ABSTRACT
The
study is on the
role of local government in national development using Ibadan South East Local
Government of Oyo State as a reference point. The ultimate aim of this study is
to ascertain the
contributions of local government council towards achieving national
development through programmes and projects. The
researcher adopted survey research method coupled with 120 administered
questionnaires distributed to 120 respondents selected within Ibadan South East
local government of which 113 copies were retrieved which the analysis
revolved. Analysis and interpretations of the findings shown that local government
is a machinery for rural and national development with 54.9% attested to this
fact, while it is established that Ibadan South
Local government is strengthening national development through programmes and
policies. However, some of the major challenges
facing Local government in strengthening national development are; lack
of fund, lack of qualified staff, poor community support, insecurity and
corruption. It is recommended that local government chief executives are
enjoined to strive to complete all uncompleted capital projects inherited by them
before starting new ones. While all revenue yielding ones, which will further
enhance the revenue base of the local governments should be completed without
delay.
