ABSTRACT
This research explores the traditional use of beads in Benin culture, Midwest Nigeria, examining craftsmanship, symbolic meanings, and social significance. It investigates the various materials used for adornment, features and significance of beaded adornments, stages of beaded adornment, and major forms. The study also unveils the values placed on bead use in Benin culture and discusses the sustainability of beaded culture amidst cultural diffusion and dynamism.

ABSTRACT
Christian marriage and values are pegged on the radical teaching of Jesus Christ in marriage. His comments on marriage in the New Testament, which are primarily tangential in nature which include pictures, analogies, and fragments, also show this radicalism. The purpose of the study to was evaluate the Church Doctrines and Their Implication to the stability of Christian marriage among the SDA Church members in Keroka Station, Kenya. The study was conducted at Keroka Station of Nyamira West Field of Seventh Day Adventist Church. The target population is 17,997 members of SDA Church in Keroka station. The study employed purposive and random sampling. The sample size was 17 church elders, 364 Senior church members and youths and 4 pastors totaling 385 respondents which was spread out equally in the four Districts. The data collection tools used were questionnaires and interview schedule of group focus. Data was analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS version 23) to describe the findings of the study. The findings were reported through tables, charts and verbatim. The study found that the SDA church teachings centered on monogamy, faithfulness, mutual respect, forgiveness, and spiritual unity are highly regarded by members of the church. Most respondents agreed that these teachings are biblically grounded and form the foundation for strong Christian marriages. The researcher recommends for future scholars to conduct studies to explore how Christian marriage values are perceived and practiced across different denominations to identify unique or shared challenges and strategies for marriage stability, an investigation on the attitudes and expectations of youth regarding Christian marriage to tailor church teachings to younger generations and examination of the impact of gender expectations within SDA marriage doctrines on marital satisfaction and stability.

ABSTRACT
This qualitative study investigates the effects of the pursuit of sporting excellence on the health of Ivorian athletes, examining the tensions between the imperative of overperformance and prevailing institutional logics. Its objective is to elucidate how sociocultural and institutional pressures shape the physical and mental well-being of these sportsmen and women. A triangulated methodology combines semi-structured interviews with elite athletes, participant observations during competitions, and documentary analysis of national sports policies. The findings reveal that athletes are subjected to intense pressure to achieve exceptional performances, often to the detriment of their physical and mental health. Such pressure is exacerbated by national expectations, financial stakes, and the paucity of adequate psychological support. The discussion underscores the need for a holistic approach incorporating mental health support schemes and institutional policies that prioritise athletes’ well-being. The study concludes that a critical reassessment of the sporting structures in Côte d’Ivoire is essential to promote a more balanced relationship between performance and athletes’ health.