Local Governance and the Development of Local Government Area, a Case Study of Estako East Local Government Edo State (2018-2024)
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The objective of this study is to investigate the dynamics of local governance and the development of Estako East Local Government Area (LGA) in Edo State, Nigeria, spanning the period from 2018 to 2024. Specifically, the study aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Assess the Status of Infrastructure and Service Delivery in Estako East LGA
- Evaluate the administrative and institutional capacity of Estako East LGA
- Analyze the financial management practices of Estako East LGA
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
REASONS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
A lot of reasons have been given for the evolution and creation of local governments in Nigeria. These range from political, social and economic reasons. Over the years, there has not been a general consensus as to the precise role local government should play, this singular factor makes the problem regarding the objectives of local governments most important. The following are seen as the purpose for the creation of local governments in Nigeria.
- To bring governance closer to the people: Local government functions to bring democracy to the local citizens as well as to educate and socialize them politically; participation of the citizens in governance is one of the underlying percepts of democracy. Due to the vast nature of the country (Nigeria), the presence of governments whether at the federal or state levels was not well felt by the people, and this led to neglect and distrust of government by the people. In a bid to bring the activities of government closer to the people, local governments were created to serve as conduits through which government’s policies are communicated to the people. Aigbakoba, Ogbonna (2004)
- For administrative convenience: Local government serves as a channel through which policies and programmes from the state and federal government are communicated and implemented. This is because there are many functions that will be cumbersome for the state and federal governments to perform because of the distance separating them and the people e.g:
(a) Collection of rates, radio and television licenses;
(b) Registration of births, deaths and marriages registry etc. etc.
The local government was also created to serve as the representative of both the federal and state governments amongst the local people. It is a channel through which policies are communicated and implemented. Aigbakoba, Ogbonna (2004)
- To ensure that resources are effectively mobilized: This is to arouse in the citizens the zeal or willingness to contribute financially, materially and morally to the management of local affairs. Local governments are created to bring about meaningful development in the rural areas through the effective mobilization of resources. Local government use the funds made available to it by both federal and state governments and their internally generated revenue to improve on the lives of the people within their areas of operations. Aghayere (1997)
- To preserve heritage and common interest of the people:In Nigeria today, there are over 364 ethnic groups with diverse cultures and tongues. These ethnic groups are further divided into communities. These communities form the constituents/areas of local governments in Nigeria. By carving out local governments from amongst people of the same community, government is preserving such long traditional associations and using same to foster the interest of the people concerned. The creation of local government is intended to bring people of common heritage or ancestry together as a political unit to further their interests and increase their participation in government business.
It should be noted that, the broad objective of establishing local government is placed on the service delivery function. When roads are bad, when there are no markets stalls, no health centres, when there is no water, no drugs in the local dispensaries and when refuse is littered all around the place etc, the ordinary citizen blames it on the local government. It follows, therefore, that local government administration is established to affect citizens through the service delivery function. Aghayere (1997)
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Local Governance And The Development Of Local Government Area, A Case Study Of Estako East Local Government Edo State (2018-2024). In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing Local Governance And The Development Of Local Government Area
Summary
This study was on Local Governance And The Development Of Local Government Area, A Case Study Of Estako East Local Government Edo State (2018-2024). Three objectives were raised which included: Assess the Status of Infrastructure and Service Delivery in Estako East LGA, Evaluate the administrative and institutional capacity of Estako East LGA and Analyze the financial management practices of Estako East LGA. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Estako East LGA.. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study has provided valuable insights into the dynamics of local governance and the development of Estako East Local Government Area (LGA) in Edo State, Nigeria, spanning the period from 2018 to 2024. Through an examination of infrastructure, institutional capacity, financial management, political dynamics, community participation, and environmental challenges, several key findings have emerged:
Firstly, the study identified significant challenges facing Estako East LGA, including inadequate infrastructure, weak institutional capacity, financial constraints, political interference, limited community participation, and environmental degradation. These challenges have hindered the LGA’s ability to effectively deliver services, implement development projects, and improve the well-being of its residents.
Secondly, despite these challenges, the study also highlighted opportunities for improvement and areas of strength within Estako East LGA. These include the presence of committed local leaders, community initiatives, potential for revenue generation, and natural resource endowments that could be leveraged for sustainable development.
Overall, the findings underscore the complex interplay of factors shaping local governance and development outcomes in Estako East LGA, reflecting broader patterns observed in local government administrations across Nigeria.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are proposed to address the challenges and enhance the development prospects of Estako East LGA:
Prioritize investment in critical infrastructure such as roads, healthcare facilities, schools, and water supply systems to improve service delivery and enhance the quality of life for residents. Infrastructure projects should be based on comprehensive needs assessments and executed with transparency and accountability.
Strengthen the institutional capacity of Estako East LGA through training programs, skill development initiatives, and recruitment of qualified personnel. Build the technical expertise of local government officials in project management, financial administration, and governance best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
Implement measures to enhance financial management practices, revenue generation, and fiscal accountability within Estako East LGA. This includes diversifying revenue sources, improving budgetary planning and execution, and establishing mechanisms for transparency and oversight in financial transactions.
Foster political stability and governance continuity within Estako East LGA by promoting inclusive leadership, dialogue, and consensus-building among political actors. Strengthen local government autonomy and reduce political interference to enable effective decision-making and implementation of development initiatives.
Promote active citizen participation and stakeholder engagement in local governance processes within Estako East LGA. Establish platforms for community consultation, feedback mechanisms, and participatory budgeting to empower residents and enhance accountability in decision-making.
Develop and implement strategies for environmental conservation, natural resource management, and climate resilience within Estako East LGA. This includes reforestation programs, waste management initiatives, and sustainable agriculture practices to mitigate environmental degradation and promote sustainable development.
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