ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY REDUCTION IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED SMES IN IKOT EKPENE)

The study examined Entrepreneurship Development and Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria using Selected Small Medium Enterprise in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State as a case study. To accomplish the research objective of this study, the study adopted the survey research design while convenience sampling technique was used to select one hundred and thirty-eight (138) respondents as the sample size for the study. Instrument used for the study was self-developed questionnaire and the forms were personally administered by the researcher. Research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Data were analyzed using frequency tables, simple percentages and chi-square (2) statistical tools. Findings of the study revealed that there is significant effect of new market creation on poverty reduction in Nigeria; there is significant effect of new technologies on poverty reduction in Nigeria; there is significant effect of income creation on poverty reduction in Nigeria; there is significant effect of improved standard of living on poverty reduction in Nigeria; there is significant increased productivity on poverty reduction in Nigeria. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made, government should implement new market creation that would have positive impact on entrepreneurship development because entrepreneurship drives economic growth and creates new job, individual should imbibe modern technology in entrepreneurship as a tool of conquering poverty, government should also facilities income creation support for entrepreneurship as these programmes can help entrepreneurs develop the skills they need to succeed, connect with experienced business leaders, and build a supportive network, entrepreneurs should become the drivers of economic growth as a source of poverty reduction by providing quality goods and services to the society.