Yenagoa, Nigeria – The President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, has called for a more holistic approach to rural development.
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Responding to a keynote speech on energy security and rural development at an event in Yenagoa, Prof. Okaba argued that interventions on development should go beyond pure economics, including political, social, spiritual and mental well-being.
Energy was also a key focus of his comments, with Prof. Okaba stressing the need to consider a range of energy sources including solar, hydro, biomass, geothermal and nuclear.
For rural communities in particular, he advocated for greater equity, equality, and fairness as well as just access to basic amenities and opportunities, citing the need for a broader approach to rural development that goes beyond agricultural production.
Prof. Okaba also urged the unbundling of Nigeria’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, calling for the creation of a separate Ministry of Rural Development to better address the diverse needs of rural communities.
The event, which marked the 80th birthday celebration of King Dr. Edmund Daukoru, Mingi XII, Amayanabo of Nembe, was attended by other notable speakers, including Dr. Kpoklo, whose speech on the “Imperatives of Energy Security for Accelerated Rural Development in the Niger Delta” Prof. Okaba responded to.
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