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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
News
NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.
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