Perspective: big oil, rural poverty, and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is richly endowed with both renewable and non-renewable natural resources. It contains 20 billion of Africa's proven 66 billion barrels of oil reserves and more than 3 trillion cubic meters of gas reserves. Oil and gas resources of the Niger Delta account for over 85% of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP), over 95% of the national budget, and over 80% of the nation's wealth.

The oil rich Niger Delta region: a framework for improved performance of the Nigerian regulatory process.

The adoption of this policy framework has the ability to reconcile industry, the environment and community interests, taking into account all factors that are relevant to managing developments that are both sustainable and contributory to the achievement of industrial and community stability. The management of resource development is crucial in sustaining the Niger Delta ecosystem and the human population resident in the Niger Delta region. If these separate bodies are constituted they would have the potential to reduce and discourage: i) the vulnerability of the regulatory body to influential and powerful multinational oil companies; ii) the proclivity for unaccountability to the people of the Niger Delta region, since the people of the Niger Delta would have access to the regulatory body's classified and unclassified information, and are part of the decision-making process; and iii) a reduction in conflict between the oil mining companies and the aggrieved youths of the oil rich Niger Delta region.

Male and female viewpoints on female circumcision in Ekpeye, Rivers State, Nigeria.

One hundred and ninety five male and female volunteers across the social strata were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using frequency tables. The study revealed that 74.

Comparative analysis of parents' and teachers' view points on contraceptive practice among adolescents in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

The study compares the viewpoint of parents and teachers on contraceptive practice by sexually active adolescents in the study environment The instrument for the study was a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Data was analysed using frequency counts and chi-square statistical test of significance (P = .05).

Parents' viewpoint on reproductive health and contraceptive practice among sexually active adolescents in the Port Harcourt local government area of Rivers State, Nigeria.

The viewpoint of parents on reproductive health, specifically their attitude towards contraceptive use among sexually active adolescent daughters and general opinion on adolescent pregnancy, was examined. A sample survey of parents of pregnant adolescents in Port Harcourt was conducted. A greater proportion (79.

Post primary school teachers' view point on reproductive health and contraceptive practice among schoolgirls in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

The view point of secondary school teachers on reproductive health, specifically, their attitude towards contraceptive practice among sexually active schoolgirls and general opinion on teenage pregnancy was examined. A sample survey of teachers was conducted in all the registered girls and mixed post primary schools in Port Harcourt. A substantial proportion of teachers were of the opinion that sexually active schoolgirls should not be encouraged to use contraceptives because they damage reproductive organs.

Exploration of the frontiers of tradomedical practices: basis for development of alternative medical healthcare services in developing countries.

The study is a brief exploration of the functions and roles of the traditional healers in the total health care delivery system as a basis for tapping the salient features of this age old art: for the purpose of refining, and establishing it as an alternative medical health-care service. The investigation is considered relevant particularly in the developing countries where, in addition to the dearth of orthodox medical services, institutions and personnel, it is relatively cheaper, socio-culturally accessible and acceptable. Refining and developing some aspects of the traditional healers' services will serve the interest of the health consumers whose main concern is with service and not the source.

CALCIUM-CONTAINING CRYSTALS IN TELFAIRIA HOOKER (CUCURBITACEAE).

Polarized light and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine the distribution, location and form of crystals in the leaves, probracts, stems, flowers and seed-coats of Telfairia pedata (Sims) Hooker and T. occidentalis Hooker fil. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis showed that calcium is the primary crystal cation.

Major barriers to effective delivery of health services in Nigeria.

Major barriers to effective delivery of health services associated with health service organizations, professionals, and care recipients in Nigeria are reviewed. Discussed are: lack of health planning efforts by health agencies; problems of health services accessibility; poor public health image; and inadequate health manpower and training programs. Remedies suggested include comprehensive health planning and consumer involvement in community health decision-making.