Browsing by Author "Akeem Ayanda ARABA (PhD)"

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    Nigeria's Rural Development Policy: Fostering Sustainable Cities and Communities
    (Jewel Journal of Politics, 2025-08-15) Yusuf Ibrahim Ajao; Akeem Ayanda ARABA (PhD); Lukman Omomeji SHEHU
    Sustainable Development Goal 11 emphasizes the need to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, and serves as the framework for this study. The idea of sustainable cities and communities has become a central focus of contemporary urban planning and governance. However, rapid urbanization and the persistence of unsustainable development policies have intensified the challenges of rural underdevelopment, particularly in Nigeria. Despite the crucial role of rural development in driving sustainable economic growth, successive administrations in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic have largely neglected policies aimed at strengthening rural communities. This neglect has produced multifaceted socio-economic and environmental challenges. This study examines the relationship between rural development policy and the concept of sustainable cities and communities as articulated by the United Nations. It further interrogates the interconnected challenges facing both rural and urban areas in their pursuit of development. Employing a qualitative research design, the study relies on thematic analysis of data and insights from purposively selected respondents. Findings reveal that rural development and sustainable cities are mutually reinforcing, underscoring the importance of integrated policy frameworks. The study recommends prioritizing strategies that strengthen rural–urban linkages, such as efficient transportation systems, sustainable agricultural and land use practices, investment in renewable energy, expanded access to education and healthcare, and the preservation of biodiversity and ecological balance.