By Queen Kunde
The CEO of Paradigm Communications Company Ltd Nigeria Mr. Raymond Nyayiti Enoch, has called on the African Union Commission to invest in the African Rural Economy Infrastructure in order to guarantee better livelihood and sustainable income generation for African rural dwellers.
Mr. Raymond who made this call in Jalingo, Taraba State, North East Nigeria said that the concentration of public expenditure spending and investments in African administrative headquarters since independence has made rural economies depleted and strained livelihood for Africans.
According to him ” Today African Rural Communities are no longer attractive to young people who see city centers as relaxation hubs and places to find employment, adding that ” instead of putting African Rural Communities first, governments in Africa have not developed and operationalized rural economies that is capable of meeting their own needs” Rather he said , the absence of sound infrastructures in the rural areas like road network, basic life support and income generation facilities is responsible for the conflicts we see in Africa Rural areas today “
Enoch who said African Rural Communities used to be where elites return to from the cities and Europe to feel attached to their roots and culture with all sense of pride, lamented the insensitivity of most African leaders for lack of development at the African communities added that it’s high times such attitude be change.
He called on Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) and the African Head of States and Governments through the African Union Commission, AUC to consider harnessing the resilient and innovative capacities of African Communities going on at different places and level in order to channel them to productive ventures in Africa so as to turn fortunes for rural dwellers.