Rising costs of living in Nigeria without cushioning measures have escalated the spate of trade disputes in the health sector. Specifically, this study examined the ways national minimum wage policy, contribute to trade disputes in selected teaching hospitals in Southeast, Nigeria. Conflict theory provided the framework, while descriptive design was employed. A sample of 625 respondents was selected from a population of 4912 using multi-stage technique. First, Anambra and Enugu states were randomly selected. Second, systematic approach was utilised, and third, proportionate sample was adopted to select the total sample. In addition, eight (8) in-depth interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data from two experienced medical practitioners in each of the four teaching hospitals. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square at P<0.05. Qualitative data were content-analysed. The study revealed that inadequate minimum wage reviews and government's unwillingness to ensuring smooth enforcement and implementations of minimum wage policy triggered health sector's agitations. There is need for periodic review of minimum wage in order to control inflation rate, thereby checkmating health sector's agitations.

Globally, stock market crisis is a recurrent phenomenon to which Nigeria is not immune. The 2017 stock market crisis in Nigeria continues to affect the domestic investment profile. Previous studies on stock markets have focused largely on economic growth and foreign investors, neglecting the social dimensions of stock market crises. Therefore, this study examined domestic investors' socioeconomic experiences during the 2017 stock market crisis in Lagos, Nigeria. The Planned Behaviour Theory provided the framework, while a descriptive design was employed. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were utilised to select three stockbroking firms and regulatory agencies based on their professional knowledge of stock market operations. Forty in-depth interviews were conducted, fourteen with clients of Cowry Assets Management Limited, thirteen with clients of Future review Financial Services Limited, and thirteen with clients of Greenwich Trust Limited. Six case studies were conducted, with two clients from each of the three selected stockbroking firms. Additionally, nine key informant interviews were conducted: three with staff from Nigerian Exchange Limited, three with staff from Securities and Exchange Commission, and one stockbroker from each of the three selected stockbroking firms. Data were content-analysed. During the 2017 stock market crisis, domestic investors had negative socioeconomic experiences, including loss of lives and friendships, and disruption of marriages leading to separation, divorce and social order upheavals. The crisis caused socioeconomic disruptions that affected lifestyles and well-being among domestic investors. Transparency in the market is necessary to restore investors' confidence.

This paper examines the involvement and participation of age-grades in community development in the southeastern part of Nigeria. It is a known truism that many rural communities in southeast Nigeria just like many other rural in different parts of the country suffer massive underdevelopment as a result of successive governments' lack of interest in developing the rural areas. Even when they do, it is not usually in consultation with the local people in terms of the kind of projects and infrastructures they need most in their communities. As a result, most times you find development projects that do not have any direct impact on the lives of the people. Different communities therefore resort to self-help in bringing development to their communities and age-grades remain one of the groups that are actively involved in community development in southeast Nigeria. This study focuses on the factors that give impetus to the involvement of age-grades in community development, roles that age-grades play in community development, challenges that age-grades face as a result of their involvement in community development, and measures that can be put in place to ensure continued strong participation of age-grades in community development in southeast Nigeria. The methodology used in this work is essentially descriptive. The theoretical framework for this study is role theory (functionalist approach). The study contends that some of the factors that encourage involvement of age-grades in community development in southeast Nigeria include; sense of identity, recognition and traditional titles, political relevance, lack of development, and replication of what is in place in the cities. Some of the roles that age-grades carry out in community development include, fund raising for development projects, conception, mobilization and implementation of self-help projects, conflict resolution, assisting the less privileged, and encouraging illustrious sons and daughters to bring their investments home. Some of the challenges confronting age-grades include, religious bias, poor funding, abandoned projects, poor leadership, division and lack of unity. Based on these findings, the study recommends amongst others that government should endeavor to partner with age-grades to promote community development. Also, traditional rulers should create awareness on the positive roles of the age-grade in development.

This paper extrapolates a critical exposition of rationalisation theory in Nigeria's political system as expounded in the works of Max Weber. Rationalisation has become a pivotal theoretical postulation in sociological parlance of understanding virtually all aspect of human society. Rationalisation has received global acceptance for being the outcome of scientific and technological advancement. This paper reviewed the application of rationalisation theory in Nigeria's political system with particular reference to the 1999 obnoxious constitution which the Military Government foisted on Nigerians prior to their exit from politics of governance in 1999. The 1999 constitution has many lacunae as it failed to address salient issues bothering on devolution of power, state creation, resource control, true federalism, restructuring and power rotation. The article being a theoretical paper, relied solely on secondary data. The theory of rationalisation has no doubt contributed immensely in massive development and industrialization of cities. Rationalisation is found wanting among other things for bringing about great dehumanization to mankind. Corrupt and selfish politicians have capitalized on the flaws in 1999 constitution to exploit the Nigerian masses as propounded by Karl Marx. The criticisms notwithstanding, rationalisation is of immeasurable significance as it offers a broad-based approach covering every aspect of human endeavours. Corruption, nepotism and lacunae in 1999 constitution posed serious threats to the development and corporate existence of Nigeria. These gave rise to agitations for self-determination by various groups in Nigeria. There is great need for Nigeria to jettison the 1999 constitution and adopt a new people oriented constitution.

Malaria remains a major health challenge in Nigeria despite efforts at reducing its prevalence. Previous studies on malaria focused mainly on the biomedical aspects. However, little is known about the role of faith-based organisations in malaria management. Health Belief Model (HBM) provided the framework explaining mothers understanding of malaria illness, while exploratory and descriptive designs were utilized. The study was conducted among selected mothers of under-five children in Osogbo using the qualitative method comprising twelve focus group discussions (FGDs); six among mothers 15-35years (three each among literates and non-literates); six among mothers 35years and above (three each among literates and non-literates mothers). Qualitative data were content analysed. Malaria treatment behaviour of the mothers was a complex process, assisted by faith-based organisations through the provision of insecticides treated net (ITNs), awareness campaigns, routine immunization of pregnant mothers, and more. However, hording militated against the effective use of ITNs by mothers in malaria management. This finding corroborates common understanding that faith-based organisations play important role in malaria management by actually providing biomedically accepted resources which led to the reduction of mosquito spread, hence increases the chances of the survival of both children and mothers. Therefore, increased collaboration between government and faith-based organisations is needed to improve malaria management facilities and avail mothers with appropriate education on malaria management strategies to reduce complications from malaria.