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 Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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