In a complex society like ours the role which the press radio, television, newspapers, magazines and all forms of communication can play in effective rural development should not be over emphasized. Like other agents of development such as learning, the press especially the newspaper is very important in the proper development of our rural communication. The press as the fourth estate of the realm has other vital roles to play in the current campaign for effective rural development apart from its traditional roles as the watch dog of the society.
A lot has been written about rural development. This is because of its importance in the development of the individual, his life style and with a view to making him satisfied, as well as making available those non existing facilities in a rural area, for the good of the inhabitants. “ Rural development, thus according to Akonobi is:
Economic and social conditions not surprisingly, in the past ex-president Babangida’s rural development programme as from the majority of Nigerians and is still hailed to some rural areas. The programme not misery, it makes a progressive shift in publics and its policies are similar to that of general Abacha’s family support programme (FSP) and petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) . In our contemporary existence as a democratically independent nation, the lots of rural dwellers, these inhabitants situated in the hinterlands, far away from the urban areas, pleasure of life goodies and all those aspect that ensure man as a living and existing being has been one of nation’s deprivation, illiteracy, disease and vast poverty and total degradation.
As if the above unseeingly situation is not enough for these rural peasants access roads are completely lacking clean drinking water is luxury while social amenities are practically not available. Research have shown that over 70% (percent) of the entire population live in the rural area, yet, the bulk of nations wealth especially in agriculture are from the uninhabitable rural areas. Hence completely disenchanted and alienated. These peasant, rural inhabitants have come to see the urban dwellers with envy and resentment, seeing the government as being meant for the urban dweller. Past regimes potently ignorant of the realities and of course the practicalities. General Babangida in his blue print for rural development said : “ rural development holds the key, to sustained agricultural transformation and national food security.”
After these too, the IBB administration in her effort to accomplish the prime objective, came up with the directorate for food, road and rural infrastructure, (DEFR). This directorate is changed with the responsibility of carrying the campaign for development in the rural areas.
Extensively, as a part of the idea to make rural dwellers have a sense of belonging and participate in the process of national economic reconstruction and self – reliance. Ikem Nosu is one of his books says that:
“These facilities range, from good water, electricity, recreational facilities, judicial and other institution etc. it is thus all embracing “.
The then Minister of information Col. Anthony Ukpo spoke of government plan to construct information centres, both in the rural area. He explained in an NTA Calabar (not seat) programme. These information board will serve as centre for disseminating informations and explaining government policies to the rural populace”.
Equal too, different local and state government mapped our different programmes aimed at ensuring fast and effective rural development programme that is channeled towards rural development. The joint action on development’ (JAD) is social amenities, good roads etc. Idemili North local government area like every other local government in Anambra state, in line with ‘JAD’s programme has added special programme on adult education as their own contribution towards effective rural development in the state.
From the foregoing, therefore, bearing in mind the continuous existence of development programmes in various states, we shall take a step to examine the role which the press can play in solving the problem s facing these rural dwellers. For the purpose of this work emphasis is more on the newspaper having considered its bearing as compared with the radio and television.
Newspaper plays a prominent / vital role in the information dissemination in our society, in the current campaign for effective rural development despite its traditional roles as an observer of the society. The press is seen as a mirrow to what’s happening and it gives representative picture and giving choices in other words, the print is more accessible in accordance to this Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe said:
“That a newspaper is usually a reflection of the mood of times” apart from its lasting power, its cast is usually lower than that mostly the well to do. In most cases incessant power failures don’t make things better. In other words the print is more accessible. Hence if carefully preserved they will last long.
According to emerg et al. they exist to inform and influence the communities in which they are performing and the man who produces them share a common urge to news and advertising into print. Like wise opubor in one of his unpublished article said that: “the mass media like weather are always then provide constant material for conservation.
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