Journal of Good Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa

Legal and Societal Considerations in Determining Child Custody Arrangements During Divorce Proceedings in Nigeria

Majebi Samuel Amune — 2025-03-20

Child custody arrangements during divorce proceedings in Nigeria are shaped by a complex interplay of legal frameworks and deeply rooted societal norms. The determination of child custody arrangements during divorce proceedings is a complex and sensitive issue in Nigeria, with significant legal and societal implications. This paper examines the legal and societal considerations that influence child custody decisions in Nigeria, with a focus on the tensions between the best interests of the child, cultural and religious norms, and the rights of parents. The paper also explores the role of the judiciary in navigating these conflicts, highlighting how courts attempt to balance legal mandates with cultural realities. Despite progressive legislation, enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly in rural areas where traditional practices hold significant sway. Additionally, the lack of awareness among parents about their legal rights and the best interests principle further complicates custody arrangements. This paper argues for a more harmonized approach that respects cultural values while ensuring the protection of children's rights. It calls for increased public education on custody laws, greater sensitivity to gender equity in judicial decisions, and reforms to address gaps in the legal framework. By addressing these challenges, Nigeria can better safeguard the welfare of children in divorce proceedings, ensuring that custody arrangements prioritize their emotional, psychological, and physical well-being.

Human Resource Governance in Health Sector and Productivity of Health Workers in Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria, 2003-2023

Obinna Augustine OVAGA — 2025-03-20

The development of human resource governance in the health sector in Africa has remained paramount as government at various levels strives to meet up with global best practices. Thus, since the return to democratic rule, the Nigerian state has partnered with critical stakeholders in states and local governments to achieve a global re-commitment to a new development framework, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and increasing global support for the attainment of Universal Health Coverage. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the extent to which the implementation of Human Resources for Health strategy has impacted on productivity of Health and social workers in Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, Enugu between 2023 and 2023. The specific objective was to determine whether financial motivation of health workers enhanced effective service delivery and, to ascertain if training of health workers accounted for high maternal and child mortality in ESUTH. This study employed time series research design, while Survey and Documentary methods were deployed for data collection. The study found that financial motivation of workers increased effective service delivery, and poor training of health workers on the use of Endoscopy machine accounted for higher maternal and child mortality. Arising from the findings of the study, the study recommended that adequate financial budgetary allocations should be made available to take care of the needs of employees, and regular and strategic training of health workers to increase their knowledge and competence.

Blue Ocean Strategy and the Marketing Performance of Small-Scale Business Enterprises (SSBEs) in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

Yakubu Philemon Audu — 2025-03-20

Purpose: The study investigates the influence of Blue Ocean Strategy on marketing performance of Small Scale Business Enterprises (SSBEs) in Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria. The specific purpose of the study was to examine how Blue Ocean Strategy (BOS) influences SSBEs performance in achieve goals relative to the traditional competitive strategy.

Research Methods: To achieve the study objectives, a survey research design was employed. Data for the study was gathered through a questionnaire designed in five point likert scale of strongly agree to strongly disagree. The data were collected from both staff of SSBEs and customers. 130 top management, middle and lower level management staff of the SSBEs and 147 customers conveniently selected for the study out of which 260 was cumulatively completed and returned. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as tables, mean and standard deviation. While parametric statistical instrument used was multivariate multiple regressions for testing of hypotheses formulated to guide the study.

Results: The study revealed a significant positive influence of the independent variable as represented by Blue Ocean Strategy (BOS) on the dependent variables marketing performance (MP) as represented by: market shares, customer retention, and sales volume representing marketing performance of SSBEs in Lokoja, Kogi State.

Limitations: The study is a case study focused on SSBEs in Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria only whereas there are other geographical zones of Nigeria that was not touched by the study. This may impair the generalization of the findings of the study. Carrying out similar studies in other geo-political Zones of Nigeria is recommended for further studies.

Novelty: Although there are several studies on SSBEs in Nigeria and across the globe, none of the studies to the best of the knowledge of the researchers have used BOS to examine the marketing performance of SSBEs the way this study has done most especially in Nigeria and Kogi State North-Central Nigeria in particular.