae in the presence of alternative preys. This study compares the feeding capacity and preference of Aphyosemion gularis exposed to different kinds of aquatic macroinvertebrates. Methods: Various prey organisms such as Anopheles larvae and pupae, Culex larvae, chironomid larvae and ostracods were either singly and/or jointly presented at different densities to the fish and the number of prey consumed in 12 h light and dark periods were recorded. Results: The result showed that in terms of capacity and preference, the fish significantly consumed (p <0.05) more Anopheles larvae than pupae and more Anopheles larvae compared to Culex and chironomid larvae. It was also found that the fish preferred Culex larvae to chironomids larvae while significantly (p <0.05) more Anopheles larvae were consumed compared to the more abundant ostracods. Conclusion: The results indicate that A. gularis is adapted to feed more on Anopheles than Culex larvae on one hand and generally preferred mosquito larvae to non-mosquito macroinvertebrates. The implication of this observation is that the presence of other non-mosquito organisms considered in this study is unlikely to divert the attention of the fish from mosquito larvae, especially Anopheles larvae. The fact that the fish are able to feed on some of the non-mosquito organisms such as chironomids and ostracods, means that they can subsist on these organisms in the absence of mosquito larvae.
- ItemCross-Resistance between Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine and Other Antimalarial Drugs: A Study of Pregnant Women in Ilorin Kwara State Nigeria(2025-03-10) Obaniyi K AAntimalarial resistance remains a serious problem in malaria-endemic regions, particularly in pregnant women, who are likely to suffer from complications. The research evaluates the resistance to commonly employed antimalarial medications—Chloroquine, Artesunate, and Arthether—among pregnant women in Ilorin, Nigeria, at different trimesters and during delivery. Cross-sectional study was conducted among 253 pregnant women presenting at antenatal clinics within Ilorin, Kwara State. Venous blood from study participants in different pregnancy stages (first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, and upon delivery) were drawn. Schizont maturation inhibition method was used in the drug susceptibility test to establish resistance to Chloroquine, Artesunate, and Arthether. Chloroquine resistance prevalence was moderately low at varying levels of between 7.9% upon delivery and 12.2% in the second trimester. Resistance against Artesunate, however, rose progressively as pregnancy advanced up to 60.0% in the third trimester, suggesting loss of drug effectiveness toward the end of pregnancy. Arthether resistance was variable, with the highest prevalence in the first (43.0%) and second (33.8%) trimesters, dropping to 0% during the third trimester, then rising again to 38.1% at delivery. Crossresistance evaluation showed a high positive correlation between SP resistance and Artesunate resistance during the first (OR = 2.53, p = 0.007) and second trimesters (OR = 2.19, p = 0.043), which suggests shared resistance mechanisms. In contrast, SP resistance was reversely associated with Chloroquine resistance at the second trimester (OR = 0.43, p = 0.021) and at delivery (OR = 0.27, p = 0.042), demonstrating that individuals resistant to SP were less resistant to Chloroquine. The findings prove evidence of enhanced resistance to Artesunate, particularly as gestation age increases, making its usage among pregnant women challenging. Cross-resistance between SP and Artesunate increases the need for continued caution and possible alteration of treatment of malaria in pregnant women. Other treatment regimens to manage malaria in pregnancy effectively should be the focus of future research.
- ItemDeterminant of Rural Household Poverty Nexus Fuel Consumption among Fisherfolks in Kwara State, Nigeria(Journal of Scientific Research & Reports, 2015-05-02) Oladimeji, Y.U.; Abdulsalam, Z; Ajao, Adeyemi Mufutau; Adepoju, S.A.The study examined rural households’ fuel consumption pattern in Kwara State, Nigeria. Primary data using a structured questionnaire and interview were administered to select randomly 110 rural farming households. The result revealed a link between forests, agricultural production and poverty as about 79% of sampled respondents titled towards using biomass for their energy sources. About three-fifth (63%) of the rural fishery households could be considered to have a low energy expenditure pattern because they fell below energy poverty line of ₦640 ($4.05) per adult equivalent per month. Result also estimated the log-likelihood ratio to be ˗28.7, the adjusted R-2 of 0.557 implies that the explanatory variables were collectively able to explain about 56% of the total variation in energy consumption pattern among the rural households. The study recommend designing more economical, efficient and less pollutants cooking stoves and lighting equipment that uses local bio-fuels (renewable) and harnessing modern energy source to supplement the use of biomass for rural farming households to reduce energy poverty level.
- ItemDifferential Behaviour of Endophilic Anopheles Mosquitoes in Rooms Occupied by Tobacco Smokers and Non-smokers in Two Nigerian Villages(2018) Obembe A, Popoola KOK, Oduola AO, Awolola STThe behavioural effect of tobacco smoke on endophilic Anopheles mosquitoes was observed in two North Central Nigerian villages. Pyrethrum spray and exit trap collections of mosquitoes were conducted, between April and November 2014, in two different villages where tobacco smoking was common among the residents. Anopheles mosquito samples collected were identified to sibling species level using species-specific polymerase chain reaction. Presence of human blood in the blood-fed mosquitoes was determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Numbers of mosquitoes collected from the rooms inhabited by tobacco smokers and non-smokers were compared using Student’s t-test (p<0.05). At least four times higher exit rates, five times less gravid females and significantly lower numbers of An. gambiae s.l mosquitoes were found in rooms inhabited by tobacco smokers compared to equal sized rooms occupied by non-smokers in each village. Blood feeding rates (77-88%) and human blood indices (0.82-0.87) of mosquitoes were generally high in the habitations of both tobacco smokers and non-smokers. There was predominance of An. gambiae (≥ 86%) species compared to An. coluzzii (≤ 14%) in both villages. Reduced mosquito endophily was observed in the habitations of tobacco smokers compared to the non-smokers. Widespread tobacco smoking habits should be investigated for possible contributions to mosquito behavioural resistance and residual malaria parasite transmission within rural communities.
- ItemDNA barcoding and species delimitation of butterflies (Lepidoptera) from Nigeria.(2020-12) Nneji, L. M., Adeola, A. C., Ayoola, A. O., Oladipo, S.O., Wang, Y.-Y., Malann, Y. D., Anyaele, O., Nneji, I. C., Rahman, M. M., & Olory, C. SAccurate identification of species is a prerequisite for successful biodiversity management and further genetic studies. Species identification techniques often require both morphological diagnostics and molecular tools, such as DNA barcoding, for correct identification. In particular, the use of the subunit I of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COI) gene for DNA barcoding has proven useful in species identification for insects. However, to date, no studies have been carried out on the DNA barcoding of Nigerian butterflies. We evaluated the utility of DNA barcoding applied for the first time to 735 butterfly specimens from southern Nigeria. In total, 699 DNA barcodes, resulting in a record of 116 species belonging to 57 genera, were generated. Our study sample comprised 807 DNA barcodes based on sequences generated from our current study and 108 others retrieved from BOLD. Different molecular analyses, including genetic distance-based evaluation (Neighbor-Joining, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian trees) and species delimitation tests (TaxonDNA, Automated Barcode Gap Discovery, General Mixed Yule-Coalescent, and Bayesian Poisson Tree Processes) were performed to accurately identify and delineate species. The genetic distance-based analyses resulted in 163 well-separated clusters consisting of 147 described and 16 unidentified species. Our findings indicate that about 90.20% of the butterfly species were explicitly discriminated using DNA barcodes. Also, our field collections reported the first country records of ten butterfly species—Acraea serena, Amauris cf. dannfelti, Aterica galena extensa, Axione tjoane rubescens, Charaxes galleyanus, Papilio lormieri lormeri, Pentila alba, Precis actia, Precis tugela, and Tagiades flesus. Further, DNA barcodes revealed a high mitochondrial intraspecific divergence of more than 3% in Bicyclus vulgaris vulgaris and Colotis evagore. Furthermore, our result revealed an overall high haplotype (gene) diversity (0.9764), suggesting that DNA barcoding can provide information at a population level for Nigerian butterflies. The present study confirms the efficiency of DNA barcoding for identifying butterflies from Nigeria. To gain a better understanding of regional variation in DNA barcodes of this biogeographically complex area, future work should expand the DNA barcode reference library to include all butterfly species from Nigeria as well as surrounding countries. Also, further studies, involving relevant genetic and eco-morphological datasets, are required to understand processes governing mitochondrial intraspecific divergences reported in some species complexes.
- ItemDNA Barcoding Silver Butter Catfish (Schilbe intermedius) Reveals Patterns of Mitochondrial Genetic Diversity Across African River Systems.(2020) Nneji L.M. Adeola A.C., Mustapha M.K., Oladipo S.O. , Djagoun Chabi A.M.S., Nneji I.C., Adedeji B.E., Olatunde O., Ayoola A.O., Okeyoyin A.O