Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is an emerging technology that has the potential of transforming human life in the future. These sensor nodes can operate without any attendance in an environment and location including those where human presence is risky or not possible and therefore they can be deployed in a countless number of applications ranging from military to civilian purposes.
This paper examines the various applications of WSNs and how real-life deployment can form the bedrock of development towards achieving the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) and the much awaited Vision 20:2020 in Nigeria. The study also attemps to establish a synergy between reviving the economic growth as evidenced from government efforts through various initiatives and science and technology through adoption of the potentials of WSNs. The paper concludes by recommending practical approach that can be taken by the Nigerian government towards actualizing the evolving technology.

This paper evaluated the use and application of probability analysis in the assessment of construction risk. It has been a usual practice to estimate a single-price value for the cost of a project and a certain percentage allowance to cater for risk. A more realistic approach is to adopt the policy that the single point forecast is the most likely price with a range between the lowest price and the highest price. To demonstrate this, a typical project was used as a case study. The contract sum together with its breakdown into respective trade variables were collected. The data collected were analysed using probability analysis. The analysis and result presented provides guide in arriving at this range of values. It is concluded that the successful application of this technique into the estimation of construction project's cost will help in the management of construction risk. Introduction All human endeavours involve risk. The success or failure of any venture depends on how we deal with it. Construction industry is not an exception. This industry has had poor reputation for coping with risk with many projects failing to meet deadlines and cost targets. The participants, public and others have suffered as a result (Thompson et ai, 1992). Sources of risk can be in terms of payment, security deposit and retention, time of commencement and completion, variation, delay and cost of delay and liquidated damages. Size can be one of the major causes of risk; so. can changes in political or commercial planning. Other factors carrying risk with them include the complexity of the project, location, speed of construction and familiarity with the type of procurement system. These risks need to be properly assessed, analysed and managed for efficient operation of the industry. Norris et at (1992) and Thompson et at (1992) identified the most useful and main techniques of risk analysis tc be sensitivity and probability analyses. Chapman (1990), rated probability analysis over sensitivity analysis in that the former overcomes many of the limitations of the latter by specifying a probability distribution for each risk and then considering the effect of the risks in combination. This paper describes the concepts of probability analysis and its application in the management of construction risk. This is Illustrated by a case study.

Many years of neglect by government and inadequate investment in public infrastructure has left the public drinking water supply in Nigeria in an unreliable state. The society has therefore taken to several adaptive measures of alleviating this stress. One of these is dependence on sachet water, popularly referred to as 'pure water'. Although easy to serve and the price is affordable, complaints abound on its purity and other health concerns. A gradual nationwide ban was proposed by the national regulator for this packaged water but the market still witnesses tremendous growth, especially among the poor. To determine the bacteriological quality of drinking water sold in sachets in Lagos, Nigeria, one hundred samples of high- and low-demand sachet waters obtained from vendors at hot-spot locations were assessed using the multiple tube fermentation method. Based on the zero tolerance standards stipulated by the regulator, a 22% non-compliance level was recorded. Recommendations that may contribute to a policy that would allow for an integrated and holistic approach in managing the sachet water industry are discussed. The need for support of such local initiatives, especially in the drive towards achieving the much publicised Millennium Development Goals for universal water access, is also highlighted.