POVERTY ERADICATION

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are vital for the development of any economy, and possess great potentials for development of indigenous entrepreneurship, employment, poverty eradication, and so on. The purpose of the study was to explore the impact that SMEs has over the eradication of poverty, fostering growth sustainability of nation's economy. Five research questions were poised for the study and five hypotheses formulated in line of the objectives. The research adopted an exploratory survey design using Edo State Environs as a pilot for the study. The target population composed of SMEs owner around the region but the accessible sample size of 100 SMEs was drawn using Taro Yamane Formula. Close-ended questionnaire were designed and administered to the sampled population. Data was collected and analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 2021; The Z- test technique were adopted to ascertain the relationship and significance of the variables in the research. The result statistically revealed a negative correlation of Z-test result for the hypotheses of 9.6,8.8,58,3.6 and 3.2 respectively. Implying that SMEs has a contribution to eradication of poverty in Edo State, employment opportunities also aid in eradicating povertyand performance of SMEs has a great impact on eradicating poverty. Furthermore, innovation in terms of ideas, new technology and training of employees provides opportunity for SMEs to thrive. Consequently, all findings above lead to an eradication of poverty within Edo State. The study recommends that businesses should always obtain feedback from customers, their staffs should be trained and re-trained, and government should create a peaceful and conducive environment for businesses to thrive. Furthermore, innovation in terms of ideas, new technology and training of employees provides opportunity for SMEs to thrive. Consequently, all findings above lead to a reduction in poverty within Edo State. The study recommends that businesses should be aware of it roles in eradicating poverty and always seek business growth and mentorship, also government should make enabling and peaceful environment, equally creating system for SMEs to thrive and hit the highest peck of nation's economic growth.

This research study investigated the role of Christianity in curbing the menace of alcohol and drug abuse among university students; using University of Benin as a case study.During the period the research was carried out, the researcher brought about four research questions that was used to guide the study. There was a total of 80 University of Benin students used as respondents in this study. The survey research technique was used as the research method for this study and the researcher used table and percentage to collect and present data for this research study. The study was to investigate the role of Christianity in curbing the menace of alcohol and drug abuse among university students. Different techniques such as population of the study and sample and sampling techniques were used during this study. The questionnaire that was used to collect data for the study was the like type of question which was further divided into two sections, Section A which was designed to obtain personal information from the respondents, and Section B which comprised of items on the topic under investigation. The research instrument was reviewed and validated by the project supervisor and other experts in the Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin City. The findings exposed the how bad students have gotten themselves involved in drugs abuse and consumption of alcohol and to stop this, different strategies were brought up as recommendations.