Strategy for Tackling Poverty in Nigeria: An Evaluation of What the National Youth Service Corps (Nysc) Members’ Community Perceives as Their Support Needs in Nigeria in “Tackling Poverty” and “How to Sway Policy-Makers, Using Social Marketing Techniques (Smt)?

By Dr. Ebikinei Stanley Eguruze

This research evaluates what the National Youths Service Corps members community perceives as their support needs in Nigeria in tackling poverty. It also analyses the process of leveraging policymaking, using social marketing techniques. It seeks a deeper understanding of the poverty elimination processes in Nigerian and beyond.

A mixed-methods research design was adopted engaging a quantitative approach in which 351 NYSC members were surveyed using self-completion questionnaires. In addition, qualitative studies in which policy-makers as well as young people within the NYSC members community were interviewed.

The main findings of the research reveal that young people: NYSC members support-needs in Nigeria are inadequate. A great deal more needed to be done. A Marshall-plan scale of support is required. The most significant causes of poverty amongst the NYSC members are absence of jobs, corruption of government officials, low wages, tribalism, oil pollution, natural disasters, IMF/World Bank conditionalities and wars. The main experiences of poverty include a high youth unemployment rate, No money to-go-to-school, No money to start small businesses, less food to eat, no money to treat sickness, no money to buy-clothes, no money to afford decent homes, prostitution, absence of a public transportation system as well as into-drugs and into-kidnapping.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Feb 8, 2017
• ISBN: 9781524677558

Dr. Ebikinei Stanley Eguruze

Dr Ebikinei Stanley Eguruze is a lecturer in the School of Marketing, Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State of Nigeria. He has just resumed work from study leave/fellowship sponsorship programme of the Niger Delta University. His PhD thesis was in the area of Tackling Poverty in Bayelsa State of Nigeria, Using Marketing Techniques. He is now an Adjunct Associate Professor in Marketing/PhD Supervisor, in a London-based American University for Leaders (AUL). He has a long interest in tackling poverty and youth and community development, business development particularly, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurship, innovation, as well as positive socio-economic change initiatives in the poorer communities around the globe. He has published a number of articles in addition to his first book entitled “Tackling Poverty” in Bayelsa State of Nigeria. So, this new book, entitled “Strategy for Tackling Poverty” in Nigeria which is being published, will be his second. Contact: [e-mail]

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© 2017 Dr Ebikinei Stanley Eguruze. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 02/08/2017

ISBN: 978-1-5246-7702-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5246-7755-8 (e)

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Contents

Abstract

List of Figures

List of Tables

Table of Abbreviations

Declaration

Autobiography

Dedication and Inspiration

Acknowledgment

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 Introduction

1.1.1 The Research Problem

1.2 Research Background

1.2.1 Nigeria colonial link

1.2.2 Nigerian Oil Revenues

1.3 Poverty in Nigeria: The National Youth Service Corps Bayelsa State, Orientation Camp, as a case study.

1.4 How does Nigeria compare with rest of developing countries?

1.5 Limitations of the Study

1.6 Rationale for Proposing a New Poverty Intervention Model

1.7 Research Aim

1.8 Research Questions

1.10 Research Contributions

1.11 Overview of Thesis

Chapter Two

Review of Literature

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Definition of Poverty and Implications

2.2.1 Classical Approach

2.2.2 The United Nations Definition (Below-the-poverty-line or Absolute Poverty)

2.2.3 Oxford University’s OPHDI- Multidimensional Poverty Index - MPI

2.2.4 Bayelsa-Based Studies in Nigeria

2.2.5 Relative Poverty

2.2.6 Urban Poverty

2.2.7 Acute Poverty

2.2.8 Chronic Poverty

2.2.9 Persistent Poverty

2.2.10 Rural Poverty

2.2.11. In-Work Poverty

2.2.12 Food Poverty

2.2.13 Other types of poverty: kpako-housing (housing poverty) & electricity-poverty (I-pass-my-neighbour)

2.2. 14 Zero-poverty & Criticism

2.2.15 Table linking different forms of poverty to their causes and impact on society

2.3 Researcher’s Methodology Model for Poverty Intervention

2.3.1 Researcher’s Methodology Model for Poverty Intervention (Fig 1)

2.3.4 The Strategy Conference Process

2.3.5 The Relevance of the Strategic Planning Model

2.3.6 Strategic Planning Process (Fig 3)

2.3.7 Implementable Joint Programme of Action (IJPA)

2.4. Implementing changes that might follow the researcher’s SMT-Model

2.4.1 Implications for leadership changes in implementing poverty reduction process

2.4.2 Types of Change Theories Associated with implementing Poverty Reduction Process

2.4.3 Resistance to change during the SMT Model Implementation Process

2.4.4 Overcoming Resistance

2.4.5 Leadership Role in Implementing the Change Process

2.5 Absolute Poverty and Developing Countries

2.6 Theory of Support-Need in Relation to Poverty

2.7 Community Organisations (COs)

2.8 Consequences of Poverty

2. 9 Consequences of Poverty in Nigeria

2.10 Social Marketing Technique (SMT) Model Establishing the Social Marketing Case

2.11 The Theory of Social Marketing

2.11.1 Definitions

2.11.2 Critics and Concerns over Social Marketing

2.11.3 Strategic Social Marketing Areas

2.12 What is Marketing?

2.13 The Difference Between Marketing and Social Marketing

2.13.1 Fig 4 Basic Difference Between Marketing and Social Marketing

2.14 Summary

2.14.1 Attributes or causes:

2.14.2 Overcoming Extreme-Poverty

2.14.3 The Researcher’s SMT

Chapter Three

Research Methodology

3.1 Introduction

3.2 General discussion of research methods

3.2.1 Research Paradigms

3.2.2 Ontology

3.2.3 Epistemology

3.2.4 Axiology

3.2.5 Realism

3.2.6 Pragmatism

3.3 Methodological Approaches

3.3.1 Positivism

3.4 Mixed Method Research

3.4.1 The Benefits of Mixed Method Research

3.4.2 Limitations of Mixed Method Research

3.5 Multiple Research Method

3.6 Dominant approach

3.7 Mono Research Method

3.8 Research Design

3.8.1 Experimental Research Design

3.8.2 Case Study Research Design

3.8.3 Descriptive Research Design (descriptive study)

3.8.4 Survey Research Design

3.8.5 Longitudinal Research Design

3.8.6 Cross Sectional Research Design

3.8.7 Explanatory Research Design

3.9 Data Collection Methods

3.9.1 Questionnaires

3.9.2 Interviews

3.10 Data Analysis

3.11 Justifications for Research Methods

3.12 Study Population

3.13 Sampling/ Sample Size and Sample Frame

3.14 Probability Sampling

3.15 Non Probability Sampling

3.16 Sample Size/Selection of Participants

3.17 Criteria for Selection

3.18 Selection of Participants

3.19 How were Participants informed of their right to withdraw without Penalty?

3.20 Bias

3.21 Response Rate

3.22 Administration of the survey

3.23 Reliability and Validity

3.23.1 Interpretation of Reliability Test Using SPSS (4)

3.24 Ethical Considerations

3.24.1 Informed Consent (voluntary participation)

3.24.2 Confidentiality, Privacy, Anonymity and Risk of Harm

3.24.3 Personal Benefit

3.25 Pilot Study

3.26 Strategy Conference in Bayelsa State of Nigeria (Action Research)

3.27 Summary

Chapter Four

Data Analysis

4.1 Introduction

4.1.1 REPONSES TO QUESTIONNAIRE - PART 1

4.1.1 PT Q1: Are you a Nigerian citizen?

4.1.2 PTQ2 Your Local Government Area (LGA) and State of origin

4.1.3 PT1 Q3: How many of the participants were female and how many were male?

4.1.4 PT1Q4: Your Age Group

4.1.5 PT1Q 5: Are you currently studying?

4.1.6 PT1Q 6 Which is the highest qualification you currently have?

4.1.7 PT1Q7: Are you Currently Employed? (Figure 11)

4.1.8 PT1Q8. How much are you paid __ Weekly __ Monthly?

4.1.9 PT1Q9: How Many Jobs do you Do?

4.1.10 PT1Q10: How would you describe yourself?

4.1.12 PT1Q12 How much money do you have for spending on a daily basis?

4.1.13 PT1Q13: How Would you Describe the Experience of your own Poverty?

4.1.14 PT1Q14: I can afford to eat

4.1.15 PT1Q15: Which of these are the most significant Causes of Poverty in your State/Nigeria?

4.1.16 PT1Q16: Perceive Nigeria as a poor State?

4.1.17 PT1Q17 What support would you expect Nigerian government to provide for young people and community organisations? _____

4.1.18 PT1 Q18: Worksheet also relates to the question: How can we end poverty?

4.1.19 PT1Q19: Are current poverty tackling-schemes effective?

4.1.20 PT1Q20: By 2020, The Nigerian Millennium Development (MDG)

4.2 QUESTIONNAIRE - PART 2

4.2.1 PT2 Q1: It is important to ask the government to end poverty?

4.2.2 PT2Q2: Ways of Communicating with Government to help end poverty

4.2.4 PT2Q4: How often would you think is appropriate to use these methods to persuade policy-makers and policy-implementers to end poverty?

4.2.5 PT2Q5: Is it important to actively involve young people and community organisations in policy-making and policy-implementation?

4.2.6 PT2Q6: Is it important to remind Government how many young people are in poverty for effective policy-making and policy-implementation?

4.2.7 PT2 Q7: It is important to know where these poor young people are living for effective policy-making and policy-implementing

4.2.8. PT2Q8: Overcoming poverty requires policy-makers: to reset their priorities and/or set their goals higher than the current emphasis on economic growth and creating job opportunities, people need real jobs, not just opportunities, as below:

4.2.9 PT2 Q9. Are current poverty tackling intervention-schemes: such as Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Poverty Eradication Programme (PEP), National NAPEP, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) effective?

4.3.10. PT2 Q10 Were previous poverty eradication schemes: such as Accelerated Food Production (NAFPP), Nigerian Agricultural and Cooperative Bank (NACB), Directorate of Food and Rural Infrastructure (DIFRI), Operation Feed the Nation, (OFN), the Green Revolution, effective?

4.2.11 PT2Q11: Are any poverty tackling measures that were in place that were not implemented?

Chapter Five

Strategy Conference:

Record of Qualitative Research Results

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Responses to interview

5.3 Coding (Appendix 15)

5.4 Empowerment

5.5 Enabling Environment

5.6 Social Exclusion

5.7 Money, Greed and Mismanagement

5.8 Corrupt Culture, Attitudes and Behaviours

5.9 Self-Help and the Positive Attitude (Can do Attitude)

5.10 Farming as an Enterprise

5.11 Familial support in Entrepreneurship

5.12 New Ways of supporting Youth: (A new Nigerian Socio-Economic Order for Public Service)

5.13 Summary

Chapter Six

Interpretation And Discussion of Research Findings

6.1 Introduction

6.1.1 Access to Free Quality Education, including skills Aquisition

6.1.2 Job Opportunities, employment or real jobs

6.1.3 Infrastructural Facilities

6.1.4 Participation

6.1.5 Psychological Effect

6.1.6 Broken Down Traditional Social Relationship or Networks

6.1.7 Access to Free Quality Health Care

6.1.8. Micro-Finance

6.1.9 Boosting Agricultural Capacities and Capabilities

6.1.10 Multi-varable needs such as lack of decent housing, increasing crime rate and lawnessness, low wages, hunger, etc.

6.2 PART 2 HOW TO PERSUADE POLICY MAKERS

6.2.1 Social Marketing Techniques

6.3 Summary

Chapter Seven

Conclusion, Future Research, Contributions and Recommendations

7.1 Introduction

7.1.1 Overview

7.2 Summary of findings

7.3 How the objectives have been met?

7.3.1 Research objective 1:

7.3.2 Research objective 2

7.3.3 Research objective 3

7.3.4 Research objective 4

7.4 Contribution to knowledge

7.5 Contribution to theory

7.6 Contribution to practice

7.7 Unique research contribution

7.8 Suggestions for further research

7.9 The Gap

References & Bibliography

ABSTRACT

This research examines what the National Youths Service Corps members’ community perceives as their support needs in Nigeria in "tackling poverty. It also investigates the process of leveraging policymaking, using social marketing techniques. It seeks a deeper understanding of the poverty elimination processes: not only within a Nigerian national context, but the findings could also benefit the sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. It seeks an inclusive approach to policy formulation driven by involving young people and community organistions.

A mixed-methods research design was adopted engaging a quantitative approach in which 351 NYSC members were surveyed using self-completion questionnaires. In addition, qualitative studies in which policy-makers as well as young people within the NYSC members’ community were interviewed. A discussion group methodology was adopted. Following the data-analysis, a strategy conference was organized in Nigeria, in which the major findings were presented and debated. This research has improved on the previous Multi-dimensional Poverty Index by enlarging it and combining it with a current Social Marketing Technique model. The new Multi-dimensional Poverty Index - Implementable Joint Programme of Action model is user friendly and retains the multidimensional paradigm. This extension was achieved through the literature research, the development of methodology, adopting mixed-methods approach and the strategy conference.

The main findings of the research reveal that young people and NYSC members’ community organisations’ support-needs in Nigeria are inadequate. A great deal more needed to be done. A Marshall-plan scale of support is required. The most significant causes of poverty amongst young people within the NYSC members’ community are absence of jobs, corruption of government officials, low wages, tribalism, oil pollution, natural disasters, IMF/World Bank conditionalities and wars. It was also found that the main experiences of poverty include a high youth unemployment rate, lack of money to go to school, lack of money to start small businesses, less food to eat, no money to treat sickness, no money to buy clothes, no money to afford decent homes, prostitution, absence of a public transportation system as well as into-drugs and into-kidnapping. The research considers the ways in which this additional support might be provided. Importantly, the research also revealed how extreme poverty could be eradicated, and by persuading policy-makers to create real jobs and job opportunities, stop corruption, as well as developing employability skills and improving agriculture. In addition, there is a need to attract investors/oil companies to Nigeria and to increase investment spending. The lack of social infrastructure and access to free education, steady electricity and free healthcare are also seen as problems. Finally, the research revealed that actively involving young people and community organisations in policy-decision making and policy-implementation processes, including setting new priorities, or re-directing, is likely to enhance the probability of ending extreme poverty.

Keywords: Nationa l Youths; Service Corps; Youth Poverty;Community Marketing;

Multi-dimensional Poverty Index; Social Marketing Techniques; Bayelsa Nigeria

LIST OF FIGURES

Fig 1. Researcher’s Methodology Model for Poverty Intervention (Fig 1)

Fig 2. Strategy conference process

Fig 3. Strategic Planning Process

Fig 4. Basic difference between marketing and social marketing

Fig 5. Are you a Nigerian citizen?

Fig 6. Nigeria Local Government areas

Fig 7. How many of the participants were female and how many were male?

Fig 8. Your Age Group

Fig 9. Are you currently studying?

Fig 10. Which is the highest qualification you currently have?

Fig 11. Are you Currently Employed?

Fig 12. How much are you paid?

Fig 13. ow would you describe yourself?

Figure 14.1 Number Sharing home

Figure 14.2 Number Sharing Bedroom

Figure 14.3 Number Sharing House

Fig 15. How much money do you have for spending on a daily basis?

Fig 16. How Would you Describe the Experience of your own Poverty?

Fig 17. I can afford to eat - daily consumption 1x, 2x or 3x

Fig 18. Which of these are the most significant causes of poverty in Nigeria

Fig 19. Perceive Nigeria as a poor State?

Fig 20. Are current poverty tackling-schemes effective?

Fig 21. Is the Nigerian MDGs goal to become the 20th World largest economy achievable?

Fig 22. It is important to ask the government to end poverty?

Fig 23. Ways of Communicating to Government to help end poverty

Fig 24. How often would you think is appropriate to use these methods to persuade policy-makers and policy-implementers to end poverty?

Fig 26. Is it important to remind Government how many young people are in poverty

Fig 27. It is important to know where these poor young people are living

Fig 28. Are current poverty intervention schemes such as MDGs been effective?

Fig 29. Were previous poverty eradication schemes effective?

Fig 30. Are any poverty tackling measures still in place or weren’t implemented?

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1 How does Nigeria compare with rest of developing countries?

Table 1:2 Linking Previous Poverty Reduction Interventionists Initiatives and their Impact on Society to the different Nigerian Leadership.

Table 2. Table linking various forms of poverty to their causes and impact on society

Table 3.1 Cronbach α values for instrument reliability using SPSS 20.0

Table 3 Worksheet relating to the question - how can we end poverty

Table 4 Worksheet relating to - ways of communicating to Government to help end poverty

Table 5 Worsksheet relating to - when you want to ask something from policy-makers in order to meet your wish to get their help in ending poverty which methods might work?

Table 6 Overcoming poverty requires policy-makers to re-set their priorities and set their goals higher than the current emphasis on economic growth by creating job-opportunities, and real jobs, not just job opportunities

TABLE OF ABBREVIATIONS

APPENDICES

Appendix 1 Permission To Conduct Research:- At Your Institution And/Or Organisation

Appendix 2 Letter of consent: Seeking Individual Particitation-Questionnaire about Tackling Poverty in Bayelsa State

Appendix 3 Participants Consent From Institution And/Or Organsiaitons Dates 07/12/15

Appendix 4 Ethical Consent/Approval

Appendix 5 Letter Of Consent From The Nysc State Co-Ordinator Mr Ekeocha, A.a(K.s.m) Dated On 1/12/16 And Approved On 13/12/16

Appendix 6 Sample Thankyou Letter To Individual Nysc Who Particiated In The Research Between 12/07/5 And 22/06/16

Appendix 7 Strategies For Tackling Poverty In Nigeria - Summary Data Analysis

Appendix 8 Questionnaire - Part 1 About You and Poverty Survey

Appendix 9 Questionnaire - Part 2; How To Ask The Government Survey

Appendix 10 Details Of Particiapnts By State Lgas, State And Geo-Political Zones Of Nigeria

Appendix 11 Qualitative Data Records

Appendix12 Interview Guide (Interview Schedule) For The Qualititative Data Collection

Appendix 13 Minutes Of Conference With Nysc Management – State Co-Ordinator

Appendix 14 Minutes Of The Qualitative Research Experience

Appendix 15 Coding Qualitative Data Coding

Appendix 16 Steps Needed To Implement The Strategy Conference

Appendix 17 Proposed Nysc Conference Programme

Appendix 18 Draft Information Leaflet Relating To The Proposed Strategy Conference.

Appendix 19 Draft Outline Of The Proposed Stratgey Conference

Appendix 20 Call For Papers Re: Proposed Strategy Conference

Appendix 21 Pilot Study

Appendix 22 Pull-Push Promotional Model

Appendix 23 Smt Model Of Communicating With Policy-Makers

Appendix 24 Smt Model Of Overcoming Poverty

Appendix 25 Smt Model Of Asking Something From Policy Makers

Appendix … 26 Table Provides A Summary Of Social Marketing Applications In Selected Social Contexts

Appendix 27 Table 1 How Can Nigeria End Poverty Through Employment Opportunities?

Appendix 28 Qualitative Research Participants

Appendix 29 The Sure P

Appendix 30 Conference Paper

DECLARATION

I can confirm that I am the sole author of this book entitled - Strategies for Tackling Poverty in Nigeria: an evaluation of What the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members’ community perceive as their support needs in Tackling Poverty in Nigeria’ and How to Persuade Policy Makers using Social Marketing Techniques? This is the second book that has been transformed from my PhD thesis at the Cardiff Metropolitan Univeristy, UK. My first book was entitled - Tackling Poverty: a study of What the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members’ community perceive as their support needs in Tackling Poverty in Nigeria’ and How to Sway Policy Makers using Social Marketing Techniques?

As with the first book, this book has been a massive development and/or progression from my PhD which was obtained from Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales, UK in March 1996. Before then, two of my MA-dissertations provided the basis for the initial thoughts and materials. One of the Masters’ degree was in the area of Marketing, which I obtaind in 1996 at University of Greenwhich, UK. The second Masters’ degree was in the area of Youth and Community Development, which was later obtained in 2011 at Brunel University, UK.

Secondly, the data relating to this book was carried out at the Nigerian Youth Service Corp (NYSC) Orientation Camp at Kaiama, HQ, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area in Bayelsa State of Nigeria on permission from the NYSC authority (Mr A.A. Ekocha, who is the NYSC Bayelsa State Co-ordinator). The total number of questionnaires administered was 351. Out of which 345 were successfully retrieved. That is a response rate of 98%. The Period in which this survey was carried out was between 07/12/15 and 22/06/16. Three blocks of surveys were conducted over 7 month period. 1st survey took place between 07/12/15 and 09/12/15 in which 110 responses were retrieved out of 117 questionnaires distributed to NYSC participants. The 2nd fieldwork took place between 05/06/16 and 12/05/16 and 105 responses were retrieved out of 111 questionnaires distributed. And the 3rd block took place between 20/06/16 and 22/06/16 of which 120 were successfully retrieved out of the 123 questionnaires that were distributed to corpers. Methodology adapted was through random selection, in which participants were voluntarily selected from the sample frame of all eligible and serving NYSC members at the NYSC Orientation Camp at Kaiama, KOLGA HQ, Bayelsa State. Sample population was approximately 4,000 NYSC corp-members who served at Kaiama Orientation camp during the three orientation campings. The population of the study comprises all NYSC corp-members serving nationally across Nigeria, approximately 120,000 (NYSC directorate, 2016; Nigerian population census, 2015). About 16 questionnaires were either not returned or invalidated?

In addition, I can confirm I personally carried out all of the work of which this book is the evidence. Accordingly, the right of Dr Ebikinei Eguruze to be noted as author of this book is submitted as per ss.78 of the Copy right, Designs, and Patents Act 1988. At this date, copy right is owned by the author.

Signed……………………………

Date:……………………………..

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Dr Ebikinei Stanley Eguruze is a lecturer in the School of Marketing, at the Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State of Nigeria. He has just resumed work from study leave/fellowship sponsorship programme of the Niger Delta University. His PhD thesis was in the area of Tackling Poverty in Bayelsa State of Nigeria, Using Marketing Techniques. He is now an Adjunct Associate Professor in Marketing/PhD Supervisor, in a London-based American University for Leaders (AUL). He has a long interest in tackling poverty and youth and community development, business development particularly, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurship, innovation, as well as positive socio-economic change especially in the poorer communities around the world. He has published a number of articles in addition to his first book entitled Tackling Poverty in Bayelsa State of Nigeria. So, this new book, which has just been published, is his second, and entitled Strategy for Tackling Poverty in Nigeria. He can be contacted at [e-mail]

DEDICATION AND INSPIRATION

Dedicated to Almighty God and my beloved family: with love and apologies for all the sacrifices over all these long years.

In addition, this book is equally dedicated to my own personal experience of poverty. The research problem is based on the assumption that given the large sums of revenue derived from the huge oil/gas resources, over the past 60 years of crude oil exploration and exploitation, oil-rich Nigeria should not experience such high levels of impoverishment, particularly the oil producing Niger Delta region. My inspiration and motivation therefore came from within and outside those childhood challenges.

I have selected this research title out of passion for the community where I grew up: Kaiama in Bayelsa State of Nigeria. I am also so motivated and challenged by my deep interest in doing something to help tackle poverty in Bayelsa and Nigeria, where I was born that I had assumed such further step, which is this book. It is a progression or transformation from my PhD thesis.

I have experienced poverty myself over these years during the course of growing up in Bayelsa-state in Nigeria before I left for Europe aged about 21 by myself: first to Greece (1980), later moved to West Germany (1982), and finally England (1985), as an absolutely self-sponsored private student. This was tough, challenging and risky. In comparison, most of my Bayelsan/Nigerian student colleagues abroad at that time were either sponsored privately by parents, relatives or under scholarship.

Prior to that, I also experienced the loss of my mother when I was in primary school year-three. So, I grew up with relatives: benefited from the African natural-extended family support systems. She passed away in her early 30s due to illness. There was neither single clinic, nor pharmacy, medical centre, not to mention hospital at our part of Bayelsa-state at the time. So, we used to paddle her to nearly every village for treatment by several native doctors. They use massages as well as natural herbal techniques. This was early 1960s. Then, around everywhere you see nothing else, but pure nature: surrounded by thick rainforest, sun, waters and wild life. This description suggests how Bayelsa and/or this part of Nigeria was at that time - the level of development or underdevelopment was minimal. It depicts the nature of the level of the natural environment when there was very little or non-interference or non-intervention from the perspective of industrialisation (Eguruze, 1991;1996; Zuofa, 1995, Boro, 1982;Alagoa, 1999).

In addition, my primary school was interrupted by wars for nearly two years. The first was the 12th Day Revolution of the Feb-March 1966, following the Niger Delta Republic (which is now defunct). This was a declaration made by Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro and his Niger Delta Volunteer Service(Boro, 1982, Eguruze, 1991,1996; Alagoa, 1999). The second cause of the interruption was the Biafra-Nigeria civil war (1967-70)(Alagoa, 1999). The Biafra-Nigerian Civil war which immediately followed the Boro’s Niger Delta Republican 12th Revolution. When I eventually finished my primary school, I stayed at home baby-sitting for my elder sister at Port Harcourt for additional two years. This was due to lack of funds to advance to secondary school immediately after my primary education. There was no body in the family to pay my school fees, neither was there any form of support from the government of the time.

Poverty is neither something pleasant nor acceptable particularly when Nigeria is such wealthy from oil/gas resources and yet Nigerian Government is unable to use the resources constructively for the benefit of the people. Regrettably, after 36 years of my departure from Nigeria, there still is no well organised functional universal social welfare programme such as safety nets, social assistance, insurance against any incidental economic failures, food subsidies for the very poor, particularly the most vulnerable in society: pensioners, children, women, the landless workers and rural women. Everyone is left on their own and/or ‘family’ as their safety-net. Yet, there is the Bayelsa Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development which claims to be functional and/or operational. Although this ministry is supposed to be running social services such as family welfare services, process of settlement, juvenile welfare and probation service, remand home, approved school, children’s home, rehabilitation of disabled persons and destitute, juvenile probation unit, school social work services. (Nwideeduh, 1999 in Alagoa, 1999: 352-359), the ministry does not appear to be effectively managed for several reasons. There is apparent lack of appreciation as well as basic facilities such as good office accommodation, medical facilities, transportation facilities (boats and vehicles to access remote rural areas), better remuneration, better trained staff, and better education. Unless workers are adequately motivated it will be impossible to see effective performance and/or increase in productivity levels.

So, inspiration from my impoverished background, have motivated me to get involved in youth and community work both in voluntary and paid capacities over several years: both in London and overseas. It would therefore be self satisfying to see significant improvement in opportunities for young people and community organisations. Some of my previous involvements included feasibility study trip to the Netherlands (Amsterdam) in 2000 under a European Union/British Council sponsorship, to the United States of America (New York) in 2003 for a UN Non- governmental Organizations Forum and two youth exchange programmes between UK and Nigeria in 2003/4, under the sponsorship of the Commonwealth Youth Exchange programme. This is to create opportunities for Africans in the Diaspora to experience their motherland -Africa.

What a long road. Currently, I am still a lecturer II at Niger Delta University, in Bayelsa state, Nigeria, as well as an Adjunct Associate Professor in Marketing/PhD Supervisor. Such is the level of my practical commitment to youth and community work to the extent to which it helps created the enabling base for me to explore it further to help improve well-being of young people and community organisations. Obviously, such commitment to young people and community organisations has offered me not only an opportunity but some challenge to try and do something positive that would make some difference in the lives of young people and community organisations in Bayelsa. Therefore, using this study as medium is like responding to a call to social duty to take some positive steps towards improving living conditions of mankind in general through advancement of knowledge.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

First and foremost, I would like to appreciate that this book would not have been completed without the support and help from a good number personality.

I am indeed grateful to the entire management team and staff of National Youths Corps Service (NYSC) Orientation Camp at Kaiama, Kolga, Bayelsa State for their wonderful support. In fact, they have been fantastic in taking this on board, without any hesitation, as they saw the value of it. In addition, the message from the State Co-ordinator (Mr A.A. Ekeocha) to the 2016 Batch ‘A’ Corps Members Deployed to Bayelsa State. Kaiama, KOLGA: National Youth Service Corps Bayelsa State Orientation Programme & Service Guide, has been most inspirational. More particularly, special thanks to the following members of NYSC for their enthusiastic individual support and contributions to the field survey: Pastor, Lawal Momoh (Head of Lecture at the NYSC, Bayelsa Orientation Camp/Head of HRM Branch of the NYSC, Bayelsa State Secretariat), Mr Etim Iyamba(Head of Bayelsa Orientation Camp Skills Acquisition & Entrepreneurship Development), Mr Sariki Ishmael (NYSC, Bayelsa State Nurse), Mr Akpotunimibofa Kirikariye (NYSC, Bayelsa State Core Welfare Officer), Mrs Charity A.K. Ari (Ast Director, C.D.S/Head of the Clinic, NYSC Bayelsa Orientation Camp at Kaiama); Mrs C. Igboka Camp Director 2016 Batch B) and Mrs M.D. Efeke (Ast. Director Corps Deployment & Relocatons). Mrs Ukong Intang Tete Ast Directot Corps Discipline & Rewards).

The other persons that I would like to thank include the photocopying and typing agents that were based at the Bayelsa State NYSC Orientation Camp at Kaiama. Equally, their services had been fantastic. They were on stand-by and showed great deal of enthusiasm in their support. They were always on willing and ready to provide that back up support. Whenever I needed additional photocopying of the questionnaires, they were always there for me. They made more cost effective.

My appreciation goes also to my supervisory team namely Emeritus Professor Peter Abell (of London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, my former Director of Studies), Professor Malcolm Bennison of LSC (an associate college of Cardiff Metropolitan University(my Supervisor) and Emeritus Professor Bruce Lloyd (my current Director of Studies). I am indeed grateful for their kind and relentless support. They have been supportive in a number of ways: not only were they providing invaluable intellectual guidance and constructive feedback, but also offered moral support and inspirational encouragement, particularly in most challenging times. To all of them, I am indebted.

I would also like to extend my profound gratitude to members of my PhD viva examination Board, namely Dr Chime Mordi and Dr Bukoye Teslim for they gave me the inspiration. They suggested to me not to ignore a Post-Doctoral research on similar area covering the entire Niger Delta and/or Nigeria, if it is possible. In fact, this is an outcome of that advice during the course of my viva, which I took on board. So, I am hoping they may be delighted to see this extended study of my PhD thesis.

To my own family: wife and five lovely children - Izonebi Alicia Eguruze, Woyengi-Tari Ebikinei Eguruze, Timinipre Jemima Eguruze, Waripamowei Ebikinei Eguruze and Woyengi-Priye Eboni Eguruze. I am forever grateful for all their sacrifices, over all these long years. I actually lack the right words to describe how grateful I feel to them. They are all special to me. I am indeed indebted.

To my two great institutions for their immense support that they enable me complete the PhD: Niger Delta University, for the long study leave or fellowship opportunity and funding, the Head of Department of Business Administration and the Dean of Faculty of Management Sciences for their support during the course of the strategy conference. And for LSC/Cardiff Metropolitan University, for the admission offer: most importantly I was greatly inspired by Professor Eleri Jones’s and Professor Don Harpers’ businesslike and professional leadership approaches to the PhD which was unique: enabled so many of us.

Finally, my special thanks to Mr J.E.J Tiebiri, Mr Tamuno Ebizimo and Mr Pereowei Presely Eguruze, for assisting me in the empirical work in Nigeria; to Mr Pere Abinabo for ensuring the safe transportation of the bulky data collected. Mrs Eva Odoniere Ungbuku and Sunday Ebikinei Opiah Peter for their moral support, encouragements, prayers and computer logistical support. To the proof reader, Mrs Alison Bennison (for overcoming my English inadequacies), I am grateful. To all those who provided support one way or another, many thanks.

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

1.1 Introduction

This book examines what the ‘National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members’ community perceives as their support needs in Nigeria in Tackling Poverty and how to sway policy-makers, using Social Marketing Techniques (SMT)? The term youth or young people refers to people aged up to and include, 26-35 years (Nigerian Constitution, 1999). However, compared with the UK, they are between 18 and 24 years old (NSPCC, 2015; UNCRC, 2014). While the phrase National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a national service experience for all Nigerian young people after their higher and further education. The National Youth Service Coprs scheme was established in 1973 to inculcate in the Nigerian youth the spirit of selfless service, oneness, self reliance and dignity in labour and to bring about togertheness of all Nigerians irrespective of cultural or social differences(NYSC Orientation Programme & Service Guide, 2016:5; Ekeocha, 2016:5).

While the term community organisations in this study is used in a broad sense towards groups whose activities are aimed at achieving public good or for public benefit (Annan, 2004; Wandsworth Voluntary Sector Fact File, 2006; Elson, 2010; Charity Commission, 2011,2014; ReachSkills,2015). These includes community-based groups, communities, civil society organisations (CSOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), youth and community projects(YCPs), voluntary and community organisations (CCOs), community centres. The third sector of the economy or the third sector, not-for-profit or non-profit making organisations, social enterprises, charitable organizations). Further, social marketing means an approach to planned social change or a designed implementation and control of programmes calculated to influence the acceptability of social ideas and involving considerations of product planning, communications and marketing research(Zaltman,1971, p 3-12). Perception is the process by which people select, organize and interprete information to form a meaningful picture of the word(Kotler et al.2005:917).

1.1.1 The Research Problem

The research problem focused on reasons Nigeria the leading oil and gas producing country in Africa and its people, particularly young people,community organisations and other vulnerable citizens, still experience extreme poverty? (Okoko, 2011; Tamuno, 2011; Bayelsa.gov.org., 2012, Kingdom and Alfred-Ockiya, 2009; Appah et al., 2012; Sibiri, 2013). It is disappointing that Nigeria the 12th largest producer of petroleum in the world and 8th largest exporter, and has the 10th largest proven reserves, experiences extreme poverty. Petroleum plays a large role in the Nigerian economy, accounting for over 40% of GDP and 80% of governmemnt earnings(Worldbank, 2011, 2015;Eguruze, 2011,2014, 2015,2016). It is disturbing as to why Nigeria in general, more particulalry the people and the communities that produce over 99% of the Nigerian oil revenue should remain impoverished? (Boro 1982; Ken Sarowiwa, 1995; IYC, 1998; Asari-Dokubo, 2005, 2008; Evilewuru, 2006, 2008; Seibiri, 2013; Egbe, 2013; Eguruze, 20111, 2014,2015, 2016,). The implications of this poverty have led to high unemployment rate or absence of real jobs and employment, low wages, lack of access to quality education or affordable, decent low-cost housing. Lack of access to quality healthcare or infrastructural facilities (such as electricity, portable drinking water, micro-finances, access to finance for business, pollution, recreational centres, and economic growth).

This study follows the lessons gained from the experiences of Vietnam which was devastated by war, internationally isolated but has in the past few decades seen significant economic growth and poverty reduction (Tran, 2013:8). Thus, Vietnam presents an ideal case of reference when it comes to tackling poverty from the perspective of emerging nations (Steer and Sen, 2010; Tran, 2013). Although there have been a wide range of similar studies on poverty reduction both in the region in question (Kingdom and Alfred-Ockiya, 2009; Appah et al., 2012; Ibaba, 2012 Egbe, 2013; Sebiri, 2013) and elsewhere around the world (UNDP, 1979; Pernia, 2003; Roelen,