ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN POST-CIVIL WAR IN OKIGWE URBAN, 1970 – 1996

Abstract

The post-civil war economic development in Okigwe (1970-1996) examines how the people of Okigwe urban coped economically after the civil war. The study focuses on strategies adopted for survival in the aftermath of a devesting conflict that lasted for three years and resulted in the loss of pf businesses and economic assets. With the end of the war, many residents returned home and were compelled to rebuild their livelihoods from scratch, primarily through agriculture and the sale of farm produce. Although the Federal Government proclaimed a policy of “No Victor, No Vanquished” and introduced the three Rs-Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Reintegrationthese measures were inadequately implemented, thereby worsening the economic condition of the people. Like many other Igbo communities, the people of Okigwe took their fate in their own hands. Artisans established workshops to revive their trade, while traders engaged in small-scale commerce with limited resources. The Federal Government’s policy of issuing a flat payment of #20 to banks account holders, regardless of pre-war savings, further constrained economic recovery and contributed to the stagnation of the economy in Eastern Nigeria, including Okigwe Urban. However, within approximately five years after the war, the people demonstrated remarkable economic resilience and began to recover. This recovery can be attributed to a combination of individual enterprise, community efforts, and limited governmental support. Notably, the government of East Central State, alongside the Federal Government, contributed to development through the establishment of schools, agricultural institutions, and housing in Okigwe Urban.