LEADERSHIP AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN BENUE STATE

This study examined leadership and infrastructural development in Benue State. The specific objectives of the study included: to assess the nature and character of leadership in Benue State, the nexus between leadership and infrastructural development in Benue State, the factors militating against leadership and infrastructural development in Benue State and possible ways of improving leadership in order to enhance infrastructural development in Benue State. The study employed survey design as its methodology, using questionnaire as the main instrument of data collection. Theoretically, the study adopted elite theory as its framework of analysis. Findings of the study revealed that there is a connection between effective leadership and the development of the infrastructure. Any political system that recognises the value of leadership promotes social and economic advancement, particularly in democracies. The provision of social amenities to the populace by leaders is expected to include, among other things, the provision of roads, portable water, sufficient electricity, delivery of health care services and primary and secondary education. Nevertheless, in Benue State, the opposite has proven true, with leaders whom were mostly inept and inefficient in carrying out their responsibilities in order to provide vital services to the populace. Several things, including weak leadership, disregard for democratic values, corruption, poor governance, and insufficient funding have contributed to this tragic trend. The study recommends that those who bear the burden of leadership must thoroughly understand their roles, duties and commitments if Benue State is to overcome leadership difficulties. They must be exposed to the demands of leadership and made ready for them. Considering that the state's long-term rescue hinges on the calibre of its leaders. In order to ensure that effective and durable infrastructure will be created and properly maintained in order to improve development in the state, corruption should also be reduced and projects for which funds are disbursed must be adequately monitored.