Ndigbo, Your Rural Economy Is Dying‼️

DON EBUBEOGU 

The rural economy, the backbone of our regional economic development, faces unprecedented challenges. It’s time to acknowledge this and unite to revitalise our rural communities.

A rural economy encompasses economic activities and financial systems in rural areas, including agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. It provides crucial employment and livelihoods shaped by cultural and social contexts.

Rural businesses benefit significantly from traditional events. For instance, an average burial or wedding costs around N5,000,000.00, supporting local enterprises renting canopies and chairs, beer and beverage distributors, masquerades, dancing groups, and tithes for traditional title holders.

Urban visitors spend approximately N25,000 among relatives during each visit. Local markets thrive on weekends as city dwellers purchase organic fruits and foodstuffs.

However, these ceremonies have declined and shifted to cities, leading to:

– Youth migration to urban areas
– Low agricultural productivity
– Limited job opportunities
– Poverty and food insecurity
– Urban congestion and strain on dependants’ resources
– Loss of cultural heritage and community identity

With Christmas approaching, typically a time Ndigbo congregate in villages, town unions should organise a “mass return” initiative. This opportunity can galvanise people to return home and revitalise rural communities.

If Ndigbo continues to abandon their villages, eroding the rural economy, they risk becoming refugees in cities worldwide.

Without a vibrant rural economy, several negative consequences have arisen, affecting individuals, families, communities, and the broader society.

The time to stop the drift is today.

Go home this Christmas and possess your possession 🙏