To people, especially those not in the realm of social science, development and economic growth appear to be synonymous, but technically, they are two interrelated concepts.
Economic growth, when associated with the state, means an increase in a nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while development entails the utilisation of these resources for the general well-being of the people.
In countries like Nigeria, more emphasis is placed on economic growth which has less effect on the lives of the populace, probably because the fruits of revenue being generated, which represents economic growth, are enjoyed and have more impact on the lives of those in power.
Development is multidimensional and multi-sectoral, as such, shouldn’t be restricted to a single dimension.
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More emphasis on achieving economic growth while neglecting other segments of development remains one of the reasons why most of the efforts towards achieving national development fail to yield positive result due to the fact that development, being a people-centered activity, has to be seen and treated beyond the expansion of national income or wealth, but the improvement of the situation of the people.
The first step towards achieving national development includes cultural transformation and inculcation of positive social values that lead to attainment of development. This includes rationalisation of thought, culture, traditional values and religious practices, improved learning culture to suit the needed efforts towards achieving development. For this, education, which is in line with industrial requirements, mixed with patriotism, discipline, honesty and other positive values, is needed.
Both moral and material requirements are imperative aspects of development, and, for us to develop we have to first sanitise our hearts and intensify our efforts towards the attainment of the development and uphold positive values like patriotism, loyalty, honesty and community service.
Zaharaddeen Muhammed, Avicenna Science Academy, Azare, Bauchi State
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