Local government administration and community development: a survey of Ayedaade Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Life in Nigeria today is stressful and confusing because of the way the government works. The establishment of local government is to bring development to the grassroots, but in Nigeria, this has not been the case. This study examines the roles of local government administration in community development in Ayedaade Local Government Area (LGA), Osun State, Nigeria. Using descriptive survey design and Taro Yamane Formula on sample size, data was collected for the study. Out of the 399 copies of questionnaire administered to respondents residing in Ayedaade LGA of Osun State, Nigeria, 387 were retrieved in usable form. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS package version 22. The study found that the local government plays a significant role in community development in Ayedaade. However, the lack of motivation among the staff of the local government is one of the challenges faced by Ayedaade in community development. It surmised that one of the possible ways to strengthen local government administration in Ayedaade to ensure community development is the regular payment of salaries and incentives for local government workers, which will enhance their efficiency and effectiveness in carrying out community development. The conclusion reached is that local government is the hub for social, political and economic mobilisation and galvanisation of the citizens for effective participation in the community and national development. The study recommends the use of technology to foster the development of the community. Also, the bottom-up approach (participatory approach) in planning, implementing, monitoring, controlling and evaluating the development schemes and programmes is highly advocated rather than the use of the top-down approach.