Benue State University, Makurdi

The Socio-Economic Development of Shika, 1928-1975

Odoh Nathaniel John, Chapola David Ngadda, Ph.D and Aminu Bakari Buba

Abstract

A robust socio-economic activity constitutes the life wire of every society. No society in human history has made any meaningful progress without a thriving socio-economic activity. It is against this backdrop that the paper examines the socio-economic development of Shika between 1928-1975. The aim of the paper is to clearly bring out the role of population expansion in boosting the socio-economic development of Shika. Shika is one of the thriving towns in Zaria emirate that was established in 1928 as a labour camp for the agricultural stock farm. The conducive nature of its environment motivated the British colonial government to set up its farm. The research deploys the use of qualitative method of research which relies on the use of primary and secondary data. The primary data were collected from field work conducted by the researchers and data from National Archives Kaduna while the secondary information was collected from books, journals and unpublished works. The paper argues that the rapid development witnessed in Shika was as a result of the socio-economic activities of the people of Shika and the cordial relationship that existed among the people which enabled the town to thrive. Findings from the research reveal that the people of Shika were skilled farmers, artisans and traders. The paper concludes that Shika became a town to reckon with as a result of its robust socio-economic activities.

DOWNLOAD COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE (CLICK)