The role of local government in community development – case of Ohaji Egbema local governmnet area in Imo state

Description

The role of local government in community development – case of Ohaji Egbema local governmnet area in Imo state.

Abstract

This research work was undertaken with a view to ascertaining the community development in Imo state of Nigeria with a focus on Ohaji Egbema Local government within its area of jurisdiction. In doing this, the researcher based his study on the provision of the 1976 local government reform in Nigeria which made community development one of the explicit functions of the local government councils. In carrying out the research primary and secondary data were used. Related literature were reviewed (secondary data chapter 2) and questionnaire was equally prepared and administered to local government functionaries (primary data chapter 4). The technique used in analyzing the primary data is the chi-square (x2). The finding of the research was reached using the result of the tested hypothesis. For the analysis, it was found that many factors act as stumbling blocks in the way of community development in Ohaji Egbema Local government area and the state general. Such factors include, a. Lack of adequate organization framework and orientation. b. Lack of dedication and commitment on the part of the local government councils to the cause of community development. c. Misplacement of organizational priorities and consequently, misdirection of funds. d. Lack of executive capacity from lack of adequately trained motivated and dedicated staff for effective and efficient implementation of councils. e. The Unhealthy political atmosphere existing in the local government councils. f. And finally the unreliable external funding and inability to generate revenue for development purposes. From the above findings, the researcher concluded by making a sense of recommendations among which are the coordination of the development efforts of the various formal and informal organizations all over,  the community development programmes, and procurement of adequately trained personnel for the organizational and educational processes associated with community development.