P.A. OMAMOR

The study was designed to examine the role of Local Government in Rural Infrastructural Development: A Study of Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The objectives of the study include the following: to examine the roles of Egor Local Government Area in road infrastructural development, to investigate the impact of skilled workers in road infrastructural development in Egor Local Government Area, to ascertain if the issue of funding affects road infrastructural development in Egor Local Government Area, and to proffer necessary recommendations to the issues of infrastructural development in Egor Local Government Area. The study adopted survey research design. The Population of this study is drawn from all the communities that make-up the Egor local government. These communities includes the following among many; Agidigbi Camp, Egor, Oghedaivbiobaa, Oghokhugbo, Ugbighoko, Urunmwon, and Uwelu. The total number of population of these communities as reviewed by the 2006 census figure is 339,899 (National Population Census, 2023). In getting the sample size for the study the Taro Yamane sampling size technique was adopted. Furthermore, the simple random sampling techniques was used in selecting the respondent in the local government especially those that have direct bearing with the impact of road construction to community development within the context of Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. The instrument used for the collection of data was the questionnaire which was administered to the study sampled respondents. The study discovered amongst others that Egor Local Government Council do contribute to some extent to road infrastructural development of its rural areas. Furthermore, policy recommendations were adopted which include amongst others that there is need for the council to procure tractors and other machineries that will help in the maintenance of road in Egor Local Government Area.

This study examines the role of trade unions in solving employees' problems within the Edo State Civil Service. The research investigates the extent to which trade unions have been effective in addressing key workplace challenges such as low wages, irregular salary payments, poor working conditions, lack of career development opportunities, workplace harassment, and job insecurity. The study adopts a mixed-method approach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collected through structured questionnaires and interviews with civil servants in Edo State. The findings reveal that while trade unions have
made notable progress in negotiating better wages and ensuring salary payments, they have been less effective in addressing non-economic issues such as workplace harassment and career development. The study identifies major challenges facing trade unions, including inadequate funding, limited employee support, and interference from management. Recommendations are made for enhancing the effectiveness of trade unions, such as advocating for comprehensive career development policies, addressing workplace harassment, and expanding their focus to include social and psychological welfare of employees. This research contributes to the broader discourse on labor relations in Nigeria by highlighting the evolving role of trade unions in the public sector and providing actionable insights for improving employee welfare. Keywords: Trade unions, employee welfare, civil service, Edo State, workplace challenges