IGWEBUIKE THE PLACE OF AFIKPO TOWN WELFARE ASSOCIATION (ATWA) IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFIKPO-IGBO CLAN

Abstract

Community development is a dynamic process involving all segments of the locality, including the government, the traditional royal fathers, town-union leaders, the Church, the women’s groups and the youth population. Different governments at all levels in the past made efforts geared towards community development in Nigeria by providing basic social amenities. However, government interventions alone were not adequate. This necessitated many local communities to apply self-help method in their development trajectories. The Afikpo community applied the principle of Igwebuike to rally supports for unmet needs. The instrument used is a town union organization called Afikpo Town Welfare Association (ATWA). ATWA was established solely for the purposes of organizing resources, planing community initiatives that will bring development, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility among members. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess and evaluate the contributions of ATWA in the development of Afikpo community since inception. Basically, the study is qualitative, utilizing both primary and secondary sources of data such as oral interviews, books, journals, newspaper articles, ATWA convention papers, among others; all considered relevant in understanding the origin and achievements of ATWA. The findings of the study reveal that ATWA has been an important agent of community development in Afikpo, although there are areas seeking great attention. Thus, the study concludes by recommending the establishment of digital and communication links that will connect the entire community to the activities of ATWA. Again, there should be regular seminar and workshops in order to increase the skills and knowledge of ATWA leadership for effective and efficient administration.