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Giving More Attention To Rural Economy

Published

5 years ago

January 13, 2020

A foreigner who spent the last Christmas holiday visiting rural communities in southern parts of Nigeria expressed delightful surprises at the enormous potentials in rural Nigeria. From wide expanse of land, human resources, to diversity of culture, the visiting Professor could not hide his joy that “Nigeria is richly blessed.” Before leaving for Australia, he made suggestion that Nigeria’s intellectual elite should draw attention of the nation’s leaders and lawmaakers to focus on rural economy. Obudu cattle Ranch and other tourist facilities in Cross River State gave him great joy.
It hardly makes any news to say that the Nigerian polity is urban-based; with little attention given to developing rural communities. It is needful that definite policies and programmes should be designed for purposes of ensuring that development is balanced rather than urban-base. In a broad sense, rural economy goes far beyond agricultural and other traditional activities for survival of the rural people. Neither should people living and working in rural communities be seen as inferior citizens.
It is true that the phenomenon of rural-urban migration has been with us in the past 60 years, arising from prospects of a “better life in the city.” This also arose from the phenomenon of concentrating development project largely in urban centre.
Obviously, people like to move where the grass is greener.
A sociological study done some decades ago came up with some findings that “village mindset means attitudes and boredom” were contributing factors which drove youths to urban towns. People definitely long for opportunities to widen their scope of experiencing which wider rather than restricted environments can often provide. Therefore, there should be no blames for people waiting to explore wider human environments, away from villages.
Planned development programmes are meant to be comprehensive in nature even through the process would be taken in phases, according to available resources. Thus, there are long-scale infrastructural and other long-term development projects, as well as short-term micro-projects and emergency intervention programmes meant to address some immediate needs. But as the whole, since development is meant for the wellbeings of humans and their environments, attention should be given to urban as well as rural areas.
Similarly, attention cannot be focused solely on physical aspects of development, without taking along the total ennoblement of the human being. From formal education involving and including the acquisition of relevant skills, to the inculcation of moral and ethical values, development remains a vehicle for human wellbeing. For rural dwellers, economic needs for survival purposes, must also be balanced by recreational needs for health and emotional wellbeing, involving various diversions.
One of the issues which excited a visiting Professor of Rural Sociology was a traditional dance having to do with Nchaka Festival of Ogba people. The foreigner was so fascinated that he requested to have a video coverage of the whole proceedings.
It was natural that he emphasised the issue of giving more attention to recreational and traditional music, dances, festivals and other diversions of rural communities in Nigeria. Why would Nigerian politicians and successful businessmen not become sponsors and patrons of various rural activities which can be developed and showcase at international fora?
There are various traditional music, dances, clubs and masquerades-societies whose cultural and aesthetic values call for documentation and preservation. Some individuals and authorities should take interest in raising some cultural activities to high level of global recognition. Even though some cultural displays may be shrouded in secrecy and mystery; there is a need that they should feature in the development of rural economy.
If economy is understood as including careful use of money, time, good and cultural resources so that nothing is wasted, then, rural communities deserve close attention. Does a responsible government not have a duty towards rural dwellers with regards to how they get on and to ensure that no asset is wasted? There are human talents and abilities that can be identified and encouraged in humble rural communities. Development includes talent-hunt.
While we may not force people to stay and work in rural communities, a number of conditions can be put in place to encourage people to live and work in villages. With stable electricity supply and availability of water in villages, rural communities can be made conducive and attractive for young men and women to live in. The problem of road and transportation would be less stressful if electricity and water are available in villages.
Security was one problem which drove some people away from villages, particularly when some cult groups and kidnappers terrorized some villages.
State agencies and multi-national oil and gas companies which make their wealth from rural communities can help in various ways to make life in villages safer and comfortable. One way to do so is the siting or shifting of the venue of some conferences and short-term activities to rural communities. Arrangements for security and accommodation can be made for the period that such activities would last.
Sporting activities and other state functions can also be held in each of the local government headquarters, on rotational basis. These can be some interim ways of boosting rural economy and giving recognition to various rural communities. When some activities take place in local rather than state headquarters, learning and economic opportunities would expand. Local tourism can be encouraged.

Bright Amirize

Featured

Bring Your Wealth Of Experience To Governance, Ibas Tasks New SSG

Published

3 weeks ago

March 28, 2025

The Tide

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.

Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.

The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.

Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.

He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.

“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”

Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.

He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.

Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.

“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.

“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.

Featured

I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage

Published

4 weeks ago

March 21, 2025

The Tide

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.

Featured

Abuja Truck Explosion Death Toll Rises To 10 …As Another Truck Crashes On Same Spot

Published

4 weeks ago

March 21, 2025

The Tide

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.

The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.

The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.

““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.

However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.

He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.

Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.

“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”

He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.

“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.

Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.

He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.

Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.

The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.

The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.

She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.

“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.

“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.