Elijah O Ode

Abstract

Lack of adequate and proper information is fundamentally responsible for several threats to lives ranging from kidnapping, communal and tribal clashes, herdsmen and farmers clashes and insurgencies in general, all over Nigeria today. The thrust of this paper is at investigating the roles of Library and Information Services (LISs) in conflict resolution for peaceful co-existence in Nigeria. The paper is in the opinion that the aforementioned threats to lives can be curbed through Library & information services. Premised on these, the paper reflects on the vigorous roles LISs can play in resolving conflicts and in encouraging peace and security in different parts of the country. The paper also tries to identify some of the obstacles hindering libraries and information services in maximizing their full potentials in conflict resolution and the promotion of peaceful coexistence amongst communities in Nigeria. The paper considers the role of library and information services in conflict resolution as very crucial and concludes that any peaceful developmental efforts of the nation made in the absence of adequate information service delivery will be a chimera Keywords: Library, Information Services, Conflict, Conflict resolution, Peaceful co-existence.

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Abstract

Information is a vital tool and is central to human activities. It is very essential to human survival and a life-wire of any organization because of its significance in rational decision- making and a data of value in planning and the execution of programme in any given society. The foregoing implies that the information as a strategic resource for virtually any person, organizations or establishments must be adequately made accessible at all times to all people, no matter their social, economic and political deprivations. In order to realize this, a more cultured information service delivery approach must be employed. The paper advocates the application of attitudinal approach for an effective information service delivery and discusses some positive attitudes that can enhance effective information service delivery.     Keywords: Information, Attitude.  

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Abstract

Recently, 1st of January, 2018 to be precise, communities in Guma local government area of Benue state, Nigeria were attacked by suspected Fulani herdsmen thereby forcing them to abandon their ancestral homes and livelihoods. The displaced lost their social, legal and economic ties and thus suffered considerable physical and psychological hardships. Attempts were being made by the combined assistance of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the state government and spirited individuals to address their food, shelter and water needs however, it was not certain if the information needs which, is measured as the fifth of the human needs in ranking with air, water, food and shelter has been identified and addressed. The crux of the study therefore, is to ascertain the information needs of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Guma local government area of Benue state and how to meet the needs. One thousand (1000) displaced persons from seven IDPs camps were randomly selected for the study. Descriptive and evaluative survey research designs were adopted for the study while oral interview was used to collect data for the study. The data collected were analysed using statistical descriptive tools such as tables, simple frequencies and percentages. The findings from the study revealed that the IDPs’ greatest information needs among other things included information needs on: water supply, food supply, healthcare, the where about of their loved ones, when to go back home to reintegrate with their families and the Governments’ efforts to end the crisis. The study further revealed that majority of the IDPs are illiterates and their major sources of information are basically the churches and Public gatherings. In addition, the paper attempted to offer measures on how to meet their information needs. Keywords: Information, Information needs, Internally displaced persons (IDPs).  

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