Impact of Communication in Community Engagement and Development of Asejere Community, Kelebe Area of Osogbo, Osun State

Background: Communication is at the center stage of human existent, without which desired development may be difficult to achieve if not impossible. It is so central that every path to development of a people and their community is tied to effective communication in other to ensure understating and cooperation. Objective: This study investigates the impact of communication in community engagement and development, and how communication can be used to promote citizen participation in the development of Asejere Community, Kelebe Area of Osogbo, Osun State. Method: The study adopts descriptive survey research design. The people of Asejere Community, Osogbo, Osun State with 96 household membership formed the population of the study. Owing to the small number of the population, the study adopts census, a study of every unit. The data collected with the aid of questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics and simple percentage tables. Results: Findings reveal that communication plays vital roles in community engagement in development process as face-to-face interaction in addition with the use of new media, prove to be effective medium of communication in development process. Conclusion: The study concludes that participatory communication remains the most effective for community engagement in development process. Invariably, involving members of a community in activities and decision-making of issues that affect is essential to achieving the desired development that is acceptable to all. Unique Contribution: This study beams searchlight on the impact of communication and how its application can bring about interaction and ultimately, unity of purpose while engaging the people in the quest for development of a community. Expectedly, policymakers, development agents and partners as well as communication scholars and experts will find the study valuable in future research and planning of development agenda especially, at the grassroots. Key Recommendation: Drawing from the findings, the study recommends that community stakeholders can leverage the use of interpersonal (face-to-face interaction) communication and the new media (Cell phone – SMS, WhatsApp messaging) as the best form and medium of communication, for a productive citizen engagement in development process.