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Giving More Attention To Rural Economy
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
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.
Featured
Nigeria’s First Lady Flags Off Renewed Hope Health Initiative In Rivers …Targets Measles, Rubella, HPV Vaccination For Children, Women
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated her commitment to expanding vaccine coverage nationwide, declaring that the ongoing Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign in Rivers State will surpass all previous records in scope and success.
Speaking through the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, Senator Tinubu made this statement during the flag-off ceremony of the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Vaccine Sensitisation Campaign, organised under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday.
The campaign, implemented by the RHI in collaboration with the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, C-WINS, and international partners including WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and Vaccine Alliance, aims to protect millions of children and women from preventable diseases.
“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the measles vaccine coverage achieved through this campaign exceeds that of the past,” Senator Tinubu affirmed. “Through technical and financial support, this partnership will ensure that by February, 2026, well-trained staff are deployed across communities to vaccinate all eligible children.”
Rivers State is among the Fourth Stream of Phase One states participating in Africa’s largest-ever health initiative, targeting over 106 million Nigerian children for vaccination against Measles, Rubella, Polio, and HPV. The local rollout is expected to commence in February, 2026, reaching children aged 9 months to 14 years across all 23 local government areas.
Senator Tinubu highlighted the risks of the targeted diseases, describing Measles and Rubella as “highly contagious and potentially deadly,” noting that Rubella can cause severe complications for unborn babies, if contracted by pregnant women.
“The best way to prevent both diseases remains vaccination,” she emphasised.
Narrowing down to efforts by the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the State Task Force on Primary Healthcare, led by Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, she noted how instrumental it has been in ensuring comprehensive outreach through an inter-sectoral approach involving education, women affairs, information ministries, traditional and religious leaders, and the security sector.
Senator Tinubu urged parents and caregivers to cooperate fully with health workers.
“The Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and free in all our health centres. Please, ensure your children are vaccinated at the right time to protect them from these deadly infections.
“Let us all play our part in spreading awareness. Together, we can safeguard the health and future of our children,” she said, before formally declaring the sensitisation programme open.
In her goodwill message, Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its sustained impact in Rivers State, noting that the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Sensitisation Programme marks “a significant step in promoting public health awareness, particularly among women and children.”
She highlighted the particular benefit to the girl-child through HPV vaccination, calling it “an investment in their future health and empowerment.”
The Rivers State Coordinator of WHO, Prof. Giwa Abdulganiyu, praised the collaboration between RHI and the State Government, describing the campaign as “a worthy step in the right direction,” and reaffirmed WHO’s continued partnership in achieving health for all.
Earlier, the RHI Rivers State Coordinator, Mrs. Tonye Briggs-Oniyide, welcomed guests, and reaffirmed the initiative’s goal of reducing the incidence of Measles and Rubella in the state.
“These diseases have the potential to cause emergencies and great distress in families. Today’s flag-off represents our collective determination to raise awareness and prevent such tragedies,” she added.