CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
During the colonial period in Nigeria, the government performed very limited functions such as the maintenance of law and order, defense and collection of revenue. But after attaining independence, the government has totally changed. The government has gone beyond the traditional function of maintaining law and order, defense and revenue collection. Their functions now include both development and national building activities.
Nnoli (1986) defines Public administration as the machinery as well as the integral processes, through which the government performs its functions. It is a network of human relationships and associated activities extending from the government to the lowest point and powerless individual charged with keeping in daily touch with all resources, natural and human, and all other aspects of the life of the society with which the government is concerned.
On the other hand, Okoli (2005), sees community development as the process by which the efforts of the people are limited with those of governmental authorities to improve the economic, social and cultural condition of communities to integrate those communities into the life of the nations and to enable them to contribute fully to the national progress.
Oladipo observes that for rural development to occur and endure there has to be enhanced rural income, reduced poverty/unemployment, reduced inequalities, increased rural value-added production, enhanced good health and education, enhanced quality of life through portable water, electricity and good roads, greater integration of rural people into political and economic processes, as well as good telecommunication services.
Investigations carried out proved that on community development in Nigeria, with particular reference to Akwa Ibom State, the people especially the poor, expect many things from the set government. The poor and weaker sections look up to government to improve their lot and alleviate their misery. Thus, in response to the rising expectations of the people, governments of Akwa Ibom state have assumed enormous responsibilities in order to improve the social and economic conditions of the people, thus bringing community development through the instrumentality of Government and Non Governmental Organizations.
Consequently, since developing societies are engaged in rapid socio-economic transformation under the leadership of government, public administration necessarily has a very crucial and fundamental impact in the society. Thus, this work is designed and set to find out the Influence of Public Administration and Community Development with particular reference to Akwa Ibom State, as well as make recommendations.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
From the background of the study, it is evidenced that some problems actually necessitated the changing of government in these communities after independence, prominent among them include: Lack of social amenities in these communities. Poor infrastructural facilities, such as good roads, schools, hospitals, electricity etc which led to the non-development of these communities. The social and economic condition of the people was very poor. Poverty engulfed the weaker section of the people of which many died as a result of hunger, starvation and mal-nutrition, especially the women and children.
In Nigeria, Public Administration was created to perform permissive, mandatory functions and satisfy the yearnings of those in the rural areas.
Ezeadi & Asiegbu (1990), is a veritable institution for the development of rural communities. It is Tue duty of government to provide primary health institution, like health centers, maternities, dispensaries and other health related services to those in the rural area who have no access to sophisticated hospitals, in the rural community. It should also be involved in the provision and maintenance of nursery, primary and Adult education among others. The above function of Akwa Ibom State government involves integrated approach is the development of which considers all the sector of the economy for rural development, it should be seen by all concerned as an important institution thorough which the standard of lives of those residing in the rural areas could be addressed. It has been observed over the years that Akwa Ibom State government have performed below expectation in the development of rural communities.
Consequently, the issue which arises from this study is to ascertain the importance of Public Administration in Akwa Ibom State in order to alleviate or reduce these problems evidenced in these communities to its barest minimum.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The broad purpose of this study is to ascertain the influence of Public Administration and community development to selected communities in Oruk Anam Local Government Area and the developing societies at large.
- To examine the influence of Public Administration in developing societies in general, particularly in Akwa Ibom state.
- To proffer useful solutions and make recommendation to the problem on community development.
- To determine the effect of public administration on community development in Akwa Ibom state.
1.4 Research Questions
For the purpose of this study, the following questions are considered important and were used to find suitable answers to these problems. They are: - Does public administration has an influence on community development in Akwa Ibom State.
- Does the government strategies to proffer solution to the challenges facing the community?
- What are the effects of public administration on community development in Akwa Ibom State. 1.5 Hypothesis
H1. There is a direct interaction between community development and public Administration in Akwa Ibom state.
H2. Through effective practice of Public Administration, empowerment thrives in Rural communities.
H3. Poverty alleviation could be tackled in rural communities through government programmes and strategies.
H4. What are the various government policies on rural development in Akwa Ibom State?
1.6 Significance of the Study
The overall significance or importance of this study, and the beneficiaries of this research work are as follows;
- It will be of great value to potential administrators, and policy makers to embark on efficient policy and decision making.
- It will help the people of developing societies or communities to be aware of the essential and crucial of Public Administration in the community, thus, support and embrace the subject matter.
- Students of Public Administration will also benefit as they will begin to understand and appreciate their course of study in improving community development and the national economy.
- Finally, this study after documentation will serve as a reference material for similar studies in the future.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study covers public administration and its influence on community development in Akwa Ibom State.
It is also pertinent to point out that because of time, space or distance, the study is limited to Akwa Ibom State, also paucity of useful materials to aid in this research work and the geographical condition of the state also serves as a constraint to this research work. In spite of the above limitations, the researcher has resorted to various means and method of sourcing for relevant materials and information necessary for the study, and as such all the limitations were overcome, the objectives of the study as set out were largely achieved.
