Aeromagnetic data obtained from a recent aeromagnetic survey of Sokoto Basin, northwestern Nigeria has been studied using Power Spectral (PS) analysis. The Sokoto Basin is an arm of the Iullemmeden Basin is situated between latitudes 10°30’’ N to 14° 00" N and longitudes 3° 30” E to 7° 00" E in the Nigeria national grid. The PS analysis was carried out to determine the depth to magnetic sources in the Basin. By splitting the study area into 16 spectral model blocks, the spectral probe of 27.5 by 27.5 km2 for each block was carried out respectively. The results of the PS analysis revealed two prominent magnetic source depth layers. Depths determination of the magnetic sources showed that the first layer has average depth of 0.28 km which is interpreted as shallow magnetic zones attributed to the intrusions of magnetic rocks into the sedimentary formation. The second layer has average depth of 1.86 km and was interpreted as the deep magnetic source representing the depth to magnetic basement. Hence the results show that the maximum thickness of the sedimentary layers to be 1.86 km is the limit of the depressions on the basement surface of the basin. Hence it suggests that exploration of hydrocarbon which would require a minimum sedimentary thickness of about 2.3 km as obtainable in the coasts of West Africa region is also not feasible.

Two dimensional (2D) modelling of the subsurface lithology in the subsurface of Sokoto Basin, north-western Nigeria has been carried out using the area's aeromagnetic map. The modelling was aimed at investigating the potentiality of the area for mineral exploitation especially hydrocarbon even as a sedimentary and marine environment. The Basin covers an estimated area of 59,570 km 2 which falls within .° by .° in Nigeria national grid. Three survey straight lines trending NW-SE and cutting across some anomalous zones in the area's residual aeromagnetic map were selectively drawn for the modelling and interpretation. With the aid of GM-SYS Software Version 2.5D, the two dimensional models of the subsurface sediments and basement rocks. The results of the modelling showed that the area characterized by Cretaceous sediment of single lithology in the range of about 250 m to 400 m thick. The resulting model also showed a magnetic basement characterised by various lithology of rugged topography, dipping north-westwards of the study area. The interpreted model of the basement comprises igneous rocks such as Gabbro, Granite, Andesite, Schists, Rhyolite, Pyroxenite, Phylites, and Esites. The sediment-filled troughs and depressions on the basement's surface suggest that they could be good targets for groundwater. Also, several solid minerals could be exploited based on the modelled multi lithology magnetic basement. However, the maximum depth to the basement troughs suggests that the requirements for formation of hydrocarbon have not been met in the area; therefore its exploitation is not feasible in the Basin.

Background: Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HS; family: Malvaceae) are widely believed in folk medicine to be effective in the treatment of a variety of ailments. In Nigeria, anecdotal reports by women who consume HS during pregnancy suggest that they consume it because of the folkloric belief that it makes them "feel lighter". This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal consumption of HS during pregnancy on litter birth weight and the functional integrity of the liver of pregnant rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six rats aged twelve to fourteen weeks were used. On day 1 of pregnancy, the rats were randomly assigned to three groups. Group A were given tap water, group B were given 0.6g/100ml while group C were given 1.8g/100ml of the extract. On day 18 of pregnancy, blood samples were taken for determination of Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase, urea and creatinine. Results: Gestational length, litter size and birth weights were recorded at delivery. HS consumption did not affect (P>0.05) SGOT level but increased (P<0.05) the SGPT and decreased (P<0.05) ALP and creatinine levels. The low dose HS decreased (P<0.05) while the high dose HS increased (P<0.05) the urea level. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in the length of gestation but litter sizes and litter birth weights were significantly (P<0.05) lower and higher respectively when compared with the control. Conclusion: We conclude that consumption of HS during pregnancy increases litter birth weight possibly through the gluconeogenic activities of the elevated SGPT.