The Role of Economic Empowerment Strategies in Poverty Reduction in Akwa Ibom State: An Analysis of the Dakkada Programme under Governor Udom Emmanuel (2015–2023)
Etim O. Frank, Nkakang, Department of Public Administration, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Uduak Godwin, Department of Public Administration, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Ebong, Itoro Bassey, Department of Public Administration, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
MSI Journal of Economics and Business Management (MSIJEBM) | DOI https://zenodo.org/records/20405995 | Page 01 to 24
Abstract
Poverty remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, particularly at the subnational level, despite various government-led interventions aimed at economic empowerment. This study examined the impact of the DakKada Economic Empowerment Programme in Akwa Ibom State, implemented under the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel (2015–2023), on poverty alleviation and economic empowerment of beneficiaries. The study was guided by the objective of assessing the effectiveness of the programme’s skill acquisition, vocational training, microcredit, and enterprise support components in enhancing income generation, employability, entrepreneurship, and financial stability among youth and women. The study drew on Human Capital Theory, which posits that investments in education, skills, and competencies increase individuals’ productivity, income potential, and capacity for economic participation, providing a framework for understanding how targeted empowerment initiatives can influence poverty reduction. A descriptive survey research design was employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected from 357 respondents selected from the programme’s beneficiaries using stratified random sampling, as well as from key informants including state ministry officials, project officers, and community leaders through purposive sampling. Structured questionnaires were utilized, while secondary data were gathered from government reports, journals, and relevant publications. Out of 357 questionnaires administered, 350 were retrieved and used for analyses. Quantitative data were analyzed using Chi-square tests to examine the relationships between programme interventions and outcomes, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically to provide contextual insights. Findings revealed that both skill acquisition and vocational training, as well as microcredit and enterprise support, had statistically significant positive effects on income-generating capacity, business performance, employability, and financial stability. Youth and women were particularly empowered, resulting in increased household incomes, improved social mobility, and reduced dependency on government assistance. The study recommends strengthening post-training support and market linkages, enhancing financial and technical assistance for small and medium-sized enterprises, and sustaining gender-inclusive and youth-targeted interventions to maximize long-term economic empowerment.
Keywords: DakKada Programme, Economic Empowerment, Poverty Alleviation, Skill Acquisition, Microcredit, Youth and Women Empowerment.
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Mediating Role of Internal Control in the Relationship between ESG-Based Corporate Social Responsibility and Firm Financial Performance: Evidence from Pakistan
Muhammad Ashraf, Ph. D Scholar, IBA, Gomal University, D. I. Khan.
Dr. Ammanullah Khattak, Assistant professor, IBA, Gomal University, D. I. Khan.
MSI Journal of Economics and Business Management (MSIJEBM) | DOI https://zenodo.org/records/20320540 | Page 01 to 20
Abstract
This research paper analyses the relationship between Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)-based Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and company financial performance as a particular emphasis on the mediating role of internal control effectiveness when considering the relationship between the aforementioned variables in the context of the emerging economies. The study relies on sustainability and reporting procedures known to stakeholders around the globe including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) as well as the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) to operationalize the notions of ESG-based CSR practices.
This study uses the strong econometric methods, such as panel regression model and mediation analysis, to test the validity of the direct and indirect relationship between variables using the use of a balanced panel dataset of non-financial firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) over a multi-year period. Under ESG performance, a content analysis in accordance with the international levels of disclosures, as well as in accordance with the internal control effectiveness in the COSO model, will be measured. The high financial performance is represented by the accounting performance measures (Return on Assets and Return on Equity) and the market-based measures (Tobin’s Q).
The results show that the CSR which is based on ESG positively affects the financial performance of the firm both directly and indirectly through improved internal control systems. In particular, companies having a high CSR engagement show better governance systems, risk management, and transparency, which enhance the internal controls, and consequently the financial results. The critical role of an internal control in providing the mediation between sustainability efforts and value creation definitely reflects the critical role played by internal control as an internal control mechanism of governance that links the sustainability efforts and the value creation.
The research paper has contributions to the existing body of literature by presenting empirical evidence that encompasses the limited integration of ESG framework and internal control mechanisms in the literature, on a developing economy. It also provides useful implications to the managers and regulators of corporations along with the international system of controls and control systems through focusing on the strategic significance of aligning CSR activities with internationally recognized standards and effective systems of internal controls. Moreover, the research supports the global sustainability goals as identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals since it shows how responsible corporate practices can lead both financial performance and sustainable development.
Keywords: ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance); Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); Internal Control Effectiveness; Firm financial performance; Corporate Governance; Emerging markets; Pakistan stock exchange (PSX); Sustainability Reporting; Global Reporting Initiative (GRI); International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).
All articles published by MSIP are made immediately available worldwide under an open access license. No special permission is required to reuse all or part of any MSIP article, including figures and tables.
For articles published under a Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, any part of the article may be reused for any purpose, including commercial use, provided that the original MSIP article is clearly cited.
Student Readiness for the Orange Economy: An Empirical Study Using the Orange Economy Student Readiness Scale (OESRS)
Dr. Uthira. D, Principal.
Dr. S. Senthamiz Selvi, Head – Commerce (General) Hindustan College of Arts & Science.
MSI Journal of Economics and Business Management (MSIJEBM) | DOI https://zenodo.org/records/20092510 | Page 01 to 25
Abstract
The Orange Economy, or creative industries, which includes media, design, digital content, animation, gaming and cultural businesses, have become a huge source of economic growth and jobs, especially to younger people. Although there has been growing policy focus and institutional efforts, it is of concern that students are not ready to be a productive part of this new economy. In the current research, the authors are going to evaluate the preparedness of students to the Orange Economy by creating and using a structured scale of measurement, the Orange Economy Student Readiness Scale (OESRS). The study employs a mixed-method research design that combines the secondary data (represented by the literature on the topic of the creative economy) with primary data (collected through a standardized questionnaire) on the sample of students. The OESRS is used to gauge six important dimensions, namely: awareness of the Orange Economy, readiness to use creative and digital skills, institution support, career orientation, perceived skill gaps and overall self-readiness. Students were used as the sample; whereby undergraduate and postgraduate students were sampled using a five-point Likert scale. Student preparedness was assessed by using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis and computing readiness score. The results indicate an average general preparedness, where there are significant discrepancies in industry exposure, mentorship, and development of applied skills. The work adds a reliable diagnostic model that can be used by institutions, policymakers, and students to find the level of readiness and create specific measures to bridge the skill gap in the Orange Economy.
Keywords: Orange Economy, creative industries, student readiness, skills gap, employability, higher education.
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For articles published under a Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, any part of the article may be reused for any purpose, including commercial use, provided that the original MSIP article is clearly cited.
