Effect of N-Power Programme on Poverty Alleviation among Youth in Potiskum Local Government, Yobe State, Nigeria

The study investigates effect of N-power programme on poverty alleviation among youth in potiskum local government of Yobe state. The Broad objective of the study is to determine the impact of N-power programme on poverty alleviation among the youth in the study area. The global economic meltdown of 2009 has seriously affected developing countries particularly Nigeria. Unemployment rate in potiskum local government and many parts of the country is growing at geometrical progression whereby most of the young graduates roam the streets with attendant social vices such suicidal cases, political thuggery and substance abuse as result of economic downturn. As such poverty and unemployment remains one of the biggest social problems in the area. The study adopted descriptive survey design, and data were sourced from primary and secondary sources, while frequency and simple percentage were used to analyze data. Als the study adopted Elite theory as the theoretical framework of analysis. The results of the study revealed that, the N-power programme has contributed to poverty reduction hence improved livelihood condition in Potiskum local government Area of Yobe state and Nigeria at large. Specifically, the N-power programme has helped in skill acquisition, increased beneficiaries income, and employment generation. Notwithstanding, the scheme has been heralded with challenges such as inconsistency of participant to their place of primary assignment due to the corrupt nature of some participants, mismanagement of funds from the Federal Government, unlawful disengagement of participants among others. The study recommended that, there is need for improvement in the number of the beneficiaries of the N-power programme, as well as improve of their monthly stipend and ensure that are paid in due time because of the high cost of living conditions. The Government should also prepare a workable exit policy from the beginning of the programme.