LOCAL GOVERNMENT OR RURAL DEVELOPMENT: A PRIORITIZATION AGENDA FOR NIGERIA IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Odonye Dauda Yusuf and Adokwe Comfort Ayine
Volume 3 Issue 2
Abstract
This study examined the meaning and highlighting the differences between local government and rural development; it also reviewed the functions that have been traditionally considered as local government functions and those that need to be performed to ensure rural development in Nigeria within the periods of 2010-2020. Using data generated through secondary sources and subjected to descriptive analysis, these two sets of functions were analyzed and the level of government appropriate for their performance determined. After data presentation and analysis, the paper finds out that both local government and rural development are two different and essential activities of modern day governments and deserved appropriate attention in other to achieve all round development at the grassroots in Nigeria. The study therefore recommends that for ease and economy of execution of projects, it is more advantageous for rural development to be undertaken by a higher level of government and to precede local governments as we embark on a journey into the third millennium. Keywords: Local Government, Rural Development, Prioritization Agenda, and 21st Century
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