THE ROLE OF AN ACCOUNTANT IN THE POVERTY ERADICATION PROGRAMME OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. A CASE STUDY OF ANINRI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The need to develop micro economic activities that could enhance self-reliance as a strategy for reducing poverty becomes so pronounced that the three arms of government (Federal, state and local government) come up with various initiatives. Among these were programs and policies that aimed at: – Stimulating economics growth through the engagement, of semi-skilled and unskilled labour in production activities – Immediate reduction of social vices and tension in the society by removing idle handle from the streets – Engage the unemployed indirect activities as a veritable means of re-floating the economy. – Improve of the environmental degradation – Minimize rural or urban dri through the improvement of rural communities – Committing the fund to direct benefit of the participant rather than on service or overheads – To achieve these more machinery, accountability, honesty must be put in motion with competent, professional from various field of endeavour rammes, and policies.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Among the major problems that have plagued the socio-political and economic life of developing nations are gross unemployment of her learning population and poverty. Among these nations includes our country Nigeria. Poverty is pervasive. About 60% of Nigeria live below the poverty line. Available statistics shows that only fifty percent of the population, have access to safe water. About thirty-eight percent of the population do not have access to primary health care whole most Nigeria, consume less than one third of the minimum required protein and vitamins in-take due to low purchasing power. These incidence were compounded by over two decades of political instability, macro economic, policy inconsistencies low capacity utilization, in industries and the massive turn out of school levers and graduates by institution of higher learning. This is to say that despite these, for three decades after independence, unemployment and poverty, were not a national, state or local concern in Nigeria as it is today. However, on inception of office in May, 1999, the Obasanjo administration tool upon itself the major task of redressing the twin problem of poverty ad employment generation therefore, the government with a high sense of commitment earmarked the sum of N100 billion for the creation of 200,000 jobs in the year government desire to eradicate poverty was born out of the conviction that the incidence of poverty and unemployment have assumed dimension that is socially economically and political unacceptable. to this end therefore, all hands must be deck including not only the three tiers of government but also professional, bodies and competent individuals among these includes the roles of the accountant.