NATIONAL POVERTY ALLEVIATION PROGRAMME: AN ASSESSMENT ON THE ROLE OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (A STUDY OF UYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Poverty is a state of not having enough of the basic need. It is state of deprivation from the basic necessities of life. It means not having enough of the amenities and resources needed for sustainably or comfortable living Chikere, (2008) poverty eradication is undoubtedly one of the highest ranking issues in the national strategies of many less developed countries, of which every tier of government in Nigeria is tailored with the porogrammes of eradicating it especially local government areas of alleviating it especially local government areas as citadels for grass root development.

The invaluable role of the local government is anchored on the attendant development it brings nearer to the people. Rural development integrates the people into the plans and programmes of government in alleviation of poverty. in Nigeria, the local government has historically provided services of importance to its citizens both in rural of local governments in the country is now a subject of public concern as a result of increasing rate of poverty among the people of uyo local government. In the simplest languages, local government means management of the local affairs by the people of a locality. It enjoys an autonomous status, which entities it to take certain legislature, administration and financial decisions though under the conditions and within the limits of law. (Agba- Koba and Ogbonna, 2004). define local government from legal perspective. they see it as a political administration unit that is empowered by law to administer a specific locality.

Poverty is a global phenomenon. Although, the developed countries have their fair share of the problem, in the developing countries, poverty level has been on the increase. It is both present in urban ands rural areas (World Bank, 2007). But, it is more pervasive in rural areas because of its characteristics. Infact, the poverty level in Uyo local government area can best be described as “inflammable” sequel to this, there is no other development issue that poses a fundamental challenge to policy makers in local government as endemic as poverty. The provision  of basic activities such as roads, education, health, water, housing, electricity services among others, dictate the condition of lives in the rural area. but local government driven initiatives that contributes to extending these freedoms to poorer communities, marginalized groups, and other slum dwellers (whose access to national poverty eradication programme is generally constrained by depriving them of the opportunities they need to pursue their own self improvement will empower them to achieve economic security and social inclusion (Chikere, 2008).

Poverty has many causes, all of which reinforce one another. One source of poverty is the lack of basic services, such as clean water, education and health care, another is lack of assets, such as land, tools, credit, and supportive network. A third is lack of income, including food, shelter, clothing, and empowerment (Political power, confidence dignity). But local government has been saddled with the responsibility of eradicating poverty at the grassroots. Rather, the fight to eradicates poverty started some decades ago. It seems that the various strategies and programmes adopted by Uyo Local Government are yet to achieve the desired result of eradicating poverty. This study assesses the role of local government on poverty eradication.

• STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Poverty past a serious concern to every society developed or under developed. Countries of the world develop several strategies and programme to combat poverty. However, the issues of poverty keep raising it ugly head, especially in developing countries.

Poverty humiliates and dehumanizes its victim. It effect is worrisome, it makes people compromise on moral values or abandon these values completely. It creates frustration, loss of meaningful life, purpose and living something to live for and disbursement about morality. In other words, poverty is a cause of corruptions while corruption is consequences of poverty and loss of value. Poverty retards development, growth and industrialization in Uyo local government. The many strands of poverty interwine and pull people into downward spiral. Because tackling one factor may not be enough to lift people out of poverty, an effective poverty-eradication strategy must attack poverty on the all fronts at the same time. But, these are abysmal on assessing Uyo local government of its role in eradicating poverty.

Then! Does Uyo local government plays any pivotal role in eradicating poverty? Does the person of Uyo local government felt any impact on the strategies and programmes on poverty eradication. those and many more form the bases of this study, and to offer suggestions on poverty eradication programmes embark upon in Uyo local government area.

• OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY