THE ROLE NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area is amongst the thirty Local Government Areas in Imo State. It is made up of 16 autonomous communities, which include Amala/Alulu/Obokwe, Elelem, Ezioma, Okpala, Ngor Iihite/Umukabia, Ntu, Obiangwu/Logara, Obibiene, Obike, Obube, Ulakwe Ohekelem/Nnorie/Umuhu, Umuaro-Imeriewe, Umuohiagu, Ozuzu and Agbala.
As each community is large, its responsibilities are necessarily in terms of developmental needs. Needs of communities differ both in importance and priorities. What constitutes “development” in Eziama may not constitute “development” in Ihitte. A community may have as its priority electricity supply, while another may have water supply as its priority. However the important thing is that all the communities under study agree on the need for an enhanced socio-economic, political and cultural life on the community.
Agreeably, Government alone cannot provide these services. Julius Nyerere had said that if people realize that their suffering is not the will of God, they would make efforts and sacrifices. It could have been its realization that spurred non-government organization in Ngor-Okpala Local Government into making. But while non-governmental bodies are making efforts towards improving the living conditions of Ngor-Okpala populace, it must be stressed that there is need for adequate government participation in this development bid, if these organizations in between rural community will materialize.
1.1 GENERAL BACKGROUND TO THE SUBJECT MATTER.
The burden of developing a community is not an easy task. To develop community entails advancement in its socio-economic, political and cultural life, most communities in the struggle for self-improvement. In Ngor-Okpala South Local Government Area, non-government organizations are the moving spirit the field of community development.
They start from the scratch, initiating financing and executing developmental programmes with or without the assistance of government.
The quest for community development should not be left alone in the hands of non-governmental organizations nor in those of the government since both efforts are complementary. It should be seen as joint task and responsibility.
Recently government tried to restore hope in the rural poor through the creation of agencies.
1.2 PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SUBJECT MATTER.
A common task facing development and under-developed nations today, including Nigeria is the development of rural area.
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