Water is one of the most important factor in the development of a nation and until recently, this essential element of urban liveability-domestic water supply have not received the much needed attention it deserved in promoting good urban living. This paper therefore, examines water supply situation in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from both primary and secondary sources through physical survey, observation, interview and questionnaires administered to targeted residents of the different quarters of the ancient town. The study reveals among others shortage of portable water as well as lack of attention to maintenance and sustainability. Moreover, majority of the respondents get their water supplies from unprotected source thereby making them vulnerable to water borne diseases. The study therefore recommends among others the conduct of awareness campaign to sensitize the local people, provision of good and safe drinking water as well as the repair/maintenance of the existing water facilities in order to achieve the target of the MDG.

The paper examined the place of Aso-Òkè among the Yoruba. It viewed the use of aso-òkè and its economy, which has been enhanced by the cloth’s prestige status over time. It observed that the elevation of aso-òkè as the symbol of Yoruba national identify has been a strong factor in the sustenance of its usage thus making it essential to the social, political, economic and cultural life of the people. The study noted the nationalist renewed appreciation of interest in African culture in their struggle for political independence led to their search for cultural emblem. It viewed that the search led the Yoruba elite, like their other educated Nigerians from the main ethnic groups to consciously identify themselves with cloths and mode of dresses peculiar to their areas. It concluded that as long as aso-òkè remains a material of value and prestige and more importantly an identity of the typical Yoruba person(s) home and abroad, it shall continue to be a relevant binding factor among the Yoruba and of a strong social and economic significance.

Background Stroke, a significant health problem affecting adults, is increasing among younger age groups, particularly because of changing lifestyles. The aim of the study was to compare the awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs among students and teachers in selected secondary schools in Osun State, Nigeria. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey involving 703 (589 students and 114 teachers) respondents in selected secondary schools in Osun, Nigeria. Information on the awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs was collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Results Hypertension (69.4%) was the most commonly identified stroke risk factor, with more teachers (79.8%) identifying correctly than the students (67.4%). Weakness (51.9%) was the most commonly identified warning sign of stroke with more students (53.8%) identifying correctly than the teachers (42.1%). There were significant differences in the awareness of some risk factors (age, obesity, family history, alcohol use, diet, transient ischemic attack, and hyperlipidemia) and warning signs (dizziness, weakness, and vision problems) between students and teachers. Predictors for adequate awareness of risk factors were being a teacher, not being obese and being hypertensive, whereas predictors for adequate awareness of warning signs were stroke in the family and being hypertensive. Conclusions There was inadequate awareness of risk factors and warning signs among the respondents with students having better awareness of warning signs and teachers having better awareness of risk factors. Stroke campaigns should emphasize stroke risk factors particularly among adolescents and warning signs in adults. The use of media, particularly television, is recommended.