Political Leadership and Community Development in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, 2015-2021

Abstract

This study examined the extent to which community leadership contributes towards successful community development projects in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Rivers State. A total of 121 community leaders selected through the purposive sampling technique participated in the study while a total of 118 questionnaires were retrieved from the field and was used for the analysis. Frequency, percentage, Mean and standard deviation were utilized in analyzing the research questions. It was observed that leadership positions are not the exclusive preserve of a particular sex, age group, marital status or educational status; rather result indicated that the duration of residence of community leaders is a significant factor in the success of community development projects in the study area. The study concluded that knowledge on the level to which community leaders have participated in community development, and the challenges they face have serious implications for achieving sustainable community development projects. It was recommended among others that for sustainable community development to be achieved in the area, specific and deliberate strategies should be evolved to remedy some of the problems identified. The study suggests that more dedicated community leaders should be identified and responsibilities aimed at improving the welfare of the people assigned to them.