The
development expert noted that equitable distribution of resources
would reduce poverty at the community level.
He explained
that undue emphasis on development of state capitals and the federal
capita, was inimical to the speedy development of the rural areas,.
The World Bank
official noted that such practice, robbed a large percentage of the
population living in the rural areas of development because of absence
of basic amenities that guarantee better livelihood.
According to
him, ``it all boils down to the will of the leaders. Because if the
leaders can be selfless and really start development or allocate the
resources that we were endowed with equitably to all the facets of our
states, communities and local government, I think we will go a long
way.’’
Mr. Musa said
`` I see the presence of government show evidently in Abuja but when
you go to the communities, total absence of governance and the people
are really yearning and crying, for some basic things to really manage
their lives and it’s absent.
``Development
cannot just start and end only in the capitals of states and federal
government like in Abuja the thing should be start from the
grassroots; the government should really give more attention to the
communities.’’
He said that
government needed to live up to its responsibilities by providing
access to basic health services, water and accessible roads.
``All these
things are inadequate and in some cases, absent at the local
communities and the needs of the people are so modest.
``When you
provide them with healthcare, water and power services you have a lot
of livelihoods springing up; people will have income.
``So it is
pertinent for the government to really look inwards and not neglect
the rural communities.’’
He further
noted that the tide of rural to urban migration would be easily
stemmed if good infrastructures were made available at the grassroots,
and added that surveys indicated urban residents’ willingness to
return to villages with adequate social amenities, due to the high
cost of living in the cities.
The development expert said ``If facilities are easily accessible at
the rural communities, I don’t think we will have the pressure we have
in cities and urban centres where these services are inadequate and
overstretched, and emphasized that ``truly, development should start
from the grassroots.’’