Why El-Rufai needs to study southern development structure (Opinion)

By: Chud Uchegbu

I think Gov. El-Rufai should take a study tour of communities in the south to see how they pursue community development. We dont always wait for FG.

In Imo state, our parents paid the Imo Levy and some rich ones made extra financial contributions to ensure that Imo built an airport.

Many communities in the south engage in fund raising to build schools, roads, water boreholes, churches, hospital, town halls, award scholarships to very bright pupils and students and even embark on rural electricity projects.

In many communities in Anambra state, individuals spend personal resources to build roads. Some single handedly build community schools etc.

That is how many places in the south became developed. That is what El-Rufai need to under-study. He also needs to study the apprenticeship system in Igboland to see the effect on business development and growth.

It is not enough to bemoan development of the southern part of Nigeria.

The irony of it is that people of the south have proved that development does not necessarily come from government. That is what el-rufai needs to preach in the north.

Even if he gets 20 years as governor, he cannot fully develop Kaduna state because he believes that it is about government. No, it is about the people. Communities drive their own development.

In the 7th NASS, a member of the HoR who was privileged to head the appropriation committee, vired funds from others sub heads to fund the construction of TOWN HALL in his village. Yes, town hall from the federal budget.

That’s part of the story. A friend from the north once told me that they would like power to remain in the north for as long as it is practicable so they could develop the north like Onitsha is. I asked him why Onitsha. And he said “is it not government that built all those upstairs for you people in Onitsha?”

That’s were many are misled.