The study examined the socio-demographic factors affecting access to and utilization of social welfare services in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted to select 570 respondents from the study area. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were adopted in the selection of communities, and respondents. The quantitative data were analyzed using frequency distribution tables and percentages, while chi-square statistic was used to determine the relationship between socio-demographic variables and access to and utilization of social welfare services. The qualitative data were analyzed in themes as a complement to the quantitative data. This study reveals that although all the respondents reported knowing available social welfare services, 44.3% reported not having access to existing social services due to factors connected to serendipity variables, such as terrain condition, ethnicity and knowing someone in government. Therefore, the study recommends that the government and other stakeholders should push for the massive delivery of much-needed social welfare services to address the issue of welfare service deficit across the nation, irrespective of the ethnic group and whether the community is connected to the government of the day or not, primarily in rural areas.

Agricultural productivity has remained central to the gross domestic product (GDP) in Nigeria for several decades. However, the decline in the agricultural sector after the discovery of oil and gas resources is a serious challenge. The government has initiated several policies to rejuvenate agricultural productivity. Little attention has been given to the exploration of policy implementation for fish farming and aquaculture as an integral part of agribusiness in the country. The World Bank asserts that the yearly demand for fish is 3.4 million metric tons (i.e., 40%) is locally produced and the remaining 60% is supplied through importation of fish. Therefore, the primary objective of this paper is to re-assess policy implementation to explore and expand the potential of fish farming in Nigeria to address abject poverty and high unemployment rates. This can be achieved when a shift of attention is given to small- and medium-scale businesses, and consequentially achieve sustainable agribusiness and socio-economic development in the country. This study used library-based research and content analysis as its methodology, wherein secondary data were used to review different aspects that can foster fish farming in the country. The findings from the content analysis of the study demonstrated that in order to achieve domestic production and stop the importation of fish, there is a need for the establishment of nothing less than 400,000 fish farming across the country. The paper highlighted various types and techniques for breeding, rearing, and harvesting fish by strengthening their effectiveness and efficiency. This study emphasized the vital importance of technology, such as reliable energy facilities, solar energy, and solar irrigation, in reducing the cost of diesel in powering generators to maximize fish investment. The limitations of this study are highlighted, and SWOT analysis (i.e., strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) in fish farming is elaborated. It is suggested that the implementation of policies to support farmers in general and fish farmers in particular, such as the provision of credit loans and other fish feeds for sustainable agribusiness and socio-economic development, occupies a central climax of this research.

The increasing epileptic electricity supply, mainly in the residential areas of Nigerian cities, has been linked to the incorrect knowledge of the numerous socio-economic and physical indices that influence household electricity usage. Most of the seemingly identified explanatory factors were done at macro level which does not give a clear estimate of this electricity demand. The thrust of the study is to analyse empirically the household electricity determinants in Nigerian cities with a view to evolving a more informed and sustainable energy policy decision. Multistage area cluster sampling method was adopted in the study where 769 copies of structured questionnaire were distributed to electricity users of prepaid meters in five major Nigerian cities. The research hypothesis was tested using the multiple linear regression statistical tool. The result revealed that nine variables which include age (r = 0.05, p-value: 0.05), household income (r = 0.00, p-value: 0.05), number of hours that people stay outside the house (r = 0.043, p-value: 0.05), number of teenagers at home, (r = 0.006, p-value: 0.01) number of electrical appliances (r = 0.016, p-value: 0.01), type of house (r = 0.012, p-value: 0.01), hours that the electrical appliances are used (r = 0.043, p-value: 0.05), weather condition, (r = 0.011, p-value: 0.05) and the location of the building (r = 0.045, p-value: 0.05) were significant in determining the household electricity consumption. Policies based on the findings will give energy and urban planners an empirical basis for accurate and robust forecasting of the determinants that influence household electricity consumption in Nigeria that is devoid of any speculation or unfounded predictions.

The impact of the coronavirus outbreak was seen all over the world in all sectors. In the case of Bangladesh, it was not free of threats. Like all other sectors, the economic, social, and educational sectors were under serious threat. This study examined the effects of COVID-19 on the lives of Bangladeshi students, with a particular focus on their idealized portrayals of plans, daily routines, social interactions, and mental well-being. This research also investigated the influence of COVID-19 on education, social life, and other sectors and how the government was dealing with this unprecedented situation and these elevation challenges. A mixed-methods approach was adopted for this research. A total of 90 students from Bangladeshi higher educational institutions were taken as a sample size using the random sampling method. SPSS software was used for data analysis. The study’s quantitative results showed that Bangladeshi students faced challenges related to teaching, learning, and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the study revealed that the pandemic adversely affected higher education in Bangladesh. Rebels and concerned citizens from all parts of the state must work together to move forward. COVID-19 has had a natural effect on education and almost every other field. The need for social distancing has pushed the education system to change because of social distancing. Many educational institutions worldwide have shuttered their campuses and relocated their teaching and learning online.

This article emphasizes the importance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and large companies in driving economic growth. SMEs are labour-intensive and agile, creating more jobs, while large companies are capital-intensive and rely on technology, having more resources for research and development. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, SMEs contribute significantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and job opportunities, while large companies dominate specific sectors. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach using an extensive literature review to summarize the current literature, highlight the economic impact of SMEs and large companies in GCC, and highlight the importance of large companies in developing local citizens. Policy-makers must consider these differences to integrate these dynamic changes for effective support policies. This study examines the economic impact of SMEs and large companies in the GCC region, providing recommendations to support large businesses. It addresses challenges and opportunities related to employment, household earnings, economic output, and value addition. Promoting the economic impact of SMEs and large companies can lead to sustainable economic growth and development in the GCC region. Also, this article pointed out the importance of large companies and their economic impact in the GCC region; policy recommendations will help the governing bodies in decision-making towards promoting sustainable economic growth.