News
CDC And Development
Precisely, 24 years ago during the military administration of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida who stepped aside from the White House at Aso Rock, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja in August 1993, deemed it necessary to establish an institution known as Community Development Committee (alias CDC).
Obviously, before the creation of the CDC, there exists what was known as three-tier arms of recognised leadership organs i.e. The Federal, State and Local Governments respectively. However, the governments’ policies from the central authority can now be downloaded to the rural dwellers through the noble agency of Community Development Committee (CDC).
Invariably, the CDC is the government of the rural areas. Certainly, the affairs of the rural inhabitants could be channeled to the Local, State and Federal governments through the CDC that knows its rights and obligations.
Really, the primary assignment of the Community Development Community is to see to the general welfare of the people by means of strategising, planning and implementation of developmental projects. Of course, the day-to-day running of the community becomes paramount responsibility of the CDC in terms of passing necessary and relevant information, education the rural dwellers either through the Town Crier, Family Heads or by assembly the people at the Civic arena to address them appropriately on vital issues.
In the area of any educational establishment in the community, the CDC serves as the monitor or coordinator to harness the smooth operations of the institutions within its domain and create the atmosphere of unity and understanding through what is known as Teachers/Parents Association (alias PTA). The PTA is a forum whereby the developmental progress of various establishments in the rural areas is deliberated and proffers solution to itching problems.
Besides government agencies, there could be multipurpose limited companies operating in the rural domain. Herein, the CDC have a great task of liaising with such firm(s) and draws its attention to the rural areas of some developmental programmes to be instituted in order to enhance socio-economic, political, industrial and mental well being of the people. Without mincing words, CDC is very outstanding to the welfare of its people on which the entire community depends.
In fact, the CDC being the policy-making organ of the community would motivate other constituted organs of the community and work closely as a team. Nevertheless, the CDC would invariably serve as supervisory body to all developmental projects earmarked and cited for the rural community.
Furthermore, the CDC also serves as the chief security agency (CSA) of the community in the sense that nobody would be carried away from the community by any security agent without the knowledge of the CDC irrespective of the degree of offence. The CDC is the first port of call by any august visitor to the community in whose shoulder it is to arraign other constituted organs of the community before the entire community would be notified of the purpose of such visit.
In the light of the few enumerated functions, the CDC occupies and elevated position of honour and of course, should be transparent in its services to the people and not being corp of sycophants in disguise. However, CDC may equally connote ‘concise development of the community” which would be piloted by bonafide indigene of the community. Hence, the need to have visionary, objective and focused administrators in Community Development Committee (CDC) cannot be over stressed.
The visionary focus of the Federal Government of Nigeria under military regime of IBB in 1985 was highly laudable to have established Community Development Committee to reach the grassroots level of government’s administration. At this juncture, it behooves one to beckon the Presidency of the present dispensation to financially support the CDCs globally to enhance appropriate and adequate functioning at various localities.
Additionally, the Local Government Council could be authorised or mandated to coordinate elections of rural communities into the office of Community Development Committee (CDC) to create the impact of its importance in the scheme of things for the simple fact of avoiding arrogance and self-centredness amongst the leadership toxicants in the rural environment.
Ominyanwa is editor’s guest
G. N. Ominyanwa
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi