Rural Development

This study examined rural development as a means of combating rural–urban migration in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The increasing movement of people from rural communities to urban centers has become a major socio-economic challenge, resulting in population pressure in cities and underdevelopment in rural areas. The study aimed to investigate the causes of rural–urban migration, assess the level of rural development in the study area, and evaluate how the provision of basic amenities and economic opportunities can reduce migration tendencies among rural residents.
The study adopted a survey research design. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and relevant secondary sources from respondents selected through a simple random sampling technique. The findings revealed that inadequate infrastructure, limited employment opportunities, poor healthcare services, insufficient educational facilities, and low agricultural productivity are major factors driving rural inhabitants to migrate to urban centers. The study further found that effective rural development initiatives, including the provision of roads, electricity, potable water, healthcare facilities, quality education, and agricultural support programs, can significantly improve living standards and discourage excessive migration.
The study concluded that sustainable rural development remains a viable strategy for reducing rural–urban migration and promoting balanced national development. It recommended increased government investment in rural infrastructure, empowerment of rural farmers and entrepreneurs, improved access to social services, and active community participation in development planning and implementation. These measures would enhance rural livelihoods, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region.

This study examines the role and impact of the Office of the First Lady in Nigeria through a case study of Maryam Babangida during the administration of Ibrahim Babangida. The research investigates how Maryam Babangida transformed the traditionally ceremonial position of the First Lady into a platform for social mobilization, women’s empowerment, and national development. Particular attention is given to her establishment of the Better Life Programme for Rural Women, which sought to improve the socio-economic conditions of women through education, healthcare, agricultural support, and skills acquisition initiatives.
The study adopts a historical and descriptive research approach, utilizing both primary and secondary sources, including government publications, books, journal articles, newspapers, and archival materials. Findings reveal that Maryam Babangida redefined the Office of the First Lady by expanding its influence beyond ceremonial functions and creating a model of leadership that attracted national and international recognition. Her initiatives contributed significantly to raising awareness of rural women's challenges and promoting their participation in development processes. However, the study also highlights criticisms surrounding the constitutional ambiguity of the Office of the First Lady, concerns about accountability, and the politicization of the position.
The study concludes that Maryam Babangida's tenure marked a turning point in the evolution of the Office of the First Lady in Nigeria, demonstrating its potential as an instrument for social change and public advocacy. It recommends the establishment of clearer institutional frameworks to enhance transparency, accountability, and sustainability in the activities of future First Ladies. The research contributes to the understanding of gender, leadership, and governance in Nigeria's contemporary political history.

The main purpose of this study was to assess the Impact of Mass Media on grassroots mobilization and participation in rural development in Ovia North East Local Government area of Edo State. Five research questions were raised. The study adopted the survey research design. The population of this study comprise of two hundred and twenty-nine thousand and five hundred (229,500), adults in twelve (12) communities in Ovia North East local government area local government area of Edo State while four hundred twenty one (421) participants selected from twelve communities in Etsako West Local Government area made up the sample for the study. The instrument for the study was the questionnaire which was designed based on the research questions raised. The face and content approach was adopted to determine the validity of the instrument and a test-retest method was used to find out the reliability of the research instrument which produced a reliability coefficient of 0.71. In analyzing the data, the researcher made used of frequency count and simple percentage. Findings from the study revealed that the major media for mobilizing community members are radio and town crier, the level of community member participation in community development projects is high. The people’s perception of the use of mass media for grassroots mobilization is very poor, and that the extent to which the mass media has been effectively used to each the rural populace is marginal

This research studied the role of local government administration on rural agriculture and health development in Delta central senatorial district, Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objectives are to; ascertain the extent local government have ensured rural development; identify the programmes and projects put in place by local government for rural development; and to identify the constraints hindering local government towards rural agriculture and health development in the study area. A multi-staged sampling technique was adopted in the selection of respondents in the study. Data for the study were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were obtained through the use of a structured questionnaire administered to eighty (80) selected respondents in the study area through interview schedule. Data obtained were measured and analyzed using descriptive statistics while the hypothesis testing was analyzed using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Result showed that over 63.7% of the sampled respondents consist of an aging population whose age ranges from fifty-one (51) and above while majority (73.3% and 93.7%) of the sampled respondents are female and married respectively. About 39% of the sampled respondents had no formal education, while 61.2% had at least primary education. The sampled respondents had an average household and family size of five (5) and seven (7) respectively- an indication that family members remain the primary source of labour. Furthermore, respondents indicated significant satisfaction with local government health development programmes- construction of healthcare facilities, supply of medicine and vaccines, address health workers shortage and improved health care accessibility and dissatisfaction with all agriculture development programmes put in place by local government administration in the study area. Result of Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) showed significant relationship between selected socio-economic 9 characteristics and respondents’ satisfaction with local government administration on rural agriculture and health development programmes at 5% and 1% level of probability