Abstract

The essence of this study was basically to examine objectively the socio-economic dilemma and challenges posed by population growth tothe indigenous people of Ogu Urban Town in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria. We adopted the cross sectional survey design. The population study was solely based on the indigenous people of Ogu Urban Town of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State using the adult population from the age of 18 and above. Ogu/Bolo Local Government has a total population of 74,683 people living in the communities. The sample size of 398 was chosen for the study and this sample size was taken from the population using Taro Yamane sample size determination formula. The study made use of primary data which was sourced using structured questionnaire developed by the researchers. Chi-square statistics was used to analyse the data. Findings of the study revealed that population growth contributed significantly to the socio-economic life, socio-economic resources and standard of living of the people of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State. It was however recommended that, there should be a reform of local government statutes to help ameliorate the problems and challenges of the indigenous people of Ogu Urban Town and that of the entire rural populace of Nigeria and other rural communities in the world. Prospective investors in the country or beyond should invest in the areas of agriculture, housing, purchasing, marketing, distribution of essential commodities, transportation, manufacturing, funding of small scale industries and scientific inventions in these rural urban communities of which Ogu/Bolo LGA is highly recommended being a fertile ground for investment with political tranquillity. Rivers State Government or the Federal Government should design intervention programmes that will help in reducing population growth rate in the rural areas and stimulate socio-economic development. Enabling environment that will facili